A $20 movie theatre gift card. I burst out laughing when I unwrapped the card from the flimsy tissue paper. At least Richard looked ashamed by it all.
For a moment, I sat there, lost in the Christmas tree’s lights, thinking that perhaps I should keep the Gucci handbag for myself. But when the Christmas spirit overtook me, I realized that irrespective of her ungratefulness, Diane was my mother-in-law now. So, my hands found their way to the gift bag I had hidden under the couch.
I pulled it out, thinking that this was the redeeming moment — Diane would see that we cared about her, even if she wasn’t the type for sentimental gifts. When she opened the gift bag, her eyes lit up when they landed on the signature Gucci symbol. But then, she inspected every single inch of it.
She’s trying to see if it’s a fake handbag, a voice rang loud in my head, almost making me want to chuckle. But then, she turned to Richard, who was perched on the arm of the couch I was sitting on and smiled. “You shouldn’t have let her buy me such an expensive bag.
And probably with your money, too.”
Richard’s eyes found mine, and he widened them. I knew he couldn’t believe his mother’s behavior, especially because I had already placed a bet with him — telling him that this was how she would react. He looked at the Christmas tree for a moment too long.
Mom,” he told her firmly. “Sue bought it with her own money. She earns more than me.
I think it’s time you start respecting my wife.”
The truth was that Richard and I earn almost the same amount, but while he wanted her to respect me and apologize to me, I realized that I had been right all along. Despite hoping that Diane would be better than the usual fussy mother-in-law, she ended up being exactly who I thought she would be. Richard made it known that she had to change her ways.
But it was too late. Now, she has to think about me every time she uses her new Gucci handbag. I just wonder where the stone with Mittens’ face ended up.
