September Flash #2 - "Compromise"

"A new grandmother is used to being the head of her family, when her daughter in law comes into the mix with some plans of her own, this queen will have to learn how to compromise if she doesn't want to end up a little princess." - Joseph

“Absolutely not.” 

The two words are delivered in a crisp, if high-pitched, tone. Folding her arms over her bare chest, Violet seems the most precocious of six-year-old girls. 

Brandy sits at the dressing table, applying eyeliner to a face that has just turned twenty-five. She looks good. Considering the fact that she gave birth just four weeks ago, she looks fantastic. 

“It’s a party,” Brandy says. “At a party, little girls wear dresses.” She turns to look at Violet. “You’ve always taken such care with your appearance; I don’t see why you’d want to stop now.”

Violet shows her teeth. “You’re set on humiliating me. Showing me off like some kind of trophy.” She shakes her head. “After all I’ve done for you.” 

“I’m just doing what’s right for the family.” 

“My family,” says Violet vehemently. “Jonathan won’t stand for this. He won’t let you turn his own mother into a…a frilly, simpering little nothing!”

Brandy looks at Violet. Even reduced to early childhood, her mother-in-law has a fierce presence. You can turn back the clock, but you can’t turn down the attitude. 

“Your family,” says Brandy. “Yours.” She nods. “That’s the point. When I married Jon, I didn’t realize I’d get a mother in law who acts like a mob boss.”

Violet’s mouth drops open. Who would dare speak to her like this? 

“We just had a baby. Your grandson. You should’ve acted like a grandmother, you should’ve doted. Instead, you kept on behaving like Jon says you’ve always done. Calling the shots, interfering in every single decision. Being a bully.” 

Bully? That stings. Violet has kept control of her family for thirty years, for the last decade without her husband, because she knows what’s best, she’s always known. 

Her regressed eyes want to betray her, but she won’t shed tears. She lifts her head and stares at Brandy. She whispers, “My Jonathan would never say such things.” 

Brandy smiles. “Yeah. Thing is, he’s my Jonathan now.” She dares to wink. “But hey, you want to keep complaining, you want to bend his ear, knock yourself out.” Brandy checks her phone. “Jon should be back wit the baby in half an hour.” She grins at her former mother-in-law. “We can have one of your famous family meetings before the party.”

Violet looks around the bedroom. Maybe she’s searching for a weapon. Something to cut, to slash this creature, this monster that has invaded her home and stolen her position.

“You should get dressed,” says Brandy. “Unless you want to show off your day of the week panties.” She laughs gently. “Not even wearing the right day.”

Violet covers her crotch with her little hands. Her powerless, worthless body. 

Brandy nods over at the bed. “Go on. Put it on. You’ll look adorable.” She smiles as Violet walks to the bed. “I really don’t know why you’re complaining. Isn’t six better than sixty?”

Violet pulls the dress violently over her head. She’ll tear it, she’ll rip it to shreds. 

No such luck. She turns to face herself in the full-length mirror. Yes, adorable. Pink, flowered, with the fattest of bows around her waist. 

She thinks back to when she thought she was indulging Brandy, a month ago, the woman was six days past her due date and the size of a house. 

“Violet, I’m just asking for a little wiggle room. Compromise. Jon thinks the world of you, of course he does, but when the baby comes, we’re going to need some space. Okay?”

Violet had patted the woman’s hand. “Of course, honey. I won’t step on Mommy and Daddy’s toes.”

Her jaw tightens. A bitter taste in her mouth. She won’t cry. She won’t give Brandy the satisfaction. 

Still, even putting on a dress, she’s dependent on others. 

Reading her mind, Brandy beckons her over with a curled finger. “Here, I’ll zip you up.”

Violet walks over, feeling the soft carpet beneath bare feet. Sitting behind her, Brandy pulls the zipper up, and then fusses at the shoulders and skirt before putting her hands around Violet’s middle and tugging on the bow. 

“Mmm. You look perfect.” She giggles. “All wrapped up, shiny and pink, like a birthday gift.” She pats Brandy’s stomach lightly before pulling her back and hugging her. 

Violet looks at their reflection. Maybe, yes. But she doesn’t feel big, she doesn’t feel anything but defeat. A single tear rolls down her cheek. 

All because she couldn’t compromise. 

‘Wyatt?’ Are you sure? This isn’t the Wild West, Jonathan, you haven’t given birth to a cowboy.

It’s the same school your husband went to, and look how well he turned out! There’s nothing wrong with putting the baby down on the list. You can always change your mind later. 

I don’t care what the doctor says, you shouldn’t give up on breastfeeding. A mother knows these things!

“Oh, it’s going to be okay. Wyatt’s going to love you.” Brandy kisses the little girl’s wet cheek. “Maybe that’s exactly what you are. A birthday present for the baby. A big sister.” She groans softly. “But not too bossy, okay?”

Violet wipes her face clean of tears and kisses. She’s not making any promises. 

THE END