I had to remind myself to breathe deeply when my sister Ariel, who is typically very organized but also cheerful, offered to plan Grandpa’s 90th birthday celebration. It was a cute concept for a surprise party, but with Ariel in charge, things were sure to go awry like a crazy dessert cart. And they succeeded in derailing!
My connection with Ariel has always been complicated. We had many happy and difficult moments together as siblings, but our disagreements frequently led to arguments. The younger, more impulsive Ariel often got herself into awkward situations and drew people along for the ride during her crazy antics.
I was the more mature and careful sibling, always cleaning up the mess my sister left behind. We didn’t always agree, but we always had a deep fondness for Gramps.
Gramps had always been a source of knowledge and strength, especially in the wake of Dad’s death. He was our pillar of support, and we all wanted to truly celebrate his 90th birthday.
I was skeptical from the start when Ariel offered to organize Gramps’ birthday. My sister had a poor reputation for arranging things. One evening, when Mom and I were drinking tea, I couldn’t contain my fears.
“Mom, do you really think Ariel can handle Gramps’ celebration? She’s never dealt with anything like this, I said, trying to appear informal as I stirred my tea.
With a mixture of tolerance and seriousness on her face, Mom looked at me over her spectacles. “Jocelyn, give it to your sister. She’s trying to do something unique for her grandfather.
But she seems to be so forgetful. Recall how, on Thanksgiving last year, she neglected to thaw the turkey?
Mom sighed and set her cup down. “We managed to get by at that one instance, didn’t we? Jocelyn, have some trust in her. She wants to establish her worth.
I reluctantly consented to let go of my concerns. Okay, I’ll give it a go with her. Still, I’ll keep a close check on everything.
My mother extended her hand to grasp my hand. “My darling, I know you will. But give her this opportunity. Ariel is a member of their family as well, and Gramps deserves a fantastic celebration.
I reluctantly withdrew, even sending Ariel the $50 she asked for. When the party date finally came around a few days later, my worries were apparent as soon as I walked into the location. A restaurant serving sushi? It was a far cry from the little family celebration I had planned for Grandpa’s 90th birthday.
“What is this, Ariel?” I tried to be calm as I walked up to her and inquired.
She smiled, completely oblivious to the mayhem she had brought about. Joce, it’s Gramps’ birthday! Isn’t that wonderful? Everyone is having a good time!”
I turned to look at Gramps, who was sitting peacefully at a table, looking perplexed at the chopsticks. “Ariel, even Gramps isn’t a fan of sushi.” And just who are these individuals?
Joce, please brighten up! Surely, grandparents like spending time with the younger crowd? With a voice that echoed around the room, Ariel shouted. With a weak smile, Gramps continued to struggle with the chopsticks.
Gramps was sitting next to me, so I took the chopsticks from his unsteady hands. While scooping up a piece of sushi, I remarked, “Here, let me help you with that.” “If it’s not something you want to eat, don’t.”
Grandpa gave me a hand pat. I’m grateful, Jocelyn. I’m alright. He said, “It’s nice to be among so many young folks,” but it was obvious that he was uncomfortable.
The more the evening went on, the more uncomfortable I felt. The pals of Ariel were obviously having a great time, since they were boisterous and careless. I was about to recommend that we head out when the bill came in. As expected, Ariel gave it straight to Gramps.
“You’re all set, Gramps! Cheers to your birthday! Time to get serious now! She laughed and shouted, sliding the dollar in his direction.
I lost my temper. “What are you doing, Ariel? Grandpa shouldn’t have to foot the bill for his own birthday party!
Ariel had a perplexed expression. “Well, somebody needs to take care of it. Everything was set up by myself. It’s just.
I got up, my hands trembling with rage. “Ariel, this isn’t fair. You requested donations from everyone, so now you expect Gramps to pay this ridiculous bill?
Always the peacemaker, Gramps attempted to defuse the tension. It’s alright, Jocelyn. I am able to handle.
But I was unable to watch. “No, Grandfather. That shouldn’t be necessary. I glared at Ariel as I took the bill from her. “You’ve made his day miserable, and now you want him to pay for it? Without a doubt not.
Sensing the mounting tension, Ariel’s pals grew silent. Ariel seems taken aback, not used to such an open exchange of ideas. My tone grew softer as I turned to face Gramps. “Gramps, let me handle this. You’ve provided plenty for everyone.
Still fuming with rage, I stood beside Gramps as we exited the dining room. I became irritated with Ariel’s companions’ boisterous exuberance. The waitress was standing at the bar as I got closer.
I asked, “Excuse me. Could you please split the bill so I can pay for my grandpa and myself separately?” in a calm voice.
The young waitress nodded, her eyes sympathetic. “I’ll take care of that for you, of course.”
I reached inside my handbag and took out a $20 dollar, spotting the bartender. “May I please have the aux cord? For Gramps, I would want to perform some music.
I was given the chord by the cheerful and robust bartender. Yes, without a doubt. You may now proceed.
I plugged my phone and flipped through my messages using the aux wire. I discovered the audio snippets that Ariel had shared with me throughout the previous three months, in which she grumbled about her demanding partner and problematic roommate. With a beating heart, I inhaled deeply and hit play.
The room was filled with the annoyance in Ariel’s voice. “I’m so over my roommate! Her guy is a disaster, and she constantly occupies my space. She’s just as slovenly as he is!
I glanced at Ariel, who had become pale and had shocked-looking eyes. She was seated among her pals, the same folks she had been critical of. She had an obvious expression of fear on her face. The awkward silence between her and the other university students intensified the uneasy mood.
“Ariel, do you have anything to say?” I yelled, loud enough for everyone to hear.
Ariel’s voice wavered as she stammered. What are you doing, Jocelyn? Switch it off!
Still, I let the audio to play, with each message seeming more damning than the previous. And last week’s party that she hosted? A total failure. She is unable to plan anything.
Gramps, watching silently, eventually said anything. “Ariel, you must take responsibility for your acts. We don’t handle friends or relatives like this.
With tears in her eyes, Ariel faced Gramps. “I apologize, Grandpa. All I wanted to do was show you some love.
As I drew nearer to her, my tone became softer. “Ariel, remember that being kind to others entails thinking about their enjoyment as well as your own convenience. You are aware that Gramps is not even a fan of sushi.
Ariel bowed her head as the truth of what she had done began to set in. “I didn’t give it much thought. I only desired enjoyment for everybody.
I let out a breath, feeling a mixture of pity and annoyance. You must grow up, Ariel. We are no longer kids. There are repercussions for our acts, particularly when they affect the people we love.
Clearly uncomfortable with the drama that was developing, Ariel’s pals began to withdraw. A big man with a disheveled beard among them raised his voice. “Hey, Ariel, perhaps we ought to go.” Actually, this isn’t our scene.
Ariel wiped her tears and nodded. Yes, you are correct. I appreciate you everyone being here. I apologize for the whole thing.
When her pals left, I looked up at Gramps. “Gramps, let’s get you home.” You’ve had enough thrills in one evening.
Granny nodded, looking tired yet appreciative. I’m grateful, Jocelyn. I appreciate you being here.
After helping Gramps stand up, I put my arm around him and led him to the door. Ariel trailed after, her gait uncertain. Ariel said again as we went outside into the crisp night air.
“Jocelyn, I apologize so much. I acknowledge that I erred.
I noticed the honesty in her eyes as I stared at her. “I am aware that you are. Please just consider your options the next time. We are all involved in this.
With a sincere gaze, Ariel nodded. “Yes, I will. I swear.
The tension started to release as we made our way to the car. Although it wasn’t the birthday celebration I had planned for Gramps, at least Ariel had gained insight. And maybe this experience might strengthen our family.
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