I told him she followed a treatment plan carefully. He offered to get her a supplement through a friend, claiming it had helped his uncle. Mom politely declined and said she preferred her doctor’s recommendations.
Jake kept arguing for it, questioning prescription treatment. Melissa defended him by explaining that he owned a health-food store.
I looked at her, waiting for her to notice Mom wasn’t enjoying the conversation. Instead, Troy brought out a flask of homemade liquor. Dad, Melissa, and Aubrey accepted some. Mom and I declined.
As the drinks disappeared, the conversation got louder. Troy asked Melissa to tell a story about taking Dad’s car at sixteen. She described slipping out to a party and returning before he woke, saying Mom had caught her and kept it their secret.
Dad said he didn’t remember that. Mom began to object, but Melissa talked over her, laughing about how Mom always covered for her.
I didn’t believe the version she was telling. Mom looked confused and hurt, and neither parent appeared to recognize the amusing family memory being presented to strangers. Melissa had an audience, and whatever story held its attention seemed to matter more than the people in it.
Then Jake and Troy started throwing a Frisbee. One of Troy’s throws hit our table, overturning drinks and sending food onto the ground. He called an apology without coming over. Neither man helped me clear the mess.
Mom had eaten less than usual. Now she looked worn out. I checked her blood sugar discreetly and found it lower than it should have been. She admitted she needed something more substantial to eat.
“We’re going back,” I told the group.
Melissa objected that we had barely been there two hours. Aubrey noticed Mom’s condition and agreed that taking her home was sensible. Jake suggested giving her a granola bar and carrying on.
“She needs food and rest,” I said, closing the cooler.
Melissa asked Mom whether she really felt unwell or whether I was making too much of it. Mom said she was tired, then offered to let Melissa stay while Dad helped her back.
Troy suggested bringing everyone to our cabin, with more beer from the boat. Melissa immediately accepted on our behalf.
This time, Dad looked at Mom and said it wasn’t a good day for company. Melissa decided to remain with her friends.
We carried everything back. Dad supported Mom while I managed the picnic supplies. At the cabin, I prepared a proper meal and helped with her medications. Dad settled her for a rest. I washed sticky containers, trying to understand how a quiet lunch had become another afternoon spent repairing someone else’s plans.
Around six, the motorboat returned. Melissa and all three friends climbed onto our dock, laughing, less steady than they had been earlier.
Dad went out to speak with her. I watched from the window as she argued, then saw him gesture toward the cabin.
They came onto the deck carrying beer and a portable speaker. Melissa promised they would be quiet. Within an hour, the music and conversation were loud enough that Mom emerged from the bedroom, unable to rest comfortably but reluctant to complain.
While I prepared dinner, Aubrey came inside to use the bathroom. She paused in the kitchen and said Melissa had told them we were wealthy, that Dad owned a large company and we had several vacation homes.
“My father teaches high-school science,” I said.
Aubrey glanced toward the deck. Apparently, Melissa had also described our interest in buying property nearby.
I hadn’t even finished absorbing that when Troy asked about the fancy dinner Melissa had promised them.
“Emma will handle it,” she replied. “Being everybody’s house mother is what she likes.”