The Argument Became Chaos

Linda moved toward Ashley.

“Stay out of this.”

Ashley stepped between Linda and Samantha.

“Gladly, as soon as you stop grabbing her stuff.”

Linda tried to move around her.

Ashley blocked the path.

Daniel immediately said:

“Everybody stop.”

Linda brushed Ashley’s hand aside when she raised it.

Ashley reacted by stepping forward.

Samantha grabbed her sister’s arm.

“Don’t.”

At the same time, Daniel stepped between his mother and everyone else.

The photographer backed away.

Allison looked like she wanted the floor to swallow her.

A centerpiece tilted when someone bumped the edge of the table.

The whole thing had gone from uncomfortable to ridiculous in less than twenty seconds.

Then Allison Snapped

She had stayed quiet long enough.

“Linda, stop.”

Everyone turned.

Linda stared at her.

Allison continued:

“You should never have invited me.”

Linda looked hurt.

“I thought you wanted to come.”

“I told you three times it was a bad idea.”

Samantha looked at her.

That was new information.

Allison continued:

“You told me Daniel knew.”

Daniel stared at his mother.

“What?”

Linda went silent.

Allison looked horrified.

“You told me he said it was okay.”

Daniel’s face changed.

“Mom.”

Now everybody understood.

Linda hadn’t just invited Allison.

She had lied to her too.