Welcome to the Family

For as long as I can remember, it's just been Dad and I. And for years he's been taking me to this community theatre show that does everything wrong. Girls take the traditional guy’s role and vice versa, but they still act seriously. Sometimes it has been hilarious, other times it has been horrible, but it is our special tradition.

We always get popcorn and snacks and act like true theatre snobs. Don't worry, we are always polite to the people working there. We act like we are making notes, critiquing the show. It's some fun! I look forward to it every year. I might look forward to it more than Christmas!

This year is going to be the story of Beauty and the Beast, and I can't wait. I'm bouncing with excitement at school.

"Girl, what's got you all jumpy today?" my best friend Jenny asks as we sit down for lunch.

"It's show weekend!" I smile so big my face hurts.

Jenny gives me a look. "I thought I was at your house this weekend."

"Oh no! I mixed up the weekends! I'll talk to Dad, he'll have an idea." I hope.

***

I picked up supper on my way home from work. Winnie had texted me, saying Dad, we have a crisis! So I decided pizza was required for whatever waited for me at home.

I walk into the house, preparing for the worst. "Winnie, I'm home!” I enter the kitchen to find Winnie sitting on the bar stool, staring at the calendar. “Kiddo? I brought pizza."

"I messed up, Dad..." Her voice is heavy. I hadn't gotten a call from the school, any of her friends’ parents, or the police, so how bad could it be?

"I doubt that."' I slide the box toward her. "Talk to me, Kiddo."

"Jenny is supposed to be here this weekend." Oh, I understand now. "We're supposed to go to the show this weekend."

"Well, we have two options." I start slowly as I open the box, trying to get her to eat. "We can either miss the opening weekend or go next weekend." Winnie opens her mouth to argue. I point to pizza. She rolls her eyes and grabs a slice. "Or, we take Jenny with us. I'm sure I can swing another ticket. She's basically your sister anyway."

"You'd do that? But it's our thing, Dad." She looks at me, worried. I shrug, trying to make it look natural. "You’re in high school Winnie, things will change. Just wait till you bring a boy with us."

I nudge her and she turns bright red. "Dad!"

I laugh. "Okay but seriously, Kiddo, if you don't want Jenny to come with us, I'll call her mom and see if something else can be arranged. She is old enough to stay home alone for a weekend." Winnie gives me a look. Yeah, we both know Jenny's mom wouldn't go for that.

"No, I think Jenny would like to go to the show if you don't mind sharing our tradition."

"I'll make some calls." I grab a slice of pizza and pull out my phone. "You text Jenny to make sure wants to come." I head to the other room to call the ticket lady at the theatre.

***

The week came to an end and before I knew it. Dad and I were picking up Jenny for the weekend and heading to the theatre. "So Jenny, where is your mom headed this weekend?"

"Honesty Mr. T, couldn't tell ya. Something for business…and Dad is off on some holiday with his new girlfriend." She sighs, really heavily.

I put my hand on Jenny's knee. Her dad left her family last year but her parents have split custody. But it seems like there is always a weekend when nobody is available. Jenny's mom is very strict that Jenny can’t be alone all weekend, so Dad offered our place.

She gives me a smile. "But I'm so excited to join you guys. Thanks for getting the extra ticket, Mr.T!"

"No worries, Jenny. Consider it a ‘welcome to the family’ gift." I won't tell Dad, but Jenny smiles a little brighter.

We get to the theatre, and Dad and I start in on our bit. The kind Mrs. Elfie welcomes us in. Jenny gives me a look but says nothing. We get our snacks and find our seats.

"So explain the act to me?" Jenny asks as we sit down.

I feel my face flush. Did Jenny think Dad and I were foolish for this? Should I be embarrassed by it? "It's...it's just a thing Dad and I do... We've always done this."

I look away, giving Dad a pleading look, hoping he would understand.

***

Winnie looks at me, face red and maybe slightly mortified. I'm not going to lie, I was afraid of this. I'm not hurt; all those years ago when we started this, I was embarrassed, but the joy it gave her was enough.

"It's okay, Win. If it makes Jenny uncomfortable we don't have to, but I'm going to make notes and we can share them later." I give her a smile, and she lets out a sigh and opens her own little notebook.

Jenny looks at us with raised eyebrows but says nothing.

***

The show had been amazing; I couldn't wait to break it down with Winnie. The girls and I head out of the theatre back to the car. Before we get there though, a bunch of actors rush Winnie and I, wanting to know how many stars we would give the show.

I gesture for Winnie to give her rating. She glances at Jenny, but rather than being embarrassed, she shakes her head slightly and smiles brightly. "Five out of five stars, my favourite so far!" Then hands them her notebook and they all sign it.

We head back to the car and drive back home. Once we get home, Winnie slips into the kitchen to make the girls a late-night snack. Jenny stands in the hallway, looking into the kitchen; then she glances back at me."What was all that at the theatre about, Mr. T?"

“It's tradition. Winnie loves theatre, I write for the paper, so years ago we started pretending we were theatre critics. It was a good distraction. Sweet and silly, but until she tells me to stop, I'll keep it up." I smile.

"Ah, sorry I made Winnie uncomfortable." Jenny looks down.

"Winnie and I will talk after the weekend is done. You two should just enjoy your weekend." Jenny lets out a sigh and gives me a quick hug. "You are welcome to join our tradition anytime, Jenny."

With that, I sit down and spend the evening listening to the girls laugh and make memories and traditions all their own.