Camilla and her husband, Scott, were on their way to a significant family event — her grandmother Eleanor’s 80th birthday dinner. This rare gathering would bring the entire family together for the first time in years, setting the stage for a night filled with old rivalries, hidden truths, and an unexpected twist.
Tensions at the Doorstep
As they parked and stepped out into the cool evening air, Scott expressed his reluctance.
“I still don’t get why we’re here,” Scott grumbled.
“It’s Grandma’s birthday,” Camilla replied. “She wants to see us all together. She’s the only kind person in our family. I couldn’t say no.”
“I get that, but I could be working right now. You know we need the money more than ever,” Scott complained.
“It’s just one evening.” Camilla patted her stomach, her loose sweater concealing her figure. “Do you think they’ll notice?”
“They shouldn’t. Even I wouldn’t if I didn’t know,” Scott responded.
Arrivals and Introductions
As they approached the front door, Camilla’s brother, Michael, and his wife, Stacy, arrived.
“Hey! Wait for us!” Michael shouted.
“Sweetie, I can’t run! I’m in heels!” Stacy whined. Camilla and Scott exchanged looks, rolling their eyes at Stacy’s obvious materialism.
“Can we go in now?” Scott asked as they all approached the door.
The door opened to reveal a joyous Eleanor. “My darlings! I’m so glad to see you!” she exclaimed, hugging each of them. Inside, the dining room was beautifully set, laden with food.
“Why did you make so much? You could’ve waited, and we would’ve helped,” Camilla said.
“Stop it. I enjoy doing this,” Eleanor replied.
The Unwelcome Surprise
Michael noticed their mother’s absence.
“Mom isn’t here yet?” he asked.
“She said she wasn’t sure if she could make it,” Eleanor said sadly.
“Typical. She never has time for us,” Camilla remarked.
“Stop it. She’s our mom,” Michael responded.
“Just because you’re her favorite doesn’t mean anything! She hasn’t even wished me a happy birthday in years!” Camilla snapped.
Old Wounds Resurface
The siblings’ argument quickly escalated.
“Not everyone can be perfect like you!” Michael shouted back.
“She always put her acting career before us! She still does! And look who’s talking about perfection – the owner of several restaurants!” Camilla yelled.
“I worked hard for that!” Michael shouted.
“You just got lucky Uncle decided to give the restaurants to you!” she screamed.
“You’ve always been jealous of me!” Michael yelled.
“Jealous?! Of what?! That you’re completely alone, and your wife’s with you only for the money?!” Camilla screamed.
“As if your situation is any better! Your husband can’t even find a decent job! And how long have you been trying to have a kid? Five? Ten years?” Michael yelled.
A Grandmother’s Intervention
“Enough!” Eleanor shouted. “You’re acting like children! I brought you here to have a nice dinner on MY birthday. And I was even thinking about what to do with the inheritance.”
“What inheritance?!” Michael and Camilla asked in unison.
“The one your grandfather left, and I will leave too. But you can forget about it. You don’t know how to appreciate what you have. I’m not leaving you anything until you learn to value it!” Eleanor declared.
A Desperate Plea
Camilla started feeling unwell and stepped outside, holding her stomach. After a few minutes, Michael joined her.
“So we might get an inheritance,” he said.
“We might have if you hadn’t ruined everything as usual,” Camilla replied.
“Me? You started it,” Michael said defensively.
“Michael, I need this inheritance. I really need it,” Camilla said.
“I need it too,” Michael retorted.
“You have restaurants! Leave me something!” Camilla snapped.
“Business isn’t going well, and Stacy threatens to leave if I don’t fix it,” Michael said.
“That might be good for you,” Camilla said. “I’m not backing down. Scott and I need the money badly right now.”
Back Inside
Returning inside, they found Eleanor in her bedroom.
“I’m sorry we ruined your celebration with our fighting,” Camilla said.
“It’s not your fault. Your mother didn’t raise you to be friendly,” Eleanor replied.
“Do you want something? Food? Drink?” Camilla asked.
“Is this how you want to prove you deserve the inheritance?”
“Scott and I really need this money right now,” Camilla said, placing a hand on her stomach. “Because—”
Michael interrupted, “Don’t listen to her. She’s lying about me.”
The Dinner Continues
Returning to the dining room, they found their mother, Margaret, had arrived.
“My darlings! I’m so happy to see you!” Margaret said. “You’ve gained some weight, Camilla,” she commented, making Camilla roll her eyes.
“Michael told me you’re discussing inheritance. Am I in the list of heirs?” Margaret asked.
“So that’s why you came. Not surprised my daughter only wants money from me,” Eleanor said.
“Not at all. I came for your birthday,” Margaret said.
“Sure, I believe that,” Eleanor replied.
The Inheritance Debate
“I think we should discuss the inheritance,” Michael said, holding Stacy’s hand. “We believe it should go to us.”
“Why you?” Scott asked.
“When was the last time you visited Grandma?” Camilla asked.
“We live far away; it’s hard to get here,” Michael replied.
“We also live far away but visit at least once a month,” Camilla said.
“I sent groceries to Grandma!” Michael shouted.
“I helped her around the house!” Camilla shouted back.
“I called her every week!” Michael yelled.
“I called her every day!” Camilla screamed.
A Sudden Emergency
Margaret clutched her chest. “Oh!”
“Grandma, are you okay?” Camilla asked.
“Yes, just…” Eleanor didn’t finish her sentence and fainted. Camilla rushed to her.
“Grandma! Grandma! Call an ambulance!” Camilla shouted, then grabbed her stomach and screamed.
“What’s wrong?” Scott asked nervously.
“It’s starting,” Camilla said.
“What’s starting? Labor?” Scott asked.
“Yes,” Camilla said, screaming again.
At the Hospital
Scott called an ambulance, and they took Camilla and Eleanor to the hospital. The rest followed in Michael’s car.
“Michael, maybe you shouldn’t go. You know I hate hospitals,” Stacy said.
“What? My grandma is sick, and my sister is giving birth,” Michael said.
“But I don’t want to go,” Stacy said.
“Then stay,” Michael said.
Michael, Scott, and Margaret drove after the ambulance.
A New Beginning
At the hospital, Camilla refused to give birth until she knew about Eleanor.
“What’s happening with Grandma?!” Camilla screamed. “Tell me about my Grandma!”
Scott held her hand. “Please, calm down. The baby is the priority now.”
The doctors calmed her down, and she delivered a healthy baby girl. She held the baby when Michael and Margaret entered the room.
“I can’t believe I’m an uncle,” Michael said. “I’m sorry for everything I said at dinner.”
Margaret looked upset. “Why didn’t you tell me you were pregnant?” she asked Camilla.
“I didn’t want you to be in her life and then disappear like you did with me and Michael,” Camilla said.
“You’re right. I wasn’t a good mom. But maybe I can be a good grandma,” Margaret said.
“Let’s take it slow,” Camilla replied. “Do you know what’s happening with Grandma?”
“Camilla…” Margaret hesitated. “You need to rest and not stress.”
“What happened to her?” Camilla insisted.
“Her heart stopped,” Michael said. “The doctor said it had been bad for a while. I think that’s why she wanted us all together.”
Camilla started to cry, and Scott hugged her.
A Heartfelt Message
A doctor entered the room. “Sorry to interrupt, but we found something in Eleanor’s belongings. I think you should see it,” the doctor said, handing Michael a folded note. Michael brought it to Camilla, and they read it together.
I know our family isn’t the closest, and I wanted to change that. I hope it can happen with you, but I have more hope for the new generation. Camilla, I know you’re pregnant, even though you tried to hide it. I’m so happy for you and Scott. That is why I want my great-grandchild to inherit everything I have. Teach this child to love and protect our family, as it’s the most important thing we have. Michael, it’s time to leave Stacy. Margaret, it’s time to learn to be a mother and a grandmother. I love you all very much and hope you know that. Learn to love each other too.
Michael and Camilla had tears streaming down their faces.
“It looks like your little girl is very lucky,” Michael said. “Do you know what to name her?”
Camilla looked at the baby, then at Scott. Scott nodded.
“Her name is Eleanor.”
