A family of lies

Tory Clinton delicately sipped her red wine, her eyes scanning the crowded room with a mixture of elegance and disdain. "I do hope the caterer remembered to use the fine china", she whispered to her husband Fredrick, in her sweet voice."

***

Fredrick with his charming smile nodded, his eyes crinkling at the corners. As they chatted, Tory's gaze drifted to their children, Christabel and Chris who were laughing and joking with their friends. Phoebe their youngest was busy constructing a tower with her building blocks, oblivious to the commotion around her. Meanwhile, in the kitchen, the caterer was frantically searching for the fine china, muttering under his breath about 'ridiculous requests' and 'pretentious clients'. As the evening wore on, the Clinton's mansion echohed with the sound of laughter and clinking glasses, a testament to their impeccable hosting skills. Tory continued to make her way through the crowd, she exchanged air-kisses and polite smiles with the other guests. 'Darling your dress is stunning'. She cooed to her friend Eunice. "Who's the designer?" Eunice beamed with pride. "Thank you, Tory!" It's a one-of-a-kind piece from Paris." Tory's eyes widened in envy. "How fabulous! I must get the name of your designer."

***

Meanwhile, Fredrick was regaling a group of guests with a story about his latest business venture. "And then, I told the investor, we are not just thinking outside box, we are throwing the box away." The group erupted into laughter, and Frederick grinned, pleased with himself. Christabel who was standing nearby rolled her eyes good- naturedly, "Dad's telling the box story again", she whispered to Chris. Chris chuckled and tells her he has heard it a million times. As the evening drew closer on the Clinton's, their family of perfection began to show tiny hairline cracks. Phoebe's tower of blocks came crashing down, and she wailed in dismay. Christabel and Chris exchanged a look, both thinking the same thing. This was going to be a long night. Tory swooped in to comfort Phoebe, scooping her up in a graceful motion. "It's okay, sweetie we'll build an even bigger tower." As she carried Phoebe away, Fredrick caught her eye and raised an eyebrow. "Maybe we should get her a playdate with that new family in town, the Smith's i think?" Tory nodded, her mind already racing with the social implications. "Yes, that's a great idea. I'll schedule something for next week." Christabel and Chris exchanged a skeptical look. They knew their parents motives. The Smith's were new money, and their parents wanted to secure an alliance. As the evening finally came, the guests began to say their goodbyes. Tory and Frederick stood at the door, beaming with pride as they bid farewell to their friends. But as soon as the last guest departed, the Clinton's masks slipped. Tory let out a deep sigh, and Fredrick loosened his tie. "Well that was a long night," he said, heading for the bar. Christabel and Chris exchanged a knowing look again. They knew the real evening was only just beginning.