thinking it over

"Did I do this all wrong?" Olivia turned around in her wedding dress by the long mirror in the sewing room where her mother worked on most of her projects.

"The dress looks great." Penelope assured her. There were no puffy sleeves. In fact, Olivia looked quite the  princess in the simple strapless gown. Her mother made the white dress full length, but not so where Olivia would trip over it.

"You know, what I mean. Should..should we have just eloped?" Olivia was serious.

"No, of course not, this is just what Mom needed. Dad too." Penelope had to admit she'd never felt as close as she did now, to either of them. And she was sure it was Olivia's doing. "I know you're upset with me. Not inviting you along, when Elliot and I got married. But it was a private thing, you know. He won't admit it, but he is kind of shy. And well, he didn't want his parents making a big to do out of it..since you know, how well, last time went. And..and I was OK with it. It was lovely."

"After all that's happened." Olivia got teary eyed. Penelope knew she was thinking of Amanda. "We were so close, you know. I loved her like a best friend, but then we hardly ever got along. I feel so bad, but..."

"Its OK." Penelope smoothed out the beautiful skirt of the gown. Her mother did amazing work.

"Then to ask Asa. I shouldn't have. Where is my mind?" Olivia was flustered.

"He'll get through it. He will. I'm sure he was happy you asked him." Penelope nodded, thinking Olivia just might wear this outfit all day. She kept looking at herself in the mirror.

"I dunno how I should feel. I thought the parents I always knew would, you know, be here. Be excited. What did I do wrong?" Olivia sniffed. She was crying.

Penelope knew Olivia shouldn't have to choose, but she was glad Olivia chose the right family, because they adored her.