Page 42 of Dark Princess Ascending
"Peter's mother. I don't want her to feel excluded."
"No one told her to stay out there. She could have walked in and joined us. It's her choice."
"Friendliness doesn't come naturally to everyone. Maybe she is waiting for someone to invite her, meaning me." Marina waited until Larissa proclaimed her hair ready before getting to her feet. "I'm going to ask her to join us."
She found Catrina perched on the edge of the couch, looking perfectly put together as always but somehow also slightly lost. Her eyes widened in surprise when Marina appeared.
"Why are you sitting all alone out here? You should join us." Marina gestured toward the bedroom. "You don't need any help with hair or makeup, but you can enjoy mimosas and gossip with us."
Catrina's smile was slightly strained. "I wouldn't want to intrude on your special time with your friends and family."
"You're family too," Marina said, though the words felt a bit forced.
"That's very kind of you." Catrina stood and smoothed her skirt. "But I think I'll stay out here. Too many people in one room makes me anxious." Her smile turned more genuine. "But thank you for asking. It means a lot to me that you made the effort to come out here and check on me."
Marina nodded, relieved but also feeling a bit guilty about that relief. "Are you sure?"
"I am." Catrina reached out and squeezed her hand. "You look beautiful. Go and enjoy yourself."
When Marina returned to the bedroom, her mother's makeup was complete, and Larissa was working on her hair.
"You look amazing, Mama."
Her mother beamed. "Thank you, baby."
"Time for the main event!" Lusha announced, clapping her hands. "Everyone out while the bride gets dressed!"
"But we want to see the dress!" Wendy protested.
Marina shook her head. "Not until it's on. I want the full effect to be a surprise." She shooed them toward the door. "Go get dressed yourselves in the other room. Only my mom stays here to help me."
Lusha must have thought that she would be allowed to stay because she cast Marina an accusing look before closing the procession out of the room.
When her mother shut the door behind Lusha, Marina retrieved the garment bag from its hiding place in the back of the closet.
When she unzipped it, revealing the masterpiece within, her mother gasped.
"Oh, sweetheart." Her mother's eyes filled with tears. "You're going to take everyone's breath away."
Marina touched the delicate fabric reverently. "I still can't believe it's mine. I've never even dreamt about wearing a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that was created just for me."
"You deserve it and much more." Her mother helped her step into the dress, so as not to disturb her hair and makeup, and then gave her a hand as she stepped into a pair of white pumps.
"There." She turned Marina toward the full-length mirror. "Look at yourself."
Marina had seen herself in the dress before during fittings, but now, with her hair and makeup done, she looked like a fairy-tale princess.
"Ready to show the others?" her mother asked.
Marina nodded and reluctantly turned away from the mirror.
Her mother opened the door, and as Marina stepped out, a chorus of gasps and squeals filled the air.
"Oh my goddess!" Larissa waved a hand in front of her face to stave off tears. "You look like a princess!"
"Marina! You look stunning," Wonder said.
Even Catrina, who had drifted closer to take a look, seemed impressed. "You look spectacular, Marina."