Comfort Food

The Trial of Marian Madden

"Cru, I don't think I can thank you enough for this," Regina said, standing in a dressing room as her sorority sister made a few last minute adjustments.

            Cru smiled. "If you thought I was going to let one of my dearest friends walk down the aisle in a dress designed by anyone else, that blow to your head did more damage than I thought."

            Regina's smile fell as she reached for the back of her head. She had pinned her hair into a bun so she couldn't feel the light scar that was still there. A sick feeling filled her as she flashed back to the dark club, trying to fight off Marian as she grew weaker.

            "Regina? Sweetheart, come back. You are in a dressing room and you are safe," her mother's voice said, breaking her trance.

            Cora stood in front of her, hands on Regina's arms. She rubbed them as she studied Regina with concern. "How long have the flashes been going on?"

            "Not long," Regina admitted. "They just started up again, what with Mal preparing me for the trial."

            "Have you talked to someone?"

            Regina almost laughed; it was just such a Cora thing to ask. She shook her head. "But I have an appointment with Archie tomorrow. He's agreed to see me for as long as I need."

            "Good." Cora hugged her, holding her close. "I have a feeling things might get worse before they get better."

            Cru came up behind them, looking repentant. "I'm sorry, Regina. You know me. My mouth works faster than my brain and sometimes, people get hurt. I didn't mean for it to be you."

            "That's okay. How can I be mad at you after you designed this beautiful wedding gown for me to wear when I marry Robin?" Regina smiled, motioning to the gown.

            It was an ivory sheath dress made of chiffon. Lace cap sleeves covered her shoulders, leading to a V-neck line. The Chantilly lace continued down to her bodice before ending at the waistline, where a silver ribbon was wrapped. From there, the chiffon was seen in the skirt that flowed down to the floor.

            "It is absolutely beautiful, Cru," Cora said, feeling the skirt's flowing material.

            Cru nodded. "Regina had a large role in designing it to make sure it was her dream dress. After all, she's marrying her dream guy and living in her dream house. She deserved it."

            Regina hugged her. "You're amazing. I love it."

            "Then let's go show your bridesmaids," she suggested. "And then you can see what I designed for them."

            Cru guided them out of the dressing room and to the waiting area the store had given them. She had called in a favor and the owner had gladly closed for the morning to give Regina and her party a private session. Her bridesmaids lounged on the couch, sipping mimosas with the exception of Lily, who was drinking orange juice from her flute.

            They all wore silver chartreuse dresses with thick straps that also formed a V-neckline, much like her dress. Yet theirs dipped into a cowl in the back. Ruche covered the bodice before the high waist gave way to the ankle length skirt. It was all simple yet elegant—just as Regina wanted. Her bridesmaids should also be comfortable in the warm June sun as well in them.

            Lily saw her first, her golden brown eyes growing wide. "Auntie Regina, you look amazing!"

            "Thank you," Regina replied, giving her a little twirl.