Your wedding will go ahead, but I wont be needed, the daughter snaps, eyes glued to her phone.
Are you kidding me? Have you forgotten to pay the council tax again? Gail Peterson hurls the overdue notice onto the kitchen table, scattering the papers across the room.
Gail, I told you Im held up at work, her husband Kevin mutters, his shoulders slumping. Ill sort it tomorrow, I promise.
Tomorrow! Always tomorrow! The bills due today!
Dont shout, Katies sleeping!
Katie isnt sleeping, shes on her phone, as usual!
Gail walks into the bedroom. Twentyfouryearold Katie lies on the bed, face lit by the smartphone screen, a distant smile frozen on her lips.
Katie, are you coming to dinner?
Silence.
Katie!
The girl doesnt even look up.
Fine, are you having dinner or not?
I dont know.
Gail sighs and returns to the kitchen. When Katie was little they were inseparable; the little girl would burst in from preschool, hug her, and chatter about everything under the sun. Then school, then university, and now a stranger who shares a flat upstairs and barely speaks to her.
Half an hour later Katie pads into the kitchen, drops onto a chair and keeps typing on her phone.
Katie, could you put the phone down for a minute and talk to me? Gail asks. Just a proper chat.
What about?
Hows work? Anything new?
Everythings fine.
And that boywhats his nameMax? Are you still seeing him?
Katie finally lifts her eyes from the screen, a flash of irritation crossing her face.
Mum, Im twentyfour. I dont have to report my love life to you.
Im not asking for a report, just curious.
Yes, were still together. Thats it.
Gail pours herself a cup of tea. She wants to ask more but fears another sharp retort.
By the way, Katie suddenly puts the phone down. Theres a wedding in May.
Gail freezes, tea halfway to her lips.
A wedding? Youre getting married?
Yes. Max proposed and I said yes.
Katie! Gail lunges forward, trying to hug her. Sweetheart, this is huge! Why didnt you tell me sooner?
When would sooner be? He asked just yesterday.
But you could have mentioned it this morning! Or at least hinted!
I forgot.
Gail sits back down. Shes forgotten. Her daughter forgot to tell her about the engagement.
Alright, she forces a smile. The important thing is youre happy. Whens the wedding? Where? What can I help with?
In May. We havent settled on a date yet. Itll be at a restaurant.
And the dress? We could go together to pick one! Remember how, as a child, you loved looking at my wedding photos and said you wanted a dress like that?
Mum, Ive already chosen. My and Maxs mums went together to pick it.
His mum?
Yes. She covered the cost, so we went together.
Gail feels a pang in her chest. A wedding dress is something every girl dreams of choosing with her mother, but Katie went with her future motherinlaw instead.
I wish I could have gone too, she says quietly. We could have done it together
Why? Youd still argue. Youd want something simple, and Linda would push for something extravagant.
I dont want simple! I want it to be perfect for you!
Katie rolls her eyes.
Mum, enough. The dress is bought. Thats that.
What about the guests? How many are we inviting? I need to make a list for our side
Weve already got a list. Linda has organised everything.
But Im your mother! I should be involved in the planning!
Why? Linda has everything under control. She knows the best venue, the best MC, the best photographer. She has the contacts and the experience. What can you do? Call the local community centre and ask for a folk band?
The words cut like a knife. Gails face turns pale.
How can you say that, Katie?
Just being honest. You have no money, no contacts, no taste. Sorry, but thats the truth. Linda has all that, so why do we need your help?
Im your mother
So what? Does that give you the right to meddle where you dont belong?
Gail rises, leaves the kitchen, and retreats to her bedroom. She closes the door, sits on the bed, and lets tears run down her cheeks without wiping them.
Kevin peeks in a few minutes later.
Gail, whats wrong?
Katies getting married.
Really? Well, thats good news! Why are you crying?
Because Im not needed there, Kevin. My own daughter thinks I have no place at her wedding.
You cant be serious!
Gail recounts the argument. Kevins brow furrows deeper.
That brat! Ill talk to her right now.
Dont. Youll only make it worse.
But thats not right! Shes your daughter, youve been there for her all her life! And she tells you youre not needed!
Dont shout, please. Im exhausted.
Kevin pulls her into a hug and they sit quietly together.
The next morning Gail wakes with a heavy head. Shes spent the night replaying yesterdays exchange. Katie has already left for work, leaving a dirty mug on the kitchen counter.
Gail phones her friend Tara.
Tara, can I come over?
Of course! Whats happened?
Ill tell you later.
They meet at a café near Taras flat. Gail orders tea and spills the whole story.
Tara shakes her head.
Young people these days have no respect, no decency!
Maybe Im the one at fault, Tara? Maybe I really dont understand weddings, restaurants?
Youre a mother! You dont need to understand the details! You just need to be there, supportive, happy! Let Linda handle the money and the planning. Youre the most important one.
Katie doesnt think so.
Then tell her straight: either you help with the preparations, or you dont turn up at all.
Gails heart jumps.
Not go to my own daughters wedding? Tara, are you serious?
What else can I do? She doesnt value me! Let her see what its like without a mother!
No, I cant. This is her day, the most important day.
Which shes organising without you, Tara snaps. Dont let her step all over you.
Gail returns home, dejected. Taras words echo: letting her step over you. Could it be true?
That evening Katie comes home late. Gail hears her slip into her room and decides to knock.
Yeah? a voice calls from inside.
Gail steps in. Katie is at her laptop.
Katie, I need to talk.
Im busy.
Its important.
Katie swivels in her chair.
What?
Gail sits on the edge of the bed.
I get it, you want a beautiful wedding. I know Linda has more resources. But the wedding will happen, and you said I wont be needed. Did you really mean that?
Katie frowns.
I never said that.
You did. Not directly, but the meaning is clear.
Enough! Im not kicking you out! Youll be at the wedding, like everyone else!
As a guest?
Yes, as a guest.
Not as the mother of the bride?
Whats the difference?
Gail feels her throat tighten.
The mother of the bride is the main person after the couple. She gives the blessing, makes a toast, hugs the bride before she walks down the aisle. A guest just sits in a corner and sips champagne.
Mum, those are oldfashioned ideas! Times have changed!
How?
Now the focus is on looking good, being stylish, getting likes on Instagram. Your sentimental ideas about blessings and hugs belong to another era!
So Im from another era?
Katie stands up.
Im done with this! Come to the wedding if you want, or stay home! I dont care!
Dont you care whether your mother is at your wedding? Gail asks, standing as well.
Yes! Because youll just sit there whining about how youve been hurt, how youre not valued! Im fed up!
Im not whining!
You are! All your life! Youre always the victim, always blaming everyone else!
Gail retreats, stunned. Katie glares at her, breathing heavily.
Leave, Katie says softly. I have to work.
Gail exits the room, runs into Kevin in the hallway. Hes heard everything.
Ill kill that girl, Kevin whispers. How dare she speak to you like that!
Dont touch her. Shes just ashamed of us.
Shamed? We raised her for twentyfour years, gave up everything for her! And shes ashamed?
Please, keep your voice down. My head hurts.
Gail lies on the sofa, pulls a blanket over herself. Kevin sits beside her.
Gail, maybe we shouldnt go to the wedding at all?
Dont be foolish.
Why be foolish? If were not needed, why go?
Shes my daughter, Kevin. I cant miss her wedding.
Even if she insults you?
Even then.
Kevin sighs and rubs her head.
A week passes. Gail compiles the guest list, squeezing twenty people in, crossing out old friends and distant relatives. She shows the list to Katie.
Fine, Katie says without looking up. Send it to Linda; shell add it to the master list.
Should I contact her myself?
Why?
Because were now family, right?
Not yet. And anyway, Linda is a very busy woman.
So Im not busy?
Katie rolls her eyes and retreats to her room.
Gail emails the list to the number Katie gave her. An hour later a reply arrives: List received. Invitations will be sent later. Linda
Cold. Official. No extra words.
Gail tries to write something friendly, to introduce herself, but hesitates. Maybe shell be seen as intrusive.
Another month drifts by. No invitations arrive. Gail asks Katie.
Forgot to send them?
There wont be any. Everyone will just be told the time and place.
But isnt an invitation tradition?
Its an old tradition. Nobody does that now.
Can I at least see a photo of your wedding dress?
Why?
I want to see it!
Youll see it at the wedding.
Enough, Mum, leave me alone! I have a lot to do!
Gail backs off. Every conversation turns into a torment.
Finally she cant take it any longer and dials Lindas number, found in Katies messages.
Hello? a pleasant female voice answers.
This is Gail Peterson, Katies mother.
Hello, Mrs. Peterson.
Id like to meet, maybe have coffee together?
A pause.
I appreciate the offer, but Im swamped with wedding preparations.
I can help!
No, thank you. Everythings under control.
But Im the mother of the bride! I should be involved!
Mrs. Peterson, Lindas tone sharpens, Katie asked me to handle everything. If you want changes, speak to her, not to me.
Sorry, I must go. See you at the wedding.
The line clicks. Linda also thinks Gail is unnecessary.
That evening Gail summons Katie for a serious talk.
Katie, sit down, please.
Im in a meeting with Max.
Five minutes. Please.
Katie sits, clearly annoyed.
Listen, I understand you want a gorgeous wedding. I get that Linda has more resources. But you said the wedding will happen, but I wont be needed. Is that true?
Katie scowls.
I never said that.
You did. Not outright, but the implication was there.
Im done! Ill be at the wedding, whether you like it or not!
As a guest?
Yes, as a guest.
Not as mother of the bride?
Whats the difference?
Gail feels her throat tighten.
The mother of the bride is the key figure after the coupleshe gives the blessing, makes a toast, hugs you before the ceremony. A guest just watches and drinks.
Mum, those are oldfashioned ideas! Times have changed!
How?
Now its all about looking stylish, getting likes on social media. Your sentimental ideas belong to a bygone era!
So Im from a bygone era?
Katie stands, voice shaking.
Im exhausted by these talks! Come to the wedding or dont. I dont care!
Do you care whether your mother is at your wedding? Gail asks, also standing.
Yes! Because youll just sit there whining about being hurt, about not being valued! Ive had enough!
Im not whining!
You are! All your life! Youre forever the victim, always blaming everyone else!
Gail steps back, stunned. Katie glares, breathing hard.
Leave, Katie says softly. I have to work.
Gail exits the room, runs into Kevin in the corridor. Hes heard everything.
Ill kill that girl, Kevin mutters. How dare she speak to you like that!
Dont touch her. Shes just ashamed of us.
Shamed? We raised her for twentyfour years, gave up everything for her! And shes ashamed?
Please, lower your voice. My head hurts.
Gail lies on the sofa, pulls a blanket over herself. Kevin sits beside her.
Gail, maybe we shouldnt go to the wedding at all?
Dont be foolish.
Why be foolish? If were not needed, why go?
Shes my daughter, Kevin. I cant miss her wedding.
Even if she insults you?
Even then.
Kevin sighs and rubs her head.
A week later Gail manages to fit twenty names onto the list, crossing out distant relatives. She sends it to Katie, who simply says, Forward to Linda. An hour later Linda replies, List accepted. Invitations forthcoming. Linda
Dry. Formal. No extra words.
Months later the invitations never arrive. Gail finally asks Katie.
Did they forget?
There wont be any. Everyone will just be told the venue and time.
But isnt an invitation tradition?
Its an outdated tradition. Nobody does that now.
Can I at least see a photo of your dress?
Why?
I want to see it!
Youll see it at the wedding.
Enough, Mum, leave me alone! I have a lot to do!
Gail backs off. Each conversation turns into a torment.
One night she cant bear it any longer and calls Linda again.
Hello? Linda answers.
This is Gail Peterson, Katies mother.
Hello, Mrs. Peterson.
Id like to meet, perhaps have coffee together?
A pause.
Im very busy with the wedding. No time.
Can I help?
Thanks, but I have everything under control.
But Im the mother of the bride! I should be part of it!
Mrs. Peterson, Katie asked me to organise everything. If you want changes, speak to her, not to me.
Sorry, I must go. See you at the wedding.
The line clicks. Linda also sees Gail as unnecessary.
That night Gail decides to have a serious conversation with Katie.
Katie, sit down, please.
Im in a meeting with Max.
Five minutes, please.
Katie sits, clearly annoyed.
Listen, I understand you want a beautiful wedding. I get that Linda has more resources. But you said the wedding will happen, but I wont be needed. Is that true?
Katie scowls.
I never said that.
You did. Not outright, but the implication was there.
Im done! Ill be at the wedding, whether you like it or not!
As a guest?
Yes, as a guest.
Not as mother of the bride?
Whats the difference?
Gail feels her throat tighten.
The mother of the bride is the key figure after the coupleshe gives the blessing, makes a toast, hugs you before the ceremony. A guest just watches and drinks.
Mum, those are oldfashioned ideas! Times have changed!
How?
Now its all about looking stylish, getting likes on social media. Your sentimental ideas belong to a bygone era!
So Im from a bygone era?
Katie stands, voice shaking.
Im exhausted by these talks! Come to the wedding or dont. I dont care!
Do you care whether your mother is at your wedding? Gail asks, also standing.
Yes! Because youll just sit there whining about being hurt, about not being valued! Ive had enough!
Im not whining!
You are! All your life! Youre forever the victim, always blaming everyone else!
Gail steps back, stunned. Katie glares, breathing hard.
Leave, Katie says softly. I have to work.
Gail exits the room, runs into Kevin in the corridor. Hes heard everything.
Ill kill that girl, Kevin mutters. How dare she speak to you like that!
Dont touch her. Shes just ashamed of us.
Shamed? We raised her for twentyfour years, gave up everything for her! And shes ashamed?
Please, lower your voice. My head hurts.
Gail lies on the sofa, pulls a blanket over herself. Kevin sits beside her.
Gail, maybe we shouldnt go to the wedding at all?
Dont be foolish.
Why be foolish? If were not needed, why go?
Shes my daughter, Kevin. I cant miss her wedding.
Even if she insults you?
Even then.
Kevin sighs and rubs her head.
A month later, a knock sounds at the door. Gail opens it to find Katie, eyes red, hair dishevelled.
Mum, she whispers.
Katie? What happened?
Katie collapses onto the couch, sobbing.
Max cheated on me with my friend. I found out today.
Gail sits beside her, holding her tightly.
Itll be alright, Gail murmGail whispered, Well get through this together, and whatever you decide about the wedding, Ill be by your side.
