Before she had a chance to sit down with Ella, the friends arrived. From her room, she could hear peals of laughter and excited chatter as the girls bustled in and out of Ella’s room, and up and down the stairs, with endless bags of girly items for doing hair and makeup. Anneliese made her way downstairs. Soon Derek arrived in his uncle’s silver BMW convertible, looking distinguished in a crisp white shirt, black tuxedo and shiny shoes. The girlfriends left to join their dates for the pre-Prom.
Although the stairs may have creaked, Ella floated like a dream down to the family room where Derek was waiting. She was breathtaking, in a floor-length silky bordeaux gown with extensive beaded embroidery on a modest bodice. Ella trusted Bobbie’s impeccable guidance. The dress was stunning, with nothing objectionable, even to Anneliese’s prudish eyes.
James shined with delight, “Ella! You’re absolutely beautiful!”
At the bottom of the stairs, Ella slipped her feet into high-heeled strappy gold sandals. She even managed the heels gracefully, Anneliese noted with pride. Ella was smart, pretty, and well-liked. She was trustworthy and sincere- she was James’ daughter in so many ways. Anneliese was genuinely glad for that.
Anneliese struggled to find the right words; she was overcome by the vision of Ella. “Ella- you are so- you are so beautiful!” She awkwardly moved to hold her hand for a moment as Ella smiled, and then just as quickly dropped it to step back, out of the way.
Shyly, Derek approached Ella, murmured a few words out of earshot, and placed a lovely corsage in her hands, ivory dahlias and tiny magenta roses, coordinated with her gown. James snuck spontaneous pictures of them.
James said, “I can’t believe you’re the same little baby we brought home from the hospital eighteen years ago!” He squeezed Anneliese’s hand with joy.
They briefly video-called Bobbie and Connor, James’ older brother, to share the finished product of Bobbie’s thoughtful advice. Anneliese hung back in the shadows; the call highlighted her shortcomings.
James said, “Let’s take the pictures over by the fireplace.” He ushered Ella and Derek to their positions as he stepped back and took numerous pictures at different angles. He headed towards the front door, checking the lighting, then called out, “Let’s do some on the lawn too!”
They all walked outside into the crisp brightness of the summer lawn. Anneliese’s view began to cloud- things hadn’t gone like she planned, she felt restrained, tethered to something which pulled her downwards.
James said, “The light is perfect for photos, there’s a mix of sun and clouds. You guys look amazing!” He clicked more pictures.
“Dad, are we almost done here?” Ella’s good-natured smile belied the words she spoke, not hinting that she might be tired of posing for pictures that were so precious to her father.
“Just a few more, honey!”
Derek looked on neutrally, agreeing to all proceedings.
After another few minutes, Ella said, “Dad, we should really get going. Derek’s parents are going to meet us there, and they’re going to start the group pictures soon.”
“Ok honey. That’s fine. Let me just set up the camera for auto, so I can get a few of the four of us before you head out.”
