slipping through my fingers (aly baby)

[sydney]

Sydney sat on the soft cushion of her chair, staring at the door and she waited for her eldest daughter step out in that white gown that she would soon be wearing in her very own wedding. Her precious girl was grown up and all the mother could think about, was how tiny Aly used to be. Running around the house, screaming like most children did. She remembered very little detail about this girl's life and now she was becoming someone's wife. The wife of a boy that Sydney swiftly became rather fond of. Finn was a good boy, someone that she could trust her daughter's life in their hands. But no mother wants to say good bye to their baby. She tapped her cellphone against the palm of her hand as she waited, her impatient nature suddenly taking over. Despite not wanting Aly to grow up and become a grown woman, she was rather excited about all this wedding planning. Kayla was responsible for many of things, being the maid of honor, but she had ideas of her own as well.

"Aly, luv, come out! I want to see, plus this woman over here is getting antsy with her needles and things."

[/color] Sydney called to her daughter as she awaited the reveal. It was different when you saw a dress in a plastic bag, waiting to be worn. It was different seeing it on a body, and Aly's figure was near perfection. It was going to be a beautiful ceremony, Sydney could almost see it now.

Sydney's green eyes fell[/color] to the woman who would be fitting Aly into the dress moved toward her, sighing heavily. She looked rather impatient herself, but this was her job no? She could stand to wait a few more minutes while her daughter got situated. She nodded her head to her gently before she turned her gaze back to the door. Was everything okay? Did she need help? Though, Sydney was certain that if Aly wanted her help, she would have asked for it by now. She sighed gently herself, touching her hair a bit as she watched the door like a hawk. The older blonde woman worried that she was going to lose her composure and start weeping in front of her daughter, blubbering about how beautiful she looked and how happy she was for her. Keep your cool, woman, don't be a fool.[/blockquote][/blockquote][/size][/justify]

[alyson sophia kent]

HER WEDDING DRESS. This was her wedding dress. Alyson’s blue eyes looked at herself in the full length mirror. She’d seen the dress before of course. She’d even had it on. This was the third fitting of the dress. However the first time she’d tried it on it had been the generic pre-made dress that she had used as the base for her own dress. A few design features changed. And the other times parts of the dress hadn’t been finished yet and she was just having certain parts fitted like the hem or the corset. Now though, the dress was finished. Her dress was done. And she was trying it on to make sure nothing had gone wrong between the last fitting and the adjustments and additions that were made. She’d try it on again a few weeks before the wedding too, just to make sure.

ALYSON’S BREATH CAUGHT IN HER THROAT, as she stared at herself in the off white dress. Vintage lace covering her torso. Pearl detailing in the lace. Pearls and vintage lace were a running theme of Alyson’s wedding. It was truly a beautiful dress. Everything about it was delicate and elegant. So why, looking at herself, did she feel tears swelling up in her eyes. Like something was wrong. Her heart was pounding faster in her chest. It wasn’t white. She’d always wanted a white dress. Why now had she gone for a more bone colour? That was a stupid choice! So so stupid, and now it was way too late to do anything about!

HER CHEST STARTED TO FEEL TIGHT, as though the dress was too small. Even though she hadn’t even done the pearl buttons at the back up yet. What in the world was she going to do? She couldn’t walk down the aisle in the wrong dress! And brown? Why had she chosen brown for her bridesmaids? Who cared if Kayla looked stunning in the soft tone of brown they’d picked? Brown was not a wedding colour. Oh god. She was making all the wrong choices. Ruining the whole day! Why hadn’t someone stopped her from picking such an awful dress to start with? Were her friends and family that scared of her that no one offered their real opinion?

HEARING HER MOTHER’S VOICE broke Alyson out of her panic attack a little. She squeezed her eyes closed. Trying to push the tears back and regain composure on her emotions. “In a minute, I’m trying to do it up...” She called through the certain. Making up a feeble excuse for why she hadn’t come prancing out yet. She knew that was not going to go down though. She and her mother both knew it was the nature of wedding dresses that someone else had to do them up for you, so why even bother trying? Still though, it was better than no excuse at all.

FEELING COMPOSED, Alyson pulled back the curtain and stepped out of the change cubical. Forced smile on her features. However the moment her eyes met her mother’s, the same blue as her own, the facade crumbled. Bottom lip quivered as she felt hot tears sting her eyes. She was falling apart like a child. Alyson, while being a very excitable person, wasn’t often one to so readily share her emotions. However she was beyond feeling silly for all her little emotional displays. It was her wedding and she’d cry if she wanted to! “Mama... It’s not white...”

[/size]

[sydney]

Something was wrong and Sydney could feel it in her gut. She slowly rose from her seat as she moved toward the center of her room. She tilted her head a bit as she waited for her daughter to step out of the little changing area and present herself. They had spents weeks, maybe even months, on preparing this dress. It would form to only Alyson's body, and it would be just hers. No one elses. It was to be the perfect dress. Sydney rested her hands against her hips as she waited for her daughter to come out, she was getting a little worried. She listened to Alyson's tone as she said she'd be a minute. But Sydney was supposed to do that. She stepped a bit closer to the curtain that was separating her from her daughter.

That was when Alyson appeared, pulling the curtain back and stepping forward. The moment Sydney's eyes fell on that smile, she knew that something wasn't right. When their gazes met, she watched her daughter as she broke down and the words that left her lips caused Sydney to groan like only a mother can as she moved close to Alyson as quickly as she could. What could she say to make this all go away? Mothers were supposed to be these giant forces of nature who could make this kind of pain just disappear.

"Oh no, ducks, the dress is stunning! What's wrong?"

[/color] Sydney asked, even if Alyson already said what was wrong. It wasn't white. Technically, it was an off white, a bone color, but it was still white. Perhaps not white enough. The older woman's eyes flitted up to the fitting woman who stared at the two with a sigh. She had seen many of these types of moments before, she was practically used to it. Did they have time to change the color of the fabrics? To...make another dress? If this day wasn't perfect, Sydney had a feeling that Alyson would take that as an omen, rather than just a few unfortunate events to look past. She remembered her own wedding and how everything had to be just right as well. Alyson's obsessive compulsive nature was definitely Sydney's fault that was for sure.

"Darling, the dress is beautiful, you look like a princess...this was the color you wanted remember?" She said, trying to coax something out of Alyson that wasn't sobs and incoherent whining. Sydney loved her daughter dearly, but she couldn't really communcation like that, not the entire time. So far, all of Alyson's choices have been beautiful ones. Brown wasn't a tradition wedding color, but she made it work and Sydney grew quite fond of the color palettes that her daughter had chosen. Kayla looked absolutely gorgeous in her gown, everything was perfect so far, but something else was wrong. She just hoped they could get out of this boutique alive, with Alyson happy.[/blockquote][/blockquote][/size][/justify]

[alyson sophia kent]

FROWNING, Alyson tried to focus on her mother’s words. She hated herself for being so emotional about all the wedding plans. She was freaking out at people all over the place. Friends, Family, Staff at the yacht club, Finn! Luckily for Alyson, most of them took her freak outs in good stride. In fact, had Finley been someone less cool about the whole thing, the wedding would probably have been called off several times over. She’d yelled at him over the silliest things. Of course she’d felt really guilty afterwards and gave him apology snuggles. Still though, he was dealing with her stress really well. One more tick in the ‘perfect for Alyson’ box Finny. One more tick.

THERE really wasn’t enough time to make a new dress. Besides that, the lace was one of a kind, vintage. Not something you could just replace. Also, all the other colours had already been matched to blend perfectly with her dress. Everything was hinging off the dress. Change the dress, and everything else had to be changed. Which would not be at all good this late in the game. Her wedding would end up a complete disaster. Which, Sydney was right, Alyson would take as an omen that her marriage was doomed to fail. It was already on her mind. Considering what happened to her own parent’s marriage. It was hard not to have doubts.

TAKING in a deep breath, she nodded a little at her mother. It was the colour she had chosen. They had tried on a few different dress tones, and decided that real, stark white was much to washed out for Alyson’s white colouring. Besides, the white against the brown wasn’t very nice. Okay, she needed to calm down. She was getting worked up over something that was silly. She didn’t want a white dress at all. She was just letting her mind run off on her, without taking reason and rationality along with it. Really, her mind needed a leash. At least until the wedding was over and she returned to herself.

WIPING the tears from her cheek, Alyson turned her back on her mother to look at herself in the mirror once more. The dress did look nice against her skin. Biting her lip, she lifted the boddess up a little. Suddenly rather self conscious about her chest and too much showing. “Mama..” She frowned, biting her lip. “Can you do my dress up? It’s going to fall down...” Still holding it up with one hand, the other moved down. Stroking the lace gently. Wow. It was so pretty. Looking at herself now, a fleeting thought popped into the blonde’s mind. I wonder what Max would think of this dress?. The thought shocked her. Wow. What? She hadn’t even seen him in years. Let alone thought about him... Okay, now that was a lie. She did think about him. But oh god, why did she even care what he thought of her wedding dress?

PUSHING that from her thoughts really quickly, she voiced the question she should have thought. “Mamma, do you think he’ll like it?”....Hm, odd. She had meant to say Finn. Her mother would know who she meant.. right?

[/size]

[sydney]

What most people didn't understand, was that most, if not all, of the color palettes chosen for a wedding were centered around the bride's gown. It the day's focal point. Alyson and Finn were what were important, but Alyson's dress was the pivotal figure. Anyone who understood these types of things, knew that. So when Alyson came out, complaining about the dress, her first instinct was to comfort her child. But in the back of her mind, she started to panic as well. What if she really wanted to change the dress? They would have to bring Kayla and Finn back in for redressings and new color choices, it would be a disaster. A distaster that Sydney wanted to prevent. And knowing how erratic Alyson was, there just wasn't a way to get a new dress and still keep her pleased. She would either have to love this dress, or they have to grin and bear it at the ceremony. It was about being with Finn right?

She looked at her daughter as she slowly started to come down from her freak out. Sydney was used to women that reacted a lot like Alyson in her line of work. Women who were constantly worried about perfection, herself included. But having a level head about things didn't hurt. She looked at her daughter as she silently nodded her head before she turned to look at herself in the long mirror before her. Sydney turned as well, looking at the vision before her. Alyson looked stunning, despite her sudden freak over the color. The lace was delicate and perfect. It was just exquisite. She turned to look at Alyson as she asked her to do up the back. Sydney couldn't stop the smile that formed across her soft, pink lips.

"Of course, ducks."

[/b] Sydney said softly before stepping behind her. She started to button and tie the back up, the fabric pulling together beautifully to fit against the curves of her body. Fitting her almost like a glove. There would be final alterations from the seamstress behind her, but for the most part, the dress was completely finished. Sydney's delicate and nimble fingers pulled the dress together tightly before she smoothed it down gently. With that, she side stepped to look at the dress in the mirror. Like I said, a vision. Sydney clasped a hand over her mouth as she looked at her daughter. It was beautiful and Sydney was nearly speechless. This was really happening wasn't it? Her daughter was about to move onto the next stage of her life and she wouldn't be her little girl anymore. No more running through the house, screaming at the top of her lungs. No more dress up, no more stories. This was it. She then looked to Alyson as she asked if he'll like it. Finn, obviously and Sydney smiled gently as she moved to her daughter's side.

"He will love it. Because you, my dear, are an angel."[/b] Sydney said softly as she wrapped an arm around her shoulders and planted a gentle kiss against her daughter's temple. She then stepped back and turned to the seamstress with a nod. "Just a few more minor details and it'll be finished." She said and wrapped her arms around herself and watched like only a mother could. With a happiness that was clouded with a sense of sadness to watch her eldest baby grow up right before her eyes.[/blockquote][/blockquote][/size][/justify]

[alyson sophia kent]

SATISFIED with her mother’s answer, Alyson grinned. She was such a vain little thing. She didn’t mean to be, but she really could not help herself. Just hearing from someone else’s lips was enough to sooth Alyson. It was lucky for her she had people in her life that accepted the fact she needed constant affirmation and gave it to her. It must have been draining for them though. Having to re-assure her of things she should already know. Then everyone had things about them that were annoying right? It was just about deciding what you could put up with and what you couldn’t. Good thing Finn liked dishing out complements right?

UNLIKE his cousin. No, Max was more the sort to feed of insecurities and dish out insults that made you feel just terrible. She didn’t get how anyone could date him really. He was not supportive in any way at all. Which she knew most, if not all, girls needed even just a little bit. How was he even supposed to be in a real relationship? Alyson tilted her head to the side as she considered this. Trying to picture Max getting married. She wasn’t sure if she could to be honest, and that made her feel a little saddened for him. As much as she hated the man, did she really wish a life without love on anyone? Everyone deserved love, Even Max Heaton.

TRYING to ignore the tugging of the seamstress who was checking that the dress fit perfectly in all sorts of weird and wonderful places, making notes of what could fit better, She looked over at her mother. Her thoughts making the seemingly natural progression from the idea that everyone needs love, to thoughts of her mother’s own love life. Thinking about it now, Alyson tried to picture her mother standing there, trying on her wedding dress. They had been about the same age hadn’t they? Her mother had been excited and probably deeply in love with Alex Kent. Now look at it, it had all fallen apart..

ALYSON could feel a twinge in her chest. As if her heart was breaking a little for the past Sydney. Standing there all in white thinking all her fairytale dreams were going to come true. She bit her lip. Was she kidding herself with this whole thing? Was any marriage a happy, long lasting one these days or had the bad marriage statistics completely taken over? Was she really that vain to think that hers was the one that would last? Was that a good enough reason not to try though? Because a lot of marriages end in divorce?

“MAMMA?” She started softly, chewing on the inside of her cheek. “You don’t think I’m making a big mistake do you?” The younger blonde did her best to keep emotion from cracking her voice. It was hard enough to bring up, let alone if they were both crying about. It. “I mean, you loved Daddy and he loved you... It was a perfect fairytale just like Finn and I... and look what happened. What if that—“ She swallowed, voice breaking. “What if that happens to us?”

[/size]

[sydney]

When you have children, you want to give them the world. You want to teach them everything you know about the world in hopes that they will take your wisdom and put it to good use. You want to set good examples and help them achieve greatness. For Sydney, she co-destroyed any good example of marriage for her daughters, by divorcing their father. However, it was necessary for her own well being, and i didn't mean that every marriage ended in divorce. There are many happily married people out there, just Alex and Sydney Kent weren't one of those couples. That didn't mean that Aly and Finn were going to fail. As long as they stayed true and in love, they would never fail. So when she saw her precious daughter's face asking that heart wrenching question, all Sydney could do was express her guilt in her expression before approaching.

"Oh love..."

[/color] Sydney whispered as she approached her beautiful daughter. Her hands moved to move a bit of the dress a bit before she reached up and ran her fingers over her daughter's hair as lovingly as possible. Her job was to keep her calm and happy. "What happened between me and your father..."[/color] But then the words didn't come out. Why? Sydney looked at Aly in the mirror, then looked at herself. Her hair was perfect. Not a strand out of place. Her outfit accentuated her slender form, and yet she didn't see anything too extravagant. There were days where Sydney wasn't surprised that for a moment, Alex strayed from her. She wasn't the most beautiful woman in the world. Penn's wife had been uncommonly gorgeous. In some instances, Sydney understood why. But then realized how ridiculous that really was and went back to hating him.

She then turned her gaze back to Alyson with a sad, yet genuine smile on her face. She needed to reassure her baby and she would do it by God. She reached down and petted her back gently. "You and Finn are perfect for each other. That boy loves you so much, I could never see him hurting you. You both will survive this wedding and live happily ever after." Sydney said with the most confidence she has ever placed in a single comment. She ran her hand through her daughter's hair before she returned her gaze to the mirror before them. She looked at the stunning image of her daughter and realized that no matter what happens, she would do everything in her power to make this the best day in Alyson's life. Even if it killed her.[/blockquote][/blockquote][/size][/justify]

[alyson sophia kent]

Alyson bit the inside of her lip. Her mother’s sentiments were sweet. She really did appreciate the effort. However not exactly helpful. She knew Finn wouldn’t cheat on her. That was never the issue. Or well at least not now. In the past, she’d had her fears but now she knew Finn loved her and wouldn’t go there. He wasn’t the problem. How was she supposed to tell her mother that though? How were you supposed to tell your mother that you were scared you’d cheat on your husband? Just like your father had? It wasn’t exactly even close to the realm of a normal mother and daughter conversation.

Bottom lip trembling, she tried to smile at the older blonde. “Oh mamma. I know he wouldn’t.. I know..” She paused, taking a gasp of air. She could feel tears stinging her eyes. Why had she even brought this all up? It was this stupid dress. Bringing up all these stupid emotions. She was not sure she even wanted to talk to her mother about all this, but what was she supposed to do now? She’d opened the Pandora’s box of the subject and these days, she was having a hard time keeping things in. She kept vomiting up words and emotions that she would have preferred stay private.

Shifting slightly, she turned away from her mother. She couldn’t look at her right now. Not as she was about to say what she had to say. She didn’t want to see the look on Sydney Kent’s face when she learnt that her daughter was a slurry. Swallowing, she reached over to pick up one of the veil options for her dress. Placing it in her hair as she tried to speak as casually as she could. The quivering in her voice was giving her away though. “It’s not him I’m worried about, mamma... It’s.. well me...” She swallowed, looking at herself in the mirror.

Without even giving a moment for her words to sink in, she shrugged. “I don’t think I like this veil..” She took it off, replacing it as her eyes scanned over the other options. Hands clenched in fists. Just praying her mother didn’t dig too much in her previous comments. “I’m not even sure I should wear a veil. I mean it may make my face look too long. Like a horse..” She tilted her head to the side, trying to imagine what to do with her hair, and if it even needed any accessories.

Hopefully that would be enough to side-track her mother. The wedding plans were usually enough to capture both their attentions. If it didn’t... Well she really wasn’t sure what she was going to say. There was no way in the world she was going to bring up Max. No freaking way. She’d just have to make out that there was no one in particular, just that she was scared she was more like her father then anything. That would work? Maybe? Oh fuck, why had she even opened her mouth? She could be dense at times..

[/size]