The groom was surprised: the bride was covering her mother-in-law’s face in cake and everyone was enjoying watching it.

Alena looked at herself in the mirror in her hotel room, smoothing her wedding dress and a sense of unease gripped her. She was sure about her decision. Until she learned about her future mother-in-law′s attitudes.

Valentina Grigoryevna described it as “vulgar” when they brought it to her. She checked over her daughter-in-law from top to bottom as if she were comparing products at a market stand.

“What is it that you don’t want?” she asked.
That’s it, you see! – she waved.
– Your extra touch to life… Back then, women picked something that demonstrated their honor. And caught in the picture is also this gypsy costume.

– Sasha, what do you think of the dress I’m wearing? – Alyona straight-out wanted to know.

“Yes, I understand that it happens often…” was all he could say. The key is that you enjoy how you look.”

Her mother said to Alexander, “You will listen to me!”

Being able to do everything you want is not realistic. The child needs to know where they can find things in the house. A wedding needs to be considered seriously, unlike it being just a wild party with loud music.

“Just stop!” said Sasha softly, trying to get her mom’s attention.

Her mother-in-law stared hard at her with disdain.

– How we grow up shapes what we like to eat. Of course, upbringing plays an important role. How could this talent appear in a girl living beyond the city limits, who was working with potatoes yesterday?

“Lyon, please don’t go!” Sasha finally said. What is the reason behind what you are doing?

– What was my reaction?

– I’m only saying what is real. It would be more embarrassing for him if he learned it from someone else than for him to know it now.

There was no response from Alena and she just left.

She went to a university in Moscow for four years. She was employed by a big advertising agency. She was fortunate to grow with a firm support from her parents. All of these arguments basically serve as justifications. She knew better than to have any excuses for this woman.

At the end of the day Sasha brought me a bouquet of flowers.

“Forgive her,” Alena was told as he kissed her forehead. She is simply concerned. I should tell you that I am her only son.”

– Is my majesty important or does it mean anything, to you at all? Or is it really my mother’s preferences I must obey?

– Don’t overdo things, Lyon. Everything is going to be alright, the wedding is coming up in a week. Your baby will eventually get comfortable with you.

And what if he doesn’t get along with it?

She put her arms around her and tightened the hug.

– It will become easier for her. She is unable to leave her home. You’re really perfect.

But Alena knew then: whenever there was a choice, Sasha would pick his mom. S

She was now looking at herself in the mirror, on the day of her wedding.

It’s possible the dress really isn’t right. To the contrary, it looked perfect on her and was neither too risqué, nor too revealing. I liked how nice the makeup was and the hairstyle was completely proportionate. No “gypsyism”.

Lenka, is everything good for you? The voice of Sasha could be heard clearly from where the door was.

– I can join you!

The process at the registry office went by speedily. Valentina Grigoryevna was at the front of the room in a stylish, dark blue Italian suit. Immediately after the couple were told to kiss, she started checking her nails.

Sasha noted after the ceremony that her mom was so small when she said, “Mom, you’re much smaller than I am.”

The woman said silently, “I never got what you found so special in her.” “So simple. It is possible that he could have married Liza Soboleva. Her father served as a general and she learned in London…

– I care so much for Alena, Mom.

“The feelings of love will fade,” said Valentina Grigoryevna. Even so, the children will keep going. What kind of knowledge will they get when taught by this provincial woman?

All the time, Alena was standing close enough to hear every conversation.

There was music playing and lots of flowers everywhere. She knew using her parents’ and Sasha’s savings for her trip was being discussed, but she did not mention it.

“What a lovely place!” said Alena’s mother.

“Not really,” the mother-in-law shrugged. I attended Marina Petrovna’s wedding just a little while back. His wife was a lady with excellent family background. It was a great event! The bride was graceful, polite and beautiful.

Our Alyonchka also shows good manners, said Mom with a forced smile.

“Naturally,” Valentina Grigoryevna answered, though her voice implied: “How could you possibly know what real education means?”

All the guests stared at one another. There was a lot of tension in the atmosphere.

Next, Valentina Grigoryevna made a speech using a microphone.

– Dear guests! – she greeted the group happily. I am going to say something about our bride before we proceed.

Alena experienced everything inside her stop moving.

“Of course, since she is young, she still has a long way to go,” says the woman. Somehow, modern young ladies believe that their career is the single most important thing. A woman should be allowed to make the house cozy, prepare meals and entertain guests.”

Pause. Everyone was motionless.
— I wish my son has the ability to be patient. Really, it is hard to teach an adult who lives in a rural community a new skill.
Alena’s mother went very pale. The muscles in his fists tensed tight.

Still, we will attempt to reach those jobs. Being her mother-in-law, I will instruct Alyona on the different aspects of being a woman: cooking, meeting guests and dressing nicely.

Some of the guests got upset. The action of someone staring happened unexpectedly.

– And here it is, – the voice became even sweeter. – Review the plan. Ruffles, frills… It is meant to be worn as a carnival costume, not as a wedding dress.

Silence.

It seemed Alena was unable to move, because everyone seemed to be staring at her.

– And not to forget the fabric! – The voice was becoming more and more shrill. – Inexpensive synthetics available too! I would never dream of being seen in public like that.

An instant jolt of energy rushed through Alena all of a sudden.

Not knowing what took place, the mother-in-law froze in shock until her daughter-in-law abruptly took hold of her by the shoulders, stepped towards her and pushed her head—her face, actually—deep into the middle of the cake on the top tier.

Everyone was motionless.

“I don’t want to hear your judgment any longer,” Alena answered steadily. “I am tired of keeping quiet.”

She took the microphone, cleaned the crumbs and put it back on.

– Hello to the guests! This is special for us and we will make the best of it! Singers and musicians – make your music!

She went to the dance floor.

The film showed how the previous scene was awkward. All the guests noticed: the long concert was done and the true party was just beginning. I noticed that toasts were now livelier, warmer and more sincere.

Those gathered at the wedding yelled, “To the bride!” out loud.

– To have courage!

— Standing up for yourself when you feel strongly!

Sasha went to talk to his wife after she had taken a little break following their dance.

“I must go to Lyon,” he told the organization.

“What?” She pointedly stared back at him.

It was nothing, he said with a smile. “You are so loved by me.” And… I’m sorry I didn’t step in with Mom before and try to help her sooner.

“That’s all right,” she gently held Adam’s hand. “This allows her to understand the problem herself.”

– He is going to start to talk. But differently.

She left the dining area during main course service.

“Where can I find your mother? I’m looking everywhere,” said a guest while searching.

Sasha said simply, “She went to her house.”

“It is unfortunate,” was all she could say. “He won’t get to see the most special thing.”

“I really like the way she looks in the outfit,” said the neighbor. “Elegant. Things like these are very on-trend right now.

When Alena was deep into cleaning after their wedding, the telephone rang all of a sudden.

– Hello?

– Here is Valentina Grigoryevna. Is Sasha at home now?

– Yes, he is still working at the moment.

– Got it. Tell your husband I got in touch with him.

– Fine.

Typically the subject of the conversation ended there. But the mother-in-law added something which was unexpected:

Oh and let him know I’m not going to come on Saturday. I have existing responsibilities.

Let me pass it on then.

“Thanks,” the woman said.

Sasha got home in the evening and Alena told Anna she wasn’t available.

– She is almost certainly offended.

– No. He is only thinking.

– On what subject?

— That the world is not the way it was before. Nowadays, daughters-in-law have a different role.

She did not appear at the gatherings once more. She made calls every seven days, spoke to her son for about ten minutes and that was all they had.

“How are you feeling?” she asked.
– That’s alright. And you?

It’s exactly the same for me. Today there are many creativity-focused organizations.

— send my regards, said Alena.

— You transfer what you receive to others.

Only a little bit of chatting is seen from each person. There are no requests, no rules and no interference.

Sasha tried to restart their relationship.

– Going to her might be a good idea. You could suggest that she comes over.

But Alena said they should wait:

– Not at all. May it be the way it is. We both got along very well and were easily understood by each other.

They are still strong as a married couple. Alyona from the first day made it clear that she would not act like a submissive wife. She wanted to secure her dignity, her happiness and a better life.