Oh, Andi!

By Maren C.

**This happens a week after Andi and Riley are married.**

Surprisingly, Riley wasn’t too shocked when I told him I was going to this meeting. Andi smoothed her blue split skirt for the hundredth time.
At first going to a Ladies Aid meeting didn’t seem too bad.
Now, as Andi rode into town she felt a bit self-conscious. A married woman of eighteen in this day and age wouldn't RIDE into town to a fancy meeting. Well, I guess I’m not everybody.
She kept Shasta at an easy lope hoping to avoid a rumpled appearance as much as possible.
She couldn’t have used the wagon since a wheel spoke had broken and Riley had yet to fix it.
The reason she had finally decided to attend the ladies aid was she was tired of the town gossips wagging their tongues.
She had overheard while at Goodwin's Mercantile.
"When is Andrea Carter-- beg my pardon-- Prescott ever going to act like a lady? " Mrs. King's lofty voice filled the air in a half whisper.
Virginia Foster–now Goodwin–had glanced up from the counter with a sympathetic smile. She knew Andi had heard every word.
Andi now regretted sitting on Virginia all these years ago in school. Even if she had asked for it by slapping Andi's face.
Now, Andi and Virginia were on great terms. Though never close friends. Thanks be to God.
Now, Andi hoped to prove the gossips wrong.
Mrs. King and Mrs. Evans always attended the meetings. Where they could get more fuel for their tongue waging fires. Also this one was to be held at Mrs. King's house.
Andi hoped she wouldn’t mess anything up. But, that false hope was too late.
As she pulled Shasta to a stop and tied her colt to the hitching post she triple checked her loaf of bread neatly tucked in her saddle bag.
Most of the attendees brought food and pastries to share.
Andi had made the bread this morning and thought it turned out alright. She was wrong. The bottom of the loaf was burnt, a thick layer of black crust.
It probably wasn’t the best idea to try a new recipe. But, Melinda’s cinnamon bread recipe would be just perfect for the occasion.
Everyone will see the beautiful desserts the other women made and mine will go unnoticed. It's too late now.


The meeting was as dull and boring as Andi hoped it would be. The group worked on sewing blankets for the needy. Which Andi didn’t really mind.
That is until desserts were unwrapped and placed on a nearby table with tea.
Everyone passed up Andi’s contribution and gapped over the chocolate layer cake. Unfortunately made by Mrs. King.
Andi’s sister tapped her shoulder, “ Mrs. King is eyeing your loaf! I think she might try some.”
Andi nearly groaned, “ But, Melinda the bottom is burnt.”
“Just hope she doesn't notice.”
Sure sis, easy for you to say. Andi shrugged.
But, her quiet plea was ignored. Mrs. King cut a thick slice, and took a bite.
Andi was ready for an outburst from the old biddy.
But, not a one came.
Instead she smiled and nodded at Andi approvingly.
“ She likes it.” Melinda stifled a laugh.
“ I know.” Andi smiled. “ Who knew that old hen liked burnt bread.”
“ Oh Andi.” Melinda smiled.
The sisters turned back to the full sitting room.
But Andi felt like the bell of the ball.

The End