The Wedding Guest
Glen, 49, is the owner of a plumbing supply business. Glen's first wife, Sophia, died in a car accident. He was left a widower with three young kids. Soon after, he married Allison, who devoted herself to raising the kids. Then Glen divorced Allison and married Yvette, a teller at the local bank who is half his age. Now Glen's oldest son, Todd, 22, is marrying Taylor.

Glen has stopped by the home of his mother, Janet. He talks with her about the wedding plans.

Janet: Did Taylor decide on a gown yet?

Glen: I don't think so. She and Yvette sit and look at bridal magazines all the time. Taylor's mother lives in Ohio so it's nice that Yvette can help Taylor. They really like each other.

Janet: Well they are pretty close in age, aren't they? You know, Allison is such a beautiful seamstress. I bet she would love to sew Taylor a dress. Have you asked her?

Glen: They're looking for a gown in a store, Ma.

Janet: Too bad. It would be a perfect way for Allison to get to know Taylor and connect with her. Allison is so much a part of this family.

Glen: I can't believe that you're starting with this again. Allison is not part of the family.

Janet: Glen, you may have divorced Allison but I haven't. And I remember how she raised your children after Sophia died. She is still like a mother to them. They visit her all the time. Why they still send her flowers on Mother's Day. And she sends me flowers.

Glen: I know you love Allison. But I have a new wife and Allison is out of the picture and I wish you would respect that.

Janet: Maybe Allison doesn't want to be out of the picture and maybe the children don't want her out of the picture. You're pushing her out of the picture.

Glen: I think you care more about Allison than you do about me. You know -- I'm your son.

Janet: You are my son. And I love you. But I also feel for Allison. She came into a very difficult situation. She took care of those kids as well as Sophia would have. She gave her heart and soul to those children

Glen: Mom, you're right. She was a good mother. But she was not a good wife for me. And I have a new wife.

Janet: Yvette has been in this family only six months. Allison raised those kids, Glen.

Glen: My priority is Yvette. And my marriage.

Janet: That shouldn't stop your children from continuing their bond with Allison.

Glen (his voice rising): They can see her whenever they want to. They can go to her house for dinner but she will not be a part of this wedding.

Janet (shocked): You're not inviting Allison to Todd's wedding? What does Todd say?

Glen: I haven't discussed it with Todd yet.

Janet: I cannot believe this! If Todd and the other kids are happy and well adjusted today it's only because of Allison's devotion.

Glen: I won't have her there! If Allison comes, Yvette will feel shoved aside!

Janet: I want Allison at the wedding!

Glen: It's not your decision! There's a lot you don't know about Allison and me okay? I'm 49 years old and this is my son's wedding! Allison is not coming to the wedding and you're going to have to accept that.

There is a knock on the door. Todd walks in.

Janet: Hi, honey.

Glen (trying hard to keep his composure): How's it going Todd?

Todd: Great. Grandma, I can still use your car, right?

Janet: For you, anything. As long as you stay for a cup of coffee.

Janet, Todd and Glen walk into the kitchen and Janet makes coffee. Soon the conversation turns to the subject of the wedding.

Janet: Your father told me about Allison not being invited. I'm very disappointed. Very.

Todd: I want Allison to come too. You know that. But Dad's been giving me a hard time about it. He says that he and Yvette don't want her to come. And now Taylor and Yvette have gotten real tight.

Glen (crossing his arms and facing his mother): It's not his decision, anyway.

Todd (to his dad): I'm a grown man. I'm getting married. And I'll decide who is coming to my wedding. I'm going to talk to Yvette.

Janet: Good for you, Todd.

Glen: If you remember, I'm the one paying for your honeymoon, son. So I suggest that you don't get involved where you're not supposed to. I'll talk to Yvette.

Todd: Fine. But it's my decision, Dad.

Glen: You and I will decide together.

Janet: If you don't invite Allison, I won't show up.

Glen (stunned): You can't be serious!

Janet: If you don't want the kids' mother who raised them like a mother, you can do without the kids' grandmother as well. Tell that to Yvette and see what she does with that information.

Glen (anger rising): It's not Yvette deciding, Mother. It's me. And don't blackmail me! It's not going to work. You have no appreciation of what I've been through! I'm finally happy. Take Allison to lunch. Take Allison on a cruise to Alaska. Do whatever you want with her! Just leave her out of the wedding!