Making Amends
by Raindrops8
Recently married Nellie Oleson-Dalton and her husband Percival were doing dishes after a long day in the restaurant. Percival scrubbed uncertainly at a plate; there was something he wanted to discuss with his wife, but he wasn't sure how to talk to her about it.
"Um, Nellie?"
"Yes dear?" Nellie smiled sweetly. She was in a good mood that night.
"I was wondering why you...I mean, I wanted to ask you...no, I, uh...why were so mean?"
That was not exactly the way he had planned on saying things.
Nellie stared gloomily at the dish she was drying, avoiding her husband's eyes.
"I guess it was just...well, at first I didn't really know any other way to act. I mean, my only role model was Mother, and you know how she is."
Percival smiled slightly, and nodded.
"So it was your mother's influence?" He asked.
"Yes, partly," Nellie replied, "And, well, I guess I was just a mean person."
Nellie looked up at Percival.
"I've done so many cruel things, Percival. I can't even begin to count them."
"You know what you need to do, Nellie?" Percival asked softly.
"What?"
"You need to make amends with everyone," he told her, "I mean, I know you're sorry, but do they know that?"
"Your right," Nellie smiled, "And I suppose I should start by apologizing for calling you Quasimodo. I'm sorry, Percival."
Percival grinned, "Apology accepted. Come on, let's go to bed, and these dishes can dry on their own."