Ally caught up with Penelope to hold her hand. "Penelope, there is something I must ask you while the others are ahead," she said.
"Go on," Penelope replied.
"We are close, aren't we?" Ally asked, testing the waters.
Penelope laughed since it was silly to ask. "I like to think that we are close. We have known each other all our lives because of our mothers. Did you have doubts that we were close?"
"No," Ally responded, shaking her head. "I know that we are close, but I want to hear you say it. I fear you and Julie tend to have more to speak about, though she is not married. There are moments when I feel excluded."
"Julie tends to be more bold and speaks what is on her mind. I understand that, since I am now married, our friendship will likely change a bit, but Julie can talk without becoming flustered. You don't need to feel excluded," said Penelope.
