Hearing her name, Marlene turned quickly on her heel and spotted Peter. With a bright smile and bounce in her step she walked over to meet him. At least it wasn't just her, she thought. Maybe the others were here too? Somewhere. Whatever was going on at the moment Peter didn't seem distressed and that put her at ease for now.
Marlene lightly punched Peter's shoulder with giggle and snort. "Oh thanks," she said with a goofy grin. "I clean up pretty good," she said while smoothing out the folds of her dress.
She looked at Peter curiously. "Is it a quick story, Peter?" She said as she raised her hand to point. "I'm rather late as it is for Mum and Dad's party," she explained. "And I was already told," she said and then shook her finger in imitation, as she did her best to mimic her father's gruff voice, "Marlene don't be late!"