Jess looked out the train window to see the familiar scenery of Portland. It had been a few years since she had been back, and it wasn't until she saw the scenes of her childhood memories that she realized how much she missed home. Although she was excited to be back, she wasn't particularly thrilled about the circumstances that were bringing her back to Portland.
Jess tried to be happy for her father when he introduced her to his new girlfriend, Ashley Beckerman. If she was being honest though, Jess was not pleased that her father was dating her old classmate, the girl that used to bully and tease her. However, she thought her father was just going through a phase and tried to be supportive of the relationship. She was shocked when the wedding invitation came last month. Clearly, this was not a phase. But, not wanting to disappoint her father, Jess decided to suck it up, support her father, and agreed to be a bridesmaid.
And so now Jess found herself on the train to Portland, with Cece and her loftmates, to attend her father's wedding.
She looked over at her friends. Nick and Winston, who fell asleep before they had even pulled out of the station in L.A, were still fast asleep, Schmidt was reading on his Kindle, and Cece and Coach were engrossed in a conversation about some stupid reality show they both watched. Jess couldn't help but smile to herself; she was so grateful to have them in her life. Jess's father had graciously opened the invitation to the five of them and they, being the understanding friends that they are, agreed to come along.
"Final stop: Portland Oregon," Jess heard the train conductor announcing. She turned back to the window as the train pulled into the station. She heard Cece waking up Winston and Nick and everyone gathering up their things. She continued to sit and stare out the window as the train came to a stop and the passengers emptied out onto the platform.
"Jess, are you coming?"
Jess felt a hand on her shoulder, yet didn't move. She watched as passengers met their loved ones on the platforms, hugging, kissing, and laughing as they walked out of the station. She continued looking out the window and saw her father standing at the other end of the station, eagerly scanning the crowd.
"Jess, are you alright?" Jess turned away from the window, coming face-to-face with Nick, whose hand was still gently placed on her shoulder. She felt a tear building up in her eyes and didn't fight it as it slowly fell down her cheek. Nick moved his hand to her cheek and wiped away the tear with his thumb.
"Jess, I know this weekend is going to be hard, but I'm here for you … I mean, we're all here for you," Nick said, trying to comfort her.
Jess leaned her head into Nick's hand. Although they were no longer together, she still loved him. This past year, since they had broken up, had been the hardest year of her life. Jess loved Nick more then she had ever loved anyone, but they wanted different things. Having to live in the same loft as him and not being able to be with him was killing her.
"Thanks Nick." Jess cupped her hand around Nick's and looked up at him. He was smiling down at her and she smiled back. Nick took Jess's hand in his and pulled her up. He picked her bag up and threw it over his shoulder with his as he led her out onto the platform.
"Jess!" Bob Day was calling out to his daughter as she watched him make his way through the crowd. She looked up at Nick who gave her a reassuring smile.
Jess let go of his hand and made her way over to her father. "Dad!"