Author's Note: Here's the Epilogue! I hope you enjoy!
1 Year since Derry
Miami, Florida
"When did Richie say he was going to come to meet us?"
"His plane landed 30 minutes before ours,"
"Huh….how in the hell did we beat him then to the rental car place?"
"It's Richie, sweetheart. I don't try to think too hard on these kinds of things that involve him."
The weather was sticky and warm, humid against our skin as both were waiting outside of the seminal at Miami International Airport. It was the perfect time to head down to see Mike at his beach home, and a reunion was much needed for all of us. This past year was brutal, we all were trying to at least get a good grip on our new reality, and this 1-year reunion was much needed for us.
It was odd, though, since Stanley was more than willing to go down to Miami without a struggle behind it. I knew he wasn't going to be a huge fan of beaches or being out in the sun for a long time, plus the beach wasn't the cleanest. Yet, he was excited that Florida was mentioned on the FaceTime session, and because of that, Florida was the destination.
Our first full year together had its ups and downs of course. I had a new job as one of the coaches on the USA Olympic Track and Field team, which was harder than I thought it was going to be. I got my bearings after a few weeks, trying to reface my mind from being a runner to a coach. It made me miss running, yet I was bi-curiously living through the athletes I was training. Stanley with his job, had his stressful moments since his firm was rather large in the City of Boston. There was plenty of pressure for him since he was still relatively new to the firm in comparison to his co-workers.
But we both had stressful moments, which were the worst since a few times we would argue and fight. I could see those moments when he got home, his shoulders hunched up to his ears and his walk was stiff as a board. I, on the other hand, would do relatively quiet and get the worst pain in my neck along with making a fist in my hand. When it came to those moments when we were stressed or we would fight, it took us some time to learn who to help the other. It was a new rule for us: never go to bed angry to frustrated with one another. We had to work it out somehow before going to sleep.
That first year together was challenging, but I was grateful for it.
We had our first sets of holidays together, including Christmas. Other than Stanley's Christmas Office party and my team's holiday dinner at the head coach's house, we enjoyed celebrating it together as a couple. It was a fun first Christmas together, picking out a tree and shopping for the decorations. Stanley never had a real Christmas since he was raised Jewish, and when he moved out to go on his own he never really got into Christmas.
It was like showing a young boy the true meaning of the holiday, and my dad was worse than me. As soon as it was December, he brought over some of the old ornaments for Stanley and me to have together and even gave us some recipes for a great Christmas dinner while wearing a Santa Hat. I was grateful for the relationship that Stanley and my dad had, it was a good thing to witness since I knew Stanley's relationship with his parents was nonexistent.
We talked about it earlier on when we were in bed together late in the night, Stanley told me that he stopped being in contact with both of them when he went off to college because of how conflicted he was feeling about his faith. He told them that he didn't believe anymore, and because of that, they turned their backs on them. As bad as it was that I could picture his father doing something like that, it was worse trying to picture a college-aged Stanley being rejected by his mother and father. I felt bad for him, seeing him shrug as he looked at me from his head on his pillow.
"I lost my faith, and because of that, I lost my parents. My dad couldn't handle me not believing in anything like I used to, and I learned to deal with it," he explained as I felt some sadness there. I couldn't picture what my life would be like without my father in it, let alone having a staggered relationship with him. The only thing I could do was be there for him when he would have those moments he wished his parents were there. I knew they were there, even when Stanley wasn't going to say anything.
"Oh Christ," Stanley moaned as I looked up at my phone and saw him roll his eyes.
"What?" I asked, not understanding. Without even looking at me, Stanley pointed with his hand over to what seemed to be a black 2018 Mercedes- Benz GLC Class. It drove over to stop right in front of both of us. It was a gorgeous car, but I knew what set Stanley off was the person behind it.
"Hello, losers! Like my ride?"
It was Richie Tozier.
I was shocked to see Richie behind the wheel of this kind of car, and yet it did suit him with his big personality. Richie improved himself quite a bit since we saw each other back in February when he was on a widely successful east coast comedy tour with a few nights in Boston and then New York. He had his hair styled nicely and was cut short, his big glasses got somewhat of an upgrade with new frames and he barely wore his typical loud button-down shirts anymore. He seemed to have cleaned up his act altogether. But of course, since this vacation involved a reunion with the Losers Club, he as wearing a Hawaiian shirt, swim trunks, and Ray-Ban Wayfarers.
"You rented this?" I asked as Richie turned off the car and jogged around to the other side with a massive grin on his face.
"I got this at a good discount from one of the employees here since he's a massive fan. I signed a few autographs for him and his kid, even threw in a pair of tickets to my show here in Miami in August, and he showed me this beauty." He explained as he looked at the car with pride, "Now how could you say no to this?"
"Was he high when he signed it to you?" Stanley asked dryly, Richie giving him a mocked shout and look.
"Stanley Uris, how dare you!" He said in his Southern accent, "I'd expect better from a Georgia man like yourself! Your manners are downright absurd!"
"I'm from Maine like you, dumb-ass," Stanley commented back, but he had to give Richie a small smile as Richie gave him a massive bear hug. Once Richie pulled away, he looked at the outfit I was wearing: a gray tank top with a tie-dye floor-length shirt, a straw fedora hat, and flip flops with my aviators and the new prosthetic arm that I painted and designed myself. Richie gasped, giving me a wink before he placed his hands together and gave a slight bow.
"Namaste," he said in his attempt at a stoner tone. I chuckled and flipped him off as he then pointed to Stanley's outside in shock, already screeching.
"You're wearing shorts? Actual fucking shorts?! At this rate, you're going to be flashing everyone here in Florida with your gorgeous pasty white legs!" Richie said in shock as he was drinking in what Stanley was wearing: light brown khaki shorts with a cotton shirt and a light blue button-up over the top, his own sunglasses on, and his hair perfectly pushed to the side.
"First of all, these are Khaki shorts, not jeans shorts. And secondly, you've seen me in shorts before," Stanley grumbled as he took both my bag and his bad to load in the car. Richie rolled his eyes as he looked at me and pointed at Stanley.
"How do you put up with him?" he said as a joke as we embraced each other.
"With patience, Richie. Lots of it," I joked, seeing a wide grin as Stanley poke his head out from trying to fit our suitcases in the trunk of the car.
"I heard that," He said, having me chuckle as I walked over to him and painted a kiss on his lips.
"And I love you too," I replied as Richie making a mocking vomiting noise.
"If you two are trying to make it was the cutest couple, who's gonna tell the future Mr. and Mrs. Hanscom?" Richie asked as he walked over to hop in the driver's seat. Stanley went to the driver's side as I was in the back. I had to laugh from his remark.
"They already win, since they're getting married in three months out in Hawaii. For now on they'll win," I replied, "Has Ben sent you the itinerary yet for that weekend?"
"Yeah, I got the email. Man, those two are very thorough in what they want, including the Bachelor and Bachelorette Party," Richie answered, "I wasn't going to plan anything lewd at the Bachelor Party, does Ben not know me at all?"
"Well, we're all his groomsmen and Robin's a bridesmaid," Stanley explained while he snapped his seatbelt on, "Knowing our track record they have to keep an eye on us the whole time…or just some of us."
"Now that's just rude!" Richie said in a sarcastic tone, "I can behave when I need to. I'm not gonna stir up shit at my friends' wedding,"
"I don't think they're implying you will," I corrected him, "This is a big wedding since both of their fields have a lot of people and celebrities. I even heard Ralph Lauren will be there since he knows Beverly,"
"Damnit, I should have brought my best Hawaiian Shirt by Juicy Couture," Richie mocked as we rolled our eyes.
"A wedding in Hawaii with Celebrities, it does sound like something a fashion Designer and famous Architect would pull off," Stanley hummed in amusement.
"And yet they have their ragtag childhood friends in their Bridal Party. It's gonna be one kick-ass wedding for sure!" Richie said in glee as he turned on the car engine, revving it a few times before we started our drive.
I leaned back in my seat as I felt the hot wind on my face, ready for a relaxing vacation.
Two hours later we were at an Air BnB that was a few streets over from Mike's house in Fort. Piers, Florida. Just deriving down the highway with the windows down and seeing the vast white beaches that were rolling by made them seem more like a dream, all of us becoming insanely jealous of Mike and where lived. The pictures he would send us didn't do justice with what we were seeing when we arrived at his house after dropping our things off at our rental.
His house was nice and small, it was perfect for him, he greeted us with a big smile as we showed up, giving us all hugs and showing us around his home with pride on his face. It was just a shock to see Mike in shorts, flip flops, a loose t-shirt, and what seemed to be a new aura of energy around him. He looked like a different person since he left Derry, and that was what we wanted for him
Mike's house had so much character, even with the books Mike's collected and brought scattered around the place and the constant ocean breeze that came in from the open windows. Bill with his lovely wife Audra and Richie were going to stay with Mike since he had a spare guest room for Bill and Audra and a pull-out couch for Richie, whereas the rest of us were going to be at the Air BnB. It was going to be a great 5 days together in Florida.
Our first night for dinner was held at Mike's house, which was walking distance from the beach. After we ate freshly caught fish for dinner at the house we all made our way to the beach and made a bonfire in one of the pre-made pits. It felt like we spend the whole night out there, but it was only a few hours. The warm air even at night engulfed us as we were sitting in a circle together, talking about the upcoming Hanscom Wedding and other adventures that were going to go on. We even loved telling Audra some of the old Loser Club memories and stories, and when some of them involved her husband Bill would blush madly. I could tell we all liked her in how she was with him.
We spent the rest of the day out on the beach, which was small enough to be condemned private and yet there were only a few locals who were there since they knew about it. We made camp with our towels, spending the whole day with sand in between our toes and swimming through the waves. Beverly, Audra, and I spent half of the day sunbathing and reading trashy magazines while the boys would swim and horse around in the water like we did when we were kids at the quarry or the community pool. We had to laugh in how they would attempt to play chicken, but they complained they were too old and fat to do that.
"Were they always like this when they were young?" Audra asked in her gorgeous accent as the three of us were laying out and watching the rest of our group horse playing in the water. Beverly and I could only look at each other with smirks on our face as Beverly answered.
"It never stopped,"
I was just glad to have this whole day with my friends, even going into the water and swimming a bit. When it came to my leg, all that was left was a distinct scar and ghost pains every once in a while. My recovery was brutal but successful, and even though I wasn't running anymore, the long walks with Stanley or walking on the treadmill at work were enough.
I woke up early in the morning on the third day, briefly remembering that I had another brief nightmare bit I completely forgot what it was. I breathed in sharply, not saying anything as I was looking out the mass window in our bedroom, hearing the waves from the beach not too far away. It was barely 5 in the morning, the cool air from the beach was seeping in the room because we barely left the door open to our balcony.
As best as I could, I maneuvered Stanley's arm that was wrapped around my waist and slid out of bed, reaching over to grab a kimono that I brought that as draped over the desk chair next to our bed. Once it was on, I silently walked over to the slightly opened sliding glass door to sneak out onto the balcony. Everything was cool and a tint of blue, the light of the upcoming sunrise was seeping into the sky as I breathed deeply and felt the crisp salty air on my skin.
At first, I thought it was me. But knowing that it was one year ago when we were reunited back in Derry, coming back together to defeat Pennywise and succeeding in that. It made me wonder if what would have happened if we didn't win…what if it was reversed and we all died? A shiver came through me from thinking that way and having such a dark thought. And it only took a few days together Brin our childhood town to change the tides in all our lives.
"Hey,"
An arm wrapped around my waist gently as I was still staring out at the ocean. I knew that touch all too well, soothing, and with a hint of possessiveness. The cool breeze hitting both of us carefully as we could see the sky getting lighter as the minutes were going by. Maybe we stood there together for five minutes or even twenty, but it was just nice and quiet for both of us to be there together. Finally, I looked over at Stanley.
He was staring right back at me. I noticed how he was wearing a white shirt with his boxers, his hair disheveled from his deep sleep and a restful look ib his face. Just the way he was staring at me made me feel like I was under the radar with how he was watching me. The warmth in my stomach was there, and all from just a stare and gaze.
"Let's go for a walk," He said to me carefully and softly. I had to chuckle at him from how aloof he was sounding as I pointed to the sky.
"It's a bit too early don't you think?" I asked, Stanley, shrugging with his smile still on his face.
"I don't think so," He answered.
And so we walked.
"I'm not gonna lie, Stan, you've been looking good since we came here to Florida," I commented to him as we were walking together with laced fingers, the soft rolling of the ocean waves were going along our bare feet and not a single soul was seen. We slipped on some sweat pants to wear and I kept on my kimono as Stanley was wearing one of his cotton zip jackets since it was still just a bit too cold for just our shirts.
"You make it sound like I was terrible back in Boston," He said in a chuckle as I shook my head and leaned my head on his shoulder.
"Not at all," I calmly responded with a grin as we were walking. I enjoyed these small moments with Stanley, it made me treasure then since we both had high profile jobs that were stressful and daunting at times. This vacation as something we both needed.
"I can't believe it's been a year," I said almost in a daze, feeling Stanley's hand in my own squeezing a bit tighter, "How crazy that we went through something like that and made it out,"
"It was a fucking miracle," Stanley said in agreement, "In all honesty, I'm surprised it all happened. Some of it I would want to take back,"
"What part?" I questioned.
"For one what happened to Georgie, no one deserved to die like that. None of them did," Stanley answered, "And secondly….how I was back then in dealing with all of this,"
"We talked about this—" I started,
"I know," He replied to cut me off gently, "I know, Robin. But It's still something I'm gonna live with for a while. It's still fresh for me, but not as bad as it was before. The Losers made it better….you made it better,"
"It's because I love you and I know you're far more than your mistakes," I reminded him. We were comfortable just walking together for a few moments until I could see a small area of the beach that looked like a good spot to place my feet in the water. Releasing my grasp from Stanley's hand, I walked over to the very edge where I saw the water going in and out. With gentle precision, I rolled my sweatpant's legs up to mid-calf and stood still to feel the water going around my feet, in and out with the current. I was simply enjoying the soothing ocean and how the water was calming me down by just touching my feet. I had to smile, wrapping my kimono around me.
"Stan when we get back we should—" I turned to talk to him, but I was frozen, my whole body going stiff as a board with what was going on right behind me. My eyes went wide and my hand that was holding the kimono together was grabbing it in a tight grip.
Stanley was kneeling on one knee in the sand, and he was watching me with the much intense eyes ever.
"I didn't know how else to do this, and I didn't know how to make it perfect. But just being here with you, out here on a beach right before the sun comes up seems to be the right time," he said to me so casually and calm, "The way you're in the water and not caring if your feet get wet, and I'm back here in the sand just worried about getting dirty, it clearly shows how our relationship does work. We're different, you and I, and yet we can live together so wonderfully. If anyone can put up with my sarcasm and neurotic ways it would have to be you,"
He reached into his sweatpants pocket and pulled out a small velvet box, holding it so carefully in his hand before he then looked at me so serious and loving at the same time. At this point, I wanted to cry since I didn't think this was going to happen right now.
"We've known each other since we were 9 years old, We've seen each other through our worst and our best, and we fought an alien demonic clown together," he explained as I could tell in the tone of his voice he was trying to hold it together. I smiled my eyes were wet with tears as I held up two fingers.
"Twice," I added, seeing him look at me in confusion, "We fought an alien demonic clown twice,"
He laughed lightly, looking down with a big grin on his face as he nodded.
"Alright, twice then," he added to his speech as he opened the tiny box to show a magnificent ring, "I'm alive because of you, I'm happier because of you, and I don't want to go through one more day in this life that I have without you by my side. Robin Levy, will you marry me?"
I smiled so wide it felt like my face was going to snap in two. My whole life with Stanley was unfolding to such a beautiful moment that it was almost making it completely altogether. From the moment we met when we were kids int he cafeteria, locking eyes for the first time, all the way to when I heard his voice on the phone as an adult, it was a puzzle with all the pieces coming together. I never thought I would be lovesick over a person before, and what I felt with the other Losers was way more platonic than romantic.
Finally, I knelt in front of him, smiling so widely at him as we were at the same eye level. I placed my hand on his hand that was holding the ring.
"Nothing would make me happier than marrying you," I explained, seeing his smile getting big as I lensed in to kiss him. The sun starting to shine above up in the sky as we were officially engaged on a Florida Beach. My life seemed so much more peaceful and fulfilled then, and though I knew in the back of my head we were going to be married at some time, it threw me for a loop that it happened now.
When Stanley and I walked back to our Air BnB, we were greeted with the rest of the group waiting for us on the front porch, including Mike, Richie, Audra, and Bill. They were all still in their pajamas, drinking coffee and grinning as they were lounging on the chairs loveseats plastered outside. As soon as they could see us walking up the sidewalk, Richie was the first one who could see it on our faces and he threw a fist up in the air.
"I CALLED IT!" Richie said in glee before he pointed his finger at Eddie who was drinking his coffee at the loveseat next to Audra, "You owe me twenty bucks! Cough it up, Spaghetti!"
Eddie groaned and hit his head in his hands, "Goddamnit."
3 Months Later
Hawaii
"Robin? You okay?"
"No…No but I just need a minute…."
I was sitting on a closed toilet seat, trying to take even breaths in a luxury hotel bathroom 3 hours before Ben and Beverly's wedding. My head was so light and dizzy I was trying so hard not to pass out. This was supposed to be their day, the weather was perfect and the wedding was all coming together. But here was in the bathroom, wearing my bridesmaid dress and seeing a stick perched on the bathroom counter. My deep teal dress seemed bunched out as just outside the bathroom was the bridal suite with the bridal party, Beverly was getting her dress and make up ready for the big day. God, I was pathetic.
"I'm coming in," I heard on the other side, the door slowly opening and I looked up. Beverly came into the bathroom and was shutting the door right behind her, turning back to look at me sitting awkwardly on the toilet. She already had her make up on and she was wearing a slip dress. Her hair was perfectly poised to make her look like a 1920's movie star, finished with rosy lips and light eyeshadow.
She was a bombshell, and yet she was in a bathroom in her slip helping her crying friend.
"Robin, you're scaring me being in here like this," She said in worry as she knelt to get to my eye level, "We were supposed to joke out there to get my nerves to go away."
"I'm sorry. You should be getting ready for your wedding, Bev," I explained, my hand was shaking because of it resting on my bouncing leg. I could see my engagement ring shin in the florescent light: a perfectly circular ring. She scoffed and waved me off.
"All I have to do is step into the damn thing, I've practiced doing that for the past few nights. So right now I want to make sure my oldest girlfriend is okay," She explained. I took in a shallow breath, finally having the nerve to look at her dead in the eye.
"Okay, for about a week or so now, I haven't been feeling the best. I'm been throwing up all the time, breaking out in cool sweats and cravings pickles…I hate pickles. It made me think of what could be wrong and I thought of everything….all except one," I paused, slowly looking over at the stick that was perched on the bathroom countertop. Beverly looked too, not moving for a second before she stood up and grabbed a piece of toilet paper to grab the stick. She held it delicately in her hands as I found my voice again.
"I didn't want to spoil your big day or anything, Bev. Please don't be mad," I said to her in worry as I was watching her eyes to see her reaction. But she was slowly doing the opposite: her face was getting warm and her eyes were glistening with a wide smile. I was shocked by how she was reacting, then sniffling.
"Bev, you're gonna ruin your make up that you paid thousands of dollars for, for Christ's sake," I said in a groan as I shot up and stood in front of her. She waved me off with her glint of a smile and I got one tear with a tissue. We both looked down at her hand, holding the toilet paper that was underneath the pregnancy test.
A positive pregnancy test.
"You're gonna have a baby?" She asked in a grin. As soon as she said it, it was real. I was thinking that this was a trick being played, something that I maybe subconsciously wanted but we never thought we would ever encounter. Stanley and I spoke about it, and although we both were a bit older in our early 40's we didn't think this far along. We weren't even married yet, planning our wedding very slowly and with no pressure or strain.
But this, although it wasn't planned at all, it still felt right.
"Yeah," I breathed, seeing how my smile was growing and how I was feeling so giddy about it, "I'm gonna have a baby….holy shit!" I gasped in a giggle as I was letting it sink into my brain, "Just saying it makes me feel insane!"
Beverly placed the pregnancy test on the counter and then gave me the biggest hug in the world. I squeezed her back, hearing her chuckle as we were hugging in a hotel bathroom. Once we pulled away I saw her try to wave the tears away from her precise makeup.
"What are you gonna tell Stanley?" She asked as I shook my head and rubbed her arms.
"I'm not gonna worry about right now. Right now we need to get you married to the love of your life," I told her as I rolled my shoulders, grabbed a tissue and dabbed the few tears that did come out from myself and for Beverly too. She was still grinning, looking at herself in the mirror to check her reflection one more time. The cool collected self-esteem personality of Beverly came out as she was staring herself down in the mirror, standing so tall and sure of herself.
"I'm gonna marry Ben Hanscom," She said with an air of pride in her voice. I was happy at the moment with my now good news, but that was on the back burner in comparison to what was going to happen to Beverly and Ben. They both deserved each other, especially Beverly since she always felt something was missing in her life, or in this case, someone.
"Go blow his socks off, Bev."
The wedding was perfect, beyond perfect for Ben and Beverly.
Eddie walked Beverly down the aisle as the rest of us stood at the flank for both Ben and Beverly. The sun was setting right at the perfect moment, the sweet smell of the ocean and orchids floating in the sir from Beverly's bouquet as she looked beyond radiant. She designed her very own dress, it hugged her curves perfectly and made her look like an angel as Ben was waiting for her in his designer tux, of course, thanks to Beverly.
Both of them were too engrossed with each other and the ceremony to see the rest of us feeling the same way. At one moment when Ben was reading his vows to Beverly with some tears in his eyes, I could see Stanley on the other side of the podium as he was standing behind Bill and in front of Richie. He was smiling throughout the ceremony, looking just as handsome with his own tux and dark blue tie to match the others and his hair handled to look decent. He even saw me looking at him, giving me a quick wink.
Of course, I was trying to focus on the wedding that we were all participating in, but the surprise pregnancy was still in the back of my mind. I didn't know what I was going to say, when or where. I had to find a way to tell him, and maybe it was going to be another night. Today was about the wedding.
When Ben and Beverly kissed as husband and wife, we were all cheering them.
The reception was held outside the hotel and in the main courtyard, the weather was cool enough with the tiki torches lit and the moon rising high in the night sky. There was a massive dance floor in the middle of the courtyard with the tables and chairs surrounding the floor. Everything was going so smoothly the whole night, our entire group having their own table near the smaller table that was just for the newlyweds. It was safe to say that our table was the loudest, but it was the most fun as well.
By the time we were deep into the reception and the cake was already cut, the butterflies that I was feeling from what I was holding inside was getting worse. We've been dancing all night, and I even had a turn to dance with Ben as Stanley did with Beverly, just like everyone else. But my thoughts were moving back and forth as we were all talking together at the table. Audra got up from the table to get another round of drinks. So far I was staying in the clear when it came to drinking, saying that I was only needing water.
"You want a drink, Robin?" Audra asked me politely. I just shook my head, though it was a bit harder than it should and Stanley caught the gesture.
"No, thank you," I replied, seeing Audra give me one last look, as if she could read my mind, I stared back, not knowing what to say. But now both Stanley and Bill were giving me an odd look since I looked down and Audra walked away.
"Hey," Stanley said under this breath next to me as he leaned over a bit, his face knotted with concern, "You okay?"
"It's nothing," I said to him, but he was still pressing.
"You still feeling sick?" He asked as I was reaching over to grab my water. I took a good drink before setting the glass back down on the table a bit too harshly, now Eddie and Mike were looking over at me from the sound of my glass. I was getting flushed, this was not what I wanted as I nodded carefully at Stanley.
"I'm still a little out of it, plus the whole wedding was a lot," I commented, seeing Stanley still looking at me in confusion.
"Well, everything went off without a hitch, so you shouldn't be so freaked out," Stanley tried to reason with me, and then Bill spoke up.
"You do look a little flushed out here, no offense," he said to me with a frown, "It's the humidity, isn't it?"
"Doubtful, Bill. Bet you she's thinking about your guys' wedding coming up," Eddie commented with a shrug of his shoulders, somewhat changing the subject, "Speaking of which, Stanley, how's the planning coming along?"
"Oh," Stanley said a bit flustered as he took a drink of his wine before he started talking to Eddie about how we were thinking of the summer next year and what kind of chocolate cake we decided on. My mind was already lost, feeling more nervous about this than excited. Why was I nervous? This was with Stanley, whom I know would be a fantastic father, but the small part of me was still scared of this.
What if I was a bad mother? What if I did something that would screw this kid up? What if we couldn't afford it, or our bad childhoods were going to come back as karma for this one? Were we going to be just as good parents as we could be?
"Oh my God!"
All of our heads snapped up as we heard Audra exclaim so loud. Thankfully the only other table that heard it was of course Beverly and Ben, both of whom were now craning their heads over in our direction from their newlywed table as Audra was looking right at me with both of her hands occupying Red Wine glasses. Everyone else was confused, not understanding as I could see now that Audra knew. How could she know?
"Audra, what's going on?" Bill asked as he was about to get up. Audra immediately placed the two glasses of wine on the table and then walked over briskly to squat down semi-appropriately in her dress to stare at me. Stanley was way concerned now as the rest of the table was watching with hawk eyes.
"Are you…." She said in a low tone. Now, even though I barely knew her in comparison to the others at the table, it felt like I was about to explode. I nodded my head, my smile now etched on my face as she too grinned, "I could tell. You're glowing already."
"What in the fuck is going on?" Richie asked when he looked up from his phone, clearly not getting what is going on as Audra stood back up completely. She waltzed over to Bill and sat in his lap, Bill whispering in her ear and she shook her head though she was watching me. Ben and Beverly were walking over, arms around each other as they were wanting in on the conversation. I took a long breath before I looked over at Stanley, seeing that he was looking at me beyond petrified that he wasn't in on the game that was happening.
"Robin, what's going on? You're scaring me," he pleaded as I gave me a small smirk.
"Stanley, I wanted to tell you after the wedding, but I just found out and I didn't think I could hold it in anymore," I said to him calmly but my voice was quivering with every syllable I was saying. He was still staring at me, not understanding at first. But I slowly reached up to his hand that was on the table, and without saying a word or turning my gaze away from his stare, I moved his hand to be placed over my lower stomach.
No one said a word and no one moved. It took at most 4 seconds.
Stanley was looking at my stomach, his face knotting in confusion and uncertainty. But then his head shot up, looking right at me and it looked like I punched the wind out of him. I gave out a breathy laugh, nodding my head as he was trying to read my mind and see if it was true.
Immediately he swooped me in his arms, having me cry out as he wrapped his arms around me and stung me around at the side of the table. I was holding on for dear life but I was grinning from ear to ear. Stanley was holding me so protectively as he finally placed me back down on my feet and gave me a long kiss, smiling through the whole thing.
When we pulled away, we both looked over at our table and could see all of their faces erupting in grins and smiles. It was a blissful moment as Richie stood up with his glass in his hand, a wide snarky smile was etched on his face as he pointed to us and shouted:
"MY BEST FRIENDS ARE HAVING A BABY! FUCK YEAH!"
No one hushed him, rather they cheered for us as I immediately hid my face in Stanley's chest as he hugged me close and kissed my hair. Of course, I would have wanted this to be more private but then again my friends were already there for us. It felt right, it felt good. Ben hugged me as Beverly hugged Stanley, plenty of pats on the back and embraces ensued as the wedding was winding down slowly. There were plenty of things that we had to discuss and take care of before we were going to become parents, but until then, I was going to live in this basked glow of happiness.
The recent months that ensued were blended in both chaos and excitement.
I was given a great opportunity within the paralympic community at their recent Paralympic trails. It was held over in England, Stanley, and I had the chance to go since I was asked to be one of the head coaches for the USA Track and Field team for the upcoming year. We got to stay for at least two weeks, the weather was still cool enough for us to enjoy some of the landmarks and tourist sights when I wasn't on the job.
I was barely showing, and we had the Losers swore to secrecy about my pregnancy until I was ready to tell the public. I was still somewhat prominent in the Sports World since I started becoming a coach than a runner. If I thought it was bad when they found out about Stanley and I dating, let alone our engagement, then the pregnancy was going to be worse. Don't get me wrong: I wasn't a huge celebrity on the radar of the tabloid as someone like Richie who was now in a TV show and was a guest appearance on SNL a few times, or Bill with his new book that was a smash hit, but I was still getting some publicity. The others understood completely, and all I wanted to focus on was my coaching career.
One day, however, I was giving a new opportunity.
I was with the athletes I was training after the had a few trial runs at the track. It was a cooler day, the rain was about to come through and we decided to call it a day. A scattering of fans was in the bleachers as I was standing on the side of the track with my stopwatch and making sure my runners were staying at the proper time. Stanley was working from the stands briefly, but he was watching most of the time as we were wrapping out our day.
"Good work today," I said to my a runner, a young 21-year-old woman from Kentucky name Sarah. She lost her right arm from an accident when she was only two years old, an infection made her lose her arm in an intense operation that could have taken her life. Luckily she survived and went on to be the fastest runner in both her high school and college. I had to give her credit: she was very good, light on her feet, and was pushing herself every day not he track. I could tell he was going to be the next big superstar in Track and Field.
"Thanks, Coach Levy," She thanked, her soothing Kentucky accent made me grin every time I heard it as I clasped her shoulder, "The last sprint get me though, I think I'm about to pull it too hard on the last seconds,"
"It happens," I reminded her as we walked over our duffle bags that were perched right under the gran stands out of the sprinkling rain that started coming down, "Remember to go push through on her legs, not your feet or else you're gonna sprain it,"
"Sure thing," She replied as she huffed and grabbed her water bottle that was perched on the bag. Stanley was waiting for me by the stairs, and I saw a bit behind him what seemed to be a mother and a daughter waiting a bit away too, nowhere near Stanley. The little girl had to have been about 4 years old, she looking early at me and almost shy as her mother was standing next to her with a hand on her shoulder.
"You ready to go?" Stanley asked as I was handing him my duffle bag, and yet I paused. I could tell that little girl was looking right at me, her eyes a bit big and showing me that she did want to talk. I gave Stanley a quick look before I held up a finger to him.
"Hang on," I told him, seeing him look at me in confusion. Sarah too was confused as I walked over to the little girl and her mother, still on the track floor and they were raised by a bit my the stands.
"Hi there," I said to her with a smile, seeing her almost shift instantly behind her mother in shyness, "Were you watching the running today?"
Shyly, she nodded her head, almost hiding her face in her mother's rain coast as her mother chuckled.
"She loves to watch the runners," Her mother explained as she held out her hand for me to shake, "I'm Molly, this little one here is my daughter Astrid."
"Hello, Astrid," I said to her sweetly, seeing her poke her head out a bit more now since I was being friendly with her. I even waved, seeing her small finger slightly wave back briefly.
"She's a massive fan of yours, even watched you race last Paralympics and loved you since." Her mother explained some more as I grinned.
"Oh, would you like me to sign something then?" I asked, seeing her mother then look over at her daughter. Kneeling, she whispered into her daughter's ear and was giving her nods of encouragement. Astrid, finally emerging from being close to her mother, looking at me carefully in the eyes. Her arms finally moved into view and I saw what was making her so scared. She too had a prosthetic arm along her forearm, almost mirroring me. He hand held out a Sharpie black marker.
"I was wondering if you could sign my arm for me, please."
Her voice was soothing and sweet, her eyes were big in wonder as she was asking me this with her pristine arm. I was floored, a swell of adoration was coming over me like a tidal wave and I felt as though I could cry. She was barely a child, and yet she wanted me to place my name on her arm.
I then had another thought.
"I can do you one better, if you want," I said to her, leaning in a bit so she could hear. Her eyes stayed big, nodding her head as I then looked over at Stanley who was talking with Sarah, "Stan, can you bring me my art bag in the duffle?"
Stanley unzipped my duffle bag and reached in, moving around a bit with his hand until he found my small zipped pouch that was decorated in paint splatter. He walked over and handed it to me, having em unzip the top and grab a handful of Permanent markers that I could bring with me. The girls' eyes went very wide.
"You know how I have my arm look like this?" I asked Astrid, pointing to my prothetic that I was wearing. It was a recently decorated arm that I did on the way over to England, it was a mixture of ocean waves. She nodded her head as her eyes went over the design with intrigue, "I did it myself. I love to draw and paint, and this helps me not get stressed. How about I can draw on your arm, is that okay?" I asked her, seeing her eyes lit up in joy. She looked up at her mother, and I did the same as her mother grinned.
"That's fine with me," she replied, Astrid then looking beyond happy as she could see. I barely met her, and she was already melting my heart all the way through.
"How about a few stars here?"
"I like the stars! I just saw the Milky way the other night through my telescope!"
"Did you? How big was it?"
"Huge!"
We were sitting in the hotel lobby out of the rain since it started to pour. Astrid's prosthetic was in my lap and she was sitting next to me and watching as I was designing her prosthetic arm. Stanley and Sarah were talking with her mother with some tea next to me, and yet Astrid wanted to talk to me the whole time since her shyness was melting away since we came to the hotel lobby. Her eyes never let the pen as I was making swirls and stars along the surface, chatting with me the whole time.
"You like Outer Space?"
"Yep! My mummy's a teacher and she told me all about the planets!" She explained as I reached into the bag to grab another color.
"Which planet is your favorite?" I asked her.
"Jupiter, because it's a giant!" She explained, having me giggle as I paused and looked at the creation and how it was coming together. Astrid looked too, sticking her tongue out from the side as she then pointed to the star that wasn't filled in with color.
"Make that one purple," She said, having me give her a quizzing look
"You sure?" I asked, seeing him nod.
"Stars can be purple," She reminded me, having me chuckle and agree as I grabbed a purple marker. It went on like this for a few more minutes, seeing her watching my every move and ask racing questions along the way. It was one the best moments I had as a coach thus far and as I was wrapping it up and watching Astrid place it back in place on her arm, her whole face was beaming. Her mother thanked me over and over, Sarah then rushing over with her phone.
"We need to take a picture and post it! This is amazing work, Coach," She reasoned. I had to give it to her, I wanted the picture to remember, and I knew she knew more about social media than I did. I posed with Astrid poising with my creating in front of us, the both of us smiling as she snapped the picture from her mother's phone and then her phone. Her mother permitted us to post it, and Sarah was beyond happy to do it.
About 10 minutes later, we watched both of them walk away With Astrid waving goodbye to me. I felt Stanley wrap an arm around me and I grinned at him.
"That was awesome what you did," he said to me, having me rest my head on his shoulder.
"I only did because I wished I had someone to look up to and do that for me when we were kids," I admitted. I had no one to look up to when it came to a role model, not only an athlete I could see and admire because they were like me. But now that the world was wider and the sport was getting better with inclusion, I was glad to be a part of it somehow.
"Holy shit," We both looked over to see Sarah looking at her phone. She held it out for us to see, the picture on Instagram, "You already have about 200 likes! This has to be a record!"
Since then, I was getting more beyond a ton of messages to have me design prosthetics for other athletes that were following Sarah's Instagram. it was getting ridiculous how it blew up overnight, even making the news very briefly because we were so close to the Paralympics. Who knew that a simple gesture with a fan would make me want to design more and more. I had other people design for me, and now it was the other way around. So our mini studio in our bedroom back in Boston became home base for the creations.
I would design arms, legs, hands, feet everything, and anything in between. Most of the customers were athletes, but I also did plenty for charity and others to be auctioned off. It was a soothing practice, almost like therapy, and I would do every single one with care. By the time the New Years rolled around and we went into sparing, I did at least 50 or more prosthetics.
We changed our second room into the nursery, and as the months were going by and my bump was showing more and more, we are getting more excited about having a baby together. Stanley had his true Type A personality come to life when it came to baby proofing everything and reading baby books. Now I knew I was scared too, but walking by the guest bathroom and seeing him baby proof the toilet made me stop and give him a raised look.
"Honey, we're still about 4 months away," I reminded him.
"And those four months are going to sneak up fast," he countered back in a huff. I eyed him with a hand on my hip.
"I'm very tempted to take a picture of this and send this in the group chat," I warned him, seeing him pause as he got up completely from kneeling at the toilet seat.
"But you wouldn't because you love me and you're carrying my child," He advised, in hopes that that tactic was going to work. I had to give him a low look, hating him for using that tactic on me and knowing that as a weak spot. He just smiled.
Our wedding was pushed up to be a bit closer than we wanted, but on the other side of that, we didn't want anything elaborate or crazy. Our wedding was going to be small, we both knew that since either one of us knew enough people to fill up an entire ballroom, let alone a church. A church was out of the question, right from the moment we started planning we weren't going to step not the grounds of a church. Not only because of all of the bad moments Stanley has in his childhood and his loss of religion, but because of all e went through with the alien space clown. With what we did, we could burst into flames.
Secondly, I was clearly showing at this point with a 7-month-old belly. It was getting harder and harder for me to not only do my job as a coach but to also just get around. My sense of gravity was immodestly thrown off, I was more emotional than ever because of the hormones, and now I was dealing with the wedding all at the same time. But thankfully, we had the Losers behind us. It was almost like they sensed I was about to freak out at any moment. In the words of Richie, "It's like Spider-Sense, but Losers Sense."
Stanley had some connections through work with a rooftop terrace that would be perfect for our small wedding since we weren't going to be more than 50 people present. All of the other smaller things that we needed to plan were coming together too. Richie was going to be the Best Man and Beverly my Maid of Honor. It seemed far too simple in comparison to the Hanscom wedding, yet it seemed to fit both Stanley and me. We didn't need anything and everything under the sun, only the handful of people that were in our lives and a good night together as a group.
Beverly, being the saving grace that she was, told me that she was going to design my wedding dress as her wedding gift to me. I wanted to tell her that it might be too much, but in true Beverly fashion, she made it anyways. It was a bit better than going to a bridal shop, with my pregnant state and being exposed a bit. Beverly was reassuring, only having her assistant there with us as she was getting me to fit perfectly. It worked: the spaghetti-strapped empire taffeta dress made me feel gorgeous as we were looking at it in the floor-length mirror.
"You're glowing, Robin," She reminded me as she was rubbing my shoulders warmly, "You've always glowed,"
We were married in the early evening on a cool Spring night in Boston. Lights were strung up on poles across the rooftop as I was walked down the aisle on my father's arm, seeing the aisle in front of me and our friends on either side. The sky was tinted purple and light blue with the soft sounds of a piano playing in the background from one of my dad's colleagues that were playing for us, my dad trying not to cry as we were walking together. I had a flower crown in my hair and my long hair was flowing down my face, barely a hit of makeup on my face, and wildflowers were held in my hand like a bouquet.
The rest of my friends were waiting for me at the end with Mike right in the middle officiating. Stanley was in dressed so handsomely, a white button-down shirt and dark grey blazer, dark grey slacks, and a matching boutonniere with wildflowers. His hair was still curly and styled to the side, but he was looking at me with a wide grin on his face. I did the same, and as we met in front of everyone, it felt like things were now getting into place.
Mike was saying the right words, which was why we chose him to officiate. Everything he said came from the heart: how we both loved each other on a different level and never looked down on one another. I was glad it was this way with hardly anyone there. It might have looked taboo with my pregnant belly poking out and having me look like I was stepping out from the 1960s, but I was happy. Happy and in love.
After we exchanged rings, Mike gave us turns to give our vows to each other. I volunteered to go first, clearing my throat awkwardly and I took both of hands carefully.
"Ever since we were kids, I was fine with who I was..one arm and all. I was used to it, and I learned to love myself because of my father. But meeting the Losers Club, meeting you, it made that stronger for me. When others looked away from me, you gazed at me harder. When others were talking behind my back, you were right in front of me with loving and kind words. If I thought the love I had for my father was enough, it was nothing compared to how much I had for you,"
"Stanley, I love you for all you are, even the broken parts that make you. Whenever you fall to piece, I'll ever piece up and help you get back together. Whenever you feel lost, I'll help you find your way back. You meant everything to me,"
I could hear the guests murmur when I reached over to get a stray tear that was about to get away from Stanley's cheek on his shirt. Stanley chuckled when I pulled my hand away and it was his turn. He looked serious, but the smile was still on his face.
"If anyone knows me very well, they know that I don't do well with public speeches like this," Stanley started, the guests laughing light heatedly. I even laughed as Stanley grinned, "But another thing about me is that I need a push to do something like this. I'll admit I'm not the best go-getter in things, but I am grateful for those who do push me and make me brave. Robin, you're one of those people. Ever since we met in school I always saw how free you were in making choices and not hesitating, I envied that.
"You made me so much better in all my life, even in the times when I felt low. I've loved you for a long time, even in times when I didn't think I did. But all of the great things about you make me loved you even more: your spirit, your kindness, and your beautiful heart. I promise to take out any doubt in your life, show you love every morning and every night, and take care of you when you're low. You're everything to me, and you saved my life."
I looked down when he said that as the guests were cooing from his vows, seeing the small sliver of a scar on his wrist. it was a reminder from how far we've come together as adults. I still remembered that night, hearing his voice on the other line and breaking into his house to stop him. I remembered seeing how lost he looked, distant and alone since he felt like he had no other way out.
But look how far he came.
We said "I Do," and we kissed under the stars.
"I've known these two for practically all of my life," Richie explained as he was right in the middle of the action at our reception. We had drinks right after the ceremony and a local Italian restaurant cater to us. Once we had a few dances in, it was time for Richie to make his toast right after Beverly made hers. He was standing in the middle of the dance floor with his glass ready as we were surrounding him.
"Stanley was my first best friend. We met when we were 7, and we were beyond opposites. But for some off reason, he liked me and tolerated me, even when I was being a real jackass of myself just for the laughs,"
Stanley grinned at Richie as the guests chuckled, Richie clearing his throat.
"You see, we were part of this group of friends called the Losers Club," The guests laughed again, "I'm serious, it's a great name from a group of misfits. It was myself, Stanley, and our two friends Eddie and Bill. It was the four of us against the world, and from time to time, Stanley would have to be the adult when we would get in deep trouble. I'll admit, most of the time it was because of me, and yet Stanley pulled me out of those times with a sarcastic grin and a pat on the back. That's how we were as friends,"
Richie paused, then looking over at me with a smirk.
"One day at school, Stanley and I sat down at the cafeteria table where we would always sit, and low and behold this one was there with Eddie and Bill. Right out fo the gate she was sweet to us, really sweet. But if you know Robin well, you know she isn't afraid to say what's on her mind. We liked her right away in our group, her dad was the best dad to go to on weekend sleepovers and hangouts," I looked briefly over at my dad who was winking at me from his spot by the bar, "Robin was also a free spirit. She did what she wanted and left nothing to the imagination when it came to her art being friends with us,
"If you asked either one of them, back when they were kids, if they thought they would be together when they grew up, I bet you they would say no," Stanley and I chuckled as Richie grinned, "But if you ask any one of the others Losers…we would have said yes. You see, We all saw how the two of them complimented each other. They were thick as thieves, having that weird 6th sense in how the other was thinking. Stanley won't admit it, but we've seen how he would look at Robin like she hung the moon,"
The guests were cooing at the comment as I squeezed Stanley's hands from trying not to have him be embarrassed when he kissed my hair.
"The point I'm trying to get at is this is a great thing happening for these two. No one deserved this as much as Robin and Stanley. They have been the best of friends I could ever have, and they were for the rest of our friends. They have shown, wholeheartedly, what real love is like in this chaotic world that we live in. I could only hope that I can have that one day, and I'm sure the rest of us singles here feel the same way." He rose his glasses in the air with his signature smile and we all did the same.
"Do Robin and Stanley, Losers for life!"
I loved every moment of that night, even if it was small in size. We were eating good pasta and I was sipping on a Virgin Sangria as I was visiting the guests that were there. Everyone was having a good time, and although there were moments that I had to sit down, I was glad to see the others having a good time around me.
At one time I saw Ben and Mike sit down with me at the table as I was needing to put my feet up momentarily. Stanley and Beverly were catching up next to us as Bill was dancing with Audra and Richie and Eddie were over by the edge of the rooftop, beers in hand and talking together. The rest of the reception was going just fine as some people were mingling with each other.
"How are you doing?" Ben asked me as he was loosening his tie.
"Perfect," I said as I placed my hands on my swollen stomach, "This baby is making it hard for me to keep up with you,"
"Well, you're glowing, Mrs. Uris," Mike said in a joke.
"Has a good ring to it, doesn't it?" I asked coyly, the other two laughing as I then looked over at the scene in front of me. Over at the far other side of the rooftop, I could see Eddie and Richie talking close toe aha other, both of them were smiling brightly and were warm to each other. But the one thing that did catch my eye was how close they were, very casual in how Richie was leaning over with his arms on the railing and Eddie leaning on his side. Even Eddie's head was cocked from what Richie was saying, his nose wrinkled in laughter as he suddenly placed his hand on Richie's arm, his thumb slipping against the blazer lightly.
Oh wow.
"Wait," I said softly, both Ben and Mike were looking in the direction where I was watching. It was somehow clicking in my head in what I was seeing, all those times when they were close up together even as kids, the times they would nag at each other or even get under each other's skin. But there was an undertone of loyalty there among the both of them. How could I miss it, at that time when they went to each other beyond the others.
"Robin," I snapped back to my current though, seeing Ben place his hand on hey own to have me see him give me a look like he knew something. Mike was doing it too and I gave them both a shocked look. Now it felt like I was missing out on something big and it was hitting me hard in the face.
"You two—" I was about to say when Mike hushed me and Ben held his fingers to his lips. I was quiet, seeing Ben lower his finger and look at me dead in the eye.
"All of us had a hunch it was going to happen," He explained, now my eyebrows were going up in pure shock, "We've seen this happening for a while,"
"Since when?" I asked, trying not to freak out.
"Since Hawaii," Mike replied, having me sit up a bit as Mike patting me on the shoulder, "We didn't want you to freak out,"
"You could have told me sooner!" I interjected.
"You were planning your own wedding, and you're pregnant! We've seen you stressed out before and to be honest this would have been worse on your end if we told you," Mike explained calmly. I said nothing after that, calming down a bit as I was just watching both Eddie and Richie in their own universe. I felt like I knew about this for years, ever since we were kids. We all had to have known, and now it was naturally blooming in front of us without any of us either realizing or interfering. They both deserved this, something inside of them was so afraid to expose their true self. There was no need for that fear anymore, no need to hide.
"Hey, guys!" Beverly called out to us as Stanley was walking over to Eddie and Richie, "Robin's dad wants a picture on the polaroid of the Loser's Club!"
"Alright, Mrs. Uris. Up you get," Mike helped me up with ease from my spot in my chair and we walked over to where my dad was near the piano that was set up in the corner. We were in high spirits as my dad then got us all corralled into a group shot with Stanley and me in the middle. We were bunched together, having me remember when we did this very same thing as kids that summer in one of the photo booths a the arcade.
I was happiest in my life there with my Losers.
PS. I MIGHT have a bit more to add on. Let me know if you want one more snippet!