Chapter 5
Niles sat on the bed, feeling anxious. While waiting for Daphne, he'd opened the balcony door, thrown away the broken cologne bottle, and tried to rinse out the worst of the soaked clothes, with little success. The smell in the room was still overpowering. But for the moment, he didn't care. Daphne was somewhere, he was unsure where exactly, talking to Donny. What was being said, he had no idea, but the thought of it made him sick with worry. Niles wished for the 100th time that he could have been there for her.
Niles stood and walked the room, double checking his luggage and making sure things were cleaned as best as they could, before he went and stood on the balcony. Outside, in the garden below him, he could still see some guests milling about, unsure what to do. By now, everyone knew there would be no wedding, and that the bride-to-be had left the groom for another man. Most of the guests had already left, but a few were sticking around, as if to watch the drama unfold.
Luckily for Niles, most of them didn't bother looking up at the hotel, or notice him watching. Niles felt hidden, and he watched everything with a slight detachment; his concern for Daphne overriding most other feelings. He could see his father speaking to both Daphne and Donny's families, and he felt grateful for Martin's level head. The conversation they were having clearly wasn't going well, as evidenced by Donny's mother, who seemed to be wailing, but Martin stood steadfast.
Niles was about to go back to sitting anxiously on the bed again when he noticed someone look up and spot him. They made eye contact, and indicated that they were coming up to his room.
Oh great.
Within moments, there was a knocking at the door, and Niles had no choice but to let Roz in.
"So, how are you holding up, Niles?"
Roz had raided the bar before coming up, and was pouring them both of them a large glass of champagne. It was an odd choice, given the circumstances they weren't exactly celebrating, but when Niles questioned it, Roz said it was the first thing she grabbed, and to not be picky. He sipped at the champagne now. It felt wrong drinking before 9:30 in the morning, but at least champagne was less frowned upon at this hour than, say, bourbon.
"I'm okay. Just... worrying about Daphne currently. She's speaking to Donny at the moment."
"Alone?" Niles shook his head.
"No, Frasier is with her for support. If he wasn't, I would be. Instead of sitting here feeling useless."
Roz sipped her own champagne, musing on the events of the last 24 hours.
"You know, Daphne told me when she first found out about your feelings for her. She was so worried at the time that you were going to confess."
Niles looked surprised.
"And you didn't think to tell me she knew? Why?"
"For the same reason that we didn't tell Daphne years ago that you loved her."
Touche.
Niles moved on.
"Why did she think I was going to say something?"
"Well, I guess I didn't help much there. I overheard Mel accuse you of being in love with someone else at that Christmas party. And Daphne heard you said that you were going to tell her something before it was too late, which I thought was gonna be that you loved her. So, we jumped to conclusions from there."
"Ah. Trust the local gossip circle to stir things up."
Roz scowled at him.
"Anyway. She thought you were going to confess, and that she would have to reject you, but you didn't. So she didn't need to bring it up. Daphne didn't talk to me about it after that, so I thought she had moved on." Roz finished her glass and topped it up, before pouring more into Niles' glass, despite his protests. "So, imagine my surprise this morning to hear that Daphne was running away from her wedding to be with you."
"Well, you're not the only one."
Niles drank more of the champagne, feeling his anxiety abate slightly as he started feeling the effects of the alcohol.
"We had this big discussion two days ago where she revealed she had feelings for me, and I declared my love for her... Only for Daphne say she was still going to marry Donny. Until late last night, that's what I thought was going to happen."
"Wow. Things move quick, huh?" Roz looked puzzled. "But why did Daphne tell you she loved you only to backtrack?"
Oh, right. Roz doesn't know.
"Um... That would be because of Mel."
"I saw her leave this morning. She didn't take kindly to being dumped. Not that I blame her, mind."
"No... especially because... Mel and I got married three days ago."
Roz stared at Niles in disbelief.
"You married Mel? Are you insane?"
Niles finished off his glass, holding it out for some more. Roz obliged him.
"Apparently I am. I married Mel because I thought it would give me enough strength to get through this weekend. I never would have even considered it if I knew there was even a shadow of a chance that Daphne shared my feelings."
He looked down at his glass and changed his mind. Still full, he put it down. Niles sighed.
"I'm a fool. I hurt Mel, terribly, and made things that much more complicated. I never should have married Mel. I should have told Daphne how I felt years ago. What if-"
Niles felt a hand on his shoulder.
"Hey. Niles." He looked up at Roz, who was looking at him sympathetically. "Don't beat yourself up about it. Things could have gone differently in a hundred different ways at a hundred different times. It's not healthy to dwell on the what-ifs, or the things you should or shouldn't have done. What matters is right now. And how you move forward. You're with Daphne, and it doesn't matter now how you got here, so focus on that future. Together."
Niles was taken aback by the supportive and helpful advice Roz gave him. She was right. He can't change the past, but he can do something about how they handle the future. Niles didn't want to mess this up. And he wanted to minimize hurt as much as possible for Mel.
"Thank you, Roz. That was extremely helpful. I'm glad you came up to talk."
Roz smiled.
"That's what friends are for."
At that moment, there was a knock at the door. Niles looked at it, both scared and hopeful, unsure who it was. Roz stood up and opened the door, letting Daphne in. Daphne was a little surprised to see Roz, but saw Niles sitting near the balcony door, looking both relieved to see her, and emotionally drained. Probably how she looked herself.
I'm glad Roz kept Niles company.
"Hello, Niles."
"Daphne." He stood, staring at her with a look that was both of concern and slight disbelief, as if he still couldn't believe she was here for him. "Are you okay?"
Roz glanced at them.
"I'm gonna go now, give you two your privacy."
"Thanks Roz," Niles smiled at her. "For the advice. And support."
Roz nodded, and left. Niles and Daphne were alone for the first time since Holly's room. Niles crossed the room and pulled her into his arms. Daphne let him, and clung to him tightly.
"I'm okay" she managed to say between sobs. "It was just harder than I thought it would be."
"It's okay. We'll be okay. I'm here for you."
Daphne managed to calm herself, and they broke apart. Niles offered her his handkerchief, and she took it gratefully, blowing her nose and dabbing her eyes. She suddenly noticed the strong smell in the room, and curled her nose.
"What's that smell?"
"Cologne. A bottle broke earlier. Here, come sit near the balcony door, it's a lot better there." He guided her over to the chair just outside the door, and Daphne sat down. Niles pulled the one opposite over so he was sitting next to her. "Is Donny okay?"
Daphne shook her head.
"No. I ended up laying into him a bit. I feel terrible about that." She sniffed again, and dabbed at her eyes, which were threatening to overflow again. "I don't really feel up to talking about it though."
"We don't have to. We can just sit here."
And they did. Daphne leaned against Niles and they watched as the people below slowly dispersed and left.
"I saw Dad talking to your family earlier."
"Right. I guess I should go see them before they leave."
"Did you want me to come with you?"
Daphne shook her head.
"No. I'm sorry, but I think it might be best if I see them alone. It'll be okay. My family, for all their faults, will understand and support me not going through with the wedding."
Niles hoped that was true, not wanting Daphne to feel even more guilty for her choice. They sat in silence a little longer, Daphne's head on Niles' shoulder, and Niles' arm around Daphne comfortingly.
There was another knock at the door, and Frasier's voice. Niles got up and let in his brother and father.
"Hi, guys. Uh, Daphne, Dad and I are leaving shortly. Did you want to come back with us, or are you going to head back with Niles?"
"Um, I think I'll head back with Niles, but I'll be home later. I think we need to talk about some things, we haven't quite had the chance to yet."
Martin nodded.
"Take all the time you need, Daph. We'll see you at home."
"How are you doing, Niles?" Frasier now turned his attention to his brother.
Niles considered the question. It was a tough one, given the circumstances.
The woman I love, loves me. And we are together...
"It's been a morning. I'm devastated for Mel, of course, but I can't lie. I'm happy that things have turned out this way for myself and Daphne. Like Daphne said, we still have to talk about things, but we'll get through this, together."
Daphne nodded, smiling shyly.
"I'm glad to hear, Niles. We're happy for both of you."
"How was Donny? After I left your room earlier? I must confess I wasn't as kind as I could have been."
Frasier sighed sadly.
"Well, I'm sure you didn't say anything that Donny didn't need to hear. I think he wanted to talk to you because he felt that there was a chance you'd reconsider, and when you didn't, he started to properly mourn the loss of the relationship."
Frasier paused for a moment, thinking.
"I guess I sympathize with Donny. I was once in his position - jilted groom left standing at the altar. At least you came back to set things right. I didn't get that. It was months of humiliation, then months of passive aggressive sniping."
Daphne looked guilty, and Frasier backtracked slightly.
"But that's because for me, Diane's response was to go galivanting over Europe, before ending up with her previous boyfriend. And they were both working at the bar I frequented. A-and Diane and I didn't address things until months and months later. Daphne, you did the right thing. It may have been hard for Donny to hear now, but he'll be glad that he got that closure one day."
Martin shot his son a disapproving look.
"Frasier, I don't think that you're being very helpful. Besides, Diane was a kook."
"Well, yes, but at the time I loved her."
"Well, we aren't talking about you now."
"I'm trying to help, Dad. Add a perspective from Donny's side-"
"And how is it helping right now, saying that it took you years to get over it?"
Niles interjected.
"Could we not discuss this right now? Both Daphne and I are upset that we had to hurt two people to be together. We don't really need to be reminded of that fact right now."
Frasier glanced down towards his feet.
"I know. Sorry. But, I guess I was trying to say that Donny - and Mel - will recover from this."
Niles glanced back at Daphne, who still looked somewhat guilty.
"Um... Daphne wanted to say goodbye to her family. Do you mind going with her? I'm going to take our bags to my car. Now seems to be a good time to try and head off."
Frasier and Martin agreed. Daphne asked for them to give her 5 minutes to try and freshen up a bit. They left, and Niles and Daphne found themselves alone again. Daphne walked over to the bathroom and splashed some water on her face, and stared at herself in the mirror.
"I look a frightful sight. Eyes red and puffy, makeup from last night streaked, hair a mess."
Niles came into the bathroom and stood behind her, looking at her face in the mirror.
"To me, you've never looked braver. Or more beautiful. What we had to do today was hard. But, we managed to do it."
Daphne nodded, looking at Niles' face. She could see the same emotional strains on his face that were on hers. But, there was also a glimmer in his eyes. A hope. Daphne turned around, and suddenly noticed how small the bathroom was, how close she was to Niles. Daphne wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him into a hug. Niles reciprocated, and they stood there a moment, not saying anything, before Daphne pulled away again.
"I'm going to grab a brush and some makeup from my bag. And change my clothes. Try and make myself a bit more presentable."
"Feel free to take a shower. I can tell Dad and Frasier that you need a bit more time."
Daphne considered for a moment, before shaking her head.
"No. I'm ready to leave. I don't want to take longer than needed."
Daphne grabbed her bag, and disappeared into the bathroom. Niles went and stood on the balcony again. The scent of cologne in the room was less overpowering now it has some time to air out, but it was still rather stifling. Niles watched the people downstairs again, although there was hardly anyone left. Now the time for the ceremony had come and gone, people had left once it became clear the wedding really was called off. The majority of people that remained were either Daphne or Donny's family. Niles sighed. He was tired. The combination of a late night, sleeping in the car and the emotions of the morning were taking their toll.
Niles heard the door to the bathroom open, and he turned around. Once again, he felt like he couldn't believe that Daphne was in his room, and wanted to be with him. It was like a dream. Daphne had changed from the dress she was wearing the night before into jeans and a loose floral blouse. Her hair was brushed and pulled back into a ponytail. The makeup on her face was subtle, and she no longer looked like she'd been crying all morning, even though her eyes were still a little red and puffy.
"Daphne, you look amazing."
Daphne smiled at Niles, blushing slightly at the compliment.
"I don't know about amazing, but I feel human again."
Niles crossed over to her, and took her hand. They leaned into another kiss.
"I'll go and say goodbye to my family. Then we can finally get out of here."
"I'll take our bags to my car. Did you want me to wait there, or bring the car up to the lobby?"
Daphne considered for a moment, before shaking her head.
"Stay parked where you are. I don't know how long I'll be. Your brother can escort me back if I need it. But I think the worst of it is over."
Niles agreed. Almost everyone had left. Anything else was just the messy aftermath. They kissed again, and exited into the hallway, still holding hands. Frasier and Martin turned as they exited.
"Ready?" Frasier asked. Daphne nodded.
"Thanks again, Dr Crane."
"Oh, it's no trouble. I asked Roz to gather your family out in the garden. So, let's go."
Frasier and Daphne walked off, leaving Niles and Martin alone.
"I'll walk with you to the car, Son."
"Oh, you don't have to, Dad-"
"I know. I want to. Besides, Frasier's parked near you, I need to head that way anyway."
They started walking slowly because of Martin's hip. They passed a couple of people in the hall, who either shot Niles a dirty look, or gave a strained smile, depending on which side of the wedding they were on. Niles sighed.
"I wish this all went differently."
"So do I, Niles. I'm happy you and Daphne are happy, but you both made a mess of today."
"I know. I'm sorry, Dad."
Martin put his hand on his son's shoulder.
"It couldn't be helped. You and Daphne did the right thing last night, coming back. I know it would have seemed easier to head back to Seattle to avoid this, but coming back was for the best. I'm proud of you for that."
Niles smiled gratefully.
"Thanks, Dad."
They finally made it to Niles car without incident. Niles opened the trunk and put his bag in. He went to put Daphne's in next to it when Martin took it.
"I'll have Frasier put it in his car. We're taking her wedding dress and presents home anyway."
Niles nodded. It made sense. He shut the trunk. They both stood there for a few minutes in silence, and waited.
Frasier and Daphne made their way downstairs. There seemed to be a couple of guests still about, and they all seemed to stare when they saw Daphne. Her heart sunk.
How many people have I let down today...
She couldn't help feeling guilty. It was in her nature to try and please people. Disappointing close to 100 people was the last thing Daphne wanted to do, yet here she was. The bad guy. They reached the garden and she saw her parents and brothers. Frasier stopped and hung back, giving Daphne some privacy as she walked over.
"Oh, Daphne." Her mother looked at her, and sighed. "Here we thought you were to finally be wed, but look at you. Running away."
Daphne's heart sank. Her mother could be cruel sometimes. She suddenly felt herself being pulled into a hug by Stephen. She tried not to cry as he reprimanded their mother.
"Oh, come off it, Mum. Leave Daphne be. I'm sure she left that bloke for good reason."
Their mother huffed, but didn't say anything more. Stephen squeezed Daphne tighter.
"Ignore her, Stilts. She's just mad she didn't think to do the same when she married Dad."
Daphne could hear her brothers laughing and joking more at that comment.
"Oi, Simon!" Nigel called out from somewhere to her right. "You met both of these blokes! Which one do you think is the better one for our Daph?"
"Clearly the one with the better drinks selection, eh!" Reginald shouted before Simon could answer.
Daphne heard them all laughing again at that, and she let out a small laugh herself, relaxing.
"My vote's for the second chap, he's better looking." Billy winked, causing the rest of them to laugh and whistle.
"Watch out Stilts, Billy'll take your new man if you're not careful." Simon warned, laughing.
David came over and pulled Stephen away, breaking his bear hug.
"Dappy, I must say, I don't think much of this country. What kind of uncivilized place needs you to be 21 to have a pint anyway?"
Daphne slapped David's shoulder playfully, annoyed by the nickname.
"Stop it. You know not to call me that."
He shrugged, grinning. At 20, David was Daphne's youngest brother. She'd already left home when he was very young, but he'd clearly picked up the art of teasing her from his brothers. Their father came over, and Daphne could tell he had been drinking already. He wasn't the only one - most of her brothers were a little sloshed. Harry smiled at her.
"Ah, Daphne. My beautiful Daphne. I'm glad we got to see ya. And that there was still an open bar." He hugged her tightly. "We'll all be headed home soon. We want you to take care, and don't you worry about this mess."
"Oh, Daddy," Daphne teared up as he hugged her.
The next few minutes was spent with her brothers hugging and teasing her, reassuring her in their own way that everything was fine. Daphne's mother, Gertrude, even though she had snapped a little at first, softened and cuddled her daughter. Gertrude was quick to tell Daphne that anyone who tried to blame her for today would be hearing from her.
Eventually, Daphne broke away, and tearfully said goodbye. She walked back over to where Frasier was waiting.
"Seems like they're happy for you," he commented.
"Yes. Even mum, after the initial disappointment wore off." Daphne glanced back at them. Michael had Peter in a headlock, and the rest of them were happily shouting something incomprehensible at them. "If anything, I'm glad I was able to see them all, together. I can't remember the last time they've all been out of jail at the same time."
Frasier frowned slightly at that.
"Indeed."
They made it back to Niles car, where he and Martin were waiting patiently.
"Well, I guess we'll see you later, Daphne." Frasier glanced at Martin. "We've got all your things. Did you want us to leave them in your room when we get home?"
"Yes. Thank you, Dr Crane, Mr Crane. I don't know what I'd-" she started to tear up again
"Ah geez, Daph. We're happy to. You're like family to us." Martin smiled warmly at her. "We'll see you at home."
Frasier looked at Niles.
"I suppose I'll speak to you later too, Niles."
Niles nodded.
"Yes. I'll call you later."
Frasier and Martin left, as Daphne and Niles got into his car. They sat there for a moment, realizing that for the second time in 12 hours, they were leaving together.
"How were your family?"
"They were good. I think they're happy for me, despite everything."
Niles started the car, and looked over at Daphne.
"Are you ready to leave?"
Daphne nodded.
"Let's go home, Niles."