I'm sorry for the very long wait between chapters, guys. Life has been crazy. But getting my season 4 DVDs has inspired me, so keep your eyes open for more updates soon. I hope you'll enjoy this chapter. I didn't thoroughly edit it yet, so forgive any typos. I am sure my editors will let me know if there is anything glaringly out of place. I wish I had more time to write this story. It's all I really want to do sometimes. That's the power of FAB!

Chapter 27

Felicity and Ben had all their friends over to their apartment within a few hours. Meghan, Sean, Elena, Tracy, Javier, Trevor, and Richard were all very curious when they first arrived. Meghan made a sarcastic remark about having to come over so quickly, asking "Is someone dying or what?" But when Ben very quietly announced the reason for the impromptu party, the whole place erupted in hollers, squeals of delight and tears of happiness.

"Oh my baby! Oh, my precious little Felicity and Benjahmeeen! You both are too scrumptious for words. All married and all. I really need my Samuel right now!" cried Javier, as he wiped tears from his face.

Felicity leaned over and hugged him, "Oh, Javier. I know. I'm so happy. I'm so very happy."

"Benjahmeeen, as her first fiance, I give you my permission. You have my blessing," Javier continued.

Ben laughed slightly, "Oh, thanks, Javier." He reluctantly let Javier hug him. "Oh, Benjahmeeen, now you are totally off the market."

"Javier!" Ben replied, trying to pull himself away.

"Ben, how come you didn't tell me this man? I mean, we're like brothers," said Sean, with a somewhat disgruntled look on his face.

"Sean, we have only been home a couple days. Besides, we wanted to tell everyone together."

"Yeah, this is definitely something. I am so happy for you, man." The two men embraced, Sean patting him firmly on the back. "Thanks, man. We really appreciate all of you being here to celebrate with us."

Meghan chimed in then, saying, "I have to say I am very relieved."

"Why are you relieved, Meghan?" asked Felicity, one eyebrow raised.

"I was dreading what hideous dress you'd have me wear to the wedding. Your taste and mine are totally opposite," she replied, rolling her eyes a bit.

"Oh, Meghan," Felicity said, laughing as they embraced.

Elena and Tracy grabbed Felicity and Ben next, giving them both big hugs and offering congratulations. Elena wiped away tears, saying "My girl is hitched! I can't believe it! I knew this would happen. You'd beat me to it."

"Elena, it's not a race. You and Tracy can still catch up with us one day," she said, looking at Tracy for support.

"Yeah, baby, don't worry. Felicity isn't going to be an old married woman right away. The two of you can still go out and party, as long as you come home to me."

Elena looked at him questioningly, "Come home to you? What're you saying?"

Tracy laughed, "I don't know. I guess all this excitement and happiness is making me a bit goofy." They hugged, turning to hear Richard exclaim his opinion on the matter.

"When are you due?"

"What! Richard, I'm not pregnant," Felicity exclaimed.

"Sure you aren't. We all know that's what's going on here. Otherwise why would you get married so suddenly?"

Trevor shook his head, patting Ben on the back in a gesture of support. "Richard, man, did you ever think the fact that they are crazy in love with each other had anything to do with it?"

"Ugh," Richard sighed. "I can't even get laid and this man is married and having a baby."

Felicity and Ben both laughed. "Man, stop it," Ben piped up. "I assure you we aren't pregnant. We just didn't want to wait to get married. That's all."

Sean interjected, "Well, I think this is terrific news. I propose a toast to the happy couple." They all grabbed their champagne glasses and raised them as Sean toasted, "To Felicity and Ben, and the many years of happiness, and maybe lots of children, ahead of you. May you not forget all your friends." He laughed, "Seriously, guys, we are so happy for you. Congratulations!"

Felicity and Ben leaned across and kissed each other on the mouth. "Thanks, man. We are pretty happy ourselves."

"I hate to be a downer, but has anyone told Noel?" Richard asked.

Felicity looked at Ben, "No, we haven't told him. I haven't even seen him lately." Ben rubbed her hand, knowing this was a hard topic for her.

"Girl, I'll take care of that for you. Don't worry," Elena offered.

"Thanks, Elena. That would be so nice. I just- I don't think I can talk to him right now."

"Yeah, thanks, Elena." Ben then looked at all his friends and said, "Okay, who wants some cake?" Smiles returned to everyone's faces, as the celebration continued into the night……

The next day, Felicity was at Dean and Deluca working with Javier. He was still overcome with happiness for the newlyweds, and was talking incessantly as Felicity wiped off the counter.

"Ayy! This is the best thing that has ever happened. You and your Benjahmeen. I feel like I am part of this glorious story. I was your cupid, you know."

Felicity laughed, "Yes, Javier, I know you were our cupid. We are both very grateful to you."

"I still can't believe that luscious Benjahmeen is off the market. You are so lucky. He is quite a catch, you know."

"Yes, I know. Believe me, I know," she grinned. "I still can't believe I am married to him. I mean, he was my crush in high school, and now he's my husband!"

"I know! Your story is the best ever. But we can't talk about it, or I will start to crying again."

"Okay," she chuckled. "Maybe I should go stock the shelves in back?"

"No, no. We have lots of chatting to do. I want to know everything. Every delicious detail about the wedding….and the wedding night."

"Javier!"

"I am sorry, I just can't help it. The two of you…..you're my inspiration. Okay, okay. I get your point. So, how is Elena? I saw the two of you talking earlier."

"Oh, she's okay. She and Tracy just had a fight. Something about the fact that she wouldn't accept his marriage proposal and now she is worried she has lost him."

"Oh, dear."

"I know. It's tough on her, I think. She really loves him, but I think they are in different places, you know?"

"Yes, I know exactly what you mean. There was this guy when I was in school, he was all over me, wanting to settle up and all, and I could never get him to listen that I was still ….," he stopped, looking at Felicity. "What's wrong? You look like you just saw a ghost."

Felicity looked at the floor, avoiding looking at the entrance to the shop. "I did. Noel just walked in," she whispered.

"What? Why is he here? Oh yikes, there he is," he turned around seeing Noel standing in the line to get coffee.

"Yeah. Uh, I think I'll go in the back…."

Noel moved to the counter, looking at Felicity expectantly. "Felicity, wait. Can we talk for a minute?"

Felicity moved back over cautiously, looking at Javier for support. "Uh, I don't think that's a good idea."

Noel nodded his head in understanding, "I know. It's…I know, but Elena came by, told me about you…you and Ben. And I just wanted to say, well, I wanted to tell you congratulations."

She looked at him surprised and uncertain. "You did?"

"Yeah, I mean of course I did. I know that we left things at a very bad place, but I am really happy for you. I'm happy for you both. I know I was a jerk, but when Elena told me about your…marriage….well, I just had to see you."

"Noel, I appreciate that, but I just am not comfortable…"

"Can you just give me a few minutes? Please?" he looked at her pleadingly.

Javier leaned in, "Go ahead. I will be right here. I'll keep guard."

Felicity looked reluctantly at Noel, but said, "Okay, but just for a minute."

"Good." They sat down at a table, within ear shot of Javier, who was watching Noel's every move with a glaring eye.

Noel cleared his throat, "So, you and Ben got married in Florida, is that right?"

"Yes, we did," she said quietly.

"I thought that was what Elena said. So, was it…nice? I mean, you and he…you liked where you had it and all?" he asked nervously.

"Noel, this is way too weird. I can't talk to you about this," she started to rise.

"No, please stay. We won't talk about it." Felicity sat back down, glancing at Noel with anxiety. "Okay. Noel, what is it that you want to say to me?"

"Well, I just – I feel awful about how we left things. And I wanted to talk to you, to let you know, I've been trying to get my life back on track. And I was hoping, well, I was hoping that we could talk it out. You know, try to get past it."

"Noel, I just don't think that's a good idea. I mean, Ben wouldn't…"

"I know. And I don't want to cause any trouble, really. I just- I miss you, you know? It's been so weird not talking to you."

Felicity softened a bit, observing how serious Noel had become. "Yeah, this has been an odd year. I mean, when I came to college, you were my only constant, and…well…"

"I know. That's what I was thinking about, too." He looked at her intently. "I want you to know I feel horrible about what I did. I know I was wrong. And I'm sorry for hurting you. I hate thinking that you don't like me, that you hate me…"

"I don't hate you, Noel. I just don't think we can be friends anymore. It's just too weird. This conversation is too weird…"

"Look, I know it's weird. I know it may be hard, but I'd like for you to trust me again. I know you never felt the same way that I felt about you.."

"Felt?" she asked, with a bit of relief.

"Yeah, felt." He shook his head emphatically. "I'm really starting over. I've got a good job, at a company in New Jersey. It's this huge graphics firm and I have been dating some, trying to get back out there."

"Noel, that's great. I'm glad to hear that. I really am."

"Thanks," he blushed. "I just miss our friendship. I feel like my life is missing something, you know?"

"Yeah, I do," she answered honestly, thinking about all the times they had shared together. "I just don't know that hanging out with you is a good idea. I don't think we can just pick back up where we left off…"

"I know. I thought we could start by talking. Is that okay?"

Felicity thought for a moment, then replied, "Yeah, I guess that's okay."

"Good," he smiled. "That's all I want, to talk. Do you think Javier will let us do that much longer?"

She glanced over at Javier, who was looking at her with a concerned look on his face. "Yeah, he will, as long as he can supervise, I guess." They both chuckled lightly. "Noel, I really am glad to hear you are doing so well. That's great. I knew you would be really successful."

"Yeah," he smiled. "Thanks. So, how are things with you? Is Ben still pre-med? And how are your classes going?"

"Yeah, he's still pre-med. And he's doing great. Really, he is. It's amazing actually. I am so proud of him," she smiled, thinking about her love.

Noel nodded, smiling as he replied, "I'm glad. It's great that he is doing so well. The two of you….well, you'll have a good life then."

Felicity nodded in agreement, then her face fell as she let worries come into her head. Worries about her future, about what she would be doing with her life, what she could contribute to their life together. This didn't go unnoticed by Noel, who looked at her with concern. "What? What is it?"

Felicity sighed, "It's nothing. Really."

"Are you sure?"

She looked at him, questioningly. "I don't know. I mean, I guess hearing about your great career, and knowing that Ben is going to be this amazing doctor. It just gets me thinking…."

"About what?"

She hesitated, looking at Javier for a moment. "I shouldn't be talking to you about this."

"It's okay, I'm just listening," he encouraged.

"Yeah, okay." She sighed, then started again. "It's just- what am I going to do next, after college? With my career? I mean, everyone has this drive, this, like, knowledge of what they want to do. Everyone knows what they should do. But I don't feel like that."

"What do you mean? I thought you loved your art classes."

"I do. It's just, is that what I want to do for the rest of my life? I mean, just that phrase, 'the rest of my life,' is intimidating to me. I mean, I know I will be happy, I'll be okay, with Ben…."she hesitated for a second, not wanting to rub it in.

"It's okay, I know what you mean. Senior year is hard. It feels like the whole world is coming at you, asking you to figure it all out. It's tough."

"Yeah, yeah, exactly," she nodded.

Noel looked at her, noticing how she looked really worried. "You know, this surprises me, seeing you so confused. I mean, not really confused, but….you always seemed to know what you wanted."

"I know," she sighed.

"Have you talked to Ben about this?"

Felicity looked up sharply, knowing what the answer to that question should be. "Yeah, I mean, a little bit."

"A little bit? Felicity, look, I know you may not really care what I have to say here. But since you used to care, and I used to be able to help you, just listen to me for a minute," he leaned closer. "Ben is your husband now, and I don't have a doubt in my mind that he'd want to know how you're feeling. He'd want to help you. Look, he really loves you. I know I didn't always respect that, or accept that, but I think you need to let him know how you're feeling. That's what marriage is about. You have a partner now," he looked down sadly for just a moment. He looked back up, more certain of what he wanted to say. "A life partner. That's a gift. Let Ben help you, okay?"

Felicity couldn't help but smile. "Yeah, you're right. I know you're right." She looked at him, then shook her head slightly. "Noel, thank you. Really, thank you. I don't know how this happened, you coming here, and just being here….listening to me….it's like…."

"Yeah, I know. It's like old times," he smiled sadly.

"Well, I don't know about that. But it's- it's nice."

"Good. I just am glad you let me talk to you for a bit. And really, I know everything is going to be just fine for you. Ben will be good to you, I know that."

He glanced over at Javier, who was looking at him questioningly. "Well, I think I've wore out my welcome anyhow, judging by the look on Javier's face. So, I better get going," he stood up.

Felicity stood up as well. "Yeah, I should really get back to work."

"Yeah. Listen, thanks for hearing me out. And I hope I was able to help some. It's really good to talk to you again. Maybe we can talk again soon? Maybe when I'm in town next?"

"I don't know, maybe. I'll think about it," she replied.

"Well, it was good to see you."

Felicity nodded, "Yeah, you, too. It really was. Goodbye."

Noel walked out, and Felicity went back behind the counter. Javier looked at her a bit suspiciously, asking "What was that all about? I don't trust that guy."

"Javier, stop. It's Noel. He was just wanted to talk to me. He's not a bad guy, you know that."

"I know, but it seemed pretty intense. Was he bad mouthing our Benjahmeen?"

"No, not at all actually. He said he was happy for us, that he knew that Ben would be good to me. It was really nice actually."

"Uh-oh."

"What?"

Javier shook his head, "It's not going to be Noel against Ben again is it?"

"Javier! Don't be stupid! We were just talking. Ben and I are married now. Noel just wanted to clear the air."

"Okay, okay, if you say so." He looked at her, noticing that she did seem a bit more relaxed than he'd have expected. "So, it must've helped, by the look on your face. Everything's good?"

"Yeah. Everything's good," she smiled.