Disclaimer: I don't own the characters in this fic, except for Sarah and her parents. They are owned by NBC, ER, etc.

Spoilers: None that I Know of...

Content Warning: Possible Strong Language

Summary: Neela ponders life with Ray as a wedding approaches.


It was tacked on the board in the Doctor's Lounge and she stole a look at the words.

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Justus

request the honour of your presence

at the marriage of their daughter

Sarah Marie

to

Raymond Barnett

on Saturday evening, the seventeenth of May

at half after seven o'clock

The Church of St. Jude

6458 North Orleans Street

Chicago, Illinois

Reception following ceremony at the church.

Neela didn't know how to respond. She hadn't even known Ray was engaged. She vaguely remembered meeting Sarah at the Christmas party, but was positive that Ray hadn't mentioned he was engaged to her.

She sat on the couch and leaned her head back. That's only two weeks away. Where are they registered? She must have sighed heavier than she thought because she felt someone sit next to her. She looked over and saw Abby. "Hey."

"Hey." Abby said. "You okay?"

"No. I haven't even told him, Abby."

"So, tell him." Abby pushed.

"Tell him what?" Neela stood up. "That I'm sorry I've been a bloody wanker and pushed him out of my life?"

"It's been 5 years, Neela." Abby stood up and poured a cup of coffee. "I think it's time he knew. What if Sarah isn't the one he wants to be with? What if he still loves you?" She took a sip of coffee and poured it out. "Okay...Lane no longer makes the coffee. Makes me miss Morris' coffee."

Neela laughed. "Must be really bad if you miss Morris' coffee." She stood at the door. "I don't know how to tell him."

Abby dumped the pot of coffee out. "Just tell him."


For a week, Neela fought with herself on whether or not to talk to Ray and what to say if she did. She made her way to work and passed by a wedding boutique. Inside, she saw Ray with Sarah, making, what she assumed, was last minute plans.

"Neela! Wait up!" She heard Ray's voice behind her.

"Ray." She turned around. "How have you been?" She returned his hug.

"I've been good. Getting married is stressful, though." He sighed. "But, looking forward to it. How's things with you and Gates, by the way?"

Neela sighed. As she looked up at Ray, trying to think of the answer he'd want to hear, she couldn't help but think that her rebound romance with Gates cost her Ray. "Um, we're fine. At least for right now." She forced a smile as Sarah wrapped her arms in Ray's. "Glad to see all things are going well for you, Ray." She nodded to Sarah. "Sarah, congratulations."

"Thank you, Dr. Rasgotra." Sarah's blonde hair and blue eyes complimented Ray's brown hair and green eyes perfectly. She was perfectly suited to his height as well and Neela found the urge to hurry and get out of there before she found a reason to hate Sarah more than she already did. Sarah smiled a beautiful and honest smile. "I do hope you will attend our wedding. Ray has spoken so often of you that I feel I know you."

Neela smiled back. "If I have the evening off, I'll be there."

"You okay, Neela?" Ray's voice scared her again.

"I'm fine, Ray."

"I know you, Neela. You're not as fine as you say. Talk to me."

"I'm fine, Ray. Honest." She smiled a fake smile, hoping Ray wouldn't see.