Neela sat in the dark of her apartment. How did it get to this? Where did I learn to shut people out when I need them the most? She sipped her tea, a small part of her wishing it were alcohol. Ray's words had cut her and cut her deeply. She stood up and looked out the window at the lights of Chicago. "This must have been the depth of his pain when I left him." She spoke to no one. She wiped some tears. "I'm so sorry for hurting him. I never meant to fall in love with him. Michael was the safe choice. I should have listened to my heart…then it would have been Ray there…" She sipped her tea, not fully aware her door was slightly cracked. She continued talking as though someone were listening. "If I could just…just rewind time and go back 5 years, I'd tell him and not push him away from me, but pull him closer."

Ray stood in the cracked door, not saying a word. He had come to apologize for being so harsh and he heard her talking. He didn't know to whom she was speaking, but he was certain he wasn't intended to hear it, so he quietly stole away. He made his way to Ike's for a cold one. "Problems?" A familiar voice made Ray jump out of his skin.

"Jesus, Brett. Give a guy a chance to relax before you sneak up on him, scaring him shitless." Ray gave his former bandmate a 'man' hug. "Great to see you, man."

"You too. You look great." Brett ordered a tall one. "Looks like end of week you strap on that old ball and chain. Your days of flirting with scantily women are over my friend." He looked closely at Ray. "But, they've been over for a long time. Ever since, uh, what's her name?"

"Neela." Ray downed a sip of beer. "Neela Rasgotra."

"Oh yeah. The one you tried to set me up with, but it didn't work out because she was too busy thinking of you."

Ray put his money on the counter and stood up. "Great seeing you, Brett."

"Where you going?" Brett asked. "I just got here, man."

"I know, but I'm going. I've got things to do to prepare for the wedding."

Brett laughed. "What? Grooms are now planning the weddings?" He held his hands up when Ray glared at him. "Sorry, man."

"Great seeing you, man." Ray shook his old friend's hand and left.


Ray shifted uncomfortably. He had never been comfortable in suits, much less this penguin suit he had to wear for his wedding. He looked at Luka. "So. How do I look?" Ray laughed.

"Like someone getting married." Luka adjusted Ray's bowtie. "You look fine."

Ray turned back and looked at himself in the full-length mirror. He couldn't help but wonder if Neela would show up. He knew he had hurt her and hurt her deeply. He wished he could take the words back, but he couldn't anymore than she could take back the past 5 years.

Ray made his way to the end of the aisle, noticing Neela sitting in the row behind his parents. He felt a little relieved to see she had made it. Probably forced to come by Abby. He thought. The bridal procession began and he caught his first glimpse of Sarah. God, she's beautiful. He smiled. As she made her way down the aisle, Ray felt his heart swell with pride that the beautiful woman sitting in the row behind his parents…Jesus, Ray! She's NOT the one you're marrying! She was handed over to him by her father and Ray smiled.

Neela sat next to Abby, fighting the urge to stand up when the minister asked if anyone had good reason why this man and this woman shouldn't be married. As the minister continued, Neela decided that she had to leave. She tried to leave quietly, but there was still a small commotion as she slid past Abby. She was acutely aware that eyes were on her. She looked at Ray and Sarah. "Sorry. Loo calls." She lied. She tried to not show her pain as she made her way down the aisle, but she knew it showed.