Love can Overcome Anything
Chapter 14: A Few Glitches
AN- Thank you to: PriscillaN, AllAmericanPirate, FlipChick1432, Mrs. Bridget Vreeland Richman, smartywithch, Insane and Logical, Jenny Mae, daniwani2369 and spectacularspectacular for reviewing Chapter 13.
I would also like to thank: None, Nicole, Morgan, Sarah and Jelly Fish for all the anonymous reviews.
I really love you guys! It means so much to me! Read, and enjoy!
"So Bee, we heard what had happened in Eric's point of view, and now we want yours. Talk, speak slowly." Tibby started off. Bridget was interrogated by a pacing Tibby from her comfortable spot on the bed. Lena and Carmen, whose attitudes were far more relaxed, opted to situate them selves on the blue-green polka dotted chair and purple shag carpet, respectively. The four had just got back from dragging Bridget out of her house and away from Eric, who was still left behind in Bridget's house.
Bridget nibbled on a gummy worm lost in thought when Lena interrupted her thoughts. "Bee, are you still with us?"
Bridget nodded then said sarcastically "First of all, I would like to thank all of you for ruining my romantic moment with Eric. Secondly, what do you guys want to know?"
"Everything that had happened to you ever since you went to the cafe. We haven't heard from you ever since the day before yesterday. We even had to tackle Eric down to the ground to get him to tell the story to us. You left us all hanging Bee" said Carmen accusingly.
"Yeah" Lena piped in, agreeing with Carmen.
Bridget replied "Oh. I didn't know you guys were that worried about me. Let's see, I did what we all planned. I hid and waited for Eric. He came, I stayed where I was. Eric left, then my senses kicked in and I ran after him. He hopped on the bus while I was still running so he didn't see me. I felt like I lost something in me. I went and –"
Tibby interrupted "Oh please Bee. Don't tell me you cried"
"Tibby! Don't be so mean!" Lena scolded.
Bridget stuck her tongue out at Tibby teasingly and continued "Anyway, to be honest, yes I did cry. I kind of stuck my cell phone in my socks because I didn't feel like answering any of your calls."
"Bee, you should have at least told us something. Lena, Tibby and I were worried to death. We thought that either you were having a good time with Eric and forgot about us or something terrible happened." Carmen said
"Hey guys, I'm sorry. I was a bit preoccupied" Bridget said
Tibby snorted. "Preoccupied on what? Obsessing over Eric leaving or being too busy bawling your eyes out?"
Bridget clutched her heart teasingly and said "I'm so hurt"
Tibby laughed and came over to Bridget hugging her and saying "You know I was kidding Bee. You know I love you"
Bridget laughed and continued her story "afterward, when I was crying, Eric came up to me, surprised me and everything fell into place"
Carmen sighed and fell back to the floor. "That's a really romantic story. Your life should be published into a book Bee."
Lena laughed and said "speaking of romance, your big day is today Carmen!"
Bridget squealed and hopped off the bed, joining Carmen on the floor. "I'm so sorry Carmen. I was busy with everything and I totally forgot about your wedding. But now I don't and I'm so happy for you!"
Tibby laid down next to Bridget and Carmen on the floor and said "speaking of weddings, don't you think you should get ready now? After all, the wedding is in-" Tibby checked her watch. "5 hours!"
Carmen leapt off the floor exclaiming "Oh no! I forgot that Win and I still have to discuss with the wedding flower girl that Win is allergic to daisies! She keeps insisting to wear a circle of yellow daisies around her head! I'm sorry guys, but I have to run!" Carmen rushed out the door.
Two minutes later, Carmen walked back into Tibby's room sheepishly and said "Oops. I forgot to remind you guys something. Lena, please remember that you have to help me with the wedding dress. Tibby, remember to bring the little statue to put on the cake and Bee, can you arrive a little early too? I need help with the setting up the guests' wedding favors."
Tibby and Lena nodded but Bridget stayed quiet looking very troubled. "Carmen, I was just wondering if you invited Eric."
Carmen replied "No, but of course he can come." Carmen then rushed out of the room once again.
Tibby shook her head and looked at Lena. "Last-minute-wedding-rush-symptom, sound familiar Lena?"
Lena laughed and said to Bridget, who looked confused "when Tibby and I had our weddings, we were as panicky and rushed as Carmen right before our wedding. I'm sure you remember Bee. Someday, you'll have that symptom too."
Bridget laughed, but deep inside of her, she felt a gnawing envy that all her friends were happily married but she wasn't. Snap out of it Bee! Be happy for your friends! You've got Eric now, haven't you? Bridget scolded herself silently. "Well guys, I'm sure we're all busy with Carmen's wedding, so I'm going to have to run."
Lena and Tibby both nodded and said "See you later Bee"
After rising from the bed, Bridget hailed a cab, recalling the memory of being driven by Carmen to Tibby's house.
As Bridget was riding the taxi back to her house, she was thinking will Eric ever ask me to marry him? I don't think so. After all, we've had so many ups and downs that our relationship now would probably never last. In the future I wonder if I will be a happily married wife or will I be a single woman with no husband for the rest of my life.
Bridget was interrupted from her thoughts when the cab stopped in front of her house. Her living room light was on. How strange. Dad and Perry never leave the light on like that. It was all of a sudden that Bridget remembered that Eric was probably waiting for her return. All thoughts eluded her when she saw the familiar sandy hair on the couch. Bridget walked into the front door and peeked inside the living room. The television was on but Eric was sleeping on her couch.
Bridget smiled and thought this is the second time Eric has fallen asleep today. Boy, he must be sleepy. Bridget was about to wake him up when she remembered that Eric had scared her really badly when he pushed her through the front door. Now's a time to get him back for that evil joke he did to me earlier. Bridget smirked mischievously.
Bridget carefully considered her options until she decided that jumping on Eric would get her the best result… but pouring water all over him would get even a better result. Nah, I would probably have to clean up the mess afterwards. I might as well jump on top of him. I hope I don't kill him or anything…
Carefully and quietly, Bridget furtively walked towards the couch, bent her knees for the jump and landed right on top of Eric. Eric eyes shot open, and he groggily fell off the couch in surprise. Bridget screamed with laughter as Eric recovered from his sleep. He looked a bit disoriented.
A few hilarious moments afterward Eric recovered and he went to join Bridget on the couch. "What a great way to wake me up Bee" he said mockingly.
Bridget just laughed some more. "We got each other fair and square. You want a truce? Call it even?" Bridget extended her hand.
Eric seemed to dwell on this for a moment until he took Bridget's hand and shook it, replying "truce."
Bridget's hand seemed to linger on his for a long time until she shook herself out of her reverie and said "Eric, we're going to Carmen's wedding tonight."
"Are you sure I'm allowed to go? But I wasn't invited! I got no invitation!" Eric replied
Bridget laughed. "You weren't invited Eric, because we weren't together. But now we are so you are invited!"
"Did Carmen say so?"
"Yes she did"
"What if I told you I don't want to go because it would be awkward?"
"It wouldn't matter because I will still make you go. Why would it be awkward?"
"It'll be awkward because I don't know anyone. But just for you, I'll go, but only to the wedding party. I'm not going to the actual wedding"
"You know lots of people! You know me, Carmen, Tibby, Greta, Perry, Dad and Lena. And why don't you want to go to the actual wedding? Don't you want to see Carmen walk up the aisle, exchange vows and all that stuff?"
Eric coughed mysteriously. "Ah not really. I have some… uh… important… yes important issues to deal with. I'll be at the wedding party though."
Bridget looked at Eric suspiciously. "What important issues?"
Eric broke away from Bridget's gaze and replied "you know…stuff… job… soccer… life…"
Bridget looked at Eric. She clearly knew that Eric was lying but she didn't push it. "So you'll be at the party though?"
"Yes. I'll be there"
Bridget sighed and said "Okay. I guess you have to go and attend your important issues." Bridget pondered on this sentence for a little while. "Hmm, I don't want to be all alone at the wedding. Do you mind if I just go with you to the important issue that you have and arrive with you at Carmen's wedding party?"
Bridget thought she saw a panicked glance flash across Eric's face when he replied "No! I mean… I don't think you should come with me to this important issue. Yes, it'll be better without you coming with me. You should go to Carmen's wedding though. She'll be really disappointed if you don't go."
Bridget nodded, agreeing with Eric. Eric gazed at the clock, stood up from the couch and said "look, we've only got 4 hours left until Carmen's wedding. I've got to go okay? I'll see you at Carmen and Win's wedding party later on."
Bridget looked up at Eric and said "Okay. See you later then."
Eric smiled, bent down, and gave Bridget a kiss on the lips and told her with fervor "I love you"
Bridget smiled, her body lit up with warmth and said "I love you too" and giving Eric another smile and a kiss.
Eric left Bridget's house afterwards. Bridget remained on the couch for a few minutes after Eric left when Eric came back in, shivering and saying "Bee, you have my jacket. It's so cold outside. Can I have it back please?"
Bridget looked down at the jacket she was wearing. She just remembered that she was still wearing it. Bridget laughed sheepishly before removing Eric's jacket and returning it to its rightful owner. Eric smiled gratefully, gave Bridget another kiss before heading out once again towards the door.
Bridget headed up stairs into her room to get changed for Carmen's wedding. She decided on a light blue strapless dress that skimmed all the way down to the ground, white flats with a pretty bow on each flat (she considered that if she wore her white 3-inch heels, she'd be taller than Eric), a sterling silver heart shaped necklace, and a thin silver bangle on her left wrist. She wore mascara, lip gloss and a hint of eye shadow.
Bridget stepped up to the full length big mirror and checked to see how she looked. Her beautiful hair brushed her finely tanned shoulders, all the way down her back finally resting on her lower back, her slim wrists showed the pretty slim silver bangle strikingly and her light blue dress seemed to reflect the light with all its sparkles.
Satisfied with how she looked, Bridget carefully sat down on her bed to check the time. She had approximately 2 hours left until Carmen's wedding. She heard a bold knock on the door. Bridget rose from her bed and opened it. In front of her was Greta all ready to go to Carmen's wedding. Greta looked beautiful with her black dress.
Bridget gasped and hugged Greta. "Grandma! I didn't know you would be stopping here before Carmen's wedding!"
Greta smiled saying "Honey, I would never miss a chance to see you, your father and Perry! You look beautiful by the way."
Bridget stiffened up a little bit. "Thanks. Oh Grandma, I forgot that you haven't seen Perry and Dad for a long time. Did Dad be mean to you?"
"No Honey, your Dad was quite ecstatic and Perry was just his usual sweet quiet self."
"That's good! Are you coming to the wedding with Dad and Perry or with me?"
"Well, I thought I would go with your Dad and Perry. I think we need to talk and get reacquainted."
"Okay"
"I'm going to go downstairs to talk to your Dad okay? You go on and do whatever you were doing before I interrupted you."
"That's right! I have to go and help Carmen with her guests' wedding favors! I almost forgot! I got to run now!"
Greta went back downstairs while Bridget went back into her room to grab her jacket and car keys.
Bridget stood up from her seat in between Lena and Greta and headed to the big ballroom that Carmen and Win had booked to celebrate their wedding. Carmen looked gorgeous in her pearly white gown and Win looked handsome with his black tuxedo. Carmen and Win were very sweet towards each other, writing their own wedding speeches and getting teary eyed near the vow exchanging. Now that they were happily married, Bridget felt even more left out. Lena was married happily to Paul, Tibby to Brian and now Carmen to Win. I'm not even engaged yet! I'm so far away from being married that I don't even have a very serious relationship!
"Earth to Bee! Where are you?" Tibby joked as she waved her hands wildly in from of the dazed Bridget. Bridget shook her head slightly to wake herself up from her daze. She smiled at Tibby before assuring Tibby she was alright.
"Come on Bee. Do you want me to go to the party with you?" Tibby asked
Bridget replied "Sure. But let's make a pit stop at the ladies washroom first okay?"
"Sure. Let's go!"
"Where's Lena and Brian?"
"Oh, Lena's with Paul and Brian had to run home and get our gift to Carmen and Win. We forgot it."
Bridget laughed while they made their way to the ladies washroom. Bridget checked her makeup and reapplied her lip gloss while Tibby adjusted her one shoulder black dress. Tibby looked stunning with her dress, high heels, and her hair clipped back in a dazzling black barrette.
"Tibby, I'll be in the ballroom if you're looking for me okay?" Bridget asked Tibby
"Sure. Go on ahead. I think I'll stay behind to fix my hair. It's so messy today." Tibby replied.
Bridget left the ladies washroom and started down the hallway. Suddenly she bumped into a man who looked like he haven't shaved in 3 months and smelled like alcohol and tobacco. Bridget looked up ready to apologize when she realized who the man was. This man, who was grinning like a maniac was Jack Gooney.
Jack Gooney, who was still grinning madly, advanced towards Bridget and started hugging Bridget. His right hand was far below her waist and the other one was on her upper back.
Jack said suggestively "Hi Babe! So long no see! How about we leave this party and create another party of our own?"
"Ugh Jack! Stay away! I never ever will be with you and I certainly will never even lay a finger on you!" Bridget said fiercely as she pushed away from Jack, an old high school annoyance who always had a crush on her. Jack was always suggesting that they get together. In high school, Jack would always tell anyone who would bother to listen that Bridget was his serious girlfriend.
Jack scornfully sulked. "Why don't you want to go create a little party of our own babe? It would be loads of fun. You and I were meant to be"
"Shut up and leave me alone. I have a boyfriend and he could probably beat you up in a 2 seconds."
"Oh but baby, you'd never let that happen to me right?" Jack leaned closer into Bridget.
"Jack! Seriously, stop it!" Bridget was getting very aggravated with Jack now.
"Come on. You know you want to" Jack wiggled his thick furry eyebrows.
"NO!" Bridget stomped onto Jack's foot while pushing him as hard as she could towards the wall. Jack stumbled towards the wall and crashed down onto a frame.
This time, Jack remained against the wall. His maniac smile disappeared and was replaced by a very angry frown. He said angrily "Okay. I had enough. You're going to pay for that. No one messes with Jack Gooney" Jack then stomped back into the party room.
Bridget stood there confused and thought what was a loser like Jack doing at Carmen and Win's party? Eric's going to get so mad at Jack once I tell him what had happened. Anyway I should be getting back to the party. Eric should be at the party by now.
"Bee, wait up!" Tibby said, rushing towards Bridget, who was making her way to the wedding party. Bridget halted and waited for Tibby to catch up.
"Is something wrong?" Tibby asked, worried about her friend's unsmiling face.
Bridget shook her head and mumbled "Nothing's wrong."
Tibby, still uncertain said "Okay. Let's go back to the party now!"
Bridget stood on the tip of her toes as she glanced around the room for Eric. It's been an hour since the party started and Eric had not arrived yet. The guests were polishing off their dinner and some have already made it to the dance floor. Bridget had gotten over her encounter with Jack and had decided it was best to ignore what had just happened.
Carmen and Win did a fabulous job with the decorations. Pretty white bows and streamers were strung onto the walls and ceiling, white and red roses were neatly cut, put into vases and were on the tables, the lights were dim near the dance floor and bright near the eating tables. The floor was polished and the refreshment table looked very mouth-watering. Guests were strewn all over the room; some were dancing, some were eating, many were socializing, and a few others were admiring the decorations.
Lena, who had her hair carefully straightened and curled at the ends looking very appealing in her gold, shimmering dress was eating with Paul in the far table corner. Carmen and Win were walking back and forth greeting guests, thanking guests and having a great time. Tibby and Brian were on the dance floor attempting to dance along one of the jazz songs. Only Bridget had no companion to enjoy the party with so far. Bridget walked to the refreshment table and grabbed herself a cup of champagne. Drinking it slowly, Bridget, for the umpteenth time, scanned the room for Eric. He was no where to be seen though. Bridget, fed up with Eric's tardiness put down her glass of champagne and walked to the side of the dance floor, where she stood and watched couples danced.
Unexpectedly, someone softly tapped her on the shoulder, indicating her to turn around. Finally Eric's here. It took him long enough. It's been what? 2 hours? If he came any later, the party will probably be in full swing and the wedding cake would probably be cut. Bridget spun around, thinking it was Eric, but was even more surprised when she saw it was James. James looked even better-looking in a black tuxedo then in a soccer uniform. Bridget squealed and jumped into James arms. It had been a few weeks ever since James had left the camp. Bridget held onto James for a long time, for good time's sake.
"James! How'd you get invited? Carmen and Win don't even know you!" Bridget gasped, happy to see a familiar face that she hadn't seen for a long time.
James laughed, his laugh sounding rich like a deep baritone "Oh Bee. We're not the only people who know each other in the world. Win's cousin's friend's sister is my stepsister. Win invited Daisy, who refused to come without me so Win invited me too."
Bridget nodded symbolizing that she agreed. James glanced around the room and said "Hmm. There's a lot of familiar faces don't you think?"
"Yes. To me there is. But you, how do you know the people here?" Bridget asked
James scanned the room. "I know Daisy, over near the refreshment table, I know Win, of course, and I see Carmen. Oh look! There's Billy!"
Bridget did a double take at James. "Who?" Bridget whispered her stomach seemed to plummet down to her feet.
James looked at Bridget funnily. "You heard me. I said Billy."
Bridget choked on nothing in particular and said "where?" Her lungs seemed to have no air left in them.
James pointed to the direction of the exit of the men's washroom. Bridget looked and there, true to her eyes, was Billy. Boy. This sure is a small world. First Jack, then James and now Billy. Bridget thought. Ah well, at least Eric's here. Oh wait. Eric hasn't arrived yet…damn. By the time Bridget looked up at James, she saw that he was waving Billy over.
Bridget panicked. She didn't want to see Billy again, really. Sure they weren't mad at each other but it would help so much if she didn't talk to Billy unless Eric was with her. I got to find Eric. If he's not here by now, he's so dead.
"Look James, you stay here, talk to Billy. I'm going to find Eric." Bridget said. She left a confused looking James near the dance floor as she made her way to the exit. Instead, she bumped into Carmen.
"Carmen! Hi! Umm, can you please explain to me why Billy is here?" Bridget asked
Carmen gasped then said "Oh yeah. Oops. When Win and I were writing the invitations to the guests, you were still with Billy, so we automatically assumed that you would want Billy here. But since you broke up with Billy, we couldn't really take the invitation back. And besides, I really didn't think Billy would show up."
"Carmen!"
"Hey! I'm sorry!"
"It's all right. I just really need to find Eric!"
Carmen didn't reply to Bridget's comment but instead, was looking at the person behind Bridget. Bridget looked at Carmen strangely and said "Carmen? Are you okay?"
Carmen shook herself out of her reverie and said teasingly "Oh. Sorry about that. It's just there's a man near the entrance. He looks really eye-catching and drop dead gorgeous with his tie and suit. All the single ladies are eyeing him. Oh wait, I think his name's Eric. Maybe you should go to him?"
Bridget spun around and saw Eric in his suit. His tie was loosened up, his collar messed up, his hair was untidy and he was holding his suit jacket in his hand. He seemed to be looking for her. Bridget smiled and every troubled thing happening her that evening was forgotten. She headed towards Eric. Eric's eyes lit up as he saw her approaching. All the young ladies who were eyeing him gave Bridget the evil eye as she wrapped her arms around him in greeting.
Bridget gave Eric a kiss on the lips before teasingly scolding him for being late. Eric dropped his suit jacket to the floor and wrapped his arms around Bridget back. Eric laughed, apologized and explained that he had to run back and get his wallet, after that he got lost on the way to the party, and then he had trouble finding a parking spot. Bridget kissed him again, then whispering in his ear that he was forgiven.
Eric embraced Bridget for a little longer whispering "by the way Bee, you look absolutely gorgeous."
Bridget beamed and said "Come on. You must be hungry. Let's find a table." Eric picked up his suit jacket and nodded. Bridget led Eric through the tables until she found a table far away from the crowd of guests. Eric pulled out a seat for her before sitting down in his own seat. Bridget sat down in her seat before standing up and announcing "I'll go get some drinks. I'll be right back."
Bridget headed towards the drink table, got Eric some champagne (she didn't want to get herself another cup so she decided she would share the champagne cup with Eric). Making her way back, Bridget's happy mood dropped exceedingly fast as she spotted the scene before her.
Eric was sitting down on the table but right across from him was Jack, who seemed to be thoroughly explaining something. Jack was grinning mischievously while Eric had a slight frown on his face. Turning to her right, Bridget saw James and Billy approaching her.
Bridget put down the glass of champagne on the nearest table, studied the scene before her, and took a deep breath before muttering to herself "Damn."