June 3rd, 2017, Frank was hanging around outside near the back exit of the ballroom. He needed some time to himself, the day hadn't been easy for him and the incident with the garter belt didn't help anything. Maybe catching the belt would have been a nice experience, maybe putting it on that girl would have helped him forget how he felt, although it would have only been temporary in the short run. Frank hadn't been in any form of a relationship since splitting up with Elizabeth, he couldn't. After being involved with someone as unique as Elizabeth and experiencing that moment beyond time and space with her, Frank felt like he would never be able to go out with anyone normal. And it wasn't just that, it had been over three years, but it didn't matter; part of Frank still felt something for Elizabeth, even if he couldn't admit that to himself or anyone else. He continued to stare at the photo of them at Coney Island while wondering where everything went wrong, something he had done for almost three years.

Earlier in the church, Frank had an opportunity to speak up. But he couldn't, he didn't have the courage, not like it would have mattered. He was happy for Elizabeth, he had moved past being resentful long ago, but it didn't change the fact that part of him wished he was the one in Jack's place. But with the ring and the kiss, Elizabeth was married; and there was nothing he could do about it.

Frank thought back to Jack, Jack Ryan, not Jack Wells, he had to remind himself that they were not the same person. He understood why Elizabeth loved Wells, but what if there was more too it than that. Sometimes Frank wondered about the man who murdered Elizabeth; Atlas, also known as Frank Fontaine. Years ago, Elizabeth said that Frank's name reminded her of Frank Fontaine, it wasn't hard to see why, but she claimed it didn't change how she felt about him, and yet, she still ended their relationship. She made it clear that she was breaking up with him so he could follow his dream, but he couldn't help but feel Fontaine's horrible actions had something to do with their split.

In Frank's mind, it was clear that Fontaine had a significant impact on Elizabeth's life, literally, he ended it. He ended it when he broke his end of the deal to let a little girl named Sally go in exchange for freedom and a key known as the Ace in the Hole. Sally survived, but at the cost of Elizabeth's life. Frank would always come back to the same conclusion; if it wasn't for Fontaine, if it wasn't for the fact that he didn't let her go, he and Elizabeth would still be together. Sometimes he would think about what he would do if he somehow got the opportunity to confront him and find out why he killed her, but what would he do after he found out the facts. Would he berate Fontaine, or would he put the pieces together as to why Elizabeth left him? But what if Elizabeth was telling the truth. Maybe she did see a bright future for him and that's why she let him go, maybe she was being honest the whole time. But it wasn't enough, Frank wanted to know; he needed to know.

Right as Frank put the photo away, he saw the back door next to him open, it was the bouquet bachelorette. She poked her head out, almost stealthily as she spotted Frank.

"Hey, are you hiding out here?"

"Uh…kinda…"

"Can I hide out here with you?"

"Uh…sure…"

The bachelorette sighed a sigh of relief.

"Oh thank god, everyone won't leave me alone about the bouquet"

The bachelorette stepped through the door and stood next to Frank, leaning against the wall with him as she folded her arms and got comfortable. She and Frank were quiet for a couple of minutes before she turned her attention to him.

"What are you family, friend?"

Frank wasn't sure if he should be honest, so he went with a half-truth.

"Friend, uh and you?"

"Friend of a cousin, you know Yvette?"

"I don't know anyone here, I'm Elizabeth's friend"

"Oh"

The bachelorette held out her hand for Frank.

"Jennifer Kelly. My friends call me Jenn, with two N's"

"Frank Williams"

Frank shook hands with Jenn, she had a really tight grip.

"That's a strong grip you got"

"Yeah, well, I was in the army, they taught me to be firm about everything"

"Oh well, I can appreciate that"

"Really?"

"Well, yeah"

Jenn smiled, she loosened her posture, feeling a little more at ease getting to know Frank as he continued talking.

"So you were in the army?"

"Yeah, did two tours in Iraq. Just got back home about a month ago"

"How was it?"

Jenn raised an eyebrow at Frank.

"Oh no I don't mean like, was it fun I mean, well, you know"

"No, it's fine. Most of the time nothing happened. Just stood around all day guarding empty space. You know how much resources and taxpayers dollars are wasted? And for what? So we can stand around and stare at dirt all day? Like come on"

"Well at least it wasn't too bad"

"Oh no, I saw action. Was involved with most of it. I did things. I was a convoy driver. Al-Qaeda came in out of nowhere. My squad and I got separated. They were held down by gunfire in a hotel. So I went in, sorted it all out by myself"

Frank wasn't sure whether or not to believe Jenn, he decided to humor her.

"Seriously?"

"Yeah, no one could believe I did it. But that's what I'm remembered for. They didn't just make me sergeant and give me endless commendations, after that day they started calling me; Lady Punisher"

"What like Frank Castle?"

"Yes! Oh my god! Did you watch Daredevil?"

Frank's eyes widened, almost lit up.

"That was a good show!"

"I binge watched season one and was like "oh my god that was really good!" You know? And then season two, season two was great"

"Daredevil was really good. Did you see Luke Cage?"

"Yes! I loved Luke Cage and the other show Jessica Jones!"

"Yeah, did you see Iron Fist?"

"I'm halfway through it"

"I thought it was okay, what do you think so far?"

"It's all right, I'll get around to finishing it"

"Well, I hope you enjoy it"

"Yeah"

Frank was actually having a good time talking to Jenn, he decided to continue the conversation they were having.

"So are you into comics or anything like that?"

"Oh no, just the shows. I watch just about everything on Netflix. But see the thing is, what I like about the shows is, I think it's admirable that even when they struggle with themselves, they still want to do the right thing and help people no matter what"

"Is that why you joined the army? To help people?"

"Of course. It's like, I can't sit back knowing people are suffering, not if I can make a difference"

"That is admirable"

Frank wasn't sure if Jenn was telling the truth, but how she felt was still laudable. Jenn went silent for a little bit, she seemed to have something on her mind.

"You know you're the first person who hasn't been put off by the fact that I've…I mean it when I said I did things. I don't regret saving my fellow brothers-in-arms, but I'm not proud of what I've done"

Frank caught on to what Jenn was trying to say.

"Most people don't know how to react when you tell them what actually happened. But yeah, I'm sorry you went through that"

"Thanks"

Frank and Jenn went quiet for a bit once more before she spoke up again.

"Still can't believe I caught those flowers"

"You didn't wanna catch them?"

"It was, instinctual. Someone throws something your way, you catch it. Worst part was having to deal with the guy who caught that stupid belt"

"What was wrong with him?"

"That guy was a douchebag, I saw what he did to you. He reminded me of this guy I dated in my sophomore year of high school; couldn't take no for an answer"

Frank couldn't help but quietly agree with Jenn, but he didn't think much of himself.

"I doubt me putting that belt on your leg would have been any better"

"Well you got up and went for it, why did you do that if you feel that way?"

Frank found it difficult to answer, he wasn't even sure where he stood with how he felt.

"I don't know. I guess it would have felt nice to be able to do it, you know like…I don't know, it's complicated; sometimes I feel like I can't get a break"

Frank and Jenn resumed their silence, he decided to be honest with her.

"I used to date Elizabeth. I'm her ex"

"Damn"

Jenn thought that Frank's admission was a surprising turn of events.

"Yeah"

"Did it end well?"

"We broke up"

"No I mean, like the break up itself"

"Oh, it…to say it ended badly was an understatement. She, she felt it was best that we go our separate ways due to, I guess, conflicts with our goals. She felt like she didn't wanna weigh me down. I didn't take it well, yelled at her. I haven't spoken to her in three years. Then a few weeks ago I got the wedding invite. So, here I am"

Silence filled the air for a minute before Jenn spoke up again.

"Do you think coming here was right?"

Frank contemplated the question, he had no straight answer.

"I don't know what I was expecting coming here but…I don't know, I really don't know. She's obviously heading in a new direction, has been for a long time. And yet, I couldn't believe how happy she was to see me, and right in front of her husband it's just, I don't know…"

Frank went quiet, so Jenn spoke up.

"You know what I think?"

"What?"

"You may not be together, but it sounds like she still cares about you"

Frank was beginning to piece together what Jenn was talking about, but he was still skeptical.

"It doesn't feel right"

"Of course it doesn't because you used to be together and now you're not. But it's not too late. Go talk to her. Go apologize for getting angry. This is probably her way of trying to resolve everything. You know, there's a lot I wish I could go back to and resolve, people I hurt, one in particular that I'll never get the chance to apologize to. But it's too late for him…her…they aren't around anymore"

"I'm sorry"

Frank wasn't sure what Jenn was talking about, but he could hear some sincerity in her voice with whatever she was hinting at.

"Thanks, now go tell Elizabeth you're sorry"

Jenn smiled at Frank, he still wasn't sure if she was telling the truth about her war story, but he was glad he could talk to someone who was understanding about his situation, he also knew she was right. With the conversation over, Frank decided it was time to head back inside.

"I'm heading back in, you coming?"

"Not for a while, nice talking with you"

"Yeah, nice talking to you"

"Hope you work things out"

"Thanks"

Jenn smiled and winked at Frank, forcing a smile from him as he went back inside.

Later that night Frank was ready to go home. As he exited through the entrance, Elizabeth was there with most of the bridesmaids, laughing and having a good time. Frank waved his hand to get Elizabeth's attention. When she looked up he wished her farewell.

"Night Elizabeth, take care, congrats"

As Frank walked off further, Elizabeth told the girls she would be right back. She raced over to Frank, calling him to get his attention.

"Frank! Frank!"

Frank turned around, stopping in his tracks as Elizabeth reached him to talk further.

"Hey, how are you doing? Did you have a good time?"

Elizabeth hadn't heard from Frank almost the entire day, she wanted to know how he was doing.

"I'm good, yeah it was nice. I hope you had a good day"

"It's been wonderful"

"I uh, I'm gonna start heading out, call a cab. It was nice seeing you though"

"Frank wait, I meant what I said earlier, I'm really happy you're here"

"Thanks, I'm glad you invited me"

"It's been so long, three years. For the longest time, I thought about if you would ever talk to me again; I can't tell you enough how happy I am that you came today"

Frank remembered what Jenn had said to him. This was the moment, three years was a long time for both of them, and although he was afraid to speak up, he needed to do the right thing and resolve past mistakes.

"Listen I'm…I'm sorry. I'm sorry about what I said to you. For getting angry. For going all these years without so much as a word. I know I was upset but, but I…"

Frank went quiet, Elizabeth knew he was trying as hard as he could to apologize. She decided to speak up and let him know everything was okay.

"Frank it's okay, I forgave you a long time ago. I know you were hurt, I'm sorry too; I hope you can forgive me as well"

"Yeah, I forgive you…I…"

Frank's thoughts from earlier sunk in even further. He had said it earlier, but Elizabeth really did look absolutely beautiful, she looked like an angel in her wedding dress. Frank was happy for Elizabeth, but it didn't change how he felt. Seeing her standing before him as a bride and hammering in the fact that she was the wife of someone else. Frank could no longer hold back his emotions as tears rolled down his face.

"I'm sorry, today is your day and I told myself I wouldn't do this…"

Frank covered his eyes with his hand, sniffling as he tried to cover up that he was crying.

Elizabeth was able to pick up on how Frank felt. She could tell he still felt something for her and there was no doubt coming to her wedding had been really difficult for him. She put a hand on his shoulder, hoping to provide a little comfort for him.

"I didn't wanna ruin your day…"

"Frank, you didn't ruin anything. You being here has made this day so much more amazing. It's okay"

Elizabeth reached over and gave Frank a big hug, resting his head on her shoulder, she could tell he needed a hug.

Frank didn't want Elizabeth to let go of him, the fact that he didn't want her to let go almost made him break down further. But he was able to push those thoughts aside and feel calm and comfort as she held him in her arms. Eventually, he collected himself, although still somewhat teary-eyed as she released him. Elizabeth reached into her purse to give Frank a tissue, she still had more to discuss.

"Frank…"

"You can call me Frankie if you want"

Elizabeth was taken back, the fact that Frank was allowing her to call him by her nickname for him, but she knew better than to question it.

"Frankie, thank you for accepting my invitation and being here today. Before you go, I have something to ask of you"

Elizabeth reached down into her purse, it was a check for one hundred thousand dollars.

"I told you years ago you were meant to do great things, and I still stand by it. Please; take it"

This was the end of the road for Frank. All he wanted was for them be together. Yes, Elizabeth was officially married. Yes, she was deeply in love with Jack. But Frank felt if he took the check, that would be it. Any sort of hope that they could be together would end as soon as he took her offer. What choice did he have, he had nothing left except to follow his dream, even if he wasn't sure if he wanted it. Frank had already seen how the story played out this day; now it was time to write the ending of this chapter in his life. Frank reluctantly reached over and took the check, putting it in his pocket.

Elizabeth smiled, but she could see that Frank was still upset. She knew this was hard for him, so she wouldn't hold him up any longer, but not without telling him one more thing.

"I know how much you hate it when people say all kinds of clichés about love, how you will find someone or love is waiting for you, so I'll spare you that speech"

"I appreciate it"

"But there is something I will tell you. I came into this world alone, I had lost everyone close to me, I had no one. But then, I found you. After everything I was forced to go through, you wanted to stay by my side. You showed me love, so much love. You also gave me my life. Even though Jack has my heart I will never forget that. You will always be important to me, okay?"

Frank nodded, before speaking up.

"I am happy for you. I hope Jack always loves you and gives you everything you were denied in life"

"Thank you"

As Elizabeth and Frank shared a brief moment of silence, a photographer came up to the two of them.

"Hey, you a friend of the bride? You both want a photo together?"

Elizabeth smiled and looked at Frank.

"Yes"

Frank looked at Elizabeth, then back at the photographer, then back at Elizabeth.

"Uh…sure…"

Frank stood to Elizabeth's right as she gently put her arm around his shoulder and smiled at the photographer. Frank kept his hands in his pockets, giving the photographer a half smile as he snapped a photo of the two. When the photographer finished and walked off, Elizabeth kept her hand on Frank's shoulder, before pulling him in to give him another hug, expressing her gratitude as she felt him indolently hug her as well. It had been three long years, and even though so much was long overdue; she wanted him to know how much she appreciated everything he did for her and that he really was still important to her. After a few seconds, she ended her caring embrace by giving Frank a gentle kiss on the cheek. When their moment was wrapped up, Frank started walking off, only to be stopped by Elizabeth once more.

"When are you leaving?"

"Uh, in a month I suppose, I have to get things in order"

Frank didn't have much of a plan, but he imagined it would be a while before he left.

"Jack and I are going to Venice for two weeks for our honeymoon, we should do something together when I get back. Maybe we could go get something to eat, or go see a movie perhaps? It would be wonderful for us to spend time together. As friends"

Elizabeth knew how Frank felt, but it didn't change that she missed him, she hoped he would accept her offer.

"I don't know if I'm ready for that. Maybe, when I get back"

Frank claimed he wasn't sure, but it was the nicest way he could say he wasn't comfortable with the idea of spending time with Elizabeth.

"I understand, when you get back you can tell me all about your adventures"

It was hard, but Elizabeth understood, it wasn't a complete rejection.

"Yeah. Goodnight Elizabeth, Congratulations"

"Thank you. Have a good night, Frankie"

This had been the hardest day for Frank in a long time, but it was also a new beginning. Frank hadn't been satisfied in California, and he certainly wasn't content with getting a regular job. He wanted more. But if Frank was going to resolve anything while trying to achieve his dream, then he was going to do it on his terms. He may have money, but he didn't have a plan, so he would go wherever fate took him. And maybe at the end of his journey, Frank would find what he was looking for; maybe he would even find something unexpected.