Rings and Reunions

We wander through the warm winds of summer's wreckage in September.

September 15, 2018

"Please?" Patricia begged, holding up her favorite pair of lacy tights. "It would look so much better if I could just-"

"I said no," Piper explained for the billionth time. "I already picked the darker dress just for you, so you're not wearing those at my wedding."

"What do you mean you picked the darker dress just for me?" She asked, lowering the tights in defeat.

"I could tell you didn't like that dress in teal as much as I did, and you looked better in the darker one anyway." Piper said, trying to zip the back of her dress.

"Why would you do that?" Patricia questioned shyly, feeling bad. "I would've worn the teal one if you wanted it. Like you said, it's your wedding."

"I like both blues Patricia, now would you mind helping me out?" She said turning around, motioning towards the zipper.

"Oh, right," Patricia muttered, dropping the tights and rushing over in her shiny black pumps.

"Excited or nervous?" She asked, pulling the zipper up and returning Pipers hair back to its place.

"I'm a little nervous, but mostly excited," Piper admitted turning back around. "You look great, Trix," she added, causing Patricia to smile.

The dress was strapless, skin-tight at the top, but flowed out a bit at the bottom. Her hair was in a lose bun, tied low and to the side. Patricia was matching the other bridesmaids of course, which were some of Piper's friends, and their only female cousin.

"So do you!" Patricia exclaimed motioning to Piper's lacy, half- sleeved dress. "Only you can pull off that dress with a baby bump," Patricia teased giving her sister a hug. "I'm really happy for you."

"Thanks," Piper smiled, knowing how much she probably wished their roles were switched. "Now, remember, you have to be nice to everyone..."

"Piper I'm not twelve," Patricia laughed, "what are you getting at?"

"You know exactly what I'm talking about. I don't want you dumping a bottle of champagne on Eddie at the reception."

"Oh come on, you actually think I would do that?"

"Prove me wrong," Piper challenged before heading out the door, motioning for Patricia to follow.

Eddie shrugged on his black tuxedo jacket, and straightened his blue tie in the mirror. He decided his hair needed a little quick fix too, so he took care of that before heading out to the hall.

He stuffed his hands in his pockets and wandered around, debating whether he wanted to actually find Patricia or not. He would have to walk down the aisle with her in a few minutes anyway, but he just didn't know if he wanted to say anything first.

Ben had warned him to be nice, as he assumed Piper had done to Patricia, but he knew better than to start something at Ben's wedding. He just didn't know how to approach the situation. The easiest option was to just be funny and friendly and act as if nothing had happened, and he decided that's what his first approach would be. When he rounded the corner, the first thing he saw was her, in a short blue dress with her hair tied to the side, holding a white flowery bouquet.

"Well if it isn't the Yacker," he smirked, appearing next to her.

He had clearly caught her off guard, although she should've been expecting him with the wedding about to start and all. "Hey Eddie," she said awkwardly, and added a small smile when she saw Piper's stare behind her.

"You look nice," he offered, but her only response was a flat smile, keeping her snarky comments behind it. She wouldn't make eye contact either, which was bothering him, she was the one who broke it off anyway.

"This is when you say 'you don't look so bad yourself,'" he smirked, pretending to straighten his tie for effect, finally cracking her real smile.

"I guess you look alright... for a Weasel."

Eddie smiled this time too, "I'll take what I can get." He wanted to continue the conversation more, he'd already made her smile which he took as an accomplishment. Of course he still wanted her back, but he would rather them be on good terms when he left than to not be speaking at all, and this was the perfect start. However, the music that started playing reminded him it wasn't his day, it was Ben's. "Shall we?" he whispered, holding his arm out to her.

"Still a doofus," she mumbled, with the corners of her mouth turning upright nonetheless, as she let her fingers grasp his arm.

They both couldn't help but think that's how it would've been, neither one knowing the feelings were mutual. The whole conflict could have, and should have been sorted out, which would have allowed them to be together the whole night. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case, but as they went to separate sides of the altar, Eddie decided it was his mission to make sure it wasn't the last time they spoke that day.

"Congratulations Mr. And Mrs. Reed!" the millionth guest said to them as they arrived at the reception. They had ventured from the typical reception, wanting to be there when everyone else arrived.

"Have I told you that you look beautiful yet?" Ben whispered as they walked around the tables set up outside.

"Other people have, but it only matters when it's coming from you," she smiled pecking him on the lips.

"Hope I'm not interrupting anything," Eddie smirked as he approached them. "Just wanted to congratulate you guys."

"Ah, come here Milly!" Ben exclaimed out of pure joy from everything that's happened today, pulling his half-brother into a hug.

"I never thought you would find someone to put up with you," Eddie joked, causing them to laugh.

"Patricia said the same thing to me!" Piper giggled, soon after realizing it was uncharted territory, making her smile fade.

"It's fine," Eddie assured, noticing her discomfort. "I think we're on better terms now..."

"Good, let's keep it that way," Ben stated, patting Eddie on the back.

"Thanks," Eddie smirked, "but this isn't about me, you two go enjoy your wedding!" With that said, Eddie let them continue talking to their many guests while he wandered around.

It was really nice outside, and everyone was making friendly conversations over drinks and appetizers. In the grass by the courtyard, all the kids that attended were playing with various footballs, basketballs, American footballs, and so on.

Eddie was certain that this little setup was Ben's idea, him being the sporty on and all. The house that they lived in was already in a family friendly neighborhood, so a lot of their neighborhood friends already had kids, and they weren't going to discriminate them from the wedding.

Even some of the adults were playing around in the grass. Actually, the only adult Eddie saw kicking around a 'soccer' ball with the children was none other than Patricia. She was actually pretty good, considering she ditched her heels and was playing barefoot. She was still in her bridesmaid dress, although she did add the tights.

She had started playing with the kids to basically avoid everyone else. She was planning on avoiding her parents, Mr. Sweet, and especially Eddie all night. But Eddie's plans were obviously the opposite.

"Williamson dribbles around number 7, halfway to the goal, she shoots! And she scores! The crowd goes wild!" Eddie mocked as he approached her, causing her to look up.

"What are you doing over here? You don't know how to play real football," she smirked.

"Beats making awkward conversation," he pointed out, nodding in the direction towards the adults, "and I do know how to play soccer."

"Oh yeah? Prove it."

"Alright," he smirked, gathering the kids around. "Who's up for a little competition? Boys versus girls?"

Patricia couldn't help but laugh as the kids all chorused "Yes!" around them.

"Alright fine," she finally agreed, and then quickly said "Ready, Go!" She took off running with the ball, after shoving past him, initiating the start of the game.

Everyone was soon chasing after her, but it was a lost cause, she had already scored. One of the girls who had really taken a liking to her since she moved back, Lili, ran up and gave her a high five.

"Scared you're gonna lose yet weasel?" She smirked, walking back over to him.

"Nah, that was cheating, but I'll let it slide, it's probably the only goal you girls will get anyway."

The score was soon 8-8, and the kids were getting pretty worn out. "Alright, this is game point," Eddie told them all. "Whoever gets this next goal wins the Reed Wedding Cup of 2018," he added with a smirk.

The girls had the ball, and Patricia took off again. Eddie wasn't about the let the little boys down though, so he took off after her, and did the only thing he could think of. He grabbed her from around the waist and spun her away from the ball.

"Hey!" she shouted. Eddie hadn't exactly realized it, being too caught up in their little game, but he was holding his ex-girlfriend up in the air by the waist. That wasn't exactly something one would usually do.

He quickly set her down, but didn't exactly let her balance herself before he let go, causing her to fall into his chest, facing him. They were so close they were literally breathing each other's air, and for the first time since her birthday, they made eye contact, really made eye contact.

They saw everything in each other's eyes: the fights, the make-ups, the make-outs, and even all the life threatening situations they'd encountered together. It was all there, literally right in front if them, and they both longed to have it all back.

They were probably seconds away from leaning in, being caught up in the moment, but as the doors opened to finally go into the main ballroom, Lili ran up to them and tugged Patricia's arm.

"Come on Patwisha! You're sitting next to me!" Lili pouted, bringing Patricia back to reality. She awkwardly removed herself from Eddie's hold, and followed her little friend inside, without another word.

"May I have this dance?" Ben asked, holding his hand out to his beautiful wife.

"Of course," Piper blushed as she followed him onto the dance floor.

"Can you believe this?" He whispered as they swayed to the music. "We're finally married."

"I know," she smiled, looking up at him. "I can't wait to start my life with you."

"We already did," he smirked, looking down at the bump under her dress. "I hope it's a girl."

"Me too," Piper admitted, "but a boy would be nice too. We find out next month, you know."

"I know, you've only reminded me a hundred times," he chuckled.

"Sorry," she said sheepishly, "I'm just really excited..."

"Me too," Ben assured, pecking her on the lips. "He or she is going to be the most beautiful baby the world has ever seen." Piper smiled as she laid her head on his chest. She was so lucky to have found him.

"So, where's Eddie?" Joy asked, continuing their conversation. Joy had always been semi-close with Piper, her being Patricia's best friend in high school and all, so her, Jerome, and a couple others had found themselves invited to the wedding.

"Oh, we're not really together anymore..." She said awkwardly.

"Oh," Joy said, "I saw you guys playing football earlier and just thought-"

"We broke up a few months ago," Patricia interrupted. She felt bad for sort of snapping at Joy, but the whole football thing was already awkward enough, and she didn't want to think about it again.

"Joy!" Jerome said coming up to her. "Everyone else is starting to hit the dance floor," he hinted, taking her arm and slowly taking her away from Patricia. She shot her a quick smile before following him, leaving Patricia standing alone.

"Up for a dance?" Eddie asked, startling her.

"How long have you been there?"

"Not long," he promised. "So about that dance..."

"No," she simply stated. She had already gotten wrapped up in the football game, who knows what could happen if they shared a dance.

"Come on, we're technically dates you know."

"What?" She shrieked. "Where on Earth did you get that idea?"

"Well, you're the maid of honor, I'm the best man, we walked down the aisle together, posed in pictures together..." He pointed out. She didn't say anything after that, he was right.

She had forgotten about the pictures though. That had been the worst part. It wasn't just all the bridesmaids and groomsmen pictures that they had to pose for, but also just the four of them. The pictures of her, Eddie, Ben, and Piper had been extremely awkward, and she mentally noted to yell at Piper for that one later.

"Do you have a date?" Eddie asked, trying not to sound desperate. He knew she didn't, from Ben, but he wanted to hear her say it.

"Not exactly..." She muttered, boosting Eddie's confidence.

"Well, then let's go." He took her hand in his, but she still seemed hesitant. "As friends," he added, hoping it would help, and it did. She let herself follow him out on the dance floor. What did she really have to lose?

"Ready?" Ben asked Piper as the held on to the cake knife together. Once she nodded, they sliced a square off the bottom tier together. Ben placed the slice on a plate and fed her a bite from the fork, kissing the excess icing off her lips, and making their audience laugh. In response, Piper picked up a piece and slowly brought it to his face, before stuffing it in his mouth, much to the audience's surprise.

Patricia smirked at Piper's action. It sure seemed like something she would've picked up from Patricia, and it was definitely similar to what Patricia would've done.

Now she was brought back to the same empty feeling she experienced at the bakery. Here she was, standing alone, watching someone who looked exactly like her and someone who looked almost exactly like her ex-boyfriend be happy together. She couldn't really handle all her emotions anymore, so she went outside for some fresh air.

She wandered around the courtyard for a while, until her feet started to hurt and she plopped herself down on a bench. She hadn't realized how cold it was when she first went outside, so she found her self hugging her torso to keep warm. She also hadn't realized how dark if already was, so hearing nearing footsteps wasn't the most pleasant thing either.

"I knew you'd be out here," Eddie said, causing her to jump. "No need to fear, Yacker, it's just your superhero."

"I only said that because you died," Patricia defended. "I didn't want to lose you."

"Well, you've sure changed your mind now haven't you..." Eddie muttered as he sat down on the bench next to her.

They were silent for a while, Patricia was mostly trying to figure out why he was still talking to her after how terrible she's been. He was obviously somewhat upset, she could tell from his last remark. But, when a gust of wind made her shiver, he placed his tuxedo jacket over her shoulders without a second thought. She didn't get it, she left him for what she realized was a stupid reason, and here he was still caring for her and everything.

She was so confused and wrapped up in her own thoughts that she didn't even realize she had voiced a "Why are you being so nice to me?" out loud.

"Because I love you." Patricia whipped her head around to look up at him. He had said it as if it was the easiest thing in the world, and it confused her even more. How could he just say that when she broke up with him?

"Don't freak out Patricia," he warned, seeing the confusion that he interpreted as fear in her eyes. "I can love you as a friend, and well, we are family now..." He was impressed with his cover up, his words had tumbled out as quickly as hers had, and without permission, but she seemed to buy it.

"Right," she nodded slowly, turning back to look at the darkness in front of her. She found herself frowning at what he said. She didn't want to be just friends with Eddie, she didn't actually think it would ever work. Maybe if she just apologized like she should have before, everything could just go back to normal. That's all she really wanted, and she hoped he wanted it too.

She took a deep breath, and swallowed her pride. "I'm sorry... Eddie... about everything. I overreacted, and then I was too... stubborn to apologize and I know that's not fair..."

"It wasn't completely your fault," Eddie interrupted, leaning forward and putting his elbows on his knees, hands folded in front of him. "I wasn't exactly the kindest..."

"Guess we both have some problems then, eh Krueger?"

"Yeah," he chuckled, before they fell back into silence.

Despite how tightly Patricia wrapped Eddie's jacket around her, she still was noticeably shivering. "Jacket not warm enough for you?" Eddie teased, when he noticed her shaking. "We have a wedding to get back to anyway." He held out his hand and helped her up, then they made their way back to the reception. He even put his arm around her shoulder and held her close.

Patricia told herself she was letting him do that strictly for warmth, but in reality, it was exactly what she wanted. Sure, it made her feel physically warm, but it also made her feel wanted by him, as if he wanted to have her back as much as she wanted to be back.

"Yacker?"

"Yeah?"

"I almost forgot something." Patricia was about to ask what, and was prepared to turn around and go back to look for whatever he left at the bench, but his interruption was much better.

Before she knew it, his lips were on hers, softly at first, because he didn't exactly know how she was going to react. He just needed to do it.

Once she got over her initial shock, she threw her arms around his neck, pulling him closer and letting his jacket fall off her shoulders to the ground. She didn't care about what happened between them before, she missed this too much to ever give it up, and she couldn't believe it had taken her this long to realize that.

"I feel like a celebrity," Piper gushed as her and Ben walked past everyone cheering and throwing rose petals.

"You look like one too," he said smiling at her and giving her hand a squeeze.

"Hey look," Piper said, pointing over towards her sister. "I guess my little plan worked!"

Patricia was leaning into Eddie's side, his arm around her waist. She smirked when she saw Piper point towards them.

"Now maybe we can finally have some time to ourselves," he laughed, pulling her towards the shiny white limo.

"Yeah, in Aruba!" She cheered excitedly.

Patricia and Eddie smiled as they watched Ben and Piper drive off to new adventures, although, they'd never be as cool as the ones they had experienced.

"You know," Patricia started as everyone else started to clear out, "this means their house is empty..."

"God I missed you," Eddie said before kissing her passionately again. "Let's get out of here."

Rough-Water with yet another rough ending, but hey, they're back together! Hope that lived up to your expectations, all of your reviews are too sweet! And I haven't been to a wedding in a really long time so I hope I wrote their wedding okay.

This also kind of seems like an ending to me, but don't forget, we still have a proposal to get to! So, until next time :)