"So take a minute just to breathe, and think of everything you wanted..." -- David Cook 'Straight Ahead'
6
She couldn't believe she was this nervous. She could barely eat a bowl of cereal without spilling it, so how was she supposed to even breathe at the wedding?
Everyone had spent the morning relaxing and watching TV until it was time for them to get ready. Of course, Becca couldn't focus on Spongebob or whatever the heck it was Anna had wanted to watch.
She sighed as she pulled her dress over her head. She had decided on a dark purple dress with a sweetheart neckline, thick halter straps and a pattern of tiny white polka dots.
"Whoa, you're smokin'," Amie commented as she walked in the room with a simple black dress.
"No way, you're so hotter," Becca laughed nervously.
"You just need to breathe, OK?" Amie read her friend's mind. "If you keep this act up, you're going to send Austen running like mad in the other direction."
"What are you talking about?" Becca tried to hide her feelings for Austen.
"I saw you two this morning all cozy on the couch bed. Trust me, if you like him as much as you let on, you don't want this to end like Teddy."
"Teddy," Anna repeated as she waddled into the room in a blue dress with pale yellow polka dots.
"Yes, thats right. We're going to see Uncle Teddy today." Amie said as she picked the little girl up.
"Up! Teddy! Up!" She giggled as the three of them made their way to the living room where the guys were waiting for them.
"Well don't you look snazzy," Becca stated as she stood beside Austen in a pair of black pants and a gray button down shirt.
He gave her a smile as they all exited the apartment.
- - - -
They stepped out of the taxi the second they arrived at the outdoor wedding. Even a casual glance at the event would reveal the unbelievable amount of money that went into it. Becca gazed in awe at the grandness of everything.
Pink was the bride's colors. The chairs were covered in pink fabric, the isle runner was pink, and at the alter were several vases of pink tulips. Becca instantly hated the flower even though it had been her favorite forever.
Austen was looking under the chair curiously.
"What are you looking for?" Amie laughed.
"The bottle of Pepto Bismol they decorated this place with," he laughed and everyone rolled their eyes at him.
Soon, the bride was walking down the isle with a bouquet of white roses tied with another pink ribbon.
Becca watched as the photographer snapped photos of the ceremony and all the guests as they looked on. She hoped he didn't get a picture of her, because she was sure the sour look on her face was the only one present.
"If anyone objects to these two being married speak now or forever hold your peace."
She knew Amie was gazing from the corner of her eye at her, but she remained silent. There were so many reasons she could give for the two of them not to be together, but she had realized late last night that it wasn't her place to keep Teddy from making mistakes. He would have to learn on his own.
After the ceremony, everyone marched to a massive tent a few yards away where cake and other treats were waiting for them. Soft, romantic music played as they entered and found a seat.
"Beek! Beek!" Anna chanted from the ground, begging to be picked up. Becca picked her up and held her on her hip as they walked to a round table and sat down.
"So I didn't know this guy was famous," Austen laughed as they waited for the bride and groom to make their appearance.
"We knew him before things got really hectic," Amie stated as Becca nodded. "The three of us and my brother were so close we were like a little family, as cheesy as that sounds."
"And he's marrying the next Lindsay Lohan," Austen stated. "They're so young." He spoke what everyone attending was probably thinking.
"But people do it everyday," Becca stated, not trying to defend them, because she really agreed with Austen. "They just have to find out for themselves."
"Becca!" Teddy stated as he came over to greet them. They hadn't even noticed the newlyweds come in.
"Hey Ted." She said nervously as he gave her a hug. "This is Austen."
"Oh, hey." He said, a little surprised.
"Hey man," Austen held his hand out, and Teddy took it.
"So where are you guys going on your honeymoon?" Amie asked curiously. She had obviously stayed in touch better than Becca had.
"Paris," he told them and Amie smiled widely.
"Thats so awesome! I've always wanted to see Paris!" She squealed and everyone rolled their eyes.
"It was good to see you guys." He looked at Becca. "You too, Becks." He seemed a little sad for some reason, but she couldn't quiet put her finger on it.
She nodded. "Yeah, you too. Have fun in Paris."
"What time are you leaving?" He asked quickly.
"We actually need to start heading to the airport right now," she and Austen laughed.
"Oh, ok. Well, I'm glad you came," he said softly as she nodded. "I really missed you. Austen, it was nice to meet you."
"You too, man," he shook his hand one more time before they said their goodbyes to Amie, Tim, and Anna and called a cab.
She was glad they couldn't stay long at the reception. It only reminded her of the days when she could talk to Teddy any time she wanted, no matter what.
"Are you OK?" Austen asked as they rode to the airport, their bags in the trunk.
She nodded as she wiped the corner of one eye. "I just haven't seen him in a while, and he was my closest friend... It just brings up old memories. Ya know "the good ol' days"." She chuckled and he rested his hand on top of hers reassuringly. "I just never realized that growing apart from everyone I used to be so close to would hurt so much."
He nodded. "I know."
The rest of the ride was silent, except for the hum of the engine of the taxi as well as the passing cars. It gave Becca a lot of time to think about things. She realized Amie was right, and that if she really wanted a relationship with Austen, she couldn't let it pass by.
- - - -
Their plane had been delayed a couple hours, meaning it would be pretty late when they arrived home. Luckily, they were almost there, and hopefully wouldn't have to wait too long at the baggage claim.
"Do you just want to stay at my house since your car is there anyway?" She suggested and he nodded. She wanted to tell him that she could stay in her bed with her, but she felt like that would be too forward. And instead of telling him he couldn't stay in her room, she decided she would let him choose.
"We can ride to school together in the morning. Save some gas," he commented as the light signaling for them to fasten their seat belts came on.
When they stepped into the airport, they silently and quickly, as if reading each others minds, worked together to grab their bags and get out as soon as they could.
"Where's your car?" he asked. "Didn't you park over there?"
She nodded. "Maybe it got towed?" She hoped that was all that had happened. She asked the guy working the car rental area, and he said that they hadn't towed any cars in two weeks. "Well, is there any way I can use your phone? My car's been stolen."
The guy nodded politely and dialed the number for her. She was angry and frustrated and wanted nothing more than to get her hands on the punk that had decided to take her car for a joyride.
The police arrived, took down her information and reported her car stolen. "If any of our officers spot it, you'll be the first to know."
She thanked them as they left. "I can't believe this! Why me? Why my car?!"
"Calm down," Austen put his hands on her shoulders. "It will work out. Just be glad you have people to drive you around until they find it."
She snorted. "You're officially Chauffeur Austen. Will you wear one of those silly hats?" He glared at her and shook his head. "Oh and gloves and a nice little blazer?!"
He laughed at her as they climbed into yet another taxi and made their way to her house.
- - - - -
She went straight to her room, dumping her things in the first available spot while kicking off her shoes at the same time. It was pitch-black in her room, and instead of turning on the major lighting, she fumbled to her nightstand and flipped the lamp on.
She peeled her dress off and pulled a large t-shirt over her head. As she snuggled into the bed with Austen laying next to her, she didn't realize that she would soon learn the whereabouts of her missing vehicle.
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