What if? | Frank x Brenda

Chapter 09

Four months had passed since that night under the shimmering sky, and life had moved on in ways both unexpected and predictable. Frank had thrown himself into his work, trying to keep his mind off of what might have been, while Brenda had been focusing on her relationship with Teresa, cautiously optimistic about their renewed commitment. 

One day, a letter arrived in Frank's mailbox in the grocery store, adorned with vibrant colors and an unmistakably festive flair. As he opened it, his eyes widened in surprise. It was an invitation to Sammy and Lavash's wedding—an event that promised to be as extravagant and joyful as the two of them had always been. The note inside was simple yet meaningful:

"Frank, we'd love for you to be our best man. It wouldn't feel right without you standing there with us. Please say yes."

Frank smiled, feeling a warmth in his chest. He couldn't refuse an invitation like that, not from Sammy and Lavash. Their relationship had always been a beautiful, if unconventional, story, and he was genuinely happy for them. Without a second thought, he marked the date on his calendar and prepared to be there for his friends.

Meanwhile, Brenda had received an identical invitation. She smiled at the idea of being Sammy and Lavash's best man, feeling honored that they'd thought of her for the role. With Teresa's encouragement, she decided to attend, seeing it as a chance to celebrate love in all its forms—a sentiment she was holding on to tightly these days.

The day of the wedding arrived, and the ceremony was set in a picturesque garden, filled with flowers, laughter, and an air of genuine happiness. As guests began to gather, Frank arrived early, dressed in a sharp suit that Sammy had helped him pick out. He was feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness, but mostly, he was just happy to see his friends so joyful.

As Frank made his way toward the ceremony area, he heard a familiar voice behind him. He turned around, and his heart skipped a beat. There, standing just a few feet away, was Brenda, looking stunning in her attire, her eyes widening in surprise as she recognized him.

"Frank?" Brenda said, blinking in shock. "I... didn't expect to see you here."

Frank chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of his head. "Yeah, same here. Sammy and Lavash roped me into being their fuckin' best man."

Brenda smiled softly. "They did the same to me. I guess they really wanted us both here."

The realization hit them both at the same time. Sammy and Lavash had orchestrated this, ensuring that they would cross paths once more in a setting filled with love and celebration. It was typical of them—mischievous yet well-meaning.

For a moment, there was an awkward silence between them. Memories of their last encounter flashed through their minds, and both of them struggled with what to say next. But then, Brenda took a deep breath and stepped forward, closing the distance between them.

"Well, it looks like we're stuck with each other for the day," she said with a light-hearted smile, trying to ease the tension.

Frank smiled back, relieved by her tone. "I guess so. At least we can give Sammy and Lavash the best damn wedding they've ever seen."

As the ceremony began, Frank and Brenda stood side by side, each fulfilling their roles as best men. The vows exchanged between Sammy and Lavash were heartfelt, bringing tears to more than a few eyes in the crowd. As the couple sealed their union with a kiss, the guests erupted in cheers, showering them with confetti and well-wishes.

Throughout the day, Frank and Brenda found themselves reminiscing about old times, sharing laughs, and even some bittersweet moments. There was an undeniable connection between them, one that hadn't faded despite everything that had happened. 

As the sun began to set, the wedding reception was in full swing, with music, dancing, and toasts in abundance. Frank and Brenda, having had a few drinks, found themselves at the edge of the dance floor, watching the happy couple move gracefully to the music.

"It's funny," Brenda said, her voice thoughtful. "Seeing them so happy, it makes you think about what really matters in life."

Frank nodded, his gaze distant. "Yeah... it does. I'm glad they found each other."

Brenda looked at him, her eyes searching his. "Frank, I've been meaning to say... I'm sorry about how things ended last time. I was confused and—"

"Brenda," Frank interrupted gently, turning to face her. "You don't need to apologize. I get it. We both made choices, and we're here now. Maybe... maybe we were always meant to end up here, at this moment."

Brenda smiled softly, appreciating his words. "Maybe we were."

As the music played on, the two of them stood there, side by side, watching the celebration unfold. The tension between them had eased, replaced by a sense of peace and understanding. Whatever the future held, they knew they would always share a special bond—a bond that no amount of time or distance could break.

As the wedding reception buzzed with joy, laughter, and the clinking of glasses, Frank found himself drifting further away from the festivities. He had been doing his best to stay in the moment, to focus on Sammy and Lavash's happiness, but the more he watched them, the harder it became to ignore the gnawing feeling inside him.

The bond between Sammy and Lavash was undeniable—a connection built on years of trust, love, and shared experiences. It was the kind of bond Frank had always dreamed of but had never quite managed to secure. Seeing them so happy together was a stark reminder of what he had lost and what he had never truly had.