Something Brewing..
Wedding #1
As fate would have it, four years after graduating the wedding bells chimed. Luke and Mary, much to everyone’s surprise. They all thought Iris and Barry would kick off the festivities, but there they were, marching down the aisle, bridesmaids and groomsmen.
It’s not that they didn’t keep in touch, they did. But they also understood how life had a way of getting everyone. They respected each other’s boundaries, they were there for each other whenever they needed it but this wedding? It couldn’t have come at a better time. They enjoyed each other like they did in college, from the planning to rehearsal dinners, to dress and suite fittings. They missed being together and they took full advantage of it.
It was also a time for catch up and gossip, theres never a get together without catch up and gossip. The topic of discussion? Sophie’s new arm candy.
Mary: Come on Soph, spill and I mean spill everything
Sophie lets out a playful groan, being the centre of attention was never her thing. She hated it. She didn't quite hate this though, she was just shy about it.
Grace sits next to Sophie, elbow propped up on the back of the sofa and her head propped up by her hand, “Come on Soph, dish out the good stuff”
Sophie's face flushes over, all eyes are on her. “Well. His name is Tyler, we've been dating for like a year”-
Kory: A YEAR? Bitch you hid him for A YEAR?
Sophie slowly shrugs her shoulders, “Yes?”
Kelly: Huh?
Sophie: I mean, I wasn't too sure about him at first but I think it’s solid
Anissa: First of all ‘at first’ is like the first three months girl, not the whole year?
Ryan listens to her friends grill Sophie from her corner. They all know each other well, but she knows Sophie, and she could sense Sophie was still holding back. She wouldn’t pry, she figures Sophie will tell them when she's ready.
Sophie’s discussion eventually ends and a new topic is picked up on. Everyone’s genuinely doing well. Life does as life does as usual but they’re all thriving despite the general ups and downs, which they all already know about.
—————
Wedding #2
A year later, Barry and Iris finally tie the knot. No surprise to the group at all, they’d been waiting for the announcement and when it came, WestAllen was met with the choruses of “ finally” followed by cheers excitement from their friends. Even more exciting is the fact that they’d all be together again.
The night before the wedding all the girls gathered around a fireplace on the resort in the Maldives where the wedding is being held.
“Ryan has something to tell you guys”, Mary got out quickly, taking a sip of her drink
Ryan gives Mary an incredulous look, “What the hell Mary”
Mary: What. You weren’t gonna share on your own, I thought I’d give you a push
Mary shrugs and Ryan takes a deep breath before casting her gaze at the eyes staring at her, “Don't all speak at once, please”. Ryan tried to fill the growing silence with humour but she knew better
Kory: Oh, we’re just waiting for you to speak. Oh keeper of secrets
Lena: Kory. Sweetie, we’ll come back to you keeping Grayson a secret
Kory’s jaw dropped along with the rest of the group’s
Imani: Like you and Kara?
It was Lena’s turn to sport the shocked expression. How did Imani even know about her and Kara, they tried to keep that as under wraps as they could, clearly it didn't work.
Imani: Ryan. Spill.
Ryan hesitated for a moment but the impatience spilling from her friends squeezed her words out like she was a tube of toothpaste, “I’m engaged”. She closed her eyes as the words left her mouth, only popping one open when all she heard was silence.
Iris: You know, it tracks. But to who? How are you even engaged and we don't know?
Kory: Dang, you and cyber security Barbie really do keep your cards close to your chest huh
Ryan: You guys, it's not like that. I just know what yall are gonna say and I wasn't ready to hear it
Mary: Tell em Ry
Mary takes another sip of the pina colada she was so tentatively nursing
“It’s Angelique”, Ryan braced herself for the incoming onslaught she was about to receive
Her revelation was met by groans of disappointment. “Ryan come on”, “Foreal Ry, her?”
Sophie: Of all the people, you chose her. Again.
Ryan: Moore, nobody’s judging you. Give me a break
Sophie: What’s that supposed to mean?
Ryan: Nothing. It's just, Ange and I have history you know? Come on you guys, she's not that bad. You guys just have to get to know her
Sophie: I hear you but her?
Ryan sighs, she knew what she would hear but Angelique really has changed this time. She has her moments but to Ryan, she was trying, she wasn't going to give up on her now
Mary: Oh I already know her. I know your life was almost thwarted into a ditch because of her. And I know she hasn’t changed. BUT!! I promised I wouldn’t go there so I won’t
Iris: Ryan, we’ve been through this with you before. Sophomore year? Remember that? How do you know she won't disrespect you again?
Ryan: She's changed. She’s trying
Kory: And this is what you want? Foreal Ry?
Ryan: Yes. I know she was triflin before but she's really trying
Sophie: And you're happy?
Ryan: Yes
Kelly: Then we’ll support you. But just let her know you have friends. She was your closest friend growing up but when we all became friends, you gained a huge family. You're not that little girl anymore
Ryan: I know. I really do Love her, I love you guys too
Anissa: Did she just say she loves us too? Angelique don’t come before me baybee, you better swap that sentence around real quick
Grace: Babe!
Anissa: What? I don't like her. And I don't like her for you Ry. BUT!, and this is a big BUT. I'll stand by you regardless. But I don't like her. We’re grown but we turn up for ours, let her know that
Ryan got up and threw her arms around her best friend, “I love you too Niss”. They all exchanged knowing looks whilst Ryan hugged Anissa. They knew what was coming and they knew they’d all need to be ready to be there for her when the inevitable happened.
Imani: So Kory, what’s up with you and Gray?
If Kory’s reluctant groan was anything to go by, she already knew they’d have 101 questions ready and waiting for her and she wasn't ready to answer any. But she knew her friends, ready or not, here they come.
After the grilling session they put Kory through, they opted to enjoy the rest of their time together and celebrate their friends’ marriage. Teasing can be done in their group chat too.
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Six Months Later
Business brought Sophie to the city that never sleeps. She had a few important meetings spanning over a week. Luckily for her, Ryan had moved out to New York to be with Angelique, (a decision she would soon regret). She sends Ryan a quick text and she replies almost immediately. They agree to have lunch on one of their free days.
—————
“Dang Soph I only saw you a few months ago and everything’s changed?”
Sophie laughs before even looking, Ryan’s always been extra, some things just never change. And she loves that about her.
Sophie: Some things never change huh. Come here
They embrace before sitting and ordering their lunch. Sophie’s missed this but to be honest, Ryan’s missed it too. Since moving to New York she doesn't get to see her friends as often as she used to if at all. She’s missed the free conversations about everything and nothing, the goofing around, the teasing, the joy. She missed the Joy the most. If she was being honest with herself, she only felt that Joy when she was around her family and friends. The last few months in New York have been a far cry from a fairytale but she'd never tell her friends that. She’d never hear the end of it. But it's mostly the embarrassment she feared the most.
Sophie: Hey, can I ask you something?
Ryan: Anything, of course
Sophie: How did you know
Ryan studies Sophie for a moment, she wasn't sure what she was asking at first but she caught on when Sophie wouldn’t meet her eyes. Sophie’s discomfort was seeping off of her like water running off a duck’s back, so Ryan opted to answer in a different way
Ryan: I just did. There was always something about Ange that made my heart melt. I felt seen with her. Like it mattered, even when I felt otherwise. Mama doesn’t like her, always said she was bad news but my heart always told me different
Sophie listens intently as Ryan continues.
Ryan: Sometimes we’ve always known but we try not to face the unknown because it's scary
If Sophie’s honest with herself she's always known too. But living in the shadow of being the perfect daughter meant she always felt she needed to hide. And even now as an adult, she still feels the overwhelming need to impress her mother. Well, felt.
Sophie: You're using past tense
It was a statement, not a question. Sophie realises the forlorn expression Ryan sports for a split second but before she could ask questions, Ryan answers
Ryan: I just miss you guys that's all. I thought living here would be good, you know? Especially because I'm here with Ange but I just miss everything I know.
Sophie reaches across their table, placing her hand atop Ryan's. Ryan freezes at the expression for a split second before registering how comforting Sophie's touch is
Sophie: I get it. For what it's worth, I know you already know but we miss you loads too. You should come back some time
Ryan lightens the mood with her jokes as usual, "Speak for yourself Moore, I know you miss me the most"
Sophie rolls her eyes as she laughs, Ryan always makes her laugh, "Yeah Yeah, whatever"
She didn't refute Ryan's claims though. Their lunch date meet continues way over time but they enjoyed each other's company. There was something about spending time with each other that rejuvenated them, whether through text or calls. They didn't know when it happened but they grew closer the more they talked, recognisable to their peers.
—--------------
Lena & Kara's Engagement
Mary squeals in excitement as she does, "Oh, My, Gosh. I can't believe it's finally Happening. Well the engagement, not the wedding but of course the wedding too, eeek"
They all laugh at Mary's antics, they know how she gets with engagement parties and weddings and Love in general. They loved her for it. They all helped Lena with the plans for the engagement so by the time they got here Mary was bursting at the seams, keeping the secret was the hardest part.
It wasn't lost on the group how close Ryan and Sophie had gotten. They noticed throughout their planning meetups. The subtle touches, the inside jokes, the giggling around each other. It was only a matter of time before someone called them out on it.
Anissa: Wanna share with the class?
They both look up from Ryan's phone, answering in unison, "hm?"
Anissa: Yall are all giggly and cosy over there
Sophie chuckles, "Oh it's nothing just one of those funny memes"
Anissa: Mmmhmm
Anissa's attention is quickly averted when she looks at Grace
"Babe, you can't tell me you don't see all that", Anissa whispers as Grace chuckles
"I do but they have to figure that out on their own", Grace whispers back. There's a hint of concern deep down but she knows she has to follow her own advice too.
Kory gives Anissa a knowing look as she sips at her champagne fluke. It would seem everyone else knew but the two in question.
It was soon time for Kara to enter the building. It was pitch black on the rooftop as the sun had set and the moon and stars had taken over the skyline. Roses and tiny candles lit a walkway for Kara and Lena.
Lena's voice started playing through the speakers dotted around the roof,
"Never in a million years did I ever think I'd find a love like yours…."
Whilst Kara was tried to control her tears, so did everyone else. They tried to hold their laughter and sniffles for as long as they could. Lena didn't make that an easy task.
As the audio finished the light flickered on, revealing tables and rows of people they both love and cherish. Kara was completely reduced to tears, even more so when she was presented with her ring
"Miss Danvers, would you do me the absolute honour of becoming my forever and always?"
"Yes, yes yes YES!!". Cheers, woops and whistles erupts as Kara pours everything she couldn't say through tears into their kiss
Lena leans her forehead unto Kara's, pausing their connection for a moment, "You are not an easy woman to surprise, you know that?
Kara replies with a quick peck and a laugh, "Yet here I am. You made it look easy"
"GET A ROOOM!!!", the crowd share in laughter
Kara: Shut up Alex
Another chorus of laughter.
The night's more than a success. With their friends and families coming together to celebrate their engagement, they know their wedding and marriage will be filled with just as much love, if not more.
Sophie: Okay now I have to touch up my makeup because yall done made us cry like babies ten times already tonight
Lena: Can't say I'm sorry Soph. I'd be lying
Sophie pushes her chair back, getting ready to make her way to the restroom
Ryan: Lemme come with, my face could use a touch up too
Ryan turns to the couple of the hour, "Congrats again you guys, I'm so happy for you"
Kara: Thanks Ry
—----------
Both Ryan and Sophie stood in front of the mirrors, covering their tears stained cheeks with powder. Neither can really describe what's been happening between them, budding friendship separate from their group of friends? Attraction? But Sophie's straight and with a man. Ryan's with Angelique. Are they just overthinking it?
They're both drawn out of their thoughts when Sophie turns to Ryan
Sophie: Am I good? Are the stains covered?
Ryan turns to Sophie to inspect her handiwork only to be caught up in her eyes. Have her eyes always looked like this? so bright and expressive, captivating? In all the years Ryan's known her, she's never taken notice of how it's her eyes that brighten her whole face
Sophie was battling with her own internal dialect because why was Ryan's gaze affecting her like it is. She's looked into Ryan's eyes plenty, but this look is new, different. Her expression is inviting and safe. Soft.
The more they fight their feelings, the more drawn in they are. They don't quite know or register their close proximity. Their lips collide without hesitation. Tender and slow, taking care of each other in all the ways that are important.
In all the ways they shouldn't be. They have partners for these reasons. Were they even happy? If they were secretly kissing in restrooms?
They break the kiss at the same time, breathless and in shock. Sophie turns away, her hand covering her lips as if to shield herself from what already took place
Sophie: Ryan I….
Ryan: No, Soph. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have…
Sophie: Me Either. This can't…we can't do this. Tyler
Ryan: I'm sorry
Sophie rushes out of the restroom like she couldn't get away from Ryan quick enough. But that wasn't the case, she wasn't sure she could stop herself from kissing Ryan again and she couldn't. Tyler.
Ryan waited a while before exiting the bathroom herself. The rest of the night went with a void between the two. A void they vehemently tried to cover, a forced touch here and there, a turn to one another for simple word exchanges, their awkward farewell hug at the end of the night. It didn't go unnoticed by their friends, this time they decided to stay out of it, allowing the two to sort through whatever it is that caused whatever they were displaying.
————
A few weeks had gone by since the kiss. Sophie fought with herself day and night about how she felt. This was new territory for her, territories she would've explored earlier had she allowed herself to. Her feelings for Ryan ran deeper than their expression of what transpired internally. Sophie’s feelings were as present today as they were the first day she met Ryan. The one thing she was currently sure of was her guilt after the kiss, she knew it should never have happened, especially not while she was with Tyler.
She eventually made the decision to break up with Tyler after having a real conversation with herself, Jordan and him.
Flashback
Jordan: Okay, why did you get with Tyler in the first place?
Sophie: Because he’s, what I'm supposed to have?
Jordan: Meaning?
Sophie: A good job, the husband, the kids, the house. The white picket fence….
Jordan: By who’s standards Soph?
Silence.
Jordan: Exactly. I know who put all that shit in your head and I can tell you that woman hasn’t been happy since the day our father left her. Soph, you have to do what makes you happy, she doesn’t live in your shoes, she doesnt feel your unhappiness or loneliness, so. What's gonna make you happy?
Sophie’s silent for a moment as she sits with her sister’s words
Sophie: I can't do this relationship anymore. I was never in Love with Tyler, I just. I have a lot of love for him and I don't wanna break his heart
Jordan: Mhm, and you think this conversation will go a lot smoother after being married for years and deciding you can't do it after a herd of kids and properties later?
Sophie looks horrified, “A herd of kids Jordan? Be so foreal”
Jordan: Ooorrr, do you think it’ll go over better when you realise you have strong feelings for the woman you've called your best friend since college?
Jordan raises both eyebrows as she takes a sip of her wine, holding Sophie’s gaze
Jordan: Girl…if you don't-
Sophie: H-how did you know?
Jordan: You're my sister? And I'm not blind? And I'm sure your other friends know too. By the way
There was no answer from Sophie. In fact the rebuttal she had for her sister was quickly swallowed when she said woman . She’d never faced her feelings before now and she’d never been presented with them either, but she couldn’t deny it, she didn't.
Jordan: You like girls Soph, it's not the end of the world. But like, have you been with a girl before? Do you like both? How does that work?
Sophie: I'm very sure I do not like men………Oh shit.
After their conversation Sophie went home and sat with her new found knowledge. Secure in her sister’s acceptance, she decided it was time she owned how she felt. It was time she put herself and her happiness first. After breaking up with Tyler, it was as though Sophie found herself all over again. There was a new excitement about life, exploring her sexuality brought out a side of her not even she knew was present. A new level of confidence and freedom she didn't even know she possessed. But even with the fun of exploration, none compared to the one her heart yearned for.