Wedding Bells Part 2: The Reception

[Rachel Shale]

Rachel watched as the Dominion left.  He was clearly upset.  Rachel stared at her drink for a moment, feeling guilty.  She didn't know what was wrong, but it was clearly something bad, and here she was upset to the point of deciding to get drunk because her boyfriend couldn't spend the night with her.  The look on her brother-in-law's face told all.  Rachel's disappointment was justified, but her reaction to it was petty, and she knew better.

Rachel watched as Emily came to Jared and they spoke. Rachel couldn't hear the words, but knew the pair well enough to guess.  Jared wanted to help his friend and couldn't do it unless Em gave him the go to leave the reception for a bit to do so which apparently happened because after a kiss, Jared moved to follow his friend.  Rachel stepped out of his way, and went to her sister.

"It's bad isn't it," Rachel said quietly.

"I don't know - but Jared thinks so," Emily's eyes stayed fixed on the door, and when they turned to Rachel, Emily smiled. "He has his mission, and I have mine.  I need your help.  Time for that dance."

Rachel nodded.  She understood.  The show must go on as it were. "I get it.  I have something to do first - meet you on the dance floor.

Rachel went to Kiriena, and when the other woman decided to head out, she bid her farewell. Rachel then moved to her spot at the head table and grabbed her purse, finding her wallet inside.  As a therapy grad student, Rachel had spent a lot of time with professional therapists, asking questions and trying to learn as much as she could.  She had several digital business cards in her wallet.  She didn't know much of the Dominion, but she had guessed that he was one of Jared's combat buddies. She picked a card for a therapist that did work with grief counseling and PTSD.  It was a guess, but Rachel felt it was a good one.

Jared, I hope your friend ends up being okay.  If he is amenable to it, I've attached a business card for one of my therapy contacts.  Sending you and your friend all the love.

Rachel put her wallet back and found Emily right as another slow song began.  The two sisters began to dance and sway. "How are you feeling?" Emily asked.

Rachel cringed a little. "Disappointed and a little guilty. I was gonna drown myself in booze because of Cruz leaving, but with Jared's friend...it just seems...petty. I'm cutting myself off for the night."

Emily gave Rachel a smile. "That's a mature response." The smile was supposed to be reassuring, but Rachel didn't feel so much better.  She had really been looking forward to spending time with Cruz, but she figured even with other things going on, she had the right to be disappointed in the circumstances. "What was it you did - before you came to dance.?

"Sent Jared the card of one of my therapist contacts.  Just in case."

Emily pulled Rachel closer and their dance became a swaying hug. "That was very kind of you.  I'm sure Jared will appreciate that."

Their hug remained. "I can't believe you're married, Em!" Rachel said moments later.

Emily Laughed and pulled away a bit so she could look at her sister. "I can't believe it either."

Rachel smiled. "Love you sis.  I'm so happy for you!"

"I love you too.  And I'm very proud of you." Rachel wrapped her sister in a hug again.  Those words meant so much to her at that moment.