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Chapter Text

Gina sat in her living room surrounded by about two dozen journals. She had a notepad and was furiously scribbling. Writing something down and then crossing it out before writing something else only to cross it out as well. She didn’t notice Ricky until he sat down next to her on the floor with a goofy and concerned grin and asked, “whatcha ya doin’ Gi?”

Gina quickly hid the notepad behind her back and closed the journal she was currently reading from before replying with, “Nothing.” Ricky gave her a look like he didn’t believe her and it only took a minute before Gina sighed in defeat and admitted, “My vows.”

“Wow,” Ricky said genuinely shocked, “even after eight years together you can still surprise me. I mean the wedding is in just over a day and procrastinating is not your style.”

“Don’t remind me,” Gina groaned.

“I’m gonna do my best to not take that personally,” Ricky half chuckled.

“You know that’s not what I meant,” Gina says cupping Ricky’s face in her hand, “I can’t wait to marry you. I’ve thought about marrying you since I was 15 and that’s kind of my problem.” Gina gestures to the journals laying about, “These are all the journals I’ve written since the day we met. How am I supposed to condense all this into a just a page?”

“Write it in reeeeally tiny font?” Ricky jokingly suggests. Gina laughs at Ricky’s stupid joke, even after all these years she still finds him funny.

“I’m serious,” Gina says a laugh still lingering in her voice as she does so. “I want tomorrow to go perfectly.”

“Gi, stop worrying so much,” Ricky comforts while interlacing their fingers and giving her a reassuring squeeze, “no matter what happens, tomorrow will be perfect, because tomorrow is the day I marry Gina Porter, the love of my life.”

Gina feels a swell of love and, like she’s done a million times before, she grabs Ricky’s face and pulls him into her for a kiss. Gina feels Ricky lean into her making sure as little space exists between them as possible. Before their impromptu make out session can continue they hear the sound of an alarm going off from Ricky’s pocket. Their foreheads touch as Ricky reluctantly reaches into his jacket pocket and turns off the alarm labeled ‘Five Minute Warning.’

“You have to go,” Gina whispers.

“Have I mentioned that I think this whole ‘Can’t see the bride before the wedding’ tradition is stupid,” Ricky complains.

“Several times,” Gina says stroking Ricky’s cheek with her thumb, “but it’s only 24 hours. We’ve been apart longer than that before. It’ll be fine.”

“Okay,” Ricky pouts, before going in for another kiss. Just as the couple is starting to get into it another alarm goes off, this one saying ‘Two Minute Warning.’ Ricky groans as he separates from Gina, gets up, and grabs an overnight bag and a garment bag Gina knows holds Ricky’s tuxedo. Opening their front door Ricky turns back and lovingly says, “I love you Gi.”

“I love you too Ricky. Forever,” Gina returns just as lovingly.

Before Ricky can even pass the threshold he drops his bags and runs back to Gina, practically sliding on the hardwood floor, and colliding with her for one last kiss. As they separate a third alarm goes off, this one reading, ‘One Minute Warning. Seriously stop making out with Gina and get going.’

“I have such a judgey alarm,” Ricky comments, “I have to go. See you tomorrow?”

“Mhmm, I’ll be the one in the white dress,” Gina giggles.

“And I’ll be the guy in the tuxedo who can’t stop crying because of how lucky I am,” Ricky gushes as Gina laughs. Before standing up he steals one last kiss and practically has to sprint to the door. Ricky manages to close the door just as a final alarm goes off. Gina shakes her head and chuckles as she hears, “I’m out of her sight now, are you happy?”

Gina’s face hurts from smiling as she picks up her forgotten notepad and notices it fell on the earliest journal in her little collection. The journal was open to a page dated as the night of Homecoming. Gina reads what 15 year old her wrote and smiles:

‘So Ricky Bowen just dropped me off from Homecoming. I can’t explain it but there’s this weird connection between us. He said that we both sort of ‘got’ each other, and I don’t think he’s wrong. I feel like he sees me. I don’t know, but there’s something there. Ever since the stairwell Ricky’s intrigued me, but I think it’s more than that. Am I in LOVE with Ricky Bowen? I know he’s still hung up on that girl Nini (seriously what spell does she have these boys under?) but when I look at him I can see a future with him. I barely know him, but I think I could actually see myself marrying him. Is that crazy?’

“You have no idea,” Gina answers, smiling at the memory.

Chapter Text

Kourtney pulled up to the chapel with the sun barely peaking over the nearby trees. She grabbed her coffee and her makeup bag and her bridesmaid’s dress, yawning the whole time. As she made her way inside she ran into someone she wasn’t expecting, at least not this early: Jet. It had been a few years since the last time they’d seen each other, at the launch party of her designer label. She remembered he and his band had been touring and serendipitously had been in the area so he was able to attend. This was different though. This was the first time they were alone since the breakup.

“Hey Kourt,” Jet greeted her with a half smirk.

“Hi Jet, it’s been awhile,” Kourtney greeted back with her own smile.

“It has,” Jet awkwardly said and suddenly Kourtney was seeing Jet as he was back in high school, the shy nervous boy who could barely form a coherent sentence around her, and her smile widens a little more. “You look amazing,” Jet complimented finding his voice.

“Tell me something I don’t know,” Kourtney confidently replied. “You look good too, it’s good to see you Jet, really.” Kourtney then realizes something, “wait why are you here this early?”

“Oh well, I’m a scout,” Jet explains to a Kourtney who is still perplexed, “Basically I got sent ahead to make sure Gina was situated in her Bridal Suite so the groomsmen could bring Ricky in with no risk of them running into each other.”

“Ohh, that makes sense. Well I’m actually headed to the Bridal Suite now since I’m doing Gina’s and all the Bridesmaids’ makeup and hair, if you’d like to tag along,” Kourtney offers.

“That’d be great thanks,” Jet says as he starts following Kourtney, “wait, aren’t you a Bridesmaid too?”

“I prefer to think of myself as the backup Maid of Honor, but yes,” Kourtney jokes, “Currently though I am laser focused on being the makeup artist because this is truly a test of my artistic ability.”

“How do you mean?” Jet asks.

“Well of course making Gina gorgeous is the easy part, she’s naturally gorgeous, but I need to elevate said natural gorgeousness to a level that makes her feel especially beautiful today,” Kourtney explains, “but there’s this thing with Ricky where the more beautiful Gina looks the more he loses the ability to speak. So I also have to make sure she looks like a goddess descended from the heavens while still making sure he’s coherent enough to utter at least the words ‘I do.’ It’s a tough balancing act.”

“Wow, that’s a lot,” Jet says a little stunned.

Kourtney nods as they arrive at the bridal suite and enters, “Hey everyone!” Kourtney exclaims as she’s greeted by screams from her friends. Gina and Ashlyn run up and pull her into a hug, nearly spilling her coffee in the process.

The mixture of laughter and screaming is interrupted by Jet who, with a hand covering his eyes, asks, “Is everyone decent?”

The girls giggle at the response. They’re all in very comfortable clothes at the moment. Gina is wearing her favorite set of pajamas and a pink robe, Ashlyn is in sweatpants and a sweater, and Kourtney is wearing a tracksuit from her designer line. Even Emmy, who is in the corner with a clipboard, is wearing an extra long T-shirt and gym shorts.

“Jet did you think we’d be changing? The wedding isn’t for hours,” Gina points out.

“Well I don’t know,” Jet says exasperated, “so I can put my hand down? We’re good?”

“Yes,” Kourtney, Ashlyn, and Gina all say at the same time. As Jet puts down the hand covering his eyes, Kourtney notices Emmy move behind a nearby armchair to hide herself a bit.

“Okay cool,” Jet says now that he can see, “So Gina, Ricky and the rest of the groomsmen will be here in about five minutes. We’ll send someone to let you know when he’s here so we can coordinate our movements so you two don’t see each other before ‘The First Look.’”

“Thanks Jet,” Gina says with chuckle. “Oh and Jet,” Jet stops as he’s about to leave, “Ricky may try to make a break for it and come see me before the wedding, so be prepared.”

“Believe me, we know,” Jet says, “the use of a straight-jacket has been discussed, but we think with EJ and Seb they should be enough to overpower Ricky if he tries to escape. Oh, by the way,” Jet stops himself before he goes, “Congrats Gina, Ricky’s a great guy, you’re both very lucky, and Kourt, Ash, Emmy it was great seeing you all.” With that Jet departs, closing the door as he goes.

“You know he’s single again,” Gina says to Kourtney who lets out an exasperated groan. This would happen whenever Kourtney was single. Ricky and Gina, so happy together and in love, had taken it upon themselves to play matchmaker for their friend group whenever anyone had been single for too long. Kourtney, who had decided to focus more on her career than dating, had been the main target of their schemes. She had only indulged them once, and it had ended up with her on a date with EJ Caswell, there hadn’t been a second date. Not that she didn’t have a good time, but after a very awkward goodnight kiss they both realized they were better off as friends.

“We are not doing this today,” Kourtney shuts down Gina before she can try anything, “especially because today is about YOU. Your big day…and Ricky’s too, I guess.” All four of them chuckled at that.

“Don’t worry too much Kourt,” Ashlyn says a tone of mocking in her voice as she grabs a nearby notepad off of Gina’s vanity mirror, “Gina is just trying to distract herself because she still hasn’t finished writing her vows yet.”

“Gina?” Kourtney says in shock, “Gina Porter? The girl who was off book at auditions of High School Musical? The girl who, despite balancing filming a movie, school, the school musical, having an idiot boyfriend, and tutoring said idiot boyfriend, still managed to keep her grades high enough to get salutatorian? That Gina Porter doesn’t have her vows written on the day of her wedding?”

“I can have AI write some vows for you,” Emmy, who has appeared next to Kourtney seemingly out of nowhere, offers to Gina.

“Thanks Em, but no,” Gina declines, “I’m saying my own vows even if I have to improvise them on the spot.” As the three present bridesmaids grimace, Gina defensively yells, “I’ve gotten better!”

As Kourtney opens her makeup bag and starts pulling out all the waterproof makeup she’s brought with her (knowing these two they’ll be a ton of waterworks), she says, “You know maybe I can help. I have written a few speeches in my time. For instance my valedictorian speech.”

“Wasn’t as good as mine,” Ashlyn comments as she assists Emmy with some details. Kourtney glares at Ashlyn.

Gina giggles before adding, “As I recall you needed a lot of help with that speech.”

“Wait you helped Kourtney with her valediction speech?” Ashlyn asks.

“Actually it was mostly Ricky,” Gina informs.

“Really?” Emmy and Ashlyn ask shocked.

“Yes,” Kourtney admits with a groaning sigh. “It was a few days before graduation and Ricky and Gina agreed to hear my speech and offer some notes. So I was reading it to them in Gina’s room…”

“Of course the most important lesson I learned from East High is to avoid the chili surprise in the cafeteria, and pause for laughter,” Kourtney drones on with her speech. She was currently on page 12 of 16. As Kourtney paced around Gina’s room reading off her speech she was completely oblivious to the fact Ricky and Gina had tuned her out a while ago.

Ricky, who’s head was in Gina’s lap, had zoned out at around page three and was currently playing with a loose thread in Gina’s comforter. Gina had held on a little bit longer managing to get to page nine before she found playing with Ricky’s hair to be more entertaining than listening to Kourtney mention how grateful she was for the umpteenth time.

“With that I’d like to thank the East High Faculty for giving us all the chance to grow, and help us become the best versions of ourselves. Thank you and thank you class of 2021 for allowing me the honor of being your Valedictorian,” Kourtney finally looks up after finishing her speech to see Ricky and Gina in their own little world. Kourtney crossed her arms and did a little fake cough to get the couple’s attention.

Snapping back to reality Ricky and Gina see the annoyed looking Kourtney and sheepishly laugh trying to let the awkwardness they were feeling pass.

“I can’t believe you two!” Kourtney angrily shouts. “You said you’d listen to my speech.”

“Yeah, we did,” Gina starts.

“But we thought it’d be two or three pages, not Crime and Punishment,” Ricky finishes.

“You’ve read Crime and Punishment?” Kourtney asks skeptically.

“No,” Ricky answers, “it was 900 pages. I just guessed for most of the quiz on that.”

“Your 1.8 GPA is making more and more sense,” Gina comments. Ricky sticks his tongue out at Gina’s comment as they quickly kiss before Kourtney sits between them.

Sighing defeated Kourtney plops onto Gina’s bed, “So it’s too long, but this is already the cut down version. My original clocked in at 38 pages. ”

“Here let me see,” Ricky says, “I’m sure we can cut a couple more pages.” Kourtney reluctantly hands Ricky the stack of papers. He quickly skims through them before handing Kourtney back the first page, “keep that one,” and then the last page, “and that one, and,” Ricky looks hard a the the remaining pages and then says, “that’s it.” Ricky then throws the rest of the speech over his shoulder as the pages scatter on the floor behind him.

“Ricky!” Both Kourtney and Ricky shout as one.

“Look,” Ricky starts to stand up and has his hands up as if surrendering, “Kourt, you’re over thinking this. I know you want to thank everyone at East High for everything they did, but it’s better to keep it short and sweet. That way the graduates have more time to thank everyone themselves.” Kourtney can’t help but nod in agreement. “Also Gina and I have reservations that night and we’d definitely miss them if your speech is too long.”

“Thanks Ricky. Your compassion is overwhelming,” Kourtney responds sarcastically.

“Look I’m sorry Kourt, but this is one of the first days in months that Gina and I have gotten to spend together without having to worry about anything,” Ricky explains, “No movie scenes to film, or musical rehearsals.”

“No studying or other schoolwork to worry about,” Gina adds.

“Just the two of us together, alone,” Ricky reiterates.

“I get it I’m cutting into your make out time,” Kourtney rolls her eyes.

“I knew there was a reason you’re valedictorian. Now,” Ricky claps his hands together and says very seriously, “I’m gonna go get a snack and some drinks for me and Gina. When I get back, I will be kissing my girlfriend whether or not your still here, Kourt. You’ve been warned.” With that Ricky starts heading down the stairs. On his way down he says to no one in particular, “why am I craving chili?”

Kourtney looks at her two remaining pages for a moment and begins to notice that it actually kind of works. A few adjustments here, an expansion there, maybe an added joke or two. This actually works out perfectly. “I hate to say it, but Ricky actually was very helpful. I can make this work,” Kourtney comments. Turning to look at Gina, Kourtney sees the younger girl’s normal lovesick smile replaced by a contemplative look. “Gina, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” Gina says on reflex before admitting, “it’s Ricky.”

“What did he do? Does he need a stern talking to or should I get a baseball bat?” Kourtney asked maybe just a smidge to excitedly.

“No he hasn’t done anything,” Gina informs her friend. Gina sighs, “so you know how Ricky and I have been filming Romeo & Juliet?” Kourtney nods, “Well Ricky’s actually been getting offers for other roles after the movie wraps.”

“Just Ricky?” Kourtney asks.

“No, I have to, but none of them are in or around Salt Lake, so I’ve decided to take a little break and enjoy my senior year at East,” Gina explains. “The thing is Ricky’s doing the same. He says he wants to go to city college and be here for my senior year.”

“I’m not seeing the problem,” Kourtney says.

“There’s this one project that I can tell he’s really excited about but it’s in New Mexico,” Gina says, “and he’s not taking it. And part of me is thrilled because I love Ricky so much and I don’t want him to go anywhere, but another part feels guilty that I might be holding him back. And then there’s a whole other part that’s worried that if he leaves we’re not going to make it. And I could say that I love him and support him no matter what he chooses to do, but that feels like such a cop out. Like that feels like that should be added on after I tell him how I feel about it. Like ‘I don’t want you to go and I know that’s selfish, but I’ll still love you and support you no matter what you choose to do.’ I just…I don’t know what to say without sounding like a bad girlfriend in some way.”

“Gina,” Kourtney says in a soothing tone, “You’re not a bad girlfriend for not wanting your boyfriend to leave you, and I think those guilty feelings actually make you a great girlfriend for not wanting to hold him back, but you need to be honest with Ricky about how you feel. And no matter what happens I’m certain you two will find your way back to each other.”

“How can you be so sure?” Gina asks.

Kourtney gives a half smile and sighs before confessing, “Jet and I are breaking up.”

“What?!? When did this happen?” Gina asks in shock and panic.

“It hasn’t happened yet,” Kourtney clarifies, “With me going to Lewis in the fall and him still having senior year, we just realized that we can’t handle long distance.” Kourtney wrings her hands a little bit as she continues, “I like Jet…Like a lot, but it’s just not feasible for us to date when I still am dealing with my anxiety and having my first year of college and being so far from home, our relationship just won’t survive, and I don’t want to lose him as a friend. So Jet and I decided that the day I leave for college… is the day we break up.”

“Okay,” Gina says questioningly, “I’m really sorry to hear that Kourt, but how does this relate to my original question?”

“Well, when Jet and I made this decision there was a caveat of sorts,” Kourtney explains, “we said that if God, or Fate, or the Universe wanted us to be together we’d find our way back to each other.”

“Still confused,” Gina says.

“Gina, you and Ricky already know you’ll find your way back to each other,” Kourtney states like it’s obvious, “everything you two have been through, no matter what has torn you apart you always find yourselves right back where you’re supposed to be: together. Heck even six months ago you decided to go, ‘screw you fate, I’m having my cake and eating it too. I’m gonna be a big movie star and have the boy of my dreams.’” Gina and Kourtney both laugh before Kourtney continues, “My grandfather likes to say that the only things that are certain in life are death and taxes, but I think there’s a third thing we can add to that, Gina Porter and Ricky Bowen will always be drawn together.”

“Thanks Kourt,” Gina says wiping away a tear, “I needed to hear that. And I’m sorry about you and Jet even thought it hasn’t happened yet.”

“Thanks,” Kourtney says.

After a moment they hear footsteps climbing the stairs as Ricky reappears with bowl of popcorn in his hand and several cans of soda peeking out of his pockets and an extra one being carried under his chin. As he starts to set down the popcorn and drinks Ricky comments, “oh, Kourtney you’re still here.”

“And true to his word, Ricky Bowen did not care that I was there and immediately started kissing Gina,” Kourtney finishes the story.

“After that little make out session we actually had a long conversation about the future,” Gina says as she absentmindedly caresses her engagement ring, “and we both decided he should pursue what he wanted and no matter what we’d always find our way back to each other.”

“Yeah, and even with him in New Mexico you still found a way to be inseparable,” Ashlyn adds on, “constantly texting and calling, Video chatting at least once a day, sending a thousand voice memos which were all pretty much variations of ‘I love you and I miss you,’ and of course Ricky flying back every weekend.”

“He did?” Kourtney asks in mild disbelief.

“He did,” Gina confirms, “when they’d wrap filming for the week on Friday he’d fly home, spend the weekend with me, and then take the red eye back to Albuquerque on Monday morning.”

“He did that every weekend for three months,” Emmy informs.

“While he took online classes from Salt Lake City College,” Gina points out proudly.

Kourtney tried to wrapped her head around how much the silly little boy who she met in elementary school had turned into this responsible and ambitions man. Looking at Gina she realized that the right people can change you for the better and that Ricky and Gina definitely did, and still do, that for each other.

Kourtney sees a bolt of inspiration hit Gina and she snatches the notepad from Ashlyn’s hands and starts writing something down. As she’s scribbling, the door to the bridal suite opens slowly, revealing the last of Gina’s bridesmaids. Kourtney watches as Ashlyn makes a gulping sound at seeing her ex girlfriend. An air of tension fills the room as everyone knows this is the first time Ashlyn and Maddox have seen each other since they broke up three months ago.

Chapter Text

Carlos was only on his second cup of coffee and was already done with Ricky Bowen. Right after their arrival at the chapel (minus Big Red who was dealing with another aspect of the wedding) Ricky had said he just needed to say hi to Gina and tried to bolt past the group in an attempt to get to the bridal suite. Thankfully, they’d prepared for this by having Seb and EJ flanking the lovesick groom, and the second he tried to move in the direction of his bride to be they grabbed him by the arms. Between EJ’s impressive height and athletic build and Seb’s insane farm boy strength, Ricky couldn’t move if he tried, and he still tried.

“Come on guys, it’ll just be a second, 30 tops,” Ricky begs his friends, “I really need to see her.”

“It’s tradition, Ricky,” EJ reminds him.

“Gina was very clear,” Seb adds.

Ricky groans as he continues to fight in vain against his captors. After a solid minute of their tug of war Ricky finally stops struggling. Out of breath he reluctantly says, “Fine, I’ll go to my suite.” Ricky turns toward the direction of the groom’s ready room and after taking half a step, turns 180 degrees and makes a mad dash toward Gina. He makes it one step farther than he did before as EJ and Seb grip his upper arms in their vice like grips.

As Ricky resumes his struggle Carlos, now agitated, stands right in front of Ricky and says in his most authoritative voice, “Richard Bowen, we all know how badly you want to see Gina, but you only have a few more hours to go. So you can either stop acting like a child throwing a tantrum and go to your dressing room, or alternatively I. Will. Get. A. Hose!” With that threat Ricky stops struggling and, with a look of defeat on his face, makes his way towards his ready room.

Arriving in the room it’s got snacks and a deck of cards, as well as a guitar and keyboard, all to keep Ricky some what distracted while they wait. Once he’s situated in the room, strumming a melody on his guitar, the groomsmen send Carlos to let Gina know her future husband is here and get the wedding coordinator.

After several minutes of hugging and trying not to cry, Carlos is released from the bridal suite with Emmy in toe. Emmy was always very organized and focused (the joke among the Wildcats is Emmy was secretly an assassin using her reputation as a singer and actress to gain access to and eliminate her targets, and they were all only half joking) making her the natural choice to act as Ricky and Gina’s wedding planner. She followed Carlos with a clipboard in hand.

As they arrived at Ricky’s room they entered to find the guys in the middle of a jam session. Jet was playing the keyboard, Ricky on the guitar, Seb using a wastebasket as a makeshift drum, and EJ singing into a stick of deodorant like it was a microphone. They were singing Bruno Mars’s Marry You as Carlos and Emmy made their entrance. The group hadn’t noticed Carlos yet so he quickly took out his phone and recorded their little impromptu concert.

Jet was the first to notice, followed by EJ, then Ricky, and finally after singing half of the chorus by himself, Seb noticed and put his wastebasket/drum down. After the group got over the awkwardness (and Carlos sent the video to Kourtney) and settled down, Jet broke the silence, “did you change already Em?” Emmy was wearing a bland, albeit wedding planner appropriate pantsuit, although Carlos did notice a t-shirt underneath the jacket.

“Well, I couldn’t very well be running all over the chapel in gym shorts,” Emmy explained, “I decided this would work until we got a little closer to the wedding and I could change into my bridesmaid dress. Anyway,” Emmy lifted her clipboard and Carlos could almost swear he saw a little flush cross her cheeks as she brought it to her face, “where’s the best man?”

“He’s-,” Ricky starts but doesn’t finish as Big Red bursts through the door.

“I-I’m he-here,” Big Red says out of breath, a streak of flour across his cheek.

“Great,” Emmy says as she checks a box on her clipboard, “and from the flour on your face I take it the reception dinner is being handled?”

“The Redonovich clan is hard at work in the kitchen of the reception hall as we speak,” Big Red confirms as he wipes the flour off his face.

Another box checked off the clipboard, “Excellent. Seb? Cake?”

“The first ever Matthew-Smith Bakery Wedding Cake, is resting comfortably in the walk in refrigerator at the reception hall,” Seb confirms.

Emmy checks another box, “Outstanding. EJ, do you have our cake topper?”

“Shoot, I knew I forgot something,” EJ says. A small cacophony of shouts is released at this news as EJ holds up his hands and laughs, “relax everyone I was joking,” EJ reaches into his backpack and pulls out a small box, “One cake topper made to the specifications provided, courtesy of the East High Home Ec class. Please don’t tell my boss.” Emmy snatches the box out of EJ’s outstretched hand and checks a box with a little more force than the last two.

“And Jet,” Emmy continues slightly perturbed.

“Yo,” Jet responds.

“The Band?”

“My band is on their way right now, well rested and ready to rock this wedding reception,” Jet confirms as Emmy checks another box.

“Great. Mr. Mazzara and Ms. Jenn will be here in twenty minutes,” Emmy informs, “Once he’s got the sound system checked in the chapel he wants to run a sound check with your band. Can you be there in like 30, 40 minutes?”

“No problem Ems,” Jet answers nonchalantly.

Carlos notices the blush again as Emmy turns around and heads out saying, “thanks everyone.” Carlos shakes his head, he knows how hard it is to get over your first real crush. “Oh,” Emmy pops back in, “Carlos, Kourtney wanted me to remind you to only use the waterproof makeup on Ricky, because, and I quote, ‘just because I’m a designer on the rise does not mean I am made of money.’”

Carlos nods and says, “will do.”

“Okay,” EJ says as Emmy walks away, “I’m still confused as to why we’re doing so much for the wedding. I mean, Gina and Ricky have money shouldn’t they have hired people for this?”

“A good question, Elton,” Carlos compliments, having been thinking the same thing, “care to answer Richard?”

“Honestly,” Ricky starts, “we wanted to keep the wedding low key, so to make sure that it didn’t get out we kept our circle of trust small. Having you all handle things lessened the chances that we have any unexpected paparazzi showing up.”

“I guess that makes sense,” Jet says, “I mean just you two alone, would be enough to attract the vultures, but your guest list includes a fashion designer, a soon to be Oscar nominated director, and, not to brag…a rock star.”

“Yeah, not bragging at all,” Big Red comments under his breath.

“Plus Gi’s brother who’s a pretty big music producer and Nini too,” Ricky adds.

“I still can not believe you invited your ex-girlfriend to your wedding,” EJ says.

“Really EJ?” Ricky questions, “You’re Gina’s ex and we literally have you as one of my groomsmen.”

“Gina and I dated for like a month, and half of that I was distracted by the Frozen documentary,” EJ points out, “you and Nini were together for over a year, she was your first love.”

Ricky smiles confidently and chuckles, “What kind of story do you think this is? Do you think that when the officiant asks ‘if anyone has any reason why these two should not be wed speak now or forever hold your peace,’ Nini’s gonna stand up and confess her undying love for me and I’ll run out of the wedding with her and leave Gina, the love of my life, at the alter?”

“I mean,” Carlos starts, “That is the ending to most romcoms.”

“Guys, Nini and I got over each other a Long time ago. We’ve even worked together,” Ricky points out, “I helped produce her Grammy award winning album, for crying out loud. We’re good.”

“And besides Gina would never have allowed the invite to even go out if she felt threatened,” Big Red adds, “So as Best Man-,” Big Red is met by a stream of shouts between Jet and Carlos about how they deserved the Best Man job (EJ just said he was happy to even be considered), before he continued, “I’m ordering you all to get off his back.”

“Thank you Red, I knew I made the right choice,” Ricky smugly grins at his still bitter best friends.

As Jet and Carlos glare at Ricky a slight ‘ting’ sound is heard from Jet’s pocket. Jet looks at his phone and says, “my band’s here, I’m gonna go set up,” as Jet goes to leave he stops at the door and says, “Ricky despite your terrible taste in best men, I just want to say, Congrats buddy, and are you ever going to pick up that phone?”

“What phone are you talking about?” Ricky asks confused.

“Because I freakin’ Called it,” Jet says triumphantly as he leaves the room everyone rolls their eyes (aside from Seb who looks a little confused at the joke).

“Speaking of getting things set up,” EJ says, “I promised to get the cameras ready before Mr. Mazzara gets here, so I’m going to get that handled. Think you can handle our rabbit here Seb?”

“I spent most of my life wrangling cattle, I think I’ve got it covered,” Seb says confidently as EJ heads out.

“I should head back to the kitchen,” Big Red informs before pulling Ricky into a tight hug, “congratulations Ricky.”

“Thanks buddy,” Ricky says with a tear trickling down his face. Big Red runs out before he starts crying too.

With that, it’s just Ricky, Carlos, and Seb in the room, until Seb went, “Oh wait, I forgot I brought muffins for everyone.”

Carlos and Ricky share a look and both are thing ‘what are we going to do?’ Ricky says, “go get them, I promise I won’t run to Gina.”

“I don’t know,” Seb says uneasily.

Sighing Ricky says, “I swear on my Wildcat honor and my love for Gina, I will not attempt to leave the confines of this room until your return.”

“Okay,” Seb says accepting Ricky’s promise. Walking over to Carlos, Seb says, “I’ll be back in 15 minutes. Love you, honey,” Seb finishes his declaration with a kiss on Carlos’s cheek.

Carlos smiles wide as he returns, “I love you too Sebastian.”

Ricky turns to Carlos after Seb’s departure and asks, “so when are you two taking that stroll down the aisle?”

Carlos grins as he gestures for Ricky to sit, so he can begin working on his makeup, “I don’t know. Soon? Maybe? I don’t know.” Carlos pulls out the foundation and goes to work, “I guess a part of me is still following the advice you gave me.”

“What advice?” Ricky asks trying not to move his face too much so the question sounds a bit muffled.

“From Halloween Weekend my senior year,” Carlos starts explaining, “You were back home from filming your TV show, and you were going with Gina to the Halloween Carnival of Terror. I was broken up with Seb, and Ashlyn and Maddox had just started long distance and it was not going well, so you two took pity on us and let us tag along on your date night.”

“Where are those two? They’re 20 minutes late!” Carlos asks with a mixture of worry and annoyance. “You know I expect this kind of tardiness from Ricky, but Gina?”

Ashlyn and Carlos stood on the curb outside her house. Ashlyn was dressed in a suit of armor and was apparently Joan of Arc. Carlos was very far out of his comfort zone dressed in ripped jeans and a blue hoodie.

“Relax Carlos, Ricky just texted,” Ashlyn informs, “They’re turning the corner and will be here in a minute.”

Sure enough a minute later the orange beetle pulled up in front of them. Gina hopped out of the driver’s seat and Ricky got out of the passenger’s side to greet their friends. It only took a second to figure out what the couple was dressed as; Gina was wearing a red dress with white polka dots and Ricky was in black turtleneck and oversized red shorts, the matching mouse ears on their heads completed the picture.

“Well hello Mickey and Minnie Mouse,” Ashlyn says as she greet the couple.

As Ricky pulls the small group of them into a group hug Carlos notices the deep dark circles under Ricky’s eyes that contrast his happy go lucky attitude, “It’s great to see you two, I’ve missed you both. But now, get in witches, we’re going haunting.”

Carlos rolls his eyes at the terrible Mean Girls reference, while Ashlyn groans. Gina tries to hold in her laughter as she says, “I’m so sorry you two. I begged him not to make that joke.” A little more reluctantly than before, Ashlyn and Carlos get in the tiny backseat of the Volkswagen Beetle, and the group were on their way.

Gina was actually the one driving the bug. While Ricky was working on his new tv show in Albuquerque, he left Gina with the keys to the car so she could use it. Between HSM4 and Romeo & Juliet, plus the residuals from the documentary, Gina could’ve easily afforded her own car, but everyday she pulled into her assigned parking spot at East High in the outdated eyesore of German engineering. The one time Carlos had asked about it she said, “Ricky and I connected, really connected, emotionally for the first time in that car. Not only that but it has a million other little memories in it. Ricky driving me home after Camp, him teaching me to drive in it, the five minute dates we had pulling through whatever drive thru was near set when we shooting R&J trying desperately not to get anything on our costumes or mess up our makeup…Prom Night, where we just sat in the backseat and talked for hours. Why would I ever drive anything else?”

As the quartet drove to the fairgrounds Carlos asked, “so why were you so late picking us up?”

“Well, uh, it’s complicated,” Ricky stammered, obviously flustered.

A brief telepathic conversation took place between the lovebirds before Gina with a mischievous grin on her face said, “Ricky kept getting distracted because I’m dressed like Minnie Mouse,” Ricky was desperately shaking his head and his tired eyes screaming at Gina to not say anymore, but she did, “and Minnie Mouse was one of Ricky’s childhood crushes.”

Carlos and Ashlyn start guffawing in the backseat, while Ricky’s face turns so red it could be mistaken for a tomato and Gina has a wide grin clearly very pleased with herself. After finally catching their breath Ashlyn, still giggling, asks, “so wait you couldn’t keep your hands off your girlfriend because she’s dressed like a cartoon mouse?”

“I normally can’t keep my hands off of her,” Ricky says rapidly pulling at the collar of his shirt trying to cool himself down, “but, yes, the dress is driving me insane.” Turning to Gina with lilt of playfulness in his voice Ricky says, “you are SO going to pay for that later.”

“Promises, promises,” Gina responds flirtatiously with a wink.

“How did you even find out about my crush?” Ricky asks. “Big Red? Kourtney?”

“Your mom actually,” Gina answers.

“That tracks,” Ricky says slumping in the passenger’s seat.

Since Ricky’s been away Gina’s spent more and more time with the Bowens. While Ricky’s parents weren’t back together they were still good friends, and Ricky’s mom had moved back to Salt Lake and had moved into a nearby apartment at the same apartment complex Mike and Ricky lived in. While Ricky was filming his show, Gina would usually go to either of their apartments after rehearsal for dinner.

“It’s still a little weird to me how often you hang out with my parents without me around,” Ricky comments.

“Well, with my mom’s crazy work schedule I’d rather be with your parents than having leftovers by myself,” Gina responds. “Plus I miss you, they miss you, it just works. By the way, next weekend when you’re in town, we need to have a family dinner,” as Gina looks at Ricky she sees a huge grin on his face, “what?”

“You didn’t say ‘we need to have dinner with your parents,’ you said ‘we need to have a family dinner.’ I liked the sound of it,” Ricky sweetly answers.

It was Gina’s turn to blush as she says, “Well, yeah. I mean I know I’m not really family-.”

“Gi, you are real family,” Ricky interrupts to which Gina’s face flushes even more as Ricky grabs her hand, “and if you want to make it official- how far is city hall?”

“Let me stop you right there,” Gina interjects, “I’m still 17 and my mom is not your biggest fan so that’s not happening.”

“Still not going well on the mom front?”

“She still refers to you mostly as ‘that boy’ and the nicest thing she says whenever I mention you is a passive aggressive ‘that’s nice,’” Gina answers rolling her eyes so widely Carlos almost thinks they’ll roll right out of her head. “Look I don’t want to talk about my mom tonight. I just want to spend time with my boyfriend, who I’ve been missing like crazy, and our two 3rd wheeling friends.” The couple laughed as Carlos and Ashlyn argued over who was the bigger 3rd wheel.

Everyone was in costume at the at the fair, even the employees were in zombie makeup to add to the scariness. But Ricky Bowen was yawning loudly even amidst the screams of both terror and excitement.

Seeing him yawn Gina sarcastically asks, “oh no, Ricky am I not enough to hold your attention anymore?”

Ricky grins as he wraps his arms around his arms around Gina and answers, “you have all my attention, always. I’m just…I haven’t been sleeping well lately.”

“Ricky if you’re too tired we can leave,” Gina says.

“Yeah we can go back to my place and watch some scary movies,” Ashlyn offers.

“No no, I’ve been looking forward to this for weeks,” Ricky says, “I will power through.”

“Hey,” Gina says taking Ricky’s face in her hands, “why don’t I get us a couple sodas and maybe the caffeine will wake you up a little.”

“I can go get us some sodas,” Ricky offers.

“You will fall asleep in line,” Gina states, “go use your tired body to save us a table. Carlos go with him to make sure security doesn’t throw him out. Ashlyn you’re with me, maybe there’ll be better reception to text Maddox over by the concession area.” Ashlyn sheepishly puts her phone in her pocket as her best friend calls her out. Quickly kissing Ricky to give him a burst of energy, Gina and Ashlyn head towards the concession stalls

Thankfully Ricky and Carlos find a picnic table that’s not too sticky after a minute. They both sit down and wait for the girls as Ricky finally says, “so things must not be going well with Seb.”

“It’s awful,” Carlos admits.

“Must be. You didn’t even dress up for Halloween,” Ricky says.

“I’m dressed up.”

“As wha-wait,” After a minute the realization hits Ricky, “Oh my god, you’re Me! I’m flattered.”

Carlos sighs, “yeah I figured I’d channel my inner Ricky Bowen and with the spirit of Halloween maybe help me find some answers with my relationship drama.”

“Well, if you want the full ‘Ricky Bowen experience,’ it usually starts with a deep conversation with a friend. So, come on, let’s talk…bro.”

“You had to ‘bro’ me didn’t you,” Carlos complains as Ricky nods, “fine. Things were going well when Seb and I got back together last year, but after a few months, every time we weren’t together, I couldn’t help but imagine that he might be, you know cheating on me. We started fighting, and we broke. Then we got back together, and now we’re broken up again. I love him, but I don’t know what to do.”

Ricky places a comforting hand on Carlos’s shoulder and says, “You know you remind me a lot of me when I was with Nini.” Carlos looks confusedly at Ricky as he continues, “I was so wrapped up in our epic love story, that I couldn’t see what was right in front of me. I almost missed out on being with Gina because of it. Look, Carlos don’t be so caught up in the romance of it all that you miss out on the things that could end up meaning the most to you.”

“You make it sound easy,” Carlos comments.

“It’s not,” Ricky admits. Just then Ricky’s somber face breaks into the biggest smile as Gina and Ashlyn round the corner heading to the boys, “the things that are really worth it, never are.”

Gina and Ashlyn arrive at the table as Gina places down one of the carnival’s oversized novelty mugs on the table and says, “so I got us a root beer float, I hope you don’t mind sharing.”

“With you, never,” Ricky answers with a smile.

“I also got us a funnel cake,” Gina says revealing the sugary fried confection from behind her back.

“Gi, you rock my world,” Ricky says before stealing a quick kiss.

“And after we finished eating, you all abandoned me in the Zombie Maze,” Carlos finishes his story.

“That’s not how I remember that happening,” Ricky says, “you saw a Zombie and bolted. We yelled, ‘Carlos don’t run that way,’ but you just kept running.”

Carlos rolls his eyes and says, “well anyway, after that I took a step back from my relationship with Sebastian. I worked on myself as an individual, he worked on himself, we both dated some other people, but eventually we worked things out together. I think I’m just trying not to get too caught up in the romance this time around.”

“Well that’s good,” Ricky says, “but let me give some more advice from an older, marginally wiser, but still just as boyishly handsome Ricky Bowen: Life isn’t a fairy tale, but it has its fairy tale moments, so let them happen and embrace the story when they do.”

“Thanks…bro,” Carlos says lightly punching Ricky’s shoulder.

“Just to make one thing clear though,” Ricky quickly adds, “if you and Seb attempt to get engaged today, Gina will murder you, and I will gladly hold you down while she does.”

“Understood,” Carlos chuckles. “Speaking of that night though, with the sugar and adrenaline wearing off, and your lack of sleep, you passed out in the car before we even made it out of the parking lot. How Gina get you to bed?”

“She didn’t,” Ricky answers, “she couldn’t move me, and I couldn’t wake up without some drastic measures. So when we got back to my apartment complex she reclined the seat as best she could, grabbed my coat from the trunk, and snuggled next me in the tiny passenger seat and fell asleep with me.”

“Aww, that’s adorable.”

“Yeah,” Ricky grins at the memory, “physically it was one of the worst sleeps I’d ever had, my muscles were sore, I slept on my neck weird so it had a this pain for a couple days, but despite that, I hadn’t felt that well rested in weeks.”

Ricky and Carlos smile at the fact that even after nearly 10 years together, Ricky was still just as lovesick about Gina as he ever was. As they sat they suddenly heard a muffled, but high pitched singing voice echo throughout the building.

“Ms. Jenn’s here,” Ricky and Carlos say simultaneously.

Chapter Text

Maddox had spent most of her life feeling out of place. Her family didn’t really get her except Jet, her classmates kept their distance, and any “friends” she’d make could best be described as fair weather friends. The one place she felt totally at home for the longest time was Camp Shallow Lake, where for a few weeks she wasn’t Maddox the “acquired taste,” she was Gadget, the behind the scenes stage manager legend. Then she got to East High and that place felt like home too. Her friends, her true friends, were there and were totally accepting of her, and of course, there was Ashlyn.

Ashlyn was more than just a friend, they understood each other, they just clicked. For years it had been perfect, until…the fight to end all fights. After their breakup Maddox had thrown herself into her work, directing was the perfect distraction from her pain and thankfully she wasn’t working on any romance stories at the time to pour salt in that particular wound.

Gina had called a couple days after the breakup, and, to her credit, didn’t mention how this might affect her wedding. Ashlyn and Maddox had been asked to be Gina’s Maid of Honor and Bridesmaid, respectively, while they were still together, so Maddox was expecting the question eventually. Gina had managed to wait two weeks before she brought up the topic of the wedding. Gina had said she still wanted Maddox as one of her bridesmaids, but if it would be too difficult she could find someone else. Maddox had said she’d be fine by the wedding.

She was wrong.

Maddox had been certain she had her emotions under control. She had gotten herself a large Earl Grey tea to calm her nerves, had said her mantras to build her confidence, listened to the first half of Ricky’s album ‘Gold in the Cracks’ to have a good cry, and even woke up her therapist before walking in to the chapel that morning. But seeing Ashlyn in that room, all the emotions came flooding back at once, the anger and frustration, the love and endearment, and suddenly Maddox, who had been so tightly wound for the last three months, began to unravel.

As Ashlyn could barely look at her, Maddox felt her heart breaking all over again. Gina was the first that saw it and went to check on Maddox.

“Mads, you okay?” Gina asked with so much caring in her voice it almost made Maddox feel even worse.

Maddox steeled herself before replying, “I’ll be fine.”

Gina pulled Maddox into a tight hug and whispered so only she could hear it, “It’s okay if you’re not, but I’m glad you’re here. I couldn’t imagine this day without you being here.” Maddox felt the tears forming in her eyes as she hugged her friend back.

Thankfully, as Maddox wiped the tear residue from her eyes, Carlos arrived to inform on the arrival of the groom. After Carlos left with Emmy to go over the boy’s checklist for the wedding Maddox saw an opportunity to put some much needed distance between her and Ashlyn.

“So,” Maddox started while rocking on her heels, “I’m gonna go help EJ with the setup in the chapel.”

“Maddox,” Gina says before Maddox starts moving toward the door. Maddox sees the sympathy in Gina’s eyes as she says, “I really appreciate everything you’re doing for me and Ricky today.” Maddox knew that appreciation wasn’t just for tech support, but for being able to deal with her feelings in order to stand beside her friends on the most important day of their lives.

Maddox was already setting up the cameras to record the ceremony when EJ arrives in the chapel. After an acknowledging nod the two set to work. It doesn’t take long for Maddox to set up the cameras to capture practically every angle of this very special day. Maddox cautiously approaches the sound system EJ is working on. They hadn’t spoken since the breakup. Ashlyn was EJ’s cousin, he would obviously side with her in their breakup, so Maddox was worried she had lost one her oldest friends.

As she gets closer EJ grins and says, “I’m glad you’re here Gadget, I definitely wouldn’t have set up those cameras as well as a ‘soon to be Oscar nominated director.’”

Maddox breathes a sigh as relief, grateful that he didn’t seem to hate her, before rolling her eyes and saying, “Jet has to stop telling people that, it is categorically untrue. The Oscar buzz around my movie is for special effects and makeup, not directing. Besides even if we do get nominated we’re up against a Marvel movie, a DC movie, and the Old Republic Star Wars movie. We don’t stand a chance.”

EJ chuckles as he says, “Hey don’t count yourself out yet. That dream sequence you filmed was a certifiable masterpiece. I’d say you got a chance.”

“Thanks, Rocket Man,” Maddox says with a smile, “I’m glad to know we’re still good after…well you know.”

“Hey, I’m not taking sides in your little spat with Ash,” EJ responds.

“It’s hardly a ‘little spat’ EJ, we broke up,” Maddox reminds her friend, “and I don’t think we’re getting back together. That message you carved turned out to be more permanent than we were.”

“Gadget…,” EJ starts before correcting his tone to one of sincerity, “Maddox, you and Ash are going to figure this out, not because of some silly message I carved into a log a million years ago, which to be fair I did mainly for me, but because you two love each other and will figure it out. You always do.”

“Not this time,” Maddox says resolutely and defeated. “Wait,” Maddox realizes something, “how was carving that message for you?”

“Well,” EJ says sheepishly, “I carved that the night of Camp Prom after Gina dumped me. It was the second time that year a girl I really liked kicked me to the curb. I really needed to have a reason to believe in love, and what’s better than new love? Besides the only couples I could really root for were you and Ash or Ricky and Gina.”

“Turns out the smart money was on them,” Maddox says gesturing to the venue in front of them.

“Maybe, but I’ve learned to never bet against my cousin, or you for that matter,” EJ says, “also I wasn’t Ricky and Gina’s biggest fan at that particular moment.”

“You are now though.”

“Oh yeah,” EJ laughs, “I’m fully on team…what ship name did the fans of the doc give Ricky and Gina?”

“PortBow,” Maddox answers, “which I always thought was clever since it’s a part of a ship.”

“That’s right,” EJ chuckles, “I always forget it. I mean I remember EGina was Gina and my ship name, which just makes it sound like Gina was my electronic girlfriend. Of course it’s better than the ship name for me and Val: Valton. Sounds like a medication you hear advertised about in commercials.”

Maddox tries to suppress her laughter, but, like a dam bursting, she begins to guffaw over EJ’s comments. EJ soon joins her and their laughter echoes in the empty sanctuary. Finally managing to get ahold of themselves and catch their breath Maddox, while still chuckling, says, “oh man, I haven’t laughed like that in a long time. Thanks EJ, I needed that.”

“Anytime,” EJ replies with a smirk while still trying to suppress his own chuckles.

As the two of them sit their in a slightly less awkward silence than Maddox expected, she can’t help but look at the chapel and reflect back to the exact moment she knew Ricky and Gina would end up here. The same moment that she thought she and Ashlyn would have one more thing in common with the “star-crossed lovers.”

It was the summer right after Gina and Ashlyn and a bunch of other Wildcats had graduated. Ricky and Gina were in California doing press for the Romeo & Juliet movie, set to be released that coming fall. In between interviews the couple had managed to fit in their schedule enough time to see Maddox at USC. This wasn’t just a social call though. Gina had been accepted to the University and would be attending the following semester, so this was her getting to see the campus without the tour guides trying to sell the school to prospective students.

Maddox was both working on various school projects over the summer, learning the ins and outs of the filmmaking process and helping with student films in various capacities, while also still apprenticing under Quinn. This meant she was on campus to greet Gina at the school and show her around (and Ricky too).

“Maddox! Over here!” Gina yelled as they were looking for each other.

Turning to see the couple standing by a fountain, Gina with her hands cupped around her mouth to amplify her voice and Ricky waving frantically, Maddox jogged up to them pair. As they all laughed and said hello, Maddox says, “It’s great to see you two, I’m super excited to have a future Trojan with us,” Gina smiles at Maddox’s comment before turning to Ricky, “and a future Trojan’s boyfriend.”

“Hey Ricky may be a Trojan soon enough,” Gina comments beaming with pride.

“Gi, I love the support but I was lucky enough to transfer to LA City College,” Ricky responds, “There is no chance I get into the prestigious University of Southern California. Not with my transcript.”

“From what Ashlyn told me you made the Dean’s list both semesters at SLCC,” Maddox points out, “Don’t sell yourself short.”

Ricky scoffs, “Dean’s list at a city college hardly qualifies me to go to a school here. Besides LA City College is like a 20 minute drive away. I’m going to be here all the time, and this way I can maybe take a couple other jobs acting or, if I’m lucky, get into the music scene.”

“You know I can just call Jaime and-,” Gina starts before Ricky interrupts.

“No. We’ve talked about this my love. I want to earn my seat at the table,” Ricky says defiantly before quickly adding, “buuuuut, if he’s still open to me shadowing him for a day or two, I wouldn’t say no to that opportunity.” Gina smirks and shakes her head as Maddox chuckles.

“Well lovebirds,” Maddox cuts in sensing the pair about to completely forget about her existence, “let’s begin the behind the scenes, nitty gritty tour. Oh, when’s your next interview for R&J?”

“Thankfully not until tomorrow,” Gina sighs with relief. “It is exhausting answering the same questions over and over again.”

“If I hear one more question about comparing our off screen relationship with our on screen one, I’m gonna scream,” Ricky adds.

“Speaking of relationships though,” Gina says with an air of concern coating her voice, “how is the long distance thing going with you and Ashlyn?”

“Great,” Maddox replies maybe a couple notes too high pitched, “never better. Absolutely the best.”

“Are you trying to convince us or yourself?” Ricky asks.

“It’s awful,” Maddox admits, “terrible. I feel sick when I think about it. It was bad enough when we were only a time zone apart, but now she’s in New York and I’m here in LA and we’re farther apart than ever.”

Maddox loved Ashlyn so much, but when Ashlyn got accepted to the Manhattan School of Music, Maddox was thrilled for her girlfriend but also felt nauseated. The plan had been to be apart for one year, just one. But Ashlyn wanted to write music, specifically she wanted to write for musicals and being in New York, going to one of the most prestigious music schools in the world, was the best way for Ashlyn to realize that dream. At the same time Maddox was getting more and more opportunities in LA and couldn’t abandon her dream either. What had started out as a one year separation was turning into at least three more, right before their eyes.

Maddox sighs and confesses, “It’s like I want to be supportive, but at the same time I hate this and desperately want her here, and it’s torture.”

“I can relate,” Ricky replies.

“You and Gina have not done long distance. Not really,” Maddox says agitated.

“He’s talking about him and Nini,” Gina adds.

“That’s right, I forgot you dated Nini.”

“Yeah,” Ricky sheepishly says, “and, I also have experience in being supportive of your girlfriend while also hating certain aspects of being supportive.”

Maddox turns to Ricky, “got any advice.”

“Talk with her,” Ricky replies, “really talk. The biggest issue with my relationship with Nini when we were doing long distance, hell even when we weren’t, was we talked all the time but we never really said anything. We were both so concerned with not wanting to burden the other with our problems, but in the end not doing so led to resentment between us.”

“It’s hard to say how you feel,” Gina continues looking up at Ricky with a smile, “but in the end it’s worth it. It’s better to be fully and completely honest with each other.”

“Right now distance is the only thing separating you two,” Ricky adds, “let it be the only thing separating you two.”

“That’s…surprisingly deep,” Maddox says impressed.

Gina rolls her eyes, “he took a philosophy class last semester and now he thinks he’s Socrates.”

In that moment as Maddox watched her two friends playfully argue she couldn’t help but imagine them like this in the years to come. They were coming up on their two year anniversary as a couple and were still just as madly in love as they were when they first got together. Maddox smiled looking at them and thought ‘these two are going to be together forever, and if they can make it so can me and Ash.’

Maddox was so lost in thought she didn’t hear EJ talking to her. It wasn’t until she saw the hand waving in front of her face that she regained her focus. Coming back to reality Maddox asks, “what did you say?”

“I was asking if you knew about this,” EJ points to the plans for the sound system.

Looking at the wedding ‘Bible’ as the group had started to call it, Maddox noticed what EJ was talking about. Everything about the wedding had been meticulously planned by Ricky and Gina, and looking at the page for the sound system check they could see the plans for the sound check on the string quartet that Ricky and Gina had gotten for the wedding march. They probably wouldn’t need amplification but Gina, ever the planner, wanted to make sure. As Maddox and EJ studied the page they could see Gina’s beautiful handwriting detailing the sound check for the string quartet, but what got their attention was the mad scrawling of a deranged lunatic that they both recognized as Ricky’s handwriting. The added instructions called for a microphone to be placed near the quartet.

“No, I did not know about this,” Maddox answers, “but this was clearly added by Ricky. Should we tell Gina?”

“I don’t know,” EJ says, “Ricky’s usually been pretty good about romantic gestures, especially when it comes to Gina, and if he added this so she wouldn’t see it that’s probably what this is.”

“I know, but a last minute change, without Gina’s approval, today of all days. That’s risky even for Ricky.”

“Look Ricky’s the groom,” EJ points out, “it’s his wedding too, and these are his instructions. I’d say that’s fairly good plausible deniability. If Gina doesn’t like the change we can throw Ricky under the bus and just pray we don’t become collateral damage.”

Maddox nods, “good plan Rocket Man. I’ll go set up the mic and we can test the levels.”

As the pair finish setting up the the microphone they hear the easily recognizable soprano of Ms. Jenn as she enters the building singing, “heeellllloooooo.”

Maddox and EJ quickly make their way to the foyer to greet Ms. Jenn and Mr. Mazzara. Seeing the teachers Maddox felt a swirl of emotions. The last time she had seen the two of them was at their own wedding just a few years ago. Between the memories from their reception and the nostalgia of remembering her senior year at East High and the impact these two had on her, it was enough to make her want to cry. Unfortunately Ms. Jenn had already beaten her to the punch.

Upon seeing the two former students Ms. Jenn immediately started sobbing. As she buried her face in Mr. Mazzara’s chest he grabbed a pack of tissues from out of his pocket and handed one to his wife.

As Ms. Jenn tried to gather herself Mr. Mazzara informed, “she’s been crying since before she woke up this morning. Literally her pillow was soaked in her tears.”

“Jennifer it’s okay,” EJ comforted. Maddox was taken aback for a moment before remembering EJ was also a colleague of Ms. Jenn and Mr. Mazzara so he probably was used to calling them by their names, but it was still weird to hear.

“I-I’m ju-just so-so happy for m-my bab-babies,” Ms. Jenn sobbed. “My babi-babies are ge-getting married, an-and my-my-my oth-other babies are without th-their mama.”

“This is the first time we’ve been away form the twins for an extended period since they were born,” Mr. Mazzara explained, “add that to the fact Ricky and Gina are getting married and, well, I’m honestly shocked she hasn’t died from dehydration.”

“Aw, how are little Gwen and Ken,” Maddox asks.

“Gwendolyn and Kenneth are doing quite well,” Mr. Mazzara replied clearly annoyed.

Apparently Ms. Jenn had convinced Mr. Mazzara to name their kids Gwendolyn and Kenneth. He hadn’t realized what she had done until that December when she sent out their holiday cards that read, ‘Season’s Greetings from the Mazzaras. Ben, Jenn, Gwen, and Ken wishing you a Happy Holiday.’ He was still a little frustrated about it (mostly at himself for not realizing it sooner).

After a few minutes Ms. Jenn was finally able to collect herself. “I’m Okay, I’m okay,” Ms. Jenn said more trying to convince herself than the small group. Turning to face Maddox, tears still in the corner of her eyes, “It’s good to see you Maddox. I loved your movies.”

“You’ve seen my movies?” Maddox asks in disbelief.

“Every one,” Mr. Mazzara states.

“Well except for that horror movie you directed that Ricky starred in,” Ms. Jenn corrects, “It was a little too intense for us.”

“I’m-I’m touched,” Maddox says getting a little chocked up.

“No, you cannot start crying, I just stopped crying,” Ms. Jenn half orders and half begs.

Gathering herself Maddox turns to Mr. Mazzara and starts to talk shop to distract herself, “Um, EJ and I were just finishing the set up for the ceremony. We’d appreciate you giving it a once over, making sure we didn’t miss anything.”

“I’m sure it’s perfect,” Mr. Mazzara says confidently.

“But it never hurts to have someone you trust double check your work,” EJ says.

“You taught us that,” Maddox adds.

“That I did,” Mr. Mazzara says taken slightly aback by his former students faith and trust in him.

“And while Benjamin is playing with his toys, I’m going to go see Gina,” Ms. Jenn informs.

“I’ll go with you Ms. Jenn,” Maddox says, “I need to get my makeup and hair done.”

“Maddox, we’re both adults here. You can call me Jennifer. I mean, we’re practically the same age,” Ms. Jenn says.

Mr. Mazzara stifles a chuckle before saying, “sure, if we took Maddox’s age and then added-.”

“Benjamin Mazzara if you finish that sentence you will be walking back to Utah,” Ms. Jenn threatens.

After a moment Mr. Mazzara says, “say hi to Gina for me. Oh and Maddox, you’ll need these,” Mr. Mazzara throws a pack of tissues from a completely different pocket than the one before. How many packs of tissues did he have?

Turns out he was right. The second Ms. Jenn saw Gina she broke down sobbing harder than before. Tears were soaked up by Gina’s robe as the teacher and student embraced.

“You are so beau-beautiful,” Ms. Jenn cried hugging her former pupil so tightly Maddox thought Gina might break something. It took nearly twice as long for Ms. Jenn to stop crying this time around. Finally gathering herself Ms. Jenn, with tears still streaking down her cheeks, says, “oh you must be so happy.”

“Unbelievably happy,” Gina says beaming with unbridled joy.

“No cold feet?” Ms. Jenn asks with motherly concern.

Gina shakes her head and says with a glowing smile, “Ricky is the one thing in my whole life that I’ve been absolutely sure about. Today is no different. I’ve been waiting for this day, been waiting to marry him, since I was a young, dumb teenager. I can’t wait to go down that aisle.”

“Your lack of vows would beg to differ,” Kourtney mocks swaying a notepad between her fingers with not even a quarter of a page filled out.

“There’s a lot of emotions, a lot of love, I want to say,” Gina argues, “how do I tell the person I love the most exactly how much they mean to me? Exactly how much this day means to me? How much all the days we’ve had together mean to me? And all the days to come?”

Ms. Jenn rubs Gina’s back comforting the young woman before saying, “I had the same problem with my vows. I think what you just said might be a good place to start though. And having some other people who have been through this experience might help too. When’s you’re mom getting here? I’m sure she could help.”

Gina’s happy face falls just a bit before saying, “My mom’s not coming.”

“What? How could she not come to her own daughter’s wedding?” Ms. Jenn asks incredulously.

“Because I didn’t invite her,” Gina states matter of factly, “I don’t want her here.”

Chapter Text

Big Red felt like he was in the midst of battle. The clanging sounds of metal, the heat radiating throughout the room, the smells of baking bread and cooking meat and spices of all kinds. It was glorious. Big Red had known that he wanted to continue the family business from the first time he sat in his family’s restaurant and watched how happy the pizzas they served made people. While many of his friends didn’t know what they wanted to do with their lives until High School or college and some were still trying to figure it out, Big Red had always known he wanted to make food that made people happy.

Both of his families, his actual family and the wildcats, had always been extremely supportive of his dream. Sure his friends had missed him during the first half of his senior year, but his parents had gotten him a great opportunity to apprentice under a legendary deep dish pizza chef who had retired to Cairo, Illinois (why his friends kept insisting he was in Egypt he never understood). Then of course he went to culinary school after graduation and after a few years working at Slices was placed in charge of the restaurant just over two years ago. Big Red had been honored when Ricky not only asked him to be his best man, but to also cater the wedding. 

The Redonovich family was hard at work, and Red himself was hyper focused on the dough in front of him. As he worked on it he couldn’t help but think about all the other parties he’d (kind of) catered for the Wildcats over the years: Thanksgivings, Halloweens, New Years, Engagements, Birthdays. As he kneaded the dough in front of him his mind drifted back to a very particular birthday.

“Biggie what took you so long?” Ashlyn chastised him as he came up the stairs to Gina’s room. As he entered he saw the balloons and streamers and a big banner that read ‘Happy Birthday, Ricky’, as well as an assortment of friends all spread around the room.

“I’m sorry,” Big Red apologized as he came in carrying an oversized insulated pizza carrier, “I wanted to make sure the pizzas were still piping hot, so I waited until the last minute.”

“And I for one thank you for your service,” Jet said as he eyed the stack of pizzas as Red pulled them out of the carrier and arranged them on a folding table covered in a colorful plastic tablecloth.

“Well you’re just in time,” Kourtney informs, “Gina and Ricky will be here any second.”

“SHHHHH,” Ashlyn commandingly shushes the group before whispering, “Gina just texted, they’re pulling up now.”

With that information revealed, Maddox heads for the light switch only to be stopped by Ashlyn (Maddox had apparently been barred from touching light switches after an incident on Halloween) who turned off the light herself. Everyone then spread out throughout the room and waited. The group waited in darkness as they heard a muffled conversation between Ricky and Gina downstairs. As the door opened to the attic opened they heard the couple far more clearly.

“Okay so what is it you forgot again?” Ricky asks as he starts to ascend the stairs.

“My water bottle,” Gina answers, “I think I left it by my desk.”

“Still can’t believe you forgot something. You’re the most prepared person I know.”

As Gina reached the top of the stairs she quickly scanned the room checking that everything was in place. Ricky reached the top a split second later and reached for the light switch, turning the lights on.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” The assembled group shouted. Ricky jumped in surprise at the sudden shout and clung to Gina like a safety blanket before he realized what was happening. As he settled down, his arms around Gina shifted from an embrace of panic to one of gratitude.

“Gi? Did you plan this?” Ricky asks in joyous shock.

“Surprise,” Gina replies facing Ricky with the biggest grin on her face. “Do you like it?”

“I love it!” Ricky exclaims, “but my birthday’s not until tomorrow.”

“Well it wouldn’t be as much of a surprise if it was tomorrow,” Gina explains, “besides this way I get you all to myself tomorrow.”

“Well when you put it like that,” Ricky responds with a smile.

“Plus,” Gina continues, “this way I can make up for not exactly being around last year when you turned 18.”

“Sweetie,” Ricky says comfortingly, “It’s okay, things were…complicated.”

“It’s not okay. Don’t say it’s okay,” Gina pouts, “you’re not just my boyfriend, you’re my best friend and you were my best friend long before we started dating, and I couldn’t even wish you a happy birthday to your face.”

“Um, hi,” Ashlyn says incredulously.

“Remember us?” Big Red adds.

“What are we if you two are each other’s best friends?” Jet asks.

“Guys we’ve been over this,” Ricky says rolling his eyes, “I can have more than one best friend, so can we not rehash this argument at this amazing birthday party that my incredible girlfriend planned.”

After a couple of grumbling ‘fines,’ from Big Red and Jet (and Carlos as well) the party started. Music was blasting through Gina’s Bluetooth speakers playing a medley of songs from the last couple years. The entire HSM trilogy, Camp Rock, Frozen, Beauty and The Beast, The Greatest Showman, with some of the songs the Wildcats had written over the years. Pizza was consumed and of course everyone was loving it. The only pizza that was virtually untouched was the small Hawaiian Pizza that was Ricky’s favorite. 

As Ricky ate the pineapple covered pizza he managed to coerce Gina into having a bite. As Gina chewed she grimaced and after swallowing she said, “It doesn’t taste as bad as I thought, but it’s still not good, and the texture was weird. Sorry Ricky I don’t like it.”

“Hey, we don’t have to like all the same things,” Ricky says, “and I’m happy you were at least willing to give it a chance for me.”

Gina smiles as she says, “well don’t fill up on pizza, I made cake.”

“That sounds…wait, you made cake?”

Gina sheepishly grins and says, “I felt really bad about last year so I made a cake from scratch…with homemade frosting.”

“Gina,” Ricky says lovingly, “you didn’t need to go to all that trouble, but thank you. I love you.”

“I love you, too, so much,” Gina replies before kissing Ricky tenderly. “Now time for cake.”

The entire party erupted into cheers.

“Noah Redonovich,” Big Red’s mom shouts getting his attention.

“What? Sorry mom,” Red apologizes, “I was focused.”

“I know, but we’ve got this handled if you want to head back and start getting ready. I’m sure Ricky needs his best man,” Mrs. Red said.

“If you’re sure. Thanks mom,” Big Red says giving his mom a hug while not touching her with his hands due to the raw dough sticking to his fingers.

“Give Ricky our love,” Mrs. Red says with a chorus of agreement from the rest of the Reds currently hard at work cooking the various dishes for the reception.

After washing his hands Big Red heads back to the chapel. It’s a short walk, only about five minutes. On the walk back Red admires the venue that was chosen. It wasn’t too far away from Ricky and Gina’s California home and very isolated from prying eyes, which is probably why they chose it. Along the way Big Red sees the walkway is lined with fairy lights to guide people when it got dark. He also saw Emmy pacing back and forth talking to herself in muttering tones. 

As Red approached her, Emmy saw him and quickly said, “sorry I’m on my way to the sound check in the reception hall. Please excuse me.” She bolted off quicker than a bolt of lightning leaving Red somewhat bewildered. A couple minutes later Big Red entered the groom’s suite to see Ricky being hugged by Ms. Jenn.

“Ms. Jenn, I’m happy you’re here but I-I can’t breathe,” Ricky strains out.

“Sorry, sorry,” Ms. Jenn says releasing Ricky who takes a deep breath upon release. “I’m just so happy for you. If you had told me when I posted that cast list for High School Musical that my Troy would be marrying my Taylor I would have said, ‘are you sure? He’s got a real spark with that Nini girl.’” Ricky and the group in the room, consisting of Carlos, Seb, and EJ, chuckled before Ms. Jenn continued, “but seeing you and Gina find your way to each other, be there for each other, and have this amazing romance, has been one of the privileges of my life.”

“Thanks Ms. Jenn,” Ricky says with a big smile, “and if you told me on the day that I auditioned for High School Musical that the love of my life was in that room I would have said, ‘Yeah, it’s Nini right?’” Ricky chuckles, “the truth is though that while I showed up that day for Nini, I stuck around for Gina.”

“Speaking of Gina,” Ms. Jenn says in a tone fully meant to hijack the conversation, “she told me her mom isn’t coming, that she doesn’t want her here, and she was very cagey when I pressed her about why. Do you know why?”

“It probably has to do with the fighting, right?” Big Red says making his presence known.

“Big Red, my reddest child,” Ms. Jenn says running up to the man and pulling him into a tight hug. “What fighting?”

“All the fights Gina and her mom got into, especially during her senior year,” Big Red explains.

“Red, stop talking,” Ricky commands.

“No, no, keep talking,” Ms. Jenn encourages.

Big Red feels conflicted but decides to tell the story, “Well, I was only witness to one. It was the night before Ricky’s 19th birthday. Gina had thrown Ricky a surprise party earlier that day…”

After gorging themselves on pizza and cake (which was delicious) the party had ended. Ricky and Big Red had stayed to help Gina clean up. After clean up Ricky reluctantly left Gina who wished him a happy belated and early birthday (with subsequent kisses) and said she’d see him tomorrow. Ricky and Big Red decided to go back to Red’s and play some video games to ring in his 19th birthday. They decided to take Red’s car, leaving the beetle with Gina so she could get some practice in behind the wheel before Ricky gave her the car at the end of summer. 

About halfway to his house Big Red realized he’d left his pizza carrier at Gina’s house. Red was worried he’d be in trouble if he came home without it so they quickly turned around and headed back to the Porters’ House. Big Red parked a few houses away. Ricky hopped out of the car and said he’d get the carrier.

“Oh no,” Big Red said, “I’m coming with you. If you go in that house without supervision you will never come out willingly.”

“Fine,” Ricky groans, “come on.”

As they approached the house Red and Ricky saw the lights were on in the kitchen but not in Gina’s room. As they got closer they saw the front door was open but the screen door was closed. Gina, after hanging around Kourtney and Ashlyn for so long, was always trying to lower her carbon footprint. She probably turned off the air conditioning after everyone left and had the door open to improve air flow. 

Red watched as Ricky saw Gina in the kitchen, stirring something in a bowl. Red saw his friend’s face lit up like a Christmas tree as he watched his girlfriend. Big Red had known Ricky since before pre-k and in their entire life he never saw Ricky as happy as he was when he was just looking at Gina. Lightly slapping Ricky’s arm to bring him out of the hypnosis that Gina had him under, he reminded his friend why they were here.

“Right,” Ricky says shaking his head out of it’s stupor (while still glancing at Gina with his peripheral vision), “I don’t want to disturb Gina, she’s so cute when she’s focused, so I’ll climb through her window and grab the carrier out of her room.”

“Sounds good,” Big Red agrees, “I’ll wait here.” With that Ricky expertly climbed the side of the house with practiced precision. Big Red watched impressed as Ricky slid open the unlocked window and entered Gina’s room without making any noise. Just as Ricky closed the window behind him Big Red saw a pair of headlights shine as Terri Porter’s car pulled into the driveway.

Thankfully behind the cover of some trees and the darkness of the night, Big Red remained obscured from the vision of the elder Porter. He watched silently as Terri made her way into the house.

“Hi baby. What are you making there?” Terri asks Gina as she enters the house. 

“Frosting,” Gina answers, “it was a big hit at the party today and Ricky really seemed to like it so I thought I’d make some more for his cake for tomorrow.”

“Hmmm, That’s nice,” Terri said passive aggressively with a faux smile. “Is he here? I saw his car out front.”

“No,” Gina replies, “he went with a friend to go play video games and left me the car to get some practice in.”

“You know we can get you a car,” Terri points out, “between the movies you have more than enough money in the bank to get one.”

“I want to save that money for college,” Gina responds, “and besides that car means a lot to me. It’s where I first realized my feelings for Ricky, when he drove me home from Homecoming.”

“And that’s…sweet,” Gina’s mom says just a little condescendingly, “but I just don’t think that boy’s car is safe.”

“Ricky,” Gina interjects. “His name’s Ricky.”

“I know what his name is.”

“Well I wanted to check, since you never use it,” Gina says annoyed, “why do you never use Ricky’s name?”

“Because baby, in a few years it’s not going to matter what his name is,” Terri answers.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Look, I know you’re very infatuated with this boy right now, but sooner or later you’re going to realize that you two are not going to last long term,” Terri states matter of factly. “Your little high school romance is going to end with you getting bored of his devil-may-care attitude, realizing you need someone who’s capable of keeping pace with you, or he’ll break your heart, again. And in a few years, after you’ve met someone who’s a better match for you, you’ll think fondly about your high school boyfriend as you struggle to remember his name.”

Gina shakes her head in disbelief, “you know I thought Ricky had started to win you over after the press conference. Then we had that dinner together and-.”

“And that dinner showed me you can do so much better than that skate rat,” Terri interrupted with venom in her voice. “I loved seeing you so happy and you two were so infatuated with each other it was endearing to see. Then I asked him about what his plans were and he said he would be going to Salt Lake City college ‘if he was lucky.’ That’s when I found out he had a pathetic 1.8 GPA and could barely get into a city college.”

“His GPA improved, he just needed some extra help,” Gina retorted angrily. 

“Help you provided him,” Terri retaliated, “at the cost of your own grades I might add.”

“Ricky had nothing to do with the one B I got,” Gina shoots back.

“What else could it have been?” Terri asks angrily.

“I don’t know, maybe the movie I was working on while trying to balance school and extracurriculars and a social life,” Gina answers, her voice rising.

“Fine, but lets not forget,” Terri continues getting more heated, “I asked your little boyfriend what he wanted to do with his life, and he had no answer. No clue what he wants to do. He lacks focus, ambition, drive. The only thing he seemed certain of is that he wants to be with you.”

“Why is that a bad thing?” Gina shouts exasperated.

“Because Gina, this isn’t some cheesy 80s rom-com,” Terri answers equally exasperated, “it’s sweet how much he wants to be there for you, but in the long run you’ll see that you need someone just as driven as you are, someone to run along side you not just cheer you on from the sidelines. That dinner was enough to see him for what he is. That his getting cast as Romeo was a flash in an unremarkable pan, and that he will amount to nothing, because that’s all he is Gina, nothing.” With that Big Red watched as Gina left the bowl she had long stopped stirring, grabbed the keys for the beetle and head towards the front door. “Where do you think you’re going young lady?”

“Anywhere that’s not here,” Gina answers angrily trying to hide the crack in her voice. With that Gina slammed the front door behind her. As Gina made her way to the orange car she stopped in her tracks and looked right where Big Red was standing. “Big Red? What are you doing here?” 

As if on cue, Ricky drops to the ground next to Red and hands him the pizza carrier. Ricky’s face is filled with hurt, but he’s trying his best to hide it. Gina takes one look at Ricky and the fury that had been on her face just a moment ago is replaced by shock and fear.

“Ricky, please tell me you didn’t hear any of that,” Gina whispers desperately. 

Ricky cracks a half smile and tries to jokingly say, “I would, but you don’t like liars, remember.”

Gina runs the few feet into Ricky’s arms and rests her head against his shoulder as she cries into his shoulder repeating, “I’m so sorry.”

Ricky gently rubs her back and comfortingly whispers, “it’s okay, it’s okay.”

Sniffling slightly Gina says, “No it’s not okay. Don’t say it’s okay. It’s not true.” After saying that Gina grabs Ricky’s face in her hands and forces him to look at her before saying in a comfortingly forceful manner, “Ricky Bowen, you are not nothing; you are everything to me.” Big Red looks at Ricky and the hurt he was trying so hard to hide disappears and is replaced by overwhelming love as he leans in and kisses Gina, providing both of them some much needed comfort. After breaking the kiss Gina smiles and strokes Ricky’s cheek with her thumb and says, “this must’ve been the worst birthday ever for you, huh?”

Ricky half chuckles and takes a breath before answering, “are you kidding? You were here, it can’t be the worst. Besides, I’ve got another one tomorrow, and it will be the best one yet because I get to spend it with you.”

Gina smiles and says, “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

“And that was just the first of many blow ups between Gina and her mom. So I hear anyway,” Big Red finishes the story. Ms. Jenn looks shocked and horrified as she turns to Ricky who sighs and nods in confirmation.  

“How did I never know about any of this?” Ms. Jenn asks in disbelief.

“Because Gina didn’t want you to know,” Carlos answers, “things with her mom just kept getting worse and worse. She wanted to keep the drama club, ironically, free from her drama, and she knew if you knew that you’d treat her differently and Gina didn’t want that.”

“Ms. Jenn you gave Gina the ability to form a support system for herself,” Ricky adds, “she knew you’d help her if she needed it, but she had me and Carlos and Ashlyn and Kourtney and Maddox and Emmy and my parents, who became part of her support system. Gina didn’t need you as much, at least not as much as the new Wildcats needed you. You were helping them build support systems for each other, Gina already had hers.” Ms. Jenn wipes away a few stray tears and nods in understanding before Ricky continues, “the one time Gina did really consider telling you was the last big fight with her mom, about a month before her 18th birthday. But that was around the time of the Jet and Dani drama, so you had your hands full.”

Ms. Jenn scoffs, “I remember. That was the last time I ever allowed a couple to play love interests in my shows. Thankfully after that year I started getting enough Wildcats to double cast.” After a moment Ms. Jenn says, “I’ll make sure I don’t treat Gina any differently. It’s her special day after all.”

“Thanks Ms. Jenn,” Ricky says, “and thanks for being here. Gina told me she wanted at least one of her moms here today.”

At hearing that Ms. Jenn broke down and started sobbing again. As Ricky and Carlos wrapped Ms. Jenn in a hug, EJ pulled a pack of tissues from his pocket and handed Ms. Jenn a tissue.

Chapter Text

High School Musical had changed Ashlyn’s life more than she had ever thought it would. That risk of auditioning had given Ashlyn a group of lifelong friends, an even better relationship with her cousin, and allowed her to believe her song writing could be more than just a hobby but an actual career. The most important thing that production of High School Musical gave her was a best friend that became like a sister to her, and of all people it was the amazing and intimidating dancer girl that oozed confidence. Gina was still Ashlyn’s best friend even after everything the last several years had brought. So it came as no surprise when Gina asked Ashlyn to be her Maid of Honor.

The day of the wedding was perfect. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, Ricky was at no risk of being late. The only negative for Ashlyn was the other bridesmaid that was currently in the bridal suite. After Ms. Jenn left to go say hello to Ricky, Kourtney had to step out to make sure Gina’s custom wedding dress was up to both Gina and Kourtney’s sky high standards. Emmy was busy making sure every other aspect of the wedding was up to snuff. That left Gina and Ashlyn alone…with Maddox.

Things being awkward between the Ashlyn and Maddox could be considered a gross oversimplification. Three months since ending their nearly eight year relationship. To twist the knife a little more, Ricky and Gina only had a few months on Ashlyn and Maddox as a couple and here one of the couples was getting married and the other could barely stand being in the same room. Ashlyn couldn’t even bring herself to look at Maddox, the wounds were still too fresh.

So here they were, the ex’s and the bride, sitting in awkward silence. 

Several minutes went by, no one sure what to say. Thankfully Ashlyn’s phone went off, cutting the tension that had built up. The text message was from Emmy and was written in code. After deciphering the code Ashlyn turns to Gina and says, “Emmy’s with the band right now. They want to know if there are any songs you want added so they can play them through once or twice.” Before Gina can answer another text message from Emmy comes through, “They apparently are also asking if you want to change the song for the first dance.”

“There is actually two songs I do want added as a surprise for Ricky,” Gina says with a wistful grin, “‘Maybe this Time’ the first song Ricky and I wrote together, a song that feels especially appropriate today, and ‘Gold in the Cracks.’ Tell Emmy I sent Jet the music for ‘Maybe this Time’ and that if he doesn’t know Ricky’s Grammy Award Winning Song of the Year, he really did not deserve the title of Best Man.”

‘Gold in the Cracks,’ was Ricky’s biggest song and won the Grammy for Song of the Year almost two years ago. The album of the same name was nominated for Album of the Year but lost, to ironically Nini’s album (but Ricky was still thrilled about her win since he helped write and produce her album). Knowing a bit of the history behind the song it was no surprise to Ashlyn why Gina wanted that particular song added.

Ashlyn giggles as she sends the text to Emmy, “and what about the song for the first dance?”

“No, that song is perfect,” Gina states, “there’s no other song that could replace it.”

“What song is it?” Maddox asks as Ashlyn sends Emmy Gina’s reply.

Gina blushes just a tiny bit as she answers, “‘Can I Have This Dance?’” Both Ashlyn and Maddox playfully groan at the answer. “It’s an important song for us, okay. High School Musical brought us together, we played Troy and Gabriella when we first started dating, it fits us perfectly, and it is literally the perfect song for the first dance,” Gina defensively informs her friends. “Also it’s my wedding, so hush.”

Ashlyn playfully giggles at Gina before saying, “well yeah the whole High School Musical franchise is kind of a big deal for you two. I mean if it weren’t for you scheming to try and get Gabriella sophomore year, you and Ricky may never have connected in his car after Homecoming.”

“A part of me wishes those schemes had worked,” Gina says, “I could have gotten to play Gabriella to Ricky’s Troy one year early, and who knows what might have happened.”

“Then there was HSM 3 ,” Ashlyn continues, “goes without saying how important that show was to your relationship. And are we allowed to talk about High School Musical 4 yet?”

“No,” Gina angrily replies.

High School Musical 4 had been Gina’s big break and led to bigger and better things, but it was a bit of a sore subject. As soon as HSM 4 was in post production Disney scrapped the whole thing, It apparently got them a big tax write off claiming the movie as a loss of revenue. Upon further reflection (no Kenny Ortega, no Zac Efron, no Vanessa Hudgens, and no Ashley Tisdale, as well as a 300 minute first cut)  it seemed like that had been the plan the whole time. So Gina’s Hollywood debut would never see the light of day. At the very least it got her the role of Juliet for Quinn’s Romeo & Juliet which Gina used as a springboard for her career.

“All I was going to say is that filming the movie-that-shall-not-be-named, really tested your relationship and got both you and Ricky into professional show business,” Ashlyn says, “even if it’s not the way you two anticipated.”

“Yeah,” Gina says softening, as she fiddles with her engagement ring.

“And of course,” Maddox interjects, “there was High School Musical 2: The Musical, aka Gina Porter’s Broadway debut.”

“Ricky better be alright, because if he is I’m going to murder him,” Gina says with a mixture of worry and annoyance.

Ashlyn and Gina sat in Gina’s dressing room. Her Broadway dressing room. They sat as Gina prepared for the final preview performance High School Musical 2, before the official opening in just a few days. When Gina had gotten the call to play Gabriella in the Broadway production of HSM 2, she had been ecstatic. She’d be going to New York, getting to star in Broadway show, and would get to see some of her friends she barely got to see (especially Ashlyn who was writing some new songs for the show), it was exciting. That was until she found out she had to go for rehearsals and preparations in New York and Ricky had to stay in California to work on Nini’s album. They were determined to make long distance work, so for the last two months Ricky and Gina had been on opposite sides of the country, and Gina was miserable.

Ashlyn had been so excited that her best friend would be with her in New York. Sure she had Carlos and Kourtney (aka the Finer Things Club) but Ashlyn and Gina hadn’t lived in the same city since graduation and Ashlyn was looking forward to having her sister in the same zip code again. The first week or so had been awesome, because in addition to Gina, Maddox was also coming to New York to be an assistant director for High School Musical 2. Everything was perfect, but Gina and Ricky hadn’t been apart for that long since getting together and Gina started feeling the weight of it all after a while. Gina was an actress though and she put on a happy face and did what needed to be done. And it’s not as if Gina was unhappy, she just missed Ricky so much, something Ashlyn could relate to with her own long distance relationship. 

“Come on Gi,” Ashlyn says trying to cheer up her friend, “You act like Ricky always responds immediately to your messages.”

“Look if it was an hour or two, sure, but I sent a good morning text when I know Ricky usually wakes up and have gotten nothing all day, and he hasn’t responded to any of my texts or calls since,” Gina informs with a crack of worry in her voice.

“I’m surprised you haven’t called the hospitals in LA yet,” Ashlyn jokes. Gina grimaces a little and tries to chuckle. “You didn’t.”

“I was worried,” Gina responds defensively, “I also called Jaime and Nini and they both said that the last time they saw Ricky he was headed home.” Gina buries her face in her hands. Ash can tell she’s sick with worry and the fact she knows Gina hasn’t had a decent night’s sleep in these last two months is not helping.

“I’m sure he’s fine,” Ashlyn says comfortingly, “He probably is just exhausted from all the late nights he’s been pulling and turned off his phone so he could catch up on some sleep.”

“I hope so,” Gina says as she stares at the pictures adorning her mirror. Ever since High School, Gina always made sure she had about a thousand pictures of her and Ricky covering her space. It didn’t matter if it was a movie, tv show, music video, or even a Broadway show, she always kept them. Every picture from as early as their first Halloween as a couple all the way to the most recent one which was just a picture of Ricky from when he was dropping Gina off at the airport two months ago (not that you could see Ricky’s face anymore it was covered by so much lipstick).

“Gina, Ricky has never missed one of your opening nights,” Ashlyn reminds her friend, “I’m sure he’ll be here in a few days just like he promised. With his signature look of adoration as he watches you kill it as Gabriella, and the world’s best reason for not returning your calls.”

Gina chuckles slightly, “He better.”

“Delivery for Gina Porter,” a voice said behind the girls.

A bouquet of red roses was laid in front of Gina who looks at the flowers and pulls the small folded card. “It’s from Ricky. It says, ‘I love you and miss you so much. Can’t wait to see you.’ If he thinks this is going to make up for not returning my calls he is grossly mistaken.”

“How about an in person apology,” the voice says more recognizable than before.

Gina’s eyes go wide in shock and joy as she turns to look at the person who brought the flowers, “RICKY!” Before Ricky even has a chance to say anything Gina is on him. As the couple kiss for the first time in two months, Ashlyn watches as the tension that Gina has been holding onto just melts away. Ashlyn also notices a similar tension leave Ricky as he leans into Gina.

As Gina starts to pull away from the kiss Ricky smiles at his girlfriend and looks at her, a playful smile gracing his lips, “Gi, careful you’ll ruin your makeup.”

“I have not kissed my boyfriend in two months, I really do not care about my makeup right now,” Gina responds as she starts peppering Ricky’s whole face with kisses, leaving lipstick stains all over his face. “What. Are. You. Doing. Here?” Gina asks between kisses.

Ricky laughs, “we got done with the album early, and as soon as we finished I booked the first available flight to New York. I couldn’t wait to see you.” Gina finally pulls back enough to look at Ricky’s face and starts laughing as she sees all her handiwork. Ricky looks at his reflection, sees all the lip marks on his face, starts laughing, “you think this is my shade?”

Gina shakes her head laughing the whole time. After a moment Gina composes herself and looks at Ricky with a bit of anger in her eyes, “no, wait, I’m mad at you. Why haven’t you responded to any of my texts or calls?”

Ricky sighs, “Well I didn’t want to tell you I was coming, to surprise you, but when I got on my plane I found out they didn’t have Wi-Fi on the flight. Then when we landed about an hour ago, I got a whole novel’s worth of texts bombarding my poor phone and well, I got a little startled and…” Ricky pulls his phone out of his pocket and shows an absolutely destroyed screen. “I’m sorry I made you worry.”

Gina sighs with relief, “I’m just glad you’re okay…and I’m so happy you’re here. But wait, when I asked Jaime and Nini where you were they said you were headed home?” Ricky just grins at Gina and she instantly connects the dots, “That is the cheesiest, corniest, most romantic joke you have ever done, and I’m not sure if I love it or hate it.”

“Fingers crossed for love,” Ricky jokes, “on account of how much I love you.”

Gina smiles, “I love you too. And I love I actually get to say that to you and not through a screen.”

As the couple starts to lean in to kiss again, Ashlyn clears her throat and says, “hi, still here.”

Gina’s face starts to flush as Ricky greets Ashlyn, “Ash! Hi! It’s great to see you. How are you?”

Ashlyn rolls her eyes, “Do you actually care or are you just being polite?”

“At this moment, just being polite,” Ricky answers matter of factly, “but I do actually care and do want to hear about how you’re doing. Just right now I’d really like to focus on my girlfriend who I haven’t been in the same room with for two months and four days.”

As Ashlyn chuckles Maddox comes barging into the dressing room in a panic, “Gina bad news, we need to cancel tonight’s performance.”

“What? Why?” Gina asks.

“Our Troy just got food poisoning and can’t make it,” Maddox informs, completely engrossed on her tablet as she furiously types away, “and the understudy is celebrating his mom’s birthday in Maryland, so we have no Troy.”

“Can anything be done?” Ashlyn asks.

“An idea to turn this into a concert has been floating around, but it’s not going to happen,” Maddox says deflated, “I mean, we’d need to get someone who knows all the Troy parts in High School Musical 2, plus the parts for all the songs we added, and whose voice perfectly blends with Gina’s. Where are we going to find someone that fits that criteria on such short notice?” Maddox says finally glancing up from her tablet, “Oh hey Ricky…RICKY!”

“Hey Mads, good to see you,” Ricky greets. Suddenly all three women have the same epiphany and grin as they look towards Ricky, “why do I feel scared all of a sudden?”

“Ricky how would you feel about playing Troy for one night?” Maddox asks.

“What? No, no, this is Gina’s show. I’m not stealing her spotlight!”

“Ricky,” Gina sweetly pleads, “you wouldn’t be stealing my spotlight, you’d be sharing my spotlight, and I love seeing you shine beside me.”

“Plus you know all the songs, I know Gina’s been sending you the new songs, and people love you two,” Ashlyn points out.

Ricky sighs, “you three aren’t going to take no for an answer are you?” As Gina, Ashlyn, and Maddox shake their heads Ricky admits defeat and says, “fine. Let’s just hope my Bet On It performance has improved since Beauty and the Beast.”

A few hours later the cast of High School Musical 2: The Musical, were relaxing at a nearby bar celebrating their very successful, last minute concert. Gina, Ricky, Ashlyn, and Maddox were sitting at a table nursing their drinks, when Maddox says, “Oh Ricky, the producers loved you and are wondering if you might be interested in taking over as Troy.”

“Oooo, do it,” Gina says excitedly, “it’d be so much fun.”

Ricky chuckles, “thanks, but no thanks. I was happy to help you all out of a jam, but I have my own projects to work on. I still have half of my own album I need to write songs for, plus making up for lost time with a special someone,” Gina’s face scrunches up with joy at that comment, “and while it is fun being ‘Ricky Bowen: Gina Porter’s supportive boyfriend/co-star,’ I am just as happy going back to being ‘Ricky Bowen: Gina Porter’s supportive boyfriend/super cute super fan.’”

“Speaking of making up for lost time,” Gina interjects, “we’ve made an appearance here and I really think we should head home.” 

“OOOOoooo,” Ashlyn and Maddox insinuate.

“Okay, get your minds out of the gutter you two,” Gina scoffs. “I haven’t had a decent sleep in two months. How about you Ricky?”

“What is this ‘sleep’ you speak of,” Ricky jokes.

“SOOO, Ricky and I are going to go home, put on our comfiest pajamas, drink some sleepy time tea, cuddle and get some much needed rest,” Gina informs their friends.

“Oh how about a little lavender on the pillows and maybe break out the weighted blanket?” Ricky suggests.

“You read my mind,” Gina says with a smile as she leans over and gently kisses Ricky.

“Before we go, I should go close out our tab. Be right back,” Ricky says before quickly stealing another kiss from Gina.

After Ricky left Ashlyn looks at Gina and teasingly says, “so this is ‘home’ now? It hasn’t been for the last couple months.”

“Yeah, well,” Gina looks lovingly at Rick as he hands the bartender a credit card, “something was missing.”

“Oh God, that was one of the best sleeps of my life,” present day Gina commented at the memory, “I slept for like 12 hours.”

As the three women remember fondly, Ashlyn makes eye contact with Maddox for the first time and the pain floods her chest again. As they lock eyes the Ashlyn remembers that fateful night and the fight that ended their relationship. As another awkward silence starts to fill the room it’s cut short by a knock at the door.

“Gigi, it’s me,” a muffled voice says through the door. Gina rushes to the door of the suite and flings it open revealing a man that Ashlyn had only had the privilege of meeting a couple of times; Gina’s older brother Jaime. As the siblings embrace Jaime says, “Oh Gina you look so beautiful, I’m so happy for you.”

“Thanks for coming Jaime,” Gina responds with glee and gratitude.

“Hey, who else was going to walk my baby sister down the aisle?” Jaime jokingly asks.

“Well, you know me ever the preparer,” Gina answers sarcastically, “I had some backups in mind, just in case there was some kind of music related emergency and you couldn’t make it.”

“Ha ha,” Jaime says with a grin. “Seriously though,” Jaime continues shifting to a more genuine tone, “I’m really happy for you. I know how happy Ricky makes you, and Ricky’s a great guy. You picked a good one, Gigi.”

“Thanks,” Gina says with a lilt of laughter, “at least one other Porter thinks so.”

After a moment of awkwardness Jaime says, “well I just wanted to say ‘good morning and congratulations,’ and see if you wanted to rehearse your big entrance for later.”

“It’s walking down an aisle to music, I think we’ll be fine,” Gina says with a chuckle.

“Probably for the best,” Jaime says, “I know you don’t want to see Ricky yet and he’s in there right now talking with Nina.”

“He is? That’s odd,” Ashlyn comments. As Ashlyn says that she notices a look on Maddox’s face that she recognizes as look of realization.

Before Ashlyn can question that look Kourtney appears and a whirlwind of things happen. Kourtney and Jaime get introduced (Kourtney flirts with Jaime a bit). Then Emmy appears out of nowhere startling everyone. Then Kourtney pulls Maddox and Emmy away to get their makeup done (leaving with a flirtatious wink towards Jaime Porter). Finally, Jaime hugs his sister and leaves because he heard ‘someone brought muffins.’

With that Ashlyn and Gina are alone. After a moment Gina states, “so things are still weird between you and Maddox.”

“It’s only been three months,” Ashlyn reminds Gina with melancholy, “we were together for almost eight years. It’s going to take some time.”

“You still haven’t even told me why you broke up.”

“Come on Gi, it’s not like you tell me about every fight you and Ricky have.”

“True,” Gina says, “but none of our fights have ended our relationship. If any of them did, I feel like I’d want to talk to my sister about it.” Ashlyn feels a knife twist in her heart as Gina continues, “Look Ash, I’m just concerned. I love you and I love Maddox and I don’t want to choose sides, but should I being choosing a side?”

Ashlyn shakes her head, “No. The fight was bad, but the breakup was mutual.”

“What happened?” Gina asked.

“I asked her to marry me,” Ashlyn confesses with a sigh.

“And she said ‘no,’” Gina presumes.

“Actually she said ‘yes,’” Ashlyn corrects, “but that’s what led to the fight that made us breakup.”

Chapter Text

As Nini stood in the quaint chapel she had to laugh to herself. Most of her childhood, when she imagined being at Ricky’s wedding it was as the bride. When they started dating their sophomore year of high school, she thought for sure that she and Ricky would be in a place just like this exchanging vows. It was an almost surreal feeling that she was here not as the bride but as a friend. 

When she first found out about Ricky and Gina being together she was irritated. Not because she still had feelings for Ricky, but because she found out through a viral video of him declaring his love for Gina through song in front of press conference. Sure she was thrilled for the happy couple but Ricky hadn’t been able to say ‘I love you’ to Nini after a year of dating and having known each other since kindergarten. But there he was singing a song about how he was in love with Gina after knowing her for a year and dating for maybe a few months at that point. It hurt Nini a little more than she was willing to admit.

But that was eight years ago and Nini was over it (after writing a song about how she felt about it) and was excited to watch one of her oldest friends marry the woman that Nini could only describe as his other half. Since Nini worked very closely with Gina’s brother, Jaime, and Ricky and she had collaborated over the years, she’d had a front row seat to how perfect Ricky and Gina were for each other. 

Nini’s thoughts are interrupted by a quiet shout of Ricky, “Hey, Nina!”

Nini seeing the curly haired man, clearly half dressed in his wedding tuxedo with his dress shirt half  unbuttoned and missing his shoes as well as a jacket and no tie to be found, smiled and chuckled, “Hi, Ricky. Congratulations.” As the two old friends hugged Nini said to him, “and you know you can still call me Nini. We’re among friends after all.”

Since Nini had moved to California the summer before her senior year she had started to go by Nina. Since she used it as her online handle for her music and she was trying to reinvent or rediscover herself, it felt like the natural decision. ‘Nini’ was only used for close friends or family. When Ricky came to work on her album a few years ago it was the first time many of her band and producers had even heard the nickname. Ricky had tried to be respectful and use Nina when in a professional setting, but saying Nini was second nature to him so she let it slide.

“Thank you so much for being here,” Ricky says after breaking the hug, “and I see you’re wearing a Kourtney Greene original.” Nini was wearing a sleek violet colored dress that was more something she’d wear at a photoshoot or a private concert. It looked good on her but it was not really her first choice. 

“Yeah, when Kourt saw what I was planning on wearing she pointed out that in some light it looked white and it might show up white in pictures,” Nini admitted, “and, being the ex girlfriend, it would look especially bad if it looked for even a second if I was wearing white on your wedding day.”

“Definitely a good call,” Ricky laughs, “it’s already been insinuated that you may go full rom-com and interrupt the ceremony.”

Nini rolls her eyes, “well then it’s good Kourtney had a spare dress for me.” After a moment Nini says, “I’d almost forgotten what a great friend she is.” 

“Yeah, Kourt’s the best,” Ricky agrees with smirk. It still surprised Nini how friendly Kourtney and Ricky had become. There was a time when Kourtney could barely stand Ricky and the feeling had been mutual, but now they were friends. Maybe it had to do something with the fact Nini hadn’t been there senior year and Ricky was one of the only people Kourtney was friends with that was graduating. Maybe it had to do with how good friends Kourtney and Gina had become and she had smoothed over some of the animosity between the two.  It was probably some combination of the two.

“Speaking of best friends,” Nini says, “Big Red’s your Best Man. That can’t have been an easy decision.”

“It wasn’t,” Ricky groaned, “I love Red but Jet’s been like my protégée for theatre and East High and he’s become like my best friend too. Then there’s Carlos who’s been great for emotional support and a sympathetic ear over the years. Of course EJ’s become like a brother, I can’t believe I ever hated that guy. But ultimately Big Red’s my oldest friend. It had to be him.”

“You picked a name out of hat didn’t you?” Nini more states than asks.

“Shhhhh,” Ricky replies gesturing to the doorway of the sanctuary where Seb stood. Ricky leans in close and whispers, “don’t tell anyone, but it was so much easier.”

Nini laughs as she says, “Hi Sebbie. Good to see you.”

“Hi, Nini,” Seb responds with a wave.

“Why is Seb loitering at the doorway?” Nini asks Ricky.

Ricky rolls his eyes, “He’s there to make sure I don’t make a break for it and go to see Gina.”

“Really, Ricky? You have that little self control?” Nini scolds.

“Hey I have never been this close to Gina and not been allowed to see her,” Ricky states with agitation, “It’s borderline torture.”

Nini laughs, “you two have never been any good at staying away from each other. I mean after homecoming you were practically attached at the hip. I remember getting so mad at Thanksgiving when you referred to you and Gina as a ‘we.’ Even when we were together your eyes always seemed to wander in her direction.”

Ricky sheepishly shrinks back a little bit, “you noticed that?”

“Oh yeah,” Nini confirms. “And of course let’s not forget about after we wrapped my album.”

Nini walks up to the apartment building she knows Ricky lives in. Taking a look at the mailboxes she sees the ‘Porter/Bowen’ placard on the mailbox for apartment 308. After arriving at the door a couple of minutes later, she knocks. A minute later the door opens revealing Ricky, looking a little disheveled. 

“Hey, Nin-Nina,” Ricky greets correcting himself. “What are you doing here?”

“You haven’t been answering my texts,” Nini answers, “and we’re out of the studio, you can call me Nini.”

“Sorry,” Ricky apologizes, “I’ve been distracted and my phones been charging. Come in.”

Nini enters the apartment, expecting it to look like a tornado blew through. She remembers that Ricky’s idea of organizing his room was having a dirty clothes pile and a clean clothes pile both on the floor relatively close to each other, dirty dishes that would sometimes stay in his room for days before making there way back to the kitchen, and that if something fell under the bed it was better off forgotten. Considering Ricky had had free reign of the apartment for the last two months while Gina was in New York, Nini expected the entirety of the apartment to be in disarray. Imagine her surprise when there was not so much as a sock on the floor or dirty plate in sight. The place looked immaculate and organized.

Nini turns to Ricky and jokingly asks, “who are you and what have you done with Ricky Bowen?”

Ricky chuckles before explaining, “Gina’s been a real taskmaster about me putting everything away in its proper place. Besides I like it like this, it’s like she’s still here.” Nini watches as Ricky’s shoulders slump at the mere mention of Gina being away. 

Trying to cheer him up Nini mentions, “well the reason I was texting is because we’re going to celebrate the album wrapping. We’re going to go drink and eat fried food and probably sing karaoke, and we were wondering if you wanted to come. The band and Jaime and everyone that is. Me too, of course.”

“Thanks,” Ricky smiles, “but I’m busy packing for my flight to New York, so rain check?”

“Ricky your flight’s not for a few more days,” Nini reminds him, “come on, come celebrate with us.”

“Actually, I rebooked my flight,” Ricky admits, “I leave in a few hours.”

“You’re leaving already? When did you do that?” Nini asked a little annoyed.

“About five minutes after we wrapped the album,” Ricky answers. “I haven’t been in the same room with Gina for two months,” Ricky points out, “I love everyone but I…I can’t be away from her anymore, I won’t. I want to be with her, and I’m going to be.” With that Ricky goes into his room and grabs some clothes from a drawer and places them in an open suitcase on the bed.

“You really love her don’t you?” It’s more statement than question.

Ricky sighs as he picks up a tattered old hat and stares fondly at it before saying, “I took a mythology class in college and in it I learned that one of the origins of the idea of soulmates comes from a Greek Myth. Humans were once these four legged, four armed, two faced beings, and the gods, fearing humanity, split them in half and scattered them so they’d be to distracted searching for their other half to overthrow the gods,” Ricky explains. “And that made total sense to me, because when I’m away from Gina, especially these last two months, I feel incomplete. Like I’m shattered into a million pieces, and even when I can pull myself together I still feel pieces missing. I don’t know, maybe that sounds lame.”

“Maybe a little,” Nini chuckles, “but it also sounds really lovely and special.”

Ricky grins as he says, “‘When a person meets the half that is their very own, something wonderful happens: the two are struck from their senses by love, by a sense of belonging to one another, and by desire, and they do not want to be separated from one another, not even for a moment. These are the people who finish out their lives together and still cannot say what it is they want from one another.’”

“And that was beautiful,” Nini says stunned.

“Wish I could take credit for it, but that’s all Plato,” Ricky explains. “But it does perfectly encapsulate how I feel about Gina, and how I’m pretty sure she feels about me too.”

“College educated Ricky is very impressive,” Nini teases him, “and still a hopeless romantic.”

“It’s weird,” Ricky comments, “who’d have thought between the two of us I’d be the college graduate.”

“Between that and the spotless apartment, I’m almost convinced we’re in an Invasion of the Body Snatchers scenario,” Nini Jokes. 

“Haha,” Ricky says dryly with a smirk. “Anyway I have to get back to packing. Tell everyone I’m sorry I couldn’t make it, but I loved working with them and hope to again some day.”

“Will do,” Nini replies. With that Ricky goes into the bathroom and comes back a minute later with two toothbrushes, one pink and one blue. “Wait, did Gina leave her toothbrush here?”

“Yeah,” Ricky responded like it was obvious, “she didn’t want my toothbrush to get lonely. Is that weird?”

“Little bit,” Nini answers, “but honestly with how close you two are, I’m just relieved you two don’t share a toothbrush.”

“I have to ask,” Nini continues after recalling the memory, “you said you felt ‘shattered into a million pieces’ when you weren’t with Gina, and then ‘Gold in the Cracks’ came out a few months later. Is that song about reconnecting with Gina?”

Ricky smiles and says, “technically that whole album is about Gina.” Ricky takes a breath and explains, “The first half of the album is all songs I wrote when I was apart from Gina. All the sadness and frustration and hurt I was feeling. The second half are songs I wrote when Gina and I were together again, the relief and the love and the hope for the future. ‘Gold in the Cracks’ bridges the two halves of the album, and was inspired by feeling whole again after reconnecting with Gina, and also the art of Kintsugi, which I learned about from the inflight movie on my way to New York. Reconnecting with Gina after being apart for 65 days, yes I counted, it felt like our relationship was stronger and more beautiful despite the strain of the separation. I loved her all the more after that time apart.”

“God you two are still nauseatingly perfect together,” Nini comments. “I wish I could find that.”

“Well you know I hear EJ’s single,” Ricky says suggestively.

“Kourtney warned me about you and Gina’s tendency to play matchmaker, so no thank you,” Nini firmly responds.

“Come on, you and EJ have both grown up a lot since high school,” Ricky points out, “you’re no longer the girl that lets her relationship define her and he’s no longer the guy that would intentionally poison someone.”

“Intentionally?”

“There was an incident with some risotto he made for a double date with me, Gina, him, and Val,” Ricky clarifies, “It was the last time we ever allowed him to cook.”

Nini tries and fails to suppress her giggles, “okay let’s change the topic.” After composing herself Nini continues with a whisper, “I assume you want to know if I have the song handled?” Ricky nods in response. “I have it prepared and ready to go.”

“Great,” Ricky replies with a whisper before switching to his normal volume, “really Nini thanks for coming.” With that Ricky gives her another hug and starts to walk away as a chuckle escapes his lips, “you know it’s funny. I always knew you were going to be at my wedding, but for most of my life your role in the wedding was a little different.”

“Yeah, I was thinking the same thing earlier,” Nini comments with a chuckle, “but we grew up. I found myself and you-.”

“Found Gina,” Ricky finished with a heartwarming smile, “and we’re both much happier for it.”

“We are,” Nini replies with her own smile, “I’m just glad I could be here for the big day.”

“So are we,” A voice rings out at the doors to the sanctuary.

“It’s great to see you Nini, you look so grown up,” Another voice adds.

Ricky groans, “Mom, Dad, what are you doing here this early?”

Chapter Text

Lynne and Mike Bowen had been looking forward to this day for a long time. Since even before the young couple had announced their engagement just over a year ago. They had been almost as infatuated with Gina as Ricky was and it wasn’t long before they considered her a member of their family, and today would make it official. 

It was pure happenstance that the divorced couple arrived at the chapel at around the same time that morning, both eager to see their son and their soon to be daughter-in-law. The two of them were surprised walking into the building to see Ricky and Nini talking in the Sanctuary. A mild wave of panic washed over Ricky’s parents as they saw the childhood sweethearts talking. Relief washed over just as quickly as they heard how they had both moved on and found something that made them happy. Before they were hit by panic again, they made themselves known. Ricky groaned as he asked what they were doing here early.

“Are we not allow to see our child on the most important day of his life?” Lynne asked in a sarcastic mom tone.

“What your mother means is we couldn’t wait to see you and Gina on your special day, and wanted some one on one time before you both are swarmed by well wishers,” Mike says.

Ricky’s grin betrays him as he rolls his eyes, “I guess that’s okay.” After a beat Ricky walks over to his parents and pulls them into a hug, “thanks for being here.” The family hugs for a minute before breaking apart.

“Hi, Mr. Bowen. Hi Mrs. Bowen,” Nini greets as she awkwardly waves behind Ricky.

“Nini, you’re as beautiful as knew you would always be,” Lynne says as she walks over and embraces Nini in a hug. 

A moment later Mike adds, “It’s so good to see you,” before he hugs Nini as well.

After a minute the Bowens broke away from Nini and turned toward to finally get a good look at their son. Mike started laughing as Lynne sighed seeing Ricky not even wearing shoes and being very haphazardly put together.

“Ricky you need to go finish getting ready,” Lynne says like a suggestion but means more like a demand.

Ricky smirks as he replies, “relax mom, I’m going now I just wanted to say ‘hi’ to Nini.” Ricky looks past his parents and says, “hi, Nini.”

“Hi, Ricky,” Nini replies with a grin and an eye roll.

“Well you said hello, time to finish getting ready,” Lynne says as she starts pushing Ricky out the door.

The Bowens start making their way toward the groom’s suite, chatting the entire way. Lynne and Mike mention how excited they are to add Gina to the family. Ricky replies with how long he’s been looking forward to this day. Finally arriving back in his room, Ricky continued getting ready grabbing his black tie from a nearby coat rack and starting to tie it.

“Oh you look so handsome,” Lynne comments as she sees her baby boy about to marry the girl of his dreams. “Gina is a lucky girl.”

“I’m the lucky one,” Ricky responds with a dreamy smile, “lucky to have Gina in my life, lucky that she chose to be with me, lucky that she’s put up with me for eight years, and really lucky she’s willing to put up with me for more.” Ricky finishes the tying the tie and looks at his parents, “and I just want to say how lucky I am to have you two as parents. I know you weren’t always perfect, but I was hardly the perfect kid. But the way you’ve been there or me and for Gina over the years and supported us and our relationship, I couldn’t have asked for better. So thanks. I love you two.”

“We love you too Ricky,” Mike smiles at his son.

Lynne walks up to Ricky and hugs him tightly as only a mom can, with tears forming in the corner of her eyes. After pulling back slightly, Lynne readjusts Ricky’s crooked tie and looks at him and sighs before saying, “take it from your ‘not so perfect’ mom, you were a great kid, and so is Gina. You two have made it so easy to love you both.”

“I mean,” Mike interjects, “other than the time Gina moved in.”

Mike walks up to the front door of his apartment. He was supposed to be going to meet some of his friends, but forgot his wallet. He had made it about halfway before he realized he’d left it behind. Not wanting to be the oblivious one in his friend group he made the decision to go back to the apartment. He’d only been gone about 20 minutes so he didn’t expect much to have changed in that time. How wrong he was. Coming in through the door he looks and sees Ricky shoot up from the couch as he was playing a video game.

“Dad!” Ricky says shocked. “What are you doing back so soon?”

“I forgot my wallet,” Mike answers a little suspicious of the coat of panic covering Ricky’s voice. As he glared skeptically at Ricky, Mike noticed the sound of running water coming from the bathroom. “Why is the shower running?” Mike asks.

“Oh that,” Ricky laughs uncomfortably before answering, “I was going to take a shower, but the water takes forever to heat up so I thought I’d play my game for a bit.”

“Really?” Mike continues his interrogation clearly skeptical of the answer. 

“Yup, really,” Ricky answers putting on his best poker face.

Ricky’s eyes close and his face scrunches up in a mixture of defeat and guilt as the sound of the bathroom door opens and the voice of Gina sounds out, “Ricky, can you get me another towel?”

“Bring you one in a minute sweetheart,” Ricky responds trying to keep his cool. After the door closes Mike’s glare intensifies and Ricky shrinks back before saying, “Would you believe that Gina’s water was shutoff and she came over to shower?”

“I might’ve if you had led with that,” Mike answers agitated, “but considering you just tried to lie to me I’m thinking that’s a lie too.” As Mike glares at him Ricky gestures his head towards the bathroom and silently asks to go to fulfill Gina’s request, “Go get Gina a towel and then I expect to hear the truth.”

Ricky disappears and Mike proceeds to pace around the living room. His concern as a parent in absolute overdrive. After a minute Ricky returns and sheepishly takes a seat on the couch and explains the situation: two weeks ago, the day after Gina’s 18th Birthday, she arrived at Ricky’s window in the middle of the night. She had apparently been living out of Ricky’s room ever since. They’d managed to get away with it this long due to a combination of clever distractions, quietly sneaking around, and Mike’s oblivious nature.

“I’d like to state for the record that nothing beyond cuddling has happened,” Ricky says as he finishes, before adding, “and dad put yourself in my shoes. Gina showed up at my window her bags all packed and eyes puffy from crying, asking if I wanted a roommate. What was I supposed to say? No?”

“How about ‘let me ask my dad?’” Mike answers irritated.

“You might have said no,” Ricky retorts with a sarcastic smile.

“Guess we’ll never know,” Mike counters before sighing and asking, “does Gina’s mom know she’s here?”

“Gina and her mom aren’t exactly on great terms right now,” Ricky says uncomfortably, “Gina said she left a note before she left, but other that, I don’t know. I didn’t want to push.”

Mike takes a moment and thinks about the situation. He looks at Ricky and sees the desperation in his son’s eyes. Mike knows how much Gina means to Ricky and he’s hesitant to tear the two apart. On the other hand Ricky abused his father’s trust and proceeded to lie to his face for two weeks! There had to be consequences, but this situation required a united front and there was only one of him so…

“I’ll be back in a bit,” Mike informs Ricky, “I’m going to talk to your mom. When Gina is done in the shower, let her know we’ll be having a family meeting.” With that Mike left to go to Lynne’s apartment. 

After an awkward call with Terri Porter, and a Long conversation with his ex wife, Lynne and Mike entered Mike’s apartment. 

What the divorcees saw was not unexpected; Ricky and Gina intertwined on the couch. Gina was clinging to Ricky like he was the only thing keeping her from drowning. Ricky was comforting Gina, making sure that she knew everything was going to be okay. The couple looked they were in their own little world as Mike and Lynne approached and announced themselves with a light cough. Ricky and Gina separated a bit as they looked at the adults, fear in their eyes.

Lynne started, “well to start this off, we just want to say we’re not mad, we’re just disappointed in both of you.” The teens hung their heads in shame and dejection at hearing that. 

“You know that you two can come to us about anything,” Mike continued, “going behind our backs, lying to us, that hurt us. You didn’t have to sneak around behind our backs, we love you both so much.”

As the two teens grimaced and looked at each other embarrassed, Lynne informed, “Now, Gina, we called your mom. We told her you were okay and we were looking after you.” Lynne looked hesitant to say what was next, “Your mom wanted us to tell you that you’re welcome to come back home, ‘once you’ve apologized.’”

Gina’s face quickly switched from fear to ire and angrily said, “there’s a lot I want to say to my mother, an apology isn’t on the list.”

“Do you want to talk about it sweetheart?” Lynne asks with motherly concern.

“Not even a little bit,” Gina replied trying to maintain her composure.

“Okay but we’re here if you want to talk about it,” Mike added. “Anyway, we’ve talked about it and Gina can’t continue living out of Ricky’s room.”

“Mom! Dad! Come on!” Ricky exclaims in desperation.

“Not up for discussion Ricky,” Lynne sternly says, “it’s not appropriate and we wouldn’t be good parents if we allowed Gina to continue to live in your room. I mean you’re a teenage boy Ricky, your room is just under being considered a biohazard.”

“I did notice it was cleaner and smelled better the last couple of weeks,” Mike interjects. “That should’ve been a clue.” The small group chuckled at the little joke, releasing some of the tension.

“That said, Gina,” Lynne walks over and sits next to Gina on the couch taking the young girl’s hand, “we aren’t leaving you out in the cold. I have a spare room in my apartment and, if you want it, it’s yours.”

“Really?” Gina asks, tears already forming in her eyes.

“Of course Gina. Your family,” Mike states matter of factly, “you’re stuck with us.”

“You can have a home with us as long as you want it,” Lynne confirms.

Mike and Lynne watch as Gina starts crying tears of gratitude and joy as she embraces Lynne in a tight hug. Ricky stands up a moves over to his dad and hugs him as well. Ricky and Gina both thank the adults profusely, overwhelmed by the love and support.

“Now that said,” Mike says, “there are still consequences for lying to us.”

“Right,” Lynne agrees quickly wiping away a few loose tears, “Ricky you will be helping Gina get moved in.”

“Consider it done,” Ricky replies with a grin.

“Also,” Mike adds, “no more secret sleepovers.”

The teens groaned in protest.

“I still can’t believe it took me two weeks to realize what was going on,” Mike says after thinking about the memory.

“No offense dad, but you’re kind of super oblivious,” Ricky jokes in response.

“Offense taken,” Mike says response, “but…you’re not wrong.”

Ricky was finally in his suit. It was a black three piece suit, with a navy blue tie contrasted against the white shirt. Lynne Bowen was helping put on the finishing touch, a purple flower (Mike thinks it’s called a heliotrope) boutonnière being pinned to the lapel of his jacket. 

“How do I look?” Ricky asks with a flourishing spin.

Lynne looks at her son filled with pride and wonderment, but also a little melancholy. In just a few hours he’d be going down the aisle to marry the girl that had captured his heart and soul, but it seemed like just yesterday that she saw Ricky take his first steps and say his first words. As tears fill her eyes Lynne wheezes out, “you look so handsome,” before breaking down in sobs.

As Mike rubs his ex-wife’s back comfortingly, it’s not long before he starts to break down as well, as he remembers hanging out with his little buddy. Watching cheesy 80s horror movies (their first secret from mom), teaching him to ride a bike, seeing him run around their old backyard with Nini and Big Red.

Ricky grins and rolls his eyes, “guys save some tears for Gina, and for the ceremony. I mean what will it look like if my parents don’t cry during the wedding.” Lynne and Mike know Ricky is half joking, but they know he’s right and they need to get it together before they cry themselves out. Gathering themselves they embrace their son one last time both telling him how much they love him before making their way to see Gina.

Arriving at the bridal suite is a little awkward as Ricky and Gina’s drama teacher/Mike’s ex girlfriend, Jennifer is there. After some cordial, albeit awkward greetings, the couple finally get the chance to greet their soon to be daughter-in-law.

“Mr. B! Ms. B!” Gina says excitedly embracing the pair.

“Gina, how many times do we have to tell you, you can call us Mike and Lynne,” Mike prompts the bride.

“Yeah,” Gina acknowledges, “but it’s a little weird to call you by your first names. I mean Ricky calls you ‘Mom and Dad’ so it’d be bizarre to be on a first name basis with you.” The parents look at each other and smile. This isn’t the first time they’ve had this little debate with Gina, but hopefully today would be the last time.

“Hey you are more than welcome to call us Mom and Dad,” Mike says.

“Sure,” Gina says with a light giggle, not taking him seriously.

“No, really,” Lynne confirms, “today just makes official what we’ve both felt for a long time. You’re like a daughter to us.” Gina turns to look at the Bowens, looking completely touched by what’s been said. “But there’s no pressure,” Lynne continues, “you don’t have to if you don’t want to. We just want you to know we love you and how much we adore having you as part of our family and-.” Lynne isn’t able to go on as Gina practically tackles her with a hug.

Lynne can’t help but be taken back to a day a few years ago.

Lynne had been so excited to arrive in California. Between living in Salt Lake most of her life and spending almost two years in Chicago it was nice being in a place that didn’t get colder than 60 degrees. More than that, this was the first time she was able to come and visit Ricky since he and Gina came to school out here, and couldn’t wait to spend time with them both. Unfortunately, Ricky was in the middle of tech rehearsal for a play.

Ricky had recently been invited to star in a limited run of Barefoot in the Park alongside some other minor celebrities. It was a great opportunity for him, but it had apparently been eating up a fair amount of his time. Ricky and Lynne had plans to go out for dinner but because rehearsal was running long, Lynne had decided to go back to Ricky’s apartment and get a change of clothes for him so they could get dinner as soon as he was done. Arriving at the apartment she was surprised to find Gina knocking on the door.

“Gina?”

Gina turned to look at her, “Ms. Bowen? What are you doing here?”

“I came for a visit, and I’m getting Ricky a change of clothes to go out for dinner,” Lynne answered.

“Of course that’s where he is,” Gina muttered clearly a bit agitated.

“My turn. Why are you knocking on the door? I know you have a key. And also, how do you not know where Ricky is?”

“I wasn’t sure if he wanted to see me,” Gina answered sadly before explaining with tears forming in her eyes, “we’ve kind of been fighting lately.”

Lynne walks over to the girl an wraps her up in the most comforting hug she can manage and asks, “you want me to make some tea and we can talk about?”

“Yes please,” Gina answers, her voice muffled against the fabric of Lynne’s coat.

After going inside and making the tea, Gina explains what’s been happening lately. She and Ricky had started fighting about a week ago. Normally they wouldn’t let a fight spiral this badly out of control, but he’d been so busy with his play, and Gina had been working with film students at USC on various student films, that they hadn’t had a moment to truly resolve their fight. It had gotten to the point that she and Ricky hadn’t actually spoken in almost 48 hours, the longest amount of they had ever gone radio silent.

“And now I don’t know if he even still wants me,” Gina finishes a crack in her voice relaying the panic she’s feeling about the whole situation.

“Well,” Lynne begins after taking a sip on her tea, “I can practically guarantee Ricky still wants you. He never stops talking about you. You’re his favorite topic of conversation. But you haven’t told me what the fight’s about. That might help.”

“The future mostly,” Gina answers hesitantly. “We’ve talked about, you know, our future together on more than one occasion, and well he thinks it’s time for the next step in our relationship. He wants us to move in together.”

“And you don’t want that?” Lynne asks.

“Yes…No…I don’t know,” Gina responds clearly conflicted. “Ricky’s been really patient, he suggested we move in months ago, and I love him so so much, but when he asked me if I had thought about moving in, I don’t know, I lashed out.”

“Let me guess,” Lynne states, “this led to him believing that you’re maybe second guessing your future together.” 

Gina nods solemnly in response before saying, “that’s not the case though. I still see us together, forever. I just- I don’t even know why I’m so scared.”

“You and Ricky have a lot in common,” Lynne says comfortingly, “including your fear of change, and moving in together is a big change. Once you move in together there’s no hiding from each other, everything about you is on display, and that’s scary. It makes you feel vulnerable.”

“But I’ve never had a problem being vulnerable with Ricky,” Gina asserts.

“This is a new level of being vulnerable,” Lynne says, “and you’ve told me when used to feel scared you’d put your walls up.”

Gina sighs with realization, “that’s exactly what I did. Why did I do that?” Lynne that Gina isn’t asking that question to her, it’s for the girl in front of her to figure out on her own.

“Gina, why don’t you come with me and Ricky out to dinner?” Lynne suggests, “you two can finally talk and maybe work this out.”

“I-I couldn’t,” Gina stammers, “I don’t want to intrude on your mother-son time. I mean you’re here to see Ricky. I’m just his girlfriend.”

“Gina,” Lynne chuckles, “I came to see you too. You’re more than just my son’s girlfriend. You’re family.”

Quicker than a bolt of lightning Gina wrapped her arms tight around Lynne Bowen. 

Two weeks after that, Lynne smiled as she got a call informing her that Ricky and Gina were moving in together.

Lynne can feel Gina start to cry against her shoulder. “Gina sweetie, you don’t want to mess up your makeup.”

“Not to worry Mrs. Bowen,” Kourtney says from the other side of the suite as she works on the bridesmaids’ hair, “waterproof makeup. I had a strong feeling those two would be crying throughout today and we need them looking somewhat put together for pictures later.”

“Smart move,” Mike comments.

Lynne rubs Gina’s back comfortingly and after a minute Gina pulls herself together and says, “thanks so much. You two have always treated me like family, and I haven’t always known what that felt like. My dad passed away when I was so little, I barely remember him, and don’t even get me started on my mom. Even when she was around she wasn’t around. You two have been so much more to me than just ‘Ricky’s parents.’ I just- I don’t-.”

As tears start to roll down Gina’s face again The Bowens embrace Gina and tell her, “we are always going to be here for you, no matter what.”

With tears flowing down her face Gina looks at her soon to be in-laws and says, “thanks…mom…dad.”

There’s not a dry eye in the room.

Chapter Text

“Maybe this, Maybe this time.”

Jet finishes running through the song with his band to the scattered applause of the Redonovich family setting up the reception. Jet turns and nods to his band mates in recognition for their hard work, just as Mr. Mazzara says from the sound booth, “Everything sounds good and I’ve got the presets all sorted so you should be good for the night, but if not there are about a half dozen people here with the technical expertise to adjust anything you need.”

“Thanks Benny,” Jet jokes bringing up Mr. Mazzara’s old Six Below Zero name.

Mr. Mazzara does not look amused as he shoots Jet a look to watch what he says, especially when he’s in a position to make the band sound like chipmunks if he wanted to. Jet laughs to himself as he reorganizes his keyboard setup to make sure everything’s ready to go for the happy couple’s first dance (he still couldn’t believe that they chose Can I Have This Dance? as their first dance, so corny) and prepared to head back to the chapel to finish getting ready for the ceremony. He thanked his friends/band again for agreeing to do this before making his way back.

On the path back to the Chapel Jet sees the figure of Emmy ahead of him on and lightly jogs to catch up to her. Ever since transferring to East High Jet had forged a tight bond with Emmy. They were both new to East High, her as a freshman and formerly homeschooled, him as a transfer student, they both had the same group of friends from Shallow Lake, and he had come to the school to play Chad while she was playing Taylor in High School Musical 3, so they spent quite a bit of time together. It was during one of their running lines/hang out sessions that she had confided in Jet about how nervous she was to perform at East High. Of all his friends Emmy was one of his closest, only Maddox and Ricky outranking her. It had only been a few months since he’d last saw her when they met up in Vancouver, when they…

Jet could see Emmy’s focus was on her checklist, making sure everything was on schedule and perfect so Ricky and Gina could focus on just getting married. Jet knew why Ricky and Gina had picked Emmy to be their wedding organizer, she was insightful and organized, had experience keeping things orderly and on schedule from her time as Ms. Jenn’s assistant, and she could be trusted to know all the secrets. That said, Jet could see the pressure was actually weighing on her as she was hunched over her clipboard and muttering to herself. Trying to break her out of her hyper fixation Jet greeted loudly, “Hey Ems.” 

The young woman looked up in surprise at the sudden greeting and Jet could see a light blush go across her face. As Jet finished catching up Emmy finally said, “hey, Jet. It’s been a minute.”

“Yeah, it has.” Jet felt a wave of embarrassment as he remembered the last time they spoke, “Hey…so…About that night…I meant to call, it’s just that Maddie and Ashlyn broke up right after and things got busy and-.”

“Don’t worry about it Jet, it’s okay. Really,” Emmy interrupts him and says reassuringly.” The pair walked for a minute in an awkward silence before Emmy asked, “speaking of your sister and Ashlyn breaking up, do you know what happened there? I thought they were solid.”

“Asking like you don’t already know the answer, super spy,” Jet jokes.

“Contrary to everyone’s belief, I’m not a spy,” Emmy counters defensively whilst rolling her eyes, “of course if I was I would totally say I wasn’t, so you probably don’t believe me.”

Jet chuckles and replies, “well, to answer your question, the short version is they were just living separate lives.” Jet looks at Emmy’s face and seeing her shoot him a look, and he realized it wasn’t a very satisfying answer. “The slightly longer version,” Jet continues, “starts with the fact they were actually engaged.”

“They were?!” Emmy exclaims, her checklist now completely forgotten as her focus was on the juicy piece of gossip she was hearing. 

“They were engaged for not even a day when they started fighting,” Jet explains, “they had been doing Long Distance for so long that they couldn’t agree on where to live. Ashlyn had her life and work in New York, Maddie was directing in Los Angeles, and even when they got to be together for more than a few weeks at a time they still felt distant. A few hours after getting engaged the topic of where they were going to live came up and…well…”

“That led to a fight,” Emmy surmised.

“Which led to a bunch of other fights they hadn’t been having,” Jet expounds. “They spent most of their very short engagement arguing and by the end of it they just realized they hadn’t really been a couple for awhile.”

“That sucks,” Emmy comments a little disheartened about the situation.

“Tell me about it,” Jet adds, “I guess it just goes to show that love doesn’t always ‘conquer all.’”

Emmy chuckles, “you do realize whose wedding we’re at.”

Jet nods and grins slightly as he says, “when it comes to Ricky and Gina, I’ve learned they’re the exception, not the rule.”

“Fair enough,” Emmy agrees with a smile. After a moment Emmy mentions, “by the way I heard your band in there. They sound great, as usual.”

“Thanks,” Jet says with a chuckle, “you know it’s funny, I probably wouldn’t even have a band if idiot Ricky Bowen hadn’t given me the idea.”

“Really?”

“Yeah,” Jet reminiscences, “It happened at prom….”

Jet was glad he found some peace and quiet. While he loved hanging out with his friends it was nice to be able to have the space to think. He knew eventually one of the High School Musical obsessed drama dorks he counted among those friends would think to check the rooftop garden once they realized he was missing but until then he took in the cool night air, grateful to hear himself think.

It was the night of his prom and all Jet could think about was the future. Over the last year and half Salt Lake and the Wildcats had become his home. It had sucked saying goodbye to Kourtney and Maddox last year, but at least he still had Ricky, and Emmy, and all the other Wildcats/Shallow Lake crew to lean on, but Prom was just another mile marker closer to losing them too. 

As he pondered his future, a familiar voice spoke up behind him, “there you are. I was wondering where you disappeared to.” Jet turned to face Ricky Bowen, dressed in a gray tuxedo with a loosened tie and light pink boutonniere, smiling his signature goofy grin and texting something into his phone, probably letting their friends know Jet was okay.

“I needed some air,” Jet explains with a half truth, “and with Dani and her new boyfriend showing up I thought it might be a good idea to give them some space.”

Ricky shakes his head, “I did warn you that I thought you dating Dani was a bad idea.”

Jet groans in response.

Jet and Dani had started dating about a week before the opening night of their winter musical last semester. They had started fighting a few weeks into rehearsals for the spring musical and broke up a couple weeks before opening night, where they were playing opposite each other as leads and love interests. It ended up creating a lot of tension and drama as everyone chose sides in their less than amicable break up. Tension that had almost bled into the show. When Jet had mentioned to Ricky he was thinking of asking Dani out during the winter semester, the older boy had cautioned against it, thinking Jet wasn’t really interested in Dani but was trying to replace Kourtney.

“How did you know my dating Dani was me trying to replace Kourtney?” Jet finally asked the question that had been on his mind for weeks.

Ricky sighs and explains, “Dani and Kourtney are both self proclaimed Divas, they’re both social media and fame obsessed, and they both have killer voices. It makes sense they’d give off similar vibes. Once I put that together it was obvious that’s what you were doing…because I tried to do the same thing.”

“What do you mean?” Jet questions confused.

“The girl I dated before Gina, Lily,” Ricky starts, “was my attempt to replace Gina. She reminded me of how Gina was like when we first met, and with Gina and I not speaking, and her and EJ getting closer, I went out with Lily because of how badly I was missing Gina. But no matter how much I tried there was never anyone that could truly replace Gina in my heart. Lily wasn’t anything like Gina. Thankfully that relationship ended before I forever altered Miss Jenn’s casting methods.” Ricky and Jet chuckled at the joke, remembering that Miss Jenn had forever banned real couples from playing couples in shows going forward. As they finished their chuckling Ricky says, “I think that’s what happened with you and Dani, she reminded you of Kourtney and then she wasn’t Kourtney.”

“Yeah, that’s probably it,” Jet agrees.

“But,” Ricky continued, “I get the feeling your ex girlfriend isn’t the real reason you’re out here.”

Jet nods solemnly before replying, “Prom means we’re one step closer to graduation, one step closer to the future, and I don’t know what I’m going to do about it.”

“Come on, man,” Ricky tries to be encouraging, “I know the future is scary, change is scary, but it’s going to work out. Trust me.”

“Maybe for you,” Jet says defiantly, “not for me. This time last year, you were on track to go to Salt Lake City College. You were starring in a movie. And you were getting tons of other roles because of that movie. Your future was set no matter what. But me…my grades were never stellar and my extracurriculars outside of drama club are nonexistent. Maybe some colleges might have overlooked that, but…the expulsion on my record, pretty much made that path impossible. Plus my reputation as ‘the bad boy’ from the documentary hasn’t exactly helped. So at the end of the year most of my friends are going to New York and LA for college and jobs and I’m standing at a crossroads with all the paths marked ‘Road Closed.’ I just feel… stuck.”

After a long and awkward silence Ricky finally speaks up and says, “you could always come with us.”

“Yeah right,” Jet scoffs at the suggestion. 

“I’m serious,” Ricky says, “Gina and I are going to LA so she can go to USC in the fall, Maddox will be there, and I’ll be taking classes at LA City College and trying to bust in to the music scene in between classes and being with Gina. So you’d have friends and family there for you.”

“And what would I do out in California?” Jet asks flatly. 

“What ever you want,” Ricky answers, “take up surfing, become one of those living statues, start a band. The sky’s the limit for you my friend. No matter what though, you can always crash on my couch…after I clear it with Gina, but she loves you so it shouldn’t be a problem.”Jet’s ice cold demeanor breaks for a second as he laughs at what Ricky said.

“What if I decide to stay in Salt Lake?” Jet muses for a moment.

“Then you’ll have a bunch of overly attached theatre kids here to support you,” Ricky answers. “You have more friends here than you realize. Also…Emmy would be very happy if you stuck around. She has a little bit of a crush on you.” Jet smirks and rolls his eyes in response.

Everyone knew that Emmy had a bit of a thing for Jet. It was maybe the worst kept secret in the entire friend group. Of course it didn’t help that everyone in the drama club had coupled up because of the musicals so it probably got Emmy’s hopes a little bit high that her boyfriend in the show might become her actual boyfriend. At that moment though Jet was regretting inviting her to be his date to the prom, even though he made it clear it was just as friends. He didn’t want to lead the girl on.

Just then the door to the rooftop garden opened and Gina Porter appeared in her beautiful light pink prom dress with a baby blue corsage on her wrist. Finding Ricky, Gina’s face lights up. Making her way over to them Gina facetiously says, “there you are, I was beginning to think you forgot about me.”

“Never,” Ricky responds pulling Gina close to him once she’s in arms reach, and kissing her lightly, being very careful not to ruin her make up. “I was just helping Jet through an existential crisis.”

Turning to Jet, Gina says, “he’s pretty good at that.”

“Speaking from experience?” Jet jokingly asks.

“Guilty,” Gina answers. “Was he any help?”

“Your boyfriend suggested I go to LA and start a band,” Jet replies.

“There’s some context that’s missing there, but that is sort of the gist,” Ricky explains as Gina sternly looks at him.

“Well if you’re done, your presence is requested on the dance floor,” Gina says, “I slipped the DJ $20 to play Can I Have This Dance? So we should hurry back.”

Ricky turns to Jet, “I’m here if you want to talk later, but are you good for now?”

Jet nods, “go have fun. I’ll be down in a few minutes. And thanks Ricky, you actually sort of helped.”

“Anytime dude,” Ricky replies. 

With that Ricky and Gina lightly jogged to the door, excited to rejoin the fun down in the gym. After a minute Jet took a breath and decided to head back down, his friends were waiting for him after all. 

As he  made his way through the empty halls, a strange phenomenon happened. Jet could hear Ricky and Gina talking, obviously trying to be quiet, from the next hall as if he were standing right next to them. It probably had something to do with the halls being empty and the echoes or something, but Jet overhears what the lovebirds were saying to each other, clear as day.

“Hey, Gi, I know it’s not the exact day, but I wanted to say, Happy Anniversary,” Ricky says sweetly. Jet can hear Gina giggle as Ricky continues, “any regrets about last year’s prom?”

“No,” Jet hears Gina say, “I’m even more sure now than I was a year ago. Happy Anniversary, my skater boy.”

“My intimidating girl,” Ricky responds as Jet overhears the sound of a kiss and laughter as the couple continues their way back to the gym.

“Anniversary of what?” Emmy asks as Jet wraps up the story.

“I don’t know,” Jet says, “I never asked. It wasn’t my business. It was just one more thing regarding the two of them that I shouldn’t have overheard. The only reason I’m telling you is because I know you can keep a secret.”

“I will,” Emmy says, “once you tell me the other thing you overheard regarding their relationship.”

Jet grimaces at his slip but relents and explains, “one of the reasons I was able to so easily hone in on Ricky’s feelings for Gina, besides them being blatantly obvious, is well…I kinda heard Ricky say her name in his sleep that first night at Shallow Lake when I got up to get a drink in the middle of the night.” Emmy laughs at the revelation and Jet smiles that he and Emmy are still friends after the…incident.

Finally arriving at the chapel Emmy states, “well I have to go finish getting ready and I think you do too. So I’ll see you in a bit.” 

As Emmy walks away Jet musters up the courage to say, “Ems, wait.” Emmy turns around and Jet continues, “about Vancouver, I should have called or something. It’s just…I didn’t know what to say, and you’re one of my best friends so…I guess I’m just trying to say, I’m sorry.”

“Jet it’s okay,” Emmy soothingly says, “it’s obvious you still have feelings for Kourtney. I mean at the very least you never really got over her, and yes, you were my first IRL crush so I know you’re worried about hurting my feelings but I’m okay, really. We’re not kids anymore…and…it was just a kiss.”

“I still should have called,” Jet says apologetically.

“Tell you what,” Emmy smiles, “save me a dance at the reception and we’ll call it even.”

Jet nods in agreement as Emmy walks toward the bridal suite. After standing dumbstruck for a moment, Jet regains his senses and makes his way towards the groom’s suite. As he enters he’s met with Ricky protesting his “confinement.” As Jet makes his way inside the room Carlos explains that they’re running out of ways to distract Ricky until the wedding.

“Got any ideas on how to distract him?” Carlos asks as they see Ricky pacing around the room like a hungry jungle cat in a cage.

“Maybe one,” Jet sighs. Jet clears his throat and says, “Ricky I could use your advice about something…I still have feelings for Kourtney.” The entire room groans at his announcement (Carlos even commenting that it’s “Old News”). “Here’s the thing though,” Jet continues unperturbed, “A few months ago, Emmy and I met up at a bar in Vancouver and we had a couple drinks and…we kinda…kissed.” Every eye in the room turned toward Jet in fascination and bewilderment. 

Ricky still in shock turns to his friend and gestures to the seat across from him as he takes one of his own. After a moment Ricky manages to untie his tongue and says, “I’m going to need you start at the beginning.” 

Chapter Text

Elton John Caswell had learned that life was unexpected. That whatever his plans were, life had a way of intervening. EJ had been certain he was getting into Duke, but instead found himself going to a state college. He thought he’d wind up running his father’’s company one day, now he was a teacher. Every girlfriend he’d ever had he’d thought was ‘The One,’ but here he was single and a groomsman at his ex girlfriend’s wedding. If there was some greater power in the Universe, they clearly had a sense of humor.

Despite the direction his life had taken EJ was happy. Sure he wasn’t making a six figure salary, but being a teacher left him feeling fulfilled in a way that his wealthy upbringing never did. Since college he’d officially shed any facade he’d built up about being who his dad had wanted him to be and he’d fully embraced his inner nerd that had been fighting to get out since the first time he took to the stage at Shallow Lake. He felt like he was being his true self. 

Of course the one thing Jock EJ and Nerd EJ seemed to have in common was being unlucky in love. His longest relationship was with Val and it was mostly long distance. They broke up after she started med school. They always talked about potentially rekindling their romance once she had graduated but she’d graduated over a year ago and nothing seemed to come of it. Because of his track record, when Jet decided to get some advice regarding his romantic struggles, EJ decided to bow out, afraid he’d give the wrong advice and left to take a walk. 

Thankfully he had because the ushers weren’t ready yet and the wedding guests were starting to arrive. Stepping up where he was needed EJ began acting as an usher and started showing people to their seats. He met Ricky’s aunt and cousins, a few of Gina’s co stars from her various projects, a few Wildcats, but most surprising was none other than Dewey Wood.

“Dewey Wood?” EJ mockingly says in the old call and response.

“I’m not saying it Rocket Man,” Dewey responds flatly.

EJ chuckles to himself, “sorry, sorry. It’s a force of habit.”

“I know. You do it every summer,” Dewey says with a hint of annoyance. While being a teacher was immensely rewarding, it didn’t exactly pay very well. So to make some extra cash and give back to the camp that had given him so much, EJ was a camp counselor and Shallow Lake’s official musical director, and had been the last several years. 

“So bride or groom?” EJ asks remembering what he was doing.

“Both, kind of. I’m officiating,” Dewey informs. Before EJ can inquire more Dewey explains, “I’m a last minute change. They originally had Corbin Bleu officiating, but his private jet is currently grounded because of a storm in the Midwest, so here I am.”

“You’re ordained though?” EJ asks surprised.

“Yeah. During the spring Shallow Lake doubles as a wedding venue,” Dewey continues. “It helps give us more of a budget and makes sure I can afford to eat for the entire year.”

“Well, it’s great to see you here boss,” EJ greets, “and it’s really nice you’re doing this for Ricky and Gina.”

“Well I owe them,” Dewey states matter of factly, “otherwise there might not be a Camp Shallow Lake.” EJ must have had quite the confused look on his face because Dewey explained the whole thing.

After the documentary Shallow Lake had a surge of new campers. All the sessions throughout the summer were filled to capacity. The next year was the same. The year after that the hype started to die down. By the fourth summer after the documentary Shallow Lake was back to it’s typical attendance. The problem was that with the influx of money and kids that the camp had expanded. New equipment, new activities, and the staff got a raise that was long overdue. If the camp had kept being filled to capacity for another summer or two they wouldn’t be in such trouble. Desperate, Dewey reached out to former campers for donations to keep the camp running and Ricky and Gina had been big supporters, donating huge sums the last few years, even getting a few other former campers to donate as well.

“Without their donations Shallow Lake would be underwater. No pun intended,” Dewey finishes.

“I never knew,” EJ says clearly stunned by the news.

“They weren’t able to donate as much this year because well…,” Dewey gestures at the venue, “but they did put us in touch with Shallow Lake’s benefactor so we’ll be able to keep the lights on for the foreseeable future.”

“Oh that’s great. Who is it? Is it someone famous?” EJ asks excited at the prospect of some movie star saving Shallow Lake and already trying to figure out if he should play himself in the inevitable movie.

“Oh I’m surprised you don’t know,” Dewey says a taken aback, “I thought they might be related to you. His name’s Cash Caswell.”

EJ’s mind swirled at that information. His dad was donating money to Shallow Lake? Why? What did he have to gain? When would Ricky and Gina have even talked to his dad? The questions plagued him and he could hardly focus. 

Excusing himself EJ headed to the bridal suite. Ricky was pretty good at improvising but Gina still struggled with it, so he knew if he wanted a straight answer he was going to need to get it from her. He tried to think when Ricky and Gina could have possibly interacted with his dad. They hardly ever went to Salt Lake anymore, both very busy with their careers, even holidays were mostly spent on the west coast. Then EJ remembered, they were both in Salt Lake less than a year ago.

EJ was ecstatic. It was the first week of the new school year and with Ms. Jenn on maternity leave until the end of the semester this would be his first time directing the school musical solo. While he had done a pretty good job with the Shallow Lake musicals the past few years this was an entirely different beast. He had longer to prepare, wouldn’t have to cut or shorten scenes to get everyone ready on time, and had a full actual stage to work with. This was also a test for him personally to see if he was ready to do this on his own. Ms. Jenn’s little bundles of joy didn’t only give EJ his chance to prove himself as a director, but also brought several old faces back to The Beehive State for a visit, including some that would cement him in the students’ minds as the Cool Drama Teacher. 

Walking into the rehearsal room with his head held high and smirking from ear to ear EJ looked at the assembled cast and commandingly said, “alright listen up Wildcats.” Everyone’s eyes turned to look at him as he continued, “we begin our rehearsals today. Most of you know I’ve only been the assistant director these last few years, but I do have directorial experience so rest assured you’re in good hands.” The new Wildcats seemed a bit unconvinced so EJ managed to smirk even wider and said, “and if you don’t believe me how about some references from the very first cast I directed.”

“Is that our cue?” Ricky asks facetiously as he and Gina poke their heads through the door. As soon as the kids processed who exactly they were seeing they erupted into cheers and applause. Here standing before them were two people they all hoped they’d be someday.

After the couple approached and greeted EJ, Gina turned to the assembled students, “how’s it going Wildcats? Excited to begin rehearsal?” All the students sat clearly tickled at being so close to actual stars.

“Ricky and Gina are former Wildcats and old friends of mine,” EJ explains to his students, “and they’ve agreed to help us out for today while they’re in town.” 

“Not thrilled about being called ‘old,’” Gina comments, “I’m only 23, and sure Ricky is now in his mid 20s but I’d hardly call that ‘old.’”

“I turned 25 a few months ago and my fiancé just loves teasing that I’m technically not in my early 20s anymore,” Ricky explains with an annoyed grin. Ricky and Gina had announced their engagement a couple weeks after Ricky’s 25th birthday. Probably another reason the couple were in town, to ask the few friends that remained in Salt Lake to be a part of the ceremony.

“Alright,” EJ says getting the attention back from the class, who were all periodically glancing over at the famous couple as if they’d disappear if they stopped looking at them, “dancers, you will have the honor of working with The Gina Porter today,” the dancers all squealed at the prospect of getting to dance alongside someone as talented as Gina, “actors you will be working with me and Ricky on the first few scenes in Act One. Any questions?”

“I read that you two never fight, is that true?” One of the kids asked.

“Not the kind of questions I was talking about,” EJ responds with an annoyed sigh.

“It’s okay Eeej,” Gina assures EJ, “we had a feeling we’d get questions.”

“Fine,” EJ relents, “but only two questions for now and, if they’re up for it, a few more after rehearsal.” EJ can see the joy and excitement on the kids’ faces grow. 

“To answer your question,” Ricky speaks up, “that is not true. We do fight.”

“It’s rare and we hate when it happens, but we do fight,” Gina adds, “all couples fight, no matter how much they love each other.”

“We just always make sure we can sit down and talk it out as soon as possible,” Ricky continues.

“And we don’t ever run away from each other,” Gina states. “After our first fight Ricky disappeared out of town for a day and wouldn’t answer my calls. After we reconciled we made a rule: space is okay, but running away isn’t. We can run to each other or we can run away together, but we never run from each other.”

As Ricky kisses Gina on the cheek and the Wildcats ‘awww,’ a voice from the back asks, “so you two haven’t even thought about breaking up?”

“And that’s question number two,” EJ points out. The Wildcat’s protest and some playfully slap the student who asked the question and berated them with ‘come ons’ at their absent mindedness.

“Well, I’ve thought about it, sure,” Gina answers to some light gasps from the students, “but only when I’m trying to get into the headspace to cry on camera. Ninety percent of the scenes where I’m acting devastated and crying the thought of Ricky and I breaking up is playing in my head, along with beginning of the movie Up, Mufasa’s death in the Lion King, and several other emotionally shattering moments from movie and TV. That said,” Gina looks at Ricky and smiles so sweetly it could cause cavities, “no, I’ve never once actually considered ending the greatest thing that has ever happened to me.” EJ watches as a flush of color rushes across Ricky’s face as he looks away and fidgets in place. 

After another round of ‘awwws’ from the students, the group turned to look at Ricky. Where once a look of contentment graced his face a look of deep shame washed over Ricky. Ricky faces the students, but can’t seem to look any of them in the eye as he confesses with a whisper, “one time.” Gasps once again fill the room as reluctantly Ricky explains, “Gina was going through a really hard time, and I thought my presence was only making it harder. So, for like a minute, yeah…I considered breaking up with the one person I love most in this world, because I thought it might make her life a little easier.”

Gina closes the little bit of distance between her and Ricky and gently strokes his cheek in an attempt to comfort him. In what was probably only ten seconds EJ saw an entire conversation without words from the couple. Gina’s reassurance that everything was okay, Ricky experiencing self loathing, Gina comforting him in a way that was both stern and loving, Ricky accepting Gina’s love for him and returning it in kind. Back and forth they went, an entire saga of emotional support that was deeper than words. A spiritual connection that most could only dream of having. 

As the couple snap back to reality Gina says in tone that addresses the students but still looking at Ricky and reassuring him, “he never did though. Because we both came to realize that even when we have hard times, when you’re with the right person, even the toughest of times are just a little bit easier.” Ricky smirks as he quickly pecks Gina’s lips with his own, letting her now that he heard her and he loves her without even needing words.

The kids clearly look dumbfounded and hope filled as they look on at what EJ can only mentally call the world’s most perfect couple. As the cloud of euphoria begins to dissipate EJ remember’s himself and announces loudly, “okay time for rehearsals. Everyone get your heads in the game.” Whether the groans were because of the end of their Q&A or at his unintentional joke, EJ wasn’t sure.

After rehearsal ended Ricky and Gina were more than happy to answer some more questions for the kids. Some about their careers, some about their relationship, some about their experiences at East High (the kids were quite shocked to find out that Gina and EJ had dated at one point). After awhile Ricky agreed to keep talking to the kids for a little longer as EJ and Gina shuffled off to EJ’s office.

“Sorry about all that,” EJ says as they enter his tiny office that he shares with Ms. Jenn (yet another blessing of her being on maternity leave).

“Don’t worry about it,” Gina responds, “we weren’t much better when we got introduced to celebrities in high school.”

“That’s fair,” EJ remarks. After a minute of an awkward silence EJ finally utters, “by the way, congratulations on your engagement. It’s been a long time coming.”

“Thanks,” Gina says with a Cheshire Cat smile as she fidgets with her engagement ring, “It still feels a little surreal. I mean in less than a year I’ll be a ‘Missus.’ I mean, yeah I can go by ‘Ms’ sure, but I’ll be married. I’ll be ‘Mrs. Gina Porter-Bowen,’ and I’m both thrilled to my core and just a little bit afraid I’m about to wake up from this dream.”

“Well it’s real, and it’s happening,” EJ replies with a light chuckle, “and you’ve already decided on ‘Porter-Bowen?’ That’s locked in?”

“Well,” Gina starts giggling as she recalls a conversation, “Ricky said he’d be more than happy to take my last name, but I said no to that. The Bowens are like family and I can’t wait to officially be one, so I suggested ‘Bowen-Porter.’ To which Ricky countered with ‘Porter-Bowen’ because he said I ‘deserved top billing,’ and that is a direct quote. And it was so sweet and funny I couldn’t argue with him.”

EJ shakes his head and chuckles to himself as he says, “your fiancé’s a dork.”

“Yeah, but he’s my dork.”

After another brief silence EJ asks, “so when did you know? When did you know it was the right time to get engaged?”

“I didn’t,” Gina responds leaving EJ taken aback, “not until I saw the ring,” Gina fidgets with her engagement ring again, “and when I heard the words ‘Will you marry me?’ I just felt in my heart that it was right. No matter how many times I imagined our future, the moment Ricky and I got engaged, the future was no longer a maybe, it was a yes.” After realizing who exactly she was talking to Gina stammered out, “oh my god, I’m so sorry EJ. That wasn’t- I didn’t mean-.”

“It’s okay Gina,” EJ responds with a laugh, “It’s been seven years. That wound has long since healed. In fact, the only thing I feel about the night we broke up is embarrassment. There were so many things I could have handled better, but I think us breaking up was inevitable, so it’s probably better it happened sooner rather than later.”

“I don’t think it was ‘inevitable,’” Gina retorts with a scoff.

“Believe me it was,” EJ shoots back, “one of the benefits of having a girlfriend who’s a psych major, and whose friends are all psych majors, is the drive by psychoanalysis you get. It was no coincidence I started crushing on you around the time I got rejected from Duke. My future was falling apart, so I clung to my present. I clung to East High…I clung to you.” Gina gives EJ a look and he quickly elaborates, “that’s not to mean I didn’t like you. I mean you’re beautiful, and talented, and brilliant…but I was trying to distract myself from my future and you were a really great distraction.”

Gina looks down and sighs before saying, “we made a quite a pair. You using me to distract you from the future…me using you to distract from my feelings.” EJ looks at Gina in a mix of shock and confusion. Gina explains, “Val and I talked a lot in between puking while we were sitting on the bathroom floor after the Risotto Incident.”

“Once again I’m sorry about that.”

“It’s okay,” Gina replies with a chuckle, “It gave Val a chance to do some drive by psychoanalysis on me. She thinks that my interest in you was in part me trying to distract from my intense feelings for Ricky and trying to see if I could connect with someone as intensely as I did with Ricky.”

“So when I brought up that Ricky was a factor in our breakup…?” EJ implies with a smirk.

Gina shakes her head and answers, “you were like .5% right.”

EJ can’t help but start laughing to which Gina joins in a moment later. As they continue to laugh Ricky enters the office to see the pair laughing, “what’s so funny?”

“Nothing, sweetie,” Gina answers still giggling, “just reminiscing about the past.”

“Well can we all reminisce over some food? I’m famished,” Ricky says.

“Your treat?” EJ asks.

“Of course,” Ricky answers with a smile.

“Before we go,” EJ says as he gathers his things, “Ricky, I already asked Gina, but I’m curious, when did you know you wanted to get engaged to Gina?”

“Oh about two…minutes after our first kiss,” Ricky answers firmly.

“Gee, what took you so long?” EJ flatly asks, each word laced with sarcasm.

“It was a reeeeally good kiss,” Ricky responds, “my brain needed to reboot, and when it finally did my first thought was, ‘I want to marry that girl.’”

EJ finally made it to the bridal suite. Gathering his nerve he knocked on the door. After confirming he wasn’t Ricky, he was allowed to enter the room. As he burst into the room he felt the wind get knocked out of him as he saw Gina in her wedding dress. It was clear what Kourtney had done with the design, part Gabriella’s prom dress, part Gina’s ballgown from the infamous Romeo and Juliet press conference, and part Juliet’s gowns from the movie particularly the masquerade ball and the wedding scene. There were probably a few more inspirations EJ didn’t notice, but this dress was a master work. All EJ could think was all that Ricky would be able to say when he saw Gina in a bit: Wow.

“Do you need something EJ?” Emmy asks off to the side.

Coming back to reality, EJ remembers why he’s here and reveals the news that his dad is financially supporting Shallow Lake and that apparently Ricky and Gina were the cause of it. Gina is just as confused at the news as EJ is. It takes a few minutes but eventually all is made clear. Gina explains that she and Ricky did run into Cash last year in Salt Lake when they were out at dinner. Cash had asked about EJ and it was mentioned that he was working at Shallow Lake when school was out. Ricky had mentioned that they donate every year to Shallow Lake but they couldn’t give as much this year because of the wedding. Ricky and Gina had mentioned Shallow Lake’s financial woes, and that was it. Why Cash was funding Shallow Lake was still a mystery.

“Maybe it’s his way of trying to reach out to you?” Gina suggests.

EJ nods, “that would fit his M.O. Throw enough money at the problem and see if it goes away.”

Gina sighs, “that may be it…or it could be something else. Only one person has the answer you want.”

“The one person I don’t want to talk to,” EJ groans. “What should I do?”

“I wish I knew,” Gina states, “I haven’t talked to my mom in over two years and even then for years it was just the polite ‘Happy birthday’ or ‘Happy insert holiday here,’ phone calls. The last time I even saw my mom was my graduation. So I’m probably the last person to ask.”

“Or you’re the perfect person to ask,” EJ counters, “If you were in my shoes, would you give your mom another chance?”

Before Gina could answer, a voice from the entrance rings out, “oh my God, you look so beautiful baby.”

The few people in the bridal suite turn to the voice and EJ’s first instinct is to run and tell Ricky what is going on. The stunned EJ turns toward Gina and watches as her stunned expression turns to one of irritation and anger as she asks, “what are you doing here mom?” 

Chapter Text

“What are you doing here?” Gina asked again her words dripping with venom.

Terri Porter shifted slightly clearly taken aback by her daughter’s animosity. Eventually she replied, “How could you think I’d miss my baby’s wedding day?”

“Well it’s not a movie set or a press conference, so forgive me if I didn’t think you’d be interested,” Gina bitingly answers.

“I deserved that,” Terri Porter said clearly ashamed. “Gina, please, I just want to talk.”

Emmy looked at Gina and saw her clench her fists in aggravation before angrily saying, “You’ve had seven years to talk to me, so whatever you have to say I don’t want to hear today, or ever for that matter.” Gina’s fury subsided a bit before finishing with a sardonic, “thanks for stopping by.” With that Gina turned back to her mirror, double checking herself, as if her mother’s presence would cause her makeup or dress to decay.

Out of the corner of her eye Emmy saw EJ slip past Ms. Porter with an awkward smile on his face. Emmy was more concerned with Gina though. Emmy had looked up to Gina for years, and ever since Shallow Lake Emmy had viewed Gina as a big sister. When Emmy had started at East High that bond had only gotten stronger. Gina was Emmy’s friend, mentor, and idol. Emmy also was one of the few individuals who knew exactly how bad the relationship was between Gina and her mom, so Emmy could tell that Terri Porter’s presence was spiking Gina’s blood pressure, and it was clear the older woman had no intention of leaving.

Walking over to the stressed out bride Emmy, concerned, whispers, “do you want me to go and get Ricky?” Emmy knew that Ricky was the one person whose mere presence was enough to calm Gina down and relieve her stress, so it seemed like a smart idea.

“No!” Gina responds sharply. Catching herself Gina more softly says, “Sorry…I don’t want him to see me yet.”

“Baby,” Terri starts again and Emmy watches as a murderous look crosses Gina’s face in addition to her clenching fists, “I’m still your mother, and I love you. All I want is five minutes of your time. Five minutes and after I’ve said my piece if you still don’t want me here I’ll leave and you’ll never have to see me again.”

“Fine,” Gina relents through clenched teeth. Gina turns to face her mother and crosses her arms before saying, “go ahead.”

Terri glances over in Emmy’s direction before saying, “I was hoping we could talk alone.”

“And I was hoping that I wouldn’t have to see you today, but I guess we’re both disappointed,” Gina lashes at her mom with more biting sarcasm. Taking a breath Gina continues, “I want some one here, if only to stop me from ruining my appearance before my wedding.” 

Terri is clearly not used to Gina being this way with her as she looks visibly uncomfortable with the whole situation. After a moment Terri requests, “well could that someone at least be Jaime? I’d prefer to keep this between family.”

Emmy can see Gina’s fury is already starting to reach a boiling point. Rather than let Gina explode in a fight with her mother on what is supposed to be the happiest day of her life Emmy quickly says, “Gina it’s okay.” Emmy leans in close to her friend and whispers, “the sooner she says what she needs to say the sooner she’ll leave. I’ll get Jaime and then she can be on her way and you can enjoy today.”

“Thanks Ems,” Gina whispers back, a bit of tension released, “just when you do, don’t tell Ricky. I don’t want him to worry.” Emmy nods in response and quickly heads to find Jaime Porter.

It doesn’t take long to find Gina’s brother in Ricky’s suite, with most of the guys trying to stop Ricky from leaving his room. It only took a moment to assess the situation. EJ was looking a bit guilty, Jaime had look of panic on his face, and Ricky was no longer playing around at being kept from Gina. It was obvious that EJ had told everyone Gina’s mom was here and Ricky was trying to get to Gina.

As Ricky continued to struggle against his friends Emmy approached Jaime, “I guess you already know your mom’s here?”

“Yeah,” Jaime replies coming out of his shock.

“Well she’s not leaving until she talks with Gina, and Gina will only talk with her with someone else there,” Emmy informs the elder Porter sibling, “think you can help out your sister?”

Taking a deep breath Jaime responds with a shaky, “if it’s for the bride, I think so.”

Just as Emmy and Jaime are about to head out Ricky sees them and stops them with a shout, “Wait!” Having got their attention Ricky rips himself away from the group holding him back and runs up to Emmy, “Emmy is Gina okay?” Ricky asks worriedly.

“For the most part,” Emmy admits, “she needs some backup though. It’s why I’m here for Jaime.”

“No I should be the one to go,” Ricky argues, “Gina needs me.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea Ricky,” Jaime says defiantly.

“Jaime come on,” Ricky starts before Jaime cuts him off.

“Why does Gina not want to see you yet?” Jaime asks.

Bewildered Ricky answers, “because of some silly superstition that it’s bad luck. But one of the worst things that could happen already has so…,” Ricky tries to move past his soon to be brother-in-law. 

Jaime places a hand on Ricky’s chest and pushes him back before saying, “that’s not the real reason and you know it. Gina makes her own luck, always has. You know my little sister better than anyone, so what’s the real reason?”

“Because…,” Ricky’s apprehension fades away as he resigns himself with a sigh and answers, “because she wants to remember how I look at her the first time I see her today, in her wedding dress.”

Jaime nods as he says, “If you go charging into her room, that’s the first memory she’s going to have of you today, a face filled with frustration and anger. Don’t do that to my baby sister. Not today.”

Ricky looks desperate as he says, “but I can’t just wait here. Gina needs me. She’s hurting, I can’t not be there.”

“What if you wait outside the bridal suite?” Emmy suggests. As Ricky and Jaime turn to face her Emmy continues, “that way Gina knows you’re there and can call you if she needs you, but you still wouldn’t see her unless she calls.”

After a moment Jaime turns to Ricky, “what do you think bro? Sound like a fair compromise?”

“…fine,” Ricky relents reluctantly, “let’s go.” Heading over the to the bridal suite, careful to avoid as many wedding guests as possible, the trio of Ricky, Jaime, and Emmy arrive a few minutes later. 

“Now you promise to wait out here unless Gigi calls for you,” Jaime ensures before going into the proverbial lion’s den.

“I swear,” Ricky begrudgingly assured Jaime, “I’ll sit and wait to get the all clear.” With that Ricky took a seat across the hall on a nearby outdated lavender colored loveseat. 

Before going inside Jaime turns to Emmy and commands, “watch him. Make sure he doesn’t do anything stupid.” As Emmy nods Jaime opens the door, careful to make sure it’s not open too wide so Ricky can’t see into the suite, and slips inside. After the door closes, Emmy makes her way to the loveseat and sits across from Ricky. Emmy can see he’s uneasy, tapping his fingers on the armrest, his leg trembling slightly, glancing at the closed door every other second. Emmy couldn’t help chuckling to herself a little.

As close as Emmy was to Gina, she was almost as close with Ricky. Emmy’s only real friend before the Wildcats was Alex, and without her, East High and public school in general was a daunting experience. Thankfully her fellow Wildcats were there for her and Gina became the closest thing Emmy had to a big sister. For her first half of High School Gina was there to watch out for her, and because wherever Gina was Ricky wasn’t too far behind, it didn’t take long for Emmy to view Ricky as a big brother. Even after both had graduated and moved, Emmy still called them whenever she needed some advice or encouragement. In turn, Emmy was actually privy to some secrets that very few of the Wildcats actually knew about the couple. 

With everything going on, and Ricky and her sitting together, Emmy was reminded of a particularly bad night many years ago. Turning to Ricky, Emmy sarcastically asks, “do you think Gina will want pancakes after this?”

Ricky snaps his head to look at Emmy and lightly sighs, both remembering the aftermath of Gina’s last big fight with her mom. The night of the snowstorm.

The news had predicted a night of heavy snowfall starting in the early afternoon and going through the night. They had not been wrong. Emmy watched the white filled sky and listened to the howling wind as the last light of the day was fading. The snow had already accumulated so much that Emmy could only see the faces of her mother’s garden gnomes. Even inside the heated house Emmy felt a chill and decided to make some hot chocolate to warm up. Just as Emmy was pouring the steaming liquid into a mug, she heard the doorbell ring. 

‘Who would be showing up in this weather?’ Emmy thought to herself. Checking the doorbell camera from her phone, Emmy saw Gina standing there, hands under her arms bouncing in the cold. The only protection from the elements was a hoodie that, even through the camera, Emmy could tell was soaked through. Rushing to the door Emmy flung it open and practically pulled Gina inside. Gina was shivering she was so cold, her clothes and shoes were sopping wet from the snow, and when she opened her mouth to thank Emmy her words were shaky and her teeth were chattering. 

Emmy grabbed a nearby blanket and wrapped Gina in it, before running to the kitchen and grabbing the mug of hot chocolate and bringing it over to help warm up the older girl. After a few minutes and Gina’s shivering mostly subsiding, Emmy finally asked, “Gina what are you doing here? How did you get here?”

 “I walked,” Gina answered before sipping on the hot chocolate. After finishing the beverage Gina further explained, “I got into it with my mom again and I just had to get out of there. I didn’t even think about the snowstorm, I was so angry.” Though Gina was saying she was angry, Emmy had seen her angry face before and that wasn’t the expression she was wearing now. This was the first time Emmy had ever seen this particular look from Gina before, Gina looked defeated.

“I’m glad you’re okay at least,” Emmy says completely stunned. It was about 4 miles from Gina’s house to her own. “Why come here though? Ricky’s apartment is closer than my house?”

“Don’t take this the wrong way, but I think this is the last place my mom will look,” Gina says. “I just…I needed to be somewhere that felt comfortable, and that my mom wouldn’t suspect.”

“Okay,” Emmy says still perplexed. 

Not wanting to push Emmy suggests Gina take a shower to warm up and Emmy will throw Gina’s wet clothes in the dryer. Thanking Emmy for her hospitality and getting directions to the shower, Gina heads upstairs. Not knowing what else to do, Emmy calls the one person who she thinks can help. Not even 20 minutes later, Emmy sees headlights shine through her front window, and Emmy opens the door before Ricky even has the chance to knock.

A duffel bag in hand Ricky shakes the lingering snowflakes from his curls as he worriedly asks Emmy, “Where’s Gina? Is she okay?”

“Ricky?” Gina says as she sees her boyfriend from the top of the stairs. Ricky doesn’t hesitate as he runs up the stairs two at a time and embraces Gina in her borrowed bathrobe. “What are you doing here?”

Ricky pulls back examining Gina’s ears and fingers clearly concerned she may have gotten frostbite. As he carefully inspects each finger he explains, “Emmy called me, and I wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“Ricky Bowen,” Gina sweetly says before pulling her snow covered boyfriend in for a kiss.

“Plus,” Ricky continues, “Since Emmy told me you came her in a hoodie, I figured you could use a change of clothes.” Ricky holds up the duffel bag he’s been carrying. Gina opens the bag and pulls out a sweatshirt and sweatpants, along with some thick looking socks. “I know it’s not typically your style but it’s comfortable. That and you look good in everything regardless so it shouldn’t matter.”

Gina lightly chuckles before whispering, “thank you,” and pulling Ricky in for another quick kiss.

“Once your clothes are dry I can take you back to my place,” Ricky informs.

Emmy coughs to get the couple’s attention. As they both turn to look at her Emmy says, “the storm’s getting worse. I don’t know if I feel comfortable sending you both out into it. You can stay the night and head out in the morning. The storm should have broken by then.”

“Ems are you sure? We wouldn’t want to impose,” Ricky asks.

“It’s no problem,” Emmy informs, “my mom’s on a trip to Aruba and she said I could have friends over if I wanted.”

“Thanks Emmy,” Gina says quietly.

“You should go throw on your PJs then,” Ricky suggests as he hands the duffel bag to Gina, “then you can get some sleep. Walking for miles in a snowstorm on top of the fact I know you haven’t been sleeping well lately, and you must be exhausted.”

“I’m fine!” Gina exclaims defensively.

Ricky crosses his arms and gives Gina a look of skepticism before asking, “when was the last time you got a full nights sleep?” Gina shrugs meekly in response. Ricky smirks and says, “then it’s been too long. I’ll help set up the guest room and then we’ll get you to bed sleepy girl.” With that Ricky tenderly plants a kiss on Gina’s forehead before she goes to the bathroom to get dressed for bed. 

As Ricky is pointed to the guest room by Emmy and heads toward it, out of the corner of her eye Emmy notices Gina looking at Ricky, a smile on her face and look full of so much love and relief. Gina had looked tense and frazzled from the moment she’d arrived at Emmy’s, but now looked as if a weight had been lifted off her. It was as if all Gina needed was a safe space, a hot shower, and Ricky Bowen to feel completely at ease.

The next morning Emmy woke to the sun shining through her window and onto her face, she must have forgotten to close the curtains the night before. As she got up to close them she looked outside to see a winter wonderland. A blanket of snow stretched out of in front of her covering the ground and glistening in the morning light. The trees, whose leaves were starting to come back as spring was supposed to arrive in a couple weeks, looked almost magical as the stark white of the snow mixed with brown bark and splash of green leaves peeking through. 

Emmy did notice one other thing, a spot of orange that she knew as Ricky’s car, that was clear of snow. Curious, Emmy went to check on her guests. Ricky and Gina were supposed to be in the guest room (Ricky had said he’d sleep on the couch but Gina insisted he stay with her). Cracking the door ever so slightly Emmy saw the sleeping form of Gina, a blanket pulled all the way to her chin, but Ricky was absent. Emmy softly closed the door, not wanting to wake Gina, when she heard some noise downstairs.

As she headed down the stairs to confirm her suspicions, Emmy smelled that something in the air. The smell of cooking sugar and the familiar sizzling of grease drew Emmy in like a Siren’s song. As Emmy enters the kitchen she sees Ricky standing over a griddle flipping pancakes with a goofy smile on his face.

“Morning Ems,” Ricky greets with a cheeriness in his voice, “want some pancakes? I got regular, chocolate chip, and blueberry. I also have maple syrup, powdered sugar, and whipped cream to go on top. Oh, and I made bacon.”

“Where did this come from?” Emmy asks in awe.

“When it comes to bacon, I prefer not to think about where it comes from,” Ricky answers.

Emmy rolls her eyes before clarifying, “No, I meant where did all this come from? I know we did not have any of the supplies to make this here.”

“Oh, well, I got up early and went to the store,” Ricky explains. “I wanted to thank you for taking care of Gina last night and for letting us stay here. And I want Gina to have a good meal before we leave.”

“You both are welcome to stay,” Emmy offers as she takes a seat at the table and grabs a strip of bacon, “there’s no need to rush out.”

“Thanks,” Ricky says, “it’s up to Gina, but I have a sneaking suspicion she’s not going to want to burden you with what’s going on with her and her mom.”

“What is going on?” Emmy asks. “I’ve had fights with my mom before, but none so bad I would run out into a snowstorm just to get away from her.”

“Well…,” as Ricky contemplates what to say he prepares a plate of blueberry pancakes for the younger girl with both powdered sugar and whipped cream. Ricky hands Emmy the plate and sits down across from her a small stack of chocolate chip pancakes with whipped cream in front of him. After taking a bite Ricky manages to find the words, “okay, do you remember when you were a little kid and you looked up to your parents? Like you thought they were like superheroes, who knew everything, and could do no wrong?”

“Mhmm,” Emmy confirms with a bite of delicious and sweet pancake in her mouth.

“Then do you remember, as you got older you started to realize they weren’t superheroes, they were just regular people? That they didn’t know everything, they were just a little less clueless than you were? That they weren’t perfect, that they could screw up just as much as anyone else?” 

Emmy nods.

“About how old were you when you put all that together?” Ricky asks.

“I don’t know,” Emmy says confused, “maybe 11 or 12.”

Ricky nods in understanding, “me too. That’s about I think when most kids realize.” Ricky looks solemnly at his pancakes before explaining, “Gina didn’t realize it until last year.”

“I don’t understand.”

“For a long time Gina only really had her mom,” Ricky expounds, “she didn’t have friends or close family or any other kind of support system, so Gina clung to her mom and viewed their relationship through rose tinted lenses. But now,” Ricky takes another bite of his pancakes, clearly feeling a little awkward but also needing to put his feelings into words on this particular subject, “now Gina has other people to rely on. Ashlyn, Miss Jenn, Carlos, you, the Wildcats-.”

“You,” Emmy points out the obvious.

Ricky shrugs, “I didn’t want to be presumptuous.” Emmy rolls her eyes as Ricky continues, “so with an actual support system in place when Gina got her mom back, those rose lenses started to crack. Eventually they shattered and the realization of her mom being…well…subpar, has shaken Gina. Ms. Porter got knocked off the pedestal Gina put her on and all the pain and loneliness Gina experienced for most of her life is bubbling to the surface.”

“It’s like EJ and his dad a little bit,” Emmy extrapolates.

“Yeah, or me and my mom,” Ricky adds. “My mom and I are on good terms now, but she really let me down for pretty much my entire Junior year of high school. If I hadn’t met Gina or joined the musical…I don’t know what might have happened. Both the musical and Gina brought me a lot of comfort in a dark time.”

As Ricky reminisced about the year that altered his life forever, Emmy inquires, “So, is Gina and her mom going to end like you and your mom, or like EJ and his dad?”

“I don’t know,” Ricky answers with a sigh, “I wish I did either way, so I could soften the blow if it’s bad or be able to tell her everything will be okay. For know all I can do is be there for Gina and let her know I love and support her.” Emmy feels helpless at the prospect of not being able to do anything but be supportive.

“There’s nothing else we can do?”

“Gina doesn’t want anyone to know how bad things are between her and her mom,” Ricky explains, “the only reason I’m telling you is because I know you’ll keep this to yourself. We trust you Emmy.” As Emmy feels flustered and tries to remember her breathing exercises to stay in the moment, Ricky continues, “anything else I try risks me getting in between Gina and her mother, and I can’t be the reason Gina loses her mom. I won’t do it. At least, not anymore than I already am.”

“You’re not the reason for their fights Ricky,” Emmy declared.

“I am a little bit,” Ricky solemnly says, “Gina’s mom decided she didn’t like me. Gina loves me though, so she leaps to my defense. That leads to them fighting, which eventually leads to other fights. Rinse and repeat.” Ricky slides down in his chair and covers his face with his hands as he admits, “sometimes I think if I ended things with Gina she might not fight as much with her mom. Maybe it would make her life easier.”

“That is dumbest thing you have ever said,” Gina’s voice rings out from the kitchen entrance.

“Gina,” Ricky shoots up in surprise and stammers out, “I-I didn’t…I mean…I wou-wouldn’t…”

Gina slowly makes her way towards Ricky as he continues to stammer, not sure what to say. As Gina stands in front of him Ricky finally shuts up. Gina puts her hands on his face to make him look at her and with a calm comfort says, “Ricky Bowen, if you think for a second my life would be better or easier without you, you would be the dumbest person alive, and I know you’re not dumb. Things with my mom aren’t great but they wouldn’t be better without you. Ricky, you’re my shelter. You’re where I go when I need relief and safety and comfort. You are the one thing I know I can count on.”

As Gina gently strokes Ricky’s face, he wraps his arms around her and pulls her close to him as he can and quietly says, “I wish I could be more than just your shelter. I wish I could defend you more than I am but…”

“I know,” Gina says sweetly, “and I understand why you can’t. I hope things get better with my mom, but everything else in my life is better because of you and I know you’ll always be by my side when things get tough, and that’s much more comforting to me than anything.” With that Gina pulls Ricky’s face in for a deep and loving kiss. As they part Ricky chuckles and Gina asks, “what?”

“I’m supposed to be the one comforting you, and here you are making me feel better.”

“Ricky you showed up in a snowstorm with dry comfy clothes and stayed with me through the night. You woke up this morning and ran to the store, probably as it was opening, to make breakfast. I feel more comforted than you can imagine,” Gina gives Ricky another kiss before adding, “you may be late sometimes, but you always show up for me, and you always stick around. So let me show up for you too. It seems only fair.”

“Okay,” Ricky whispers before giving a sweet chaste kiss on Gina’s lips before asking, “how many pancakes do you want?”

As Ricky tears himself away from to make a plate for Gina, she smiles and says, “I feel better already.”

“I don’t think pancakes will be enough to fix this if things go south,” Ricky finally speaks up after being lost in thought for several minutes. “I just wish I could get in there.”

Emmy knew that things with Gina’s mom didn’t improve after that night, and after turning 18 a month later Gina moved in with Ricky and his parents. Since then Ricky and Gina’s relationship had deepened. Ricky was no longer just Gina’s shelter, he was her shield, and not being able to defend her was killing him. 

“Gina will be alright,” Emmy tried to comfort Ricky, “she’s strong and she’s got Jaime for backup. And she knows you’re out here…that has to count for something.

“I hope so,” Ricky sighs as he stares at the door. 

They both wondered what was going on with the Porter family, behind the inch and half of wood.

Chapter Text

Terri Porter had missed so much and had so many regrets as she stood in awe of her daughter. Gina standing there in her white dress, she looked like an angel freshly arrived from the Gates of Heaven. Of course with the look of anger on her face Gina was clearly channeling an angel of vengeance as she stared down her mother. Terri had wanted to apologize as soon as Gina’s friend left the suite, but she knew her words would fall on deaf ears if she tried to speak before Jaime’s arrival. So they stood there in awkward silence…waiting.

After a few minutes Jaime came through the door. Terri smiled as she looked at her son, her firstborn, but he glared at her before making his way over to his sister.

“Hi, Jaime,” Terri tried to greet her son.

“Mom,” Jaime flatly replies with barely an acknowledgment. As he goes to stand by his sister Jaime informs her in a hushed tone, “Ricky’s outside if you need him.”

“I told Emmy-,” Gina starts before Jaime stops her.

“EJ told us.”

Gina groans and then says, “remind me I have to kill EJ later.”

Jaime gives a sly grin and a light chuckle as he says, “you got it.”

The siblings turn to face their mother and Terri feels a lump form in her throat. It’s been so long since she’s seen either of her babies and here they are together, in front of her, and neither one can even stand to look at her without a glint of malice in their eyes.

“It’s so good to see both of you,” Terri tells her children a crack forming in her voice as she says so, and tears starting to well in her eyes.

“Let’s not waste anymore time,” Gina says unmoved, “you said you needed five minutes. Well go ahead, your time’s already started.”

Terri felt her heart beat faster. This was it, her one chance to salvage any relationship she had with her children, and she wasn’t going to waste it.

Terri clears her throat and says, “Well, I think I need to start with an apology. No, several apologies. I wasn’t a good mom…to either of you. I thought…I don’t know, that I was giving your both what you needed to make you both the best versions of yourselves. I thought I was helping you and I didn’t realize how much I was actually hurting you. I’m so, so sorry Gina. I’m sorry Jaime.”

“If you’re expecting forgiveness from me,” Gina states flatly, “you can forget it.”

“Gina I know you’re still angry at me-,” Terri starts but Gina is quick to cut her off.

“You don’t know anything about how I feel,” Gina angrily replies, “I’m angry that you’re here at this moment, but I haven’t been angry at you for a long time. In fact the only thing I feel for you anymore, is indifference.”

Terri felt the words plunge into her chest like a frozen dagger. In her worst dreams Gina only hated her, but at least she felt something. For her own daughter to feel nothing for her anymore…

The tears started flowing down Terri’s face as she pleads, “Baby…please. I’m so sorry.”

“You said that already,” Gina says with ice in her voice, “you have three minutes left if you want to use them.” Terri knew this wasn’t going to be easy, but she had to try.

“I was wrong,” Terri confesses. Gina who had started to turn around stopped and slowly turned back to face her mother as Terri continued, “I was wrong about just about everything. If I could take back everything I said, everything I did, I would. I would do it in a heartbeat. I know you have no reason to believe me, but I wish I could go back and change things. These last few years, I experienced a little of the loneliness you must have gone through growing up, and it was awful. And to go through that when you were at such a vital stage in life…you were right, I could’ve done more for you, been there more, I should have. I’m so sorry, at how I hurt you. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you more.”

“Yeah, because maybe if you had been I wouldn’t have ended up with Ricky,” Gina responds with biting sarcasm.

Terri hangs her head ashamed, “I was wrong about him too. I shouldn’t have said all those things about him. He’s made you happy, and protected you, and been there for you. He’s the one thing you count on when everything else is falling apart, right?”

Terri could see the look of realization on Gina’s face as it hits her that her mom heard her, all those years ago.

Terri was at the kitchen table, doing some paperwork as she heard the sound of Gina coming down the stairs as she talked on the phone, “yeah, thanks Quinn, but I’m not interested…yeah I understand what my mom told you, but I’m telling you I have no interest in doing a movie at this time…Yes, I will call if I change my mind, but I’m not going to…Okay, bye now.” Terri tried to remain focused on her paperwork as Gina approached her mother, “something you want to tell me?”

“Gina, baby,” Terri starts as she looks at her annoyed looking daughter, “I just thought you might want to do another movie. You need to strike while the iron’s hot as they say. Get a few more projects in the can before Romeo & Juliet comes out next fall.”

“So you told Quinn I’d do a movie before you talked to me about it?” Gina more states than asks.

“They weren’t shooting until after your little musical so I thought it was okay,” Terri informs nonchalantly.

“‘Little musical?’” Gina responds a little hurt, “you know how much I love doing the musicals with my friends.”

“I know, but it’s after the show so I thought-,” Terri starts before Gina cuts her off.

“You thought, I’d be willing to miss my prom, my graduation, what little summer break I have with my friends, for a movie,” Gina sardonically finishes. Gina now going from annoyed to upset continues, “mommy, I told you last year I had no interest in doing another movie at all during my senior year.”

“I was just looking out for your best interests,” Terri retorts.

“Were you?” Gina asks incredulously. “I don’t need you to look out for ‘my best interests.’ I don’t need you to be my manager, I don’t need you to be my agent, I just need you to be my mom. Why is that so hard for you?”

“Gina Porter!” Terri replies offended, “I may not have been the perfect mother but I have been here and supported you through everything!”

“No you haven’t,”nGina actually laughed as if her mother had said the funniest thing on the planet. As Terri looked at her daughter with a scowl Gina looked at her mother with fury as she stopped laughing and started giving examples, “You’ve come to exactly one of my shows in the three years I’ve been at East High and the show you did attend was because of a press conference for a movie. And don’t think I didn’t see you with one foot out the door for the entire performance, and you talking to Mack the entire time despite the fact you know how much I’m in love with Ricky. You seem to insist that Ricky is ‘just a phase’ in spite of the fact we’ve been together for over a year and half and I’m more in love with him now than I have ever been. Also let’s not forget I’ve spent more nights alone, reheating leftovers, than I can count, because your job always came first, and I was always a distant second. If that!”

“That’s not fair,” Terri defensively responds, “you know my job is important.”

“So am I!” Gina shouts with tears in her eyes.

Seeing how hurt her daughter is Terri softens her approach, “Baby,” Terri tries to comfort her daughter, wrapping her arms around Gina. “I’m sorry you feel that way. Everything I’ve done has been to put food on the table and keep a roof over your head.”

As if a switch goes off in Gina, she rips away from her mother and bitingly responds, “A roof?! I think you mean roofs! Has it ever crossed your mind once, just once, about how you ripping me away from place after place might affect me? How it made me push people away before I got too close? How I chose to be alone with my only company being my homework, YouTube, and Mark and Spark, because being alone hurt less than losing people I actually cared about?”

“Gina what’s happened to you? You used to be so happy,” Terri asks as Gina rolls her eyes in disgust. After a beat Terri asks accusingly, “what has that boy been saying to you?”

“RICKY!” Gina yells angrily and her mother’s accusation, “His name is Ricky. Ricky Bowen, the one person who has actually showed up for me every time I’ve needed him. Ricky, who broke through my defenses and got me to feel more than apathy for the first time in years! Ricky, who I love with my whole heart and then some!”

“Ricky,” Terri mockingly interrupts, “who ignored you and hurt you so badly you were prepared to run back to me.” 

Gina clenches her fists and through gritted teeth responds, “You have no idea what you’re talking about. You do not get to throw that at him. I was hurt because he was with someone else, and I was the one who stopped talking to him. And if I had called him at any point during that and told him I needed him he would have been at my side in a heartbeat.” 

“Maybe,” Terri says angrily, “but you didn’t bother to tell me about him when you first got together because you and I both know you were embarrassed of him. We both know that boy is nowhere near good enough for you.”

“You know what’s funny? Ricky would agree with you,” Gina says angrily as the hot tears flow down her face, “He’s admitted he’s afraid that one day I’m going wake up and realize I deserve better than him, but you’re both wrong. I’m the one that’s not good enough for him.” Gina with tearstained cheeks and puffy eyes stares down her mother and with an almost tender declaration Gina informs her mother, “It’s because of Ricky I have everything that’s great in my life, my friends, my passions, even my career is in part because of Ricky. Ricky has been here for me the whole time, he’s been one of the people I can truly count on. Ricky is the one thing I count on when everything else is falling apart.” Gina’s tenderness disappears as she finishes with, “that’s more than you ever were.”

Terri glares at Gina with a fury and sternly says, “I am still your mother. You will show me some respect!”

Everything becomes hazy at that point. Gina and Terri continued to fight for what felt like hours. Gina would bring up her pain and loneliness and Terri would bring up how Gina had changed. They went round and round, the only change being in their volume and how angry each was becoming. Finally Gina grabbed the hoodie that Ricky had left behind, off the coat rack and slammed the door behind her as she wandered into a snowstorm in a huff. Terri smirked, figuring Gina would be back in a few minutes.

Gina didn’t return to the house until two days later. 

Terri didn’t even need to ask where she had been, especially with the curly haired nuisance dropping her back off. Terri and Gina barely exchanged any words during the ensuing month. 

When Gina’s 18th Birthday rolled around Terri had surprised Gina with her favorite breakfast in bed. Terri even ignored the obvious movement in the closet that was most definitely a hiding Ricky. Terri had to work but promised Gina they’d spend the weekend together to celebrate her birthday. Gina had said she was looking forward to it as she ate.

The next morning all Terri found was a note in Gina’s bed:

Dear Mom,

I can’t keep doing this.

It’s clear this isn’t working.

I’m not the same as when we first came to Salt Lake…

or maybe I’m who I always was.

Either way, I’m different, but you’re not.

I’m sorry, I’m done not being good enough for you.

Gina

“Gina I screwed up,” Terri admits, “I didn’t understand how much I hurt you, but these last two years…without you or Jaime, I get it, or at least I kind of do.” The cold stares of her children are more than enough to make clear their feelings. Maybe she deserved this. “Look, Gina, I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness and you don’t have to accept my apology, but I hope you’ll at least accept this.” Terri reached into her bag and pulled out a small gift box handing it out to Gina. Jaime is the one who reaches out and takes the box, bringing it over to Gina. “You can think of it as a wedding present, or a peace offering, or just me returning something that was yours to begin with.”

Gina gingerly opens the box, almost as if she’s afraid it’s going to bite her. Looking in the box Terri watches as Gina’s cold exterior breaks, just for a split second, as a melancholic smile quickly appears on her face. Inside is a red and white award ribbon that looks like it was made by a kid (it was). Gina quickly returns to her stone cold expression, but is betrayed by a voice crack as she asks, “where did you find this?”

“I found it among all your awards you left behind when you…left,” Terri explains, “I don’t know why I never threw it away if I’m honest…Gina the Thanksgiving you came home wearing that, I didn’t understand why you were so shattered. I hadn’t seen you like that in years, you were always so strong, at least I thought it was you being strong. Now I realize you were protecting yourself. But we had only been in Salt Lake City a few months. We’d lived in places longer and you never shed a tear when we left them behind, but there you were curled up on your bed, absolutely inconsolable and I couldn’t figure out why. Now I get it…or at least I think I do.”

Terri watches with a glimmer of hope in her heart as Gina’s face starts to soften at her mother’s declaration. Terri continues, “You were starting to find a home outside of me, and when you begged me to stay in Salt Lake I was hesitant to do it, but remembering you that night, I couldn’t take you away again. I used to tell you both that ‘if you can’t be number one at something it isn’t worth doing.’ Well,” Terri sighs as shame fills her face, “I’m nowhere close to number one at being a mom. I failed at being your mother, and if you don’t want me to be I understand, but if it’s not too late I’d like to try and be your mom again, to you both.”

Gina and Jaime look at each other and Terri can tell they’re at least considering her words, which is more than she could hope for. After a few moments of a silent exchange between the siblings, Gina turns to her mother, closes her eyes, and with a sigh says, “three weeks.”

“Three weeks?” Terri parrots confused.

“That’s how long I’m going to be on my Honeymoon,” Gina informs flatly, “when I get back, if you’re truly sorry and want us to try again, I might be willing to listen.”

“Oh baby I-,” Terri starts excitedly before Gina cuts her off.

“This does not mean you’re forgiven, and I may change my mind about this,” Gina states matter of factly, “I’m not entirely sure that I’m not just being indulgent because it’s my wedding day, but if you really want to try to fix our relationship…”

“I do,” Terri nods profusely.

“Then first, you need to apologize to Ricky,” Gina informs her mother, “you’ve said some very harsh things about him over the years. Like I said, I may change my mind over the next few weeks but if Ricky isn’t willing to accept your apology than that is definitely a nonstarter.”

Swallowing the lump in her throat Terri tries confidently to say, “consider it done.”

“Just so we’re clear though,” Gina informs in threatening tone, “Even if Ricky accepts your apology, that does not give you a free pass to talk down about him again. If you make a snide remark about him, or a cruel joke, if you even glare at him in a way I don’t like, we are done. For good this time. Do you understand?” Terri solemnly nods. “Good. Ricky’s outside so you can talk to him now.” With that Gina moves past her mother toward the closed door. She lightly raps on the door, “Ricky?”

“Gi? Are you okay? Do you need me to come in?” The familiar and worried voice of Ricky Bowen asks through the closed door. Terri watched as Gina’s coldness and tension melt away in an instant. The mere sound of Ricky’s voice was enough to soothe her daughter in a way nothing else seemed to.

“I’m fine, really,” Gina sweetly says to ease her fiancé’s worry. “My mom’s about to leave the room, she has something she needs to say to you, and I just don’t want you sneaking a peek at me when I open the door.”

“Okay,” Ricky huffs.

“Hey Ricky?” Gina says with the lilt of a giggle in her voice.

“Yeah?”

“I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you, too,” Ricky responds. Gina lightly places her hand on the door, and while they can’t see it, it’s easy to picture Ricky placing his own hand on the opposite side of the door. The young couple trying in vain to reach each other. “I love you, Gina,” Ricky adds.

“Full stop?”

“Full stop.”

Gina smile beams so much it could match the sun with it’s brilliance, “I love you too, Ricky. It’s just a little while longer.”

“I know, I know,” Ricky whines.

Gina grins before adding, “and then forever after that.”

“Forever can’t come soon enough,” Ricky says sweetly.

“Okay, lovebirds,” Jaime interrupts, “If you keep going like this you’ll both be late for your own wedding, so wrap it up.”

Gina face flushes as she lowers her hand off the door before ordering, “Ricky you need to stand away from the door now.”

“Fine,” Ricky whines. Just as Gina is going to open the door to her suite, Jaime stops her. Rolling his eyes, Jaime bangs on the door with his fist. “Ow,” Ricky responds to the assault through the door. Gina can’t help but giggling.

“Emmy, is Ricky away from the door?” Jaime asks.

“He is now,” Emmy answers.

After gaining confirmation Gina opens the door. Jaime is the first one through. As Terri approaches she quickly stops in front of her daughter, “you really look so stunning baby. I know it may be asking too much, but is it okay if I hug you?”

Gina rolls her eyes at the question but gives into her mother’s request. Neither of the Porter women can remember the last time they hugged. Was it the morning of Gina’s 18th birthday? Or was it at Gina’s high school graduation? Or was it even further back in time? They didn’t know for sure, but what Terri Porter did know was that this was their first hug in a long time and it felt like the first time Terri held Gina close to her after she was born, an embrace filled with love and warmth and a mixture of worry and hope for the future. But now her baby was all grown up and was getting married to the love of her life. Terri reluctantly lets go before her tears ruin Gina’s beautiful dress.

Exiting the bridal suite Terri Porter now stood face to face with the boy who was about to become her son-in-law. Terri knew if she had any chance of having a relationship with her daughter she’d have to get in Ricky’s good graces. Terri gives the young man an awkward smile as Jaime explains the situation to him. After Jaime finishes his explanation Ricky turns to face Terri. 

Terri clears her throat and does her best to maintain eye contact with Ricky Bowen. Apologizing to someone she had judged so harshly was one of the most difficult things she had ever done, not because she still believed those things about Ricky, but because Terri felt so ashamed at how she had talked to and treated the boy who was the other half of her little girl’s heart. The sheer embarrassment she was feeling was enough to stop a stampede of elephants in their tracks.

Finally making eye contact with the gatekeeper of her future with her daughter Terri ripped off the Band-Aid and apologized, “Ricky, I’m so sorry for everything I said about you. I was wrong, and I just hope you can find it in your heart to forgi-.”

“I forgive you,” Ricky interjects. Terri, Jaime, and Emmy all stood their mouths agape in complete shock. Ricky smirks as he comments, “surprising, right?”

“Wha-? How? Why?” Terri stammers flabbergasted, “How can you forgive me so easily?”

“Because I owe you that much,” Ricky replies as if it’s obvious. The perplexed looks on everyone’s faces must have been enough of a clue to Ricky that he proceeded to elaborate, “Without you there’s no Gina. And I don’t just mean she wouldn’t exist, but you raised her. For better or worse you played a key part in making Gina who she is, and I love who she is. So I forgive you, because you are a crucial part in my past, present, and future happiness. And if Gina does want to have relationship with you, I’m certainly not going to stand in her way.”

“Thank you, Ricky. You have no idea how much this means to me,” Terri says nearly brought to tears.

“That said,” Ricky continues, his playful demeanor replaced with one of a deeply serious nature which filled Terri with a sense of dread, “while I forgive you for everything you said about me, you are on seriously thin ice in regards to how you treated Gina. When Gina was in High School I was forced to stay on the sidelines because whatever happened with you and Gina had to be because of you and Gina. I’m not on the sidelines anymore. It’s my job to protect Gina from anything and anyone.” Including you. While Ricky didn’t say that last part Terri knew what he was insinuating. “So if you make Gina feel small, or abandoned, or unimportant, I will not hesitate to put myself between you two. Is that clear?”

Terri nods, “as crystal.”

“Good,” Ricky says easily switching back to his laid back playful disposition. “Hey, Emmy,” Ricky turns to the girl behind him. As she steps forward Ricky leans down and whispers something in her ear. Emmy looks at Ricky is shock as he merely nods his head and Emmy quickly slips into the bridal suite.

“Well,” Terri still feeling awkward says as she gathers her few things, “I guess I should be going.”

“Wait, Mrs. P,” Ricky stops her, “I have a couple questions for you. If you don’t mind indulging me.”

Feeling a little tension be relieved Terri stops and says with a smile, “Well it is your wedding day, so go ahead.”

“How did you know when and where we were having our wedding?” Ricky asks.

“When, was the easy one,” Terri replies, “Gina’s really become sentimental since moving to Salt Lake, maybe she always was and just hid it with how we were always moving so she couldn’t afford to be sentimental,” the guilt Terri felt was all over her face as she continued with her explanation, “Anyway, with Gina’s sentimentality she would obviously want to get married on a day that means a lot to you, and well, today is the anniversary of when you two got together, right?”

Ricky chuckles as he nods in confirmation, “Gina said it was so I didn’t have to keep track of another anniversary.”

“And you believed her?”

“Not for a second,” Ricky laughs.

“As for the where,” Terri continues, “you both have done your best to keep key moments of your relationship out of the public eye, so you would choose someplace secluded and close to your home so you could have our wedding in peace. There are six places that could be wedding venues within 10 miles of your house…this was actually my fourth stop today.” As Ricky nods in understanding Terri asks, “is that all you wanted to know.”

“No,” Ricky answers. For a moment Ricky shrinks back in a way that reminds Terri of the first time she caught Ricky climbing through Gina’s window. Clearing his throat Ricky asks, “when and why did you change your mind about me?”

Terri smiles as she recalls the moment she truly understood what Gina saw in the man in front of her. “It was an interview you did.” As Ricky looks confused Terri explains, “I have alerts for news about Gina and about six months ago an interview you were doing for a movie popped up. I don’t even know why I opened the link, but I did. In the interview, right in the middle Gina called you and you answered with zero hesitation.”

“I remember that interview,” Ricky excitedly responds, “yeah it was right after a vacation we took. Gina hadn’t re-acclimated to the time change yet and got some times messed up.”

“Yeah,” Terri nods, “and even though you were busy, even though were working you talked to her. For several minutes. In the middle of an interview.”

“Gina is more important than anything to me,” Ricky states, “short of a life and death scenario I’m never going to not talk to her when she calls.”

“Well…that’s when it hit me,” Terri shamefully admits, “all the times Gina called me growing up where I told her I was too busy to talk, if I answered at all. All I missed because I couldn’t spare five minutes to talk to my daughter. I also realized what Gina really needed was someone who would prioritize her…something I never did. You are the perfect match for my daughter Ricky Bowen. I’m sorry I couldn’t see that sooner. I’m sorry I allowed my snap judgements to color my opinions of you. I got you very, very wrong.”

“It’s okay,” Ricky says looking a little touched.

“No, it’s not, and I’m sorry,” Terri truly apologizes.

Just then Emmy reappears and turns to Ricky, “hey, so, I talked to Gina and she said she’s okay with it if you are.”

“Okay with what?” Terri asks.

“Hang on one second Mrs. P,” Ricky responds before turning and whispering in Jaime’s ear.

“It’s your wedding man. Your call,” Jaime says nonchalantly.

Ricky turns to face Terri and with a mischievous grin says, “so we have a few extra seats in the chapel, at the back, just to be clear.”

“Wait,” Terri says in disbelief as she realizes what’s happening.

“Mrs. Porter, would you like to come to the wedding?”

Chapter Text

Jennifer loved weddings. Two people pledging to love and cherish each other forever, always felt like the ending of a musical (the happy ones at least). While reality may eventually tear those two people apart, the fairy tale quality of the wedding was still so enjoyable. Today was a little different for a few reasons, first was the fact that everything didn’t feel like a fairy tail and that was especially bad considering it was her wedding day.

While she had always pictured her wedding being giant and glamorous with a guest list of who’s who from Broadway and Hollywood, the reality was far from that. Jennifer wasn’t a Broadway starlet, she was a teacher. She wasn’t marrying some up and coming movie and tv star, her husband was a teacher as well. And with two teacher salaries they couldn’t afford a big blow out of a wedding. Instead they went to the courthouse for the ceremony and were having the reception in the East High gym. It should have been sad, but what was surprising is she wouldn’t have it any other way.

After a transcendent first date in New Zealand, you’d think everything else would be downhill from there, but her relationship with Benjamin had only grown stronger when they got back stateside. After a few years of dating and finding out her Tin Man really did have a heart, they finally decided it was time. So after begging Principal Gutierrez to let them use the gym for their reception (the day after prom so they wouldn’t have to set up anything), they sent out invitations and waited eagerly for the day. 

The wedding had been small, the only people in attendance being a justice of the peace, a few witnesses made up of members of the first inaugural class of Wildcats, and of course the bride and groom’s best man and man of honor, EJ and Carlos respectively. Despite it not being like she had imagined it, Jennifer was so happy she could hardly believe it.

With the decorations from the Prom the night before lining the gymnasium and all the Wildcats from the last few years scattered at various tables, Jennifer felt more at home than she could think possible. Thanks to the Redonoviches, they got a great deal on catering and currently everyone was enjoying their food. 

Miss Jenn looked around at her babies with a sense of pride. There was Carlos and Seb talking to their various table mates, Carlos probably bragging about his latest choreography gig of being assistant choreographer for the Kinky Boots Broadway revival, while Seb mentioned his family bakery’s opening new locations including their expansion out of state. With them was EJ checking his e-mail every five seconds to see if he’d have a job in the coming months since he was graduating soon. Maddox and Ashlyn were so wrapped up in each other, this being one of the few times they’d gotten to see each other that year, they weren’t bothering to pay attention to anything around them. Jet was dramatically staring off into the middle distance while picking at his pasta. And of course there was Ricky and Gina listening to Carlos and Seb intently even though they probably had more to talk about with their careers starting to take off. 

Sadly Nini and Kourtney were unable to attend. Nini couldn’t come because she was on tour in Europe, and Kourtney was in the middle of an intense internship at a designer label. It was sad not having them there but they both made up for it by purchasing two very expensive items on the registry. Emmy was somewhere, she seemed to disappear and reappear at random intervals (Miss Jenn was still suspicious that she was a ghost of some kind). As Jennifer and Benjamin looked around at their friends and family and former students, they both felt truly loved by everyone around them. 

The reception went as expected for the most part and was an absolute blast. The couple had their first dance, they cut the cake, and went around talking to everyone and the toasts caused Jenn to have several breakdowns. Not long after that everyone took to the dance floor and partied for a couple hours. One thing that did take Jenn by surprise when Benjamin leaned over and whispered he had a special present for her. Her befuddled look was matched by most people as Benjamin, Ricky, EJ, Jet, and Carlos all shooed people off the dance floor as the music suddenly cut out and the all five went into middle of the dance floor.

“Good evening everyone and thanks for coming to easily the best day of my life,” Benjamin greeted the various guests. “I’m sorry we’re cutting into the festivities but I have a special present for my beautiful bride. As most of you may be aware I spent a small period of my life as part of a male singing institution…” The assembled guests chuckled as they all remembered the Six Below Zero music videos that had been discovered and passed around on various group chats over the years. 

“Anyway,” Benjamin continued unperturbed, “I had forgotten my love of performing for a long time until I met the woman I just had the privilege to marry…so I thought it would be appropriate to touch on my boyband roots and showcase my love of music and performing so my wife remembers what we have in common when I inevitably drive her crazy.” As he finished saying that Benjamin Mazzara shed his tuxedo coat and EJ ran up and put a Silver Puffy vest on him as the teacher ceased to be Benjamin Mazzara and in that moment became ‘Benny’ once more.

“Ladies, Gentlemen, or However else you may identify,” the DJ announced over the speakers, “I give you… 5 Degrees East!”

What followed was five minutes of an epic boyband medley. The Beatles, Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, One Direction, Jonas Brothers, and everything in between. It was clear the five of them had been working on this for a while as it was well choreographed. The entirety of the wedding guests were cackling with joy at the display. The cherry on top of the performance was finishing the medley with Six Below Zero as Benny blew Jenn a kiss as the music came to a stop. As the five men stood there out of breath they took in the mixture of laughter, awe, and applause, Jennifer went toward her husband and embraced him, a huge smile on her face as the couple chuckled together, and Jennifer hoped someone had recorded that. 

About and hour and half later, the last remnants of the wedding guests, just a handful of Wildcats, lingered at their table. Miss Jenn and Mr. Mazzara approached the group Wildcats as they laughed and joked about the performance that had gone on.

“I’m actually shocked Ricky was able to keep this a secret,” Carlos comments with a laugh, “he normally tells Gina everything.”

“Not everything,” Ricky remarks. Despite the multitude of now empty chairs Gina was looking quite comfortable sitting in Ricky’s lap. “I can keep a secret if I know she’ll enjoy the surprise more.”

“I admit I was suspicious when I caught him practicing some dance moves in the apartment,” Gina mentions, “you were so annoyed at me.”

“I wasn’t annoyed,” Ricky counters, “I just wasn’t expecting you home that early. You surprised me.”

“I just missed you a lot that day,” Gina whispers as she lightly nuzzles her nose against Ricky’s. As their friends groaned at the public display of affection the couple pulled back a little, but Gina still leaned her head against Ricky’s as the group continued to converse.

“Anyone thirsty?” Benjamin asked the group as he approached with a very fancy bottle.

“Is that Champagne?” Carlos asked excitedly.

“No!” Benjamin answered definitively, “we’re on school property, I’m a teacher, and only three of you are legally allowed to drink. It’s sparkling cider.” As a few of the kids slumped their shoulders in disappointment Benjamin began pouring, “I just wanted to thank my band mates for all the help with my surprise.”

“It was truly one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen,” Maddox comments, holding back a laugh, “I’m tempted to put it online.”

“Please don’t,” EJ begs, “It’s already going to be tough enough getting a teaching position with the Frozen Documentary hanging over my head. I think my dance moves might be the final nail in my coffin of my teaching career before it’s even started.”

“EJ, my tallest child,” Miss Jenn chimes in, “I started teaching before I even got my teaching certificate. I’m sure you’ll be fine.”

“Well,” Jet interjects holding up his flute of cider, “I’d like to propose a toast…to 5 Degrees East, for helping me fulfill my childhood dream of being in a boyband even if it’s only for one night.”

“To 5 Degrees East,” the group cheered.

“You know,” Gina says after she drinks some cider, “I always wanted to date a member of a boyband.”

“Oh, Really?” Ricky playfully prods.

“Mhm,” Gina nods, “admittedly I was hoping it’d been a member of BTS but…I suppose you’ll do.”

“I would hope so,” Ricky chuckles as he leans up and briefly meets Gina’s lips with his own. “Quick question: Who’s BTS?” Almost the entire table gasped in disbelief, Gina was the exception. She chuckled as she shook her head.

“No, no, no!” Carlos shouts. “That is unacceptable Richard Bowen. Gina fix your boyfriend, fix him immediately.”

“Don’t worry cutie,” Gina comforts her boyfriend, “you not knowing about arguably the most popular boyband in the world, it’s very on brand for you.” As everyone including Ricky laughs at that Gina kisses Ricky’s forehead before turning back and raising her glass, “now an official toast to the bride and groom. Both of you have always been here for us and have been our cheerleader or given us tough love, whatever we needed at the time.”

“Hear, hear,” Ricky chimes in.

“So thank you both, and we love you,” Gina finishes.

“We love you,” the Wildcats toasted their former teachers. 

Miss Jenn was inconsolable for a good 10 minutes.

Jennifer had changed out of her wildly expensive wedding dress (the one thing she splurged on for her wedding) and was in sweater and jeans as she stood in the courtyard of East High. Benjamin was packing their car with the various presents and the few odds and ends of the wedding before he pulled around to pick her up and take her home. As she waited Ricky and Gina appeared next to her.

“Hey, Miss Jenn,” Gina said before wrapping her in a hug, “thanks for inviting us.”

“Of course,” Jennifer returned the hug, “I’m so glad you two could make it. My own Troy and Gabriella.” After separating from the younger woman, Ricky slipped in and gave her a hug as well. As the young couple stood in front of her Jenn couldn’t help but ask, “so did this whole experience give you two any ideas for your eventual stroll down the aisle?”

Ricky and Gina went through shock and surprise in a split second before they both gave flustered stammering replies to the question. Jennifer couldn’t help but be amused by how off balance the pair were at the very simple question. They had to know most everyone was thinking it. It seemed inevitable.

Finally having some pity on her former students Jenn says, “you two don’t have to answer if you don’t want to think about those big decisions yet. I mean I heard you two just moved in together and it’s not like you’re engaged. You two don’t have to be thinking about tying the knot until you’re ready.”

“Thanks Miss Jenn,” Ricky says his face still beet red before adding, “or I guess it’s Ms. Jenn now.”

“That’s going to take some getting used to,” Jennifer says in slight state of shock, “but putting that aside for the moment, I just asked because from the moment I heard you two were together I knew you would be magic. That’s part of the reason I cast you as Troyella in HSM3.”

“Wait,” Ricky says perplexed, “I didn’t tell you Gina and I were dating until Halloween and that was after our first fight. You knew we were together before that?”

“Ricky, I was dating your dad and I spent a decent amount of time at your apartment,” Jennifer points out.

“My dad told you we were together,” Ricky realizes.

“He told me you two were together immediately after you told him.” Ricky buries his face in his hands in exasperation as Jenn continues, “Even if he hadn’t, you had two framed pictures of Gina in your room which would have been a pretty good clue. But the most obvious evidence, even if I hadn’t known, would have to be your Can I Have This Dance? performance at the read through. As much as I wish life was like a musical, people don’t just spontaneously learn choreography without some degree of practice. You two were terrible at keeping your relationship a secret.”

“Seriously,” Gina comments, “I do not know how we got away with it for as long as we did.”

“Thankfully we didn’t keep that going,” Ricky adds, “it might have killed me not getting to do this in public.” Ricky leans down and steals a quick kiss.

Even after almost four years together, they both still acted like the lovestruck teens who were drawn together by fate. Ms. Jenn could only hope that these two could go the distance and beat the odds. As she looked on at the young couple laughing and being playful together, she prayed to whatever theatre gods may or may not exist to give these two a happily ever after.

Ms. Jenn sighed contently as she laid her head in her husband’s shoulder. 

“What are you thinking about?” Benjamin asks her.

“Just thinking about our wedding day,” Jenn answers dreamily.

“Wishing it was more like this?”

“Sometimes,” Ms. Jenn answers honestly, “but I loved our wedding and our reception. And…I’m hoping that maybe a certain boyband might be having a reunion concert.”

“Sorry to disappoint you Jennifer, but our male singing institution was a one night only performance,” Benjamin answers matter of factly, “unless they replaced me without telling me.”

“They wouldn’t dare!” Jennifer exclaims a little too loudly. As everyone turns to look at her in a hushed tone she says, “sorry everyone.” 

Everyone was still being seated for the ceremony which was due to start in less than an hour, and Jennifer had to silently thank the theatre gods for answering her prayer to let Ricky and Gina get to this point. Now though she had a new prayer for them, to let the young couple be as happy as she had been these last few years.

While waiting Ms. Jenn decided to socialize with the various guests since they had a little while to go. She spent a little bit of time talking to the Bowens, which was not as awkward as she thought it was going to be (but it was still pretty awkward). Of course Ashlyn’s parents were there and Kourtney’s mom. Noticing the Salazar-Roberts family Ms. Jenn made her way over and spent a good five minutes talking to Nini’s moms, before noticing her original Gabriella talking to the string quartet in the corner.

Making her way over to Nini she overheard her talking about tempo with the group, before saying Ms. Jenn interrupted with, “Hi Nini. It’s great to see you.”

Nini turned to face Ms. Jenn and squealed as she embraced her former drama teacher, “Miss Jenn, it’s so good to see you! My gosh, I haven’t seen you since…Shallow Lake, I think.”

“When you were trying to decide whether or not to spend your senior year in California or come back to East High and make my casting for Gabriella a much more difficult decision,” Ms. Jenn jokes.

“Oh please,” Nini scoffs, “Ricky and Gina have incredible chemistry and sound amazing together. I would have picked them to play Troy and Gabriella. Also I’m pretty sure Ricky would have quit if Gina wasn’t his Gabriella.”

“Maybe, but Gina would have stopped him and told him to do the show anyway,” Ms. Jenn adds. “I swear that girl always knows what to say to Ricky. She’s got him wrapped around her little finger.” 

“Oh completely,” Nini agrees with a laugh. “I’ve seen them a few times the last couple of years and every time I could swear Ricky was even more infatuated with Gina than he was before.”

After chatting and laughing for a few more minutes Ms. Jenn and Nini decided they would catch up more at the reception since the wedding was due to start soon. As she was making her way back to her seat Jennifer noticed a few things. First she noticed Benjamin at the sound board double checking settings and making last minute adjustments (she was so grateful to Ricky and Gina for giving her husband something to do so he wouldn’t get bored). She also noticed Terri Porter being shown to a seat in the back, and Jennifer sighed with relief, hoping that the fact Gina’s mother was here was leading to some degree of reconciliation between the two. Finally she noticed a few members of the wedding party just out in the foyer arguing in hushed tones.

Since having her twins, Jennifer’s maternal instincts were in overdrive and she could tell something was wrong. Before she could fully comprehend what was happening, she was standing beside the trio of Big Red, Ashlyn, and Emmy as they argued. “Kiddos what’s wrong? The wedding’s about to start.” The three jumped at her sudden appearance. The trio all tried to act calm, as if nothing was wrong, but that only made Ms. Jenn more suspicious. After giving her best mom glare it didn’t take long before one of them cracked…

“The wedding may not be happening in the next few minutes,” Ashlyn blurted out.

“Ashlyn!” Emmy reprimanded.

“Come on, Ash,” Big Red chastised.

“What do you mean?” Ms. Jenn questions worriedly. What is said next caused Jennifer to have and out of body experience, as worry and panic filled her very being.

Big Red guiltily avoids eye contact as he informs, “We kinda…don’t have…the rings.”

Chapter Text

“Okay I need to know who’s responsible for this,” Jamie states after hearing the news, “because this wedding is about to become your funeral.” Jamie stood surrounded by the entirety of the wedding party, excluding the bride and groom, and their old drama teacher waiting for an answer. Everyone present turned to the Best Man, Big Red.

“This is not my fault,” Big Red tries in vain to defend himself.

“It 100% is your fault,” Jet shot back, “You’re the Best Man. The rings are your responsibility. Which I might add Ricky reminded you of last night when he gave them to you.”

“I know,” Big Red says, “which is why, when I went out for food last night, I put them in the glovebox of the rental van my family was using to cater the reception. That way I wouldn’t forget them and I wouldn’t accidentally lose them in whatever I was cooking like I was in a sitcom.”

“Wait, so we do have the rings?” Seb asks.

“No,” Big Red answers sheepishly, “turns out that van had engine trouble this morning so my family rented another van to transport themselves and the food. I just found out a few minutes ago.” As the group sighs and scoffs at the news Big Red continues, “but…my dad stayed behind to get the original van fixed and he’s on his way with the rings as we speak.”

“Great,” Jamie sighs with relief, “when will he be here?”

Big Red grimaces as he says, “Thirty minutes…maybe an hour.” The wedding party lets out a group sigh as the wedding was supposed to start in ten minutes. 

“What if,” Ms. Jenn chimes in, “we got a couple to loan their wedding bands for the ceremony?That way the wedding would be on time. Benjamin and I would be more than willing to loan ours.”

“That might work for the ceremony,” Kourtney interjects, “But for the pictures after, it’s a no go. Gina and Ricky’s rings are custom made and very special. I would know, I helped design them. I don’t think they’d want to be wearing someone else’s rings in their wedding pictures.”

“How special are these rings exactly?” EJ asks.

“Well for starters,” Kourtney takes a deep breath as she explains, “the rings are actually made with two different metals. The outer layer is gold but it’s engraved with a few notes of music, the first measure of their song Maybe This Time. In addition Ricky’s ring is engraved the key of G while Gina’s is in the Key of B.”

“G for Gina, B for Bowen,” Jet interjects.

“Mhm,” Kourtney confirms, “but that’s not all. The inner metal is made with a particular metal that means a lot to them.”

“Titanium? Platinum?” Carlos guesses.

“No that’s what we would get as Presidents of The Finer Things Club,” Kourtney points out to her friend, “Ricky and Gina are two of the most sentimental people on the planet so…do you all remember a few years back when Ricky and Gina finally had to get a new car?”

“Yeah, Ricky was crushed,” Big Red says as every nods, “he loved that car.” 

“Well,” Kourtney continues, “Gina and Ricky salvaged some parts of the beetle. Like the backseat which has been repurposed as the loveseat in their basement.”

“Kourtney where are you going with this?” Maddox asks the worry in her voice matching the worry filling everyone in the vicinity.

Kourtney sighs, “the other metal is made from Ricky’s old car. The place where Ricky and Gina realized there was a connection between them. That way they’d always be carrying around a piece of the place they were when they realized they were falling for each other.” 

The entire group turned to glare at Big Red as he begs worriedly, “please tell me there’s no more.”

“The inside is also engraved with important dates in their relationship,” Kourtney adds twisting the knife, “Homecoming, their first kiss, the first time they said ‘I love you’ to each other, and one other date they wouldn’t tell me. Other than that, that’s it.”

“Well Biggie it was nice knowing you,” Ashlyn says only half joking, “I’ll be sure to say kind words at your funeral.”

“Is there really nothing else we can do?” Jamie asks desperately.

As everyone shakes their heads Emmy suddenly speaks up, “there might be one thing.” Everyone looks at her with renewed hope as she explains, “there’s a resource I had on standby for Mr. Bleu but since he can’t make it…Red I need you to come with me, I need you to call your dad to coordinate this. Everyone else,” Emmy turns to the assembled wedding party, “I need you all to inform and distract everyone. Even if I can pull this off the wedding is still going to be delayed for at least 10 to 15 minutes.” Everyone nodded in understanding as they all split up to keep the people from climbing up the walls at the delay.

Jamie volunteered to deal with Gina solo. He was her older brother, he was walking her down the aisle, he should be the one to bite the bullet and tell her the wedding was going to be happening later than expected. 

Jamie hadn’t always been the best older brother. He and Terri had started having a strained relationship when he was in high school. Every time she tried to push him to get better grades, make better friends, just be her version of the best he could be, he could hardly stand it. Jamie remembered a poster on his guidance counselor’s wall that said, ‘Pressure can turn a lump of coal into a flawless diamond. It can also turn an ordinary person into a perfect basket case,’ which perfectly encapsulated how he felt. He felt like he was going insane living in his mom’s house, so as soon as he graduated he got out of there and never looked back. Maybe he should have.

Jamie never considered the pressure he had felt would suddenly be shifted to his little sister. On top of that, not long after he left his mom got her dream job at FEMA and started moving around, never staying anywhere for too long. If Jamie could change how he interacted with his family in the years after he left, he would have. He would have called more often, visited more. Gina had no friends, no stability, and, between him and their mom, absent family. He’d left his baby sister alone, and he hated himself for it. The only solace he took was at least she had found a family at East High.

Entering the bridal suite he still could not believe that his little sister, who clung to him like a shadow when she was little, had grown into such a strong confident woman. The way Gina carried herself was enthralling to anyone privileged enough to be in her presence. Her natural poise combined with the stunning dress she wore was truly a sight to behold, and Jamie hoped Ricky wouldn’t just immediately pass out when he first saw Gina. 

Gina smiles a brilliant smile at her brother as she asks, “is it time?”

“Not quite yet,” Jamie answered with a grimace.

An inquisitive look crossed Gina’s face as she stated, “something’s wrong.”

“What makes you say that?” Jamie nervously chuckled.

“Your face,” Gina replied matter of factly, “it’s the same expression as when you told me you were leaving for college.”Jamie sighed in defeat as Gina continued to press, “So what is it? Are the flowers wrong? Did the Redonoviches burn the food? Did Ricky get cold feet?”

“Definitely not the last one,” Jamie responds.

“Good. Even saying it out loud gave me heart palpitations,” Gina says partially serious. “So what is it?”

What followed was few minutes of explaining the situation. When Jamie informed Gina of the missing rings he saw all the color drain from her face, but quickly pivoted, before Gina began to hyperventilate, to how they were getting them and the wedding would only be delayed maybe 15 minutes. After explaining Gina still looked slightly panicked but not nearly as much as before. 

“You feeling okay, Gigi?” Jamie asked.

“Well I definitely have heart palpitations now,” Gina answered in a joking tone, but what was almost certainly not a joke.

“What can I do?” Jamie inquired trying to help his baby sister. “Maybe a story? You know to help distract you from your panic, like when you were little.”

“That sounds nice,” Gina says as she smiles with gratitude.

“Okay,” Jamie says as he mentally sorts through all the stories in his mind. “I know,” Jamie smirks thinking of the perfect story, “how about the story of the first time I met my soon to be brother-in-law?”

Gina beams as she nods her head in anticipation.

The coffee shop Gina had picked out was adorable, for lack of a better word. It clearly was trying to be like a french cafe, with its few outside metal tables and license free french style music playing, while still being a standard coffee shop near a college campus. Ever since coming to her opening night of Beauty and The Beast, Gina had reached out more to Jamie. While the occasional text was appreciated, Jamie noticed her messages were becoming more and more frequent in her senior year. Knowing what must be going on Jamie had done his best to correspond with his sister more frequently, to make sure at least one family member was being supportive.

Now though, Gina was done with their mother and had moved nearby (an hour away in traffic, but that was pretty good for California) to him as she went to college. Gina had just started classes but was eager to actually see Jamie face to face and have him meet her boyfriend of over two years in person. So, Gina had picked a place near her campus for the three of them to  have coffee and chat.

Jamie was sipping on his coffee as a curly haired boy nervously approached him with drinks in hand. Jamie recognized Ricky from the pictures on Gina’s instagram, her supporting player in some of her TikToks, her co-star in her upcoming movie, and of course from the viral video of him singing a song to Gina at a press conference about how much he loved her. Jamie put on his most polite smile, stood and offered a handshake to the nervous kid, “Ricky, right?”

“Yeah,” Ricky smiled and starting to reach out his hand before realizing both were full. Quickly placing down one of the cups and a small paper bag, Ricky then outstretched his own hand taking the Jamie’s, “Jamie, it’s so nice to finally meet you. Gina’s told me so much about you.”

“All good things I hope,” Jamie chuckles. Ricky chuckles and nods as he finally lets go and both men take a seat. “Gigi’s told me a lot about you too.”

“All good?” Ricky asks jokingly.

“Mostly,” Jamie jokes back. After the exchanging of pleasantries the two men sat in an awkward silence for a few minutes, unsure of what to talk about. Finally Jamie broke the silence, “so I see you got Gigi a coffee.”

“Yeah, well, I kind of have her order memorized so,” Ricky explains.

“And what’s in the bag?” Jamie gestures to the paper bag by Gina’s waiting coffee cup.

“Oh, uh, a croissant,” Ricky answers. “Gina’s still adjusting to her college schedule and I just wanted to make sure she had some food. It wouldn’t be the first time she was so busy she forgot to eat.”

Jamie chuckled, “that does sound like Gina. Where is she? Do you know?”

“She said she would be here by-,” Ricky was interrupted by the sound of his phone going off. After checking it Ricky sighs and informs Jamie, “she just texted saying she’s running a bit behind schedule…which I’m now realizing may have been her plan all along.”

Jamie starts laughing, “let me guess, she wants us to bond.”

“It has been mentioned,” Ricky confirms with a grin. “Gina respects your opinion a lot and I think we’re both just worried that another Porter may not like me.”

“Look Ricky, I’m not my mother,” Jamie assures the younger man, “I’m not going to make any snap judgments about you.” Ricky sighs with relief, but that relief is short lived as Jamie adds, “that said, I am a little wary of you.”

“What? Why?”

“Gina’s not the only one I’ve heard about you from,” Jamie explains, “I’ve also heard about you from Nina.”

“Nina?” Ricky looks confused before the gears in his head align and he connects the dots, “oh Nini. She’s talked about me?”

“I asked her about you when I first heard about you and Gina,” Jamie clarifies, “she told me a bit about your time dating her, mostly good. But I also know a bit from being her producer.”

“Like Nini’s written songs about me? About us? How many?” Ricky asks rapidly.

“I’m not at liberty to discuss that,” Jamie deflects with a single statement. As Ricky slumps in his chair in frustration Jamie continues, “look I know you and Gina really love each other and you’re solid, but from what I’ve heard you and Nina were good too…until you weren’t. I just don’t want my little sister to get her heart broken.”

Ricky sighs as he says, “I understand why you’re worried, but Gina and I are nothing like the way I was with Nini.”

“Are you sure about that?” Jamie asks concern filing his voice.

“Look,” Ricky starts after taking a breath, “you have to understand a bit of who I was when Nini and I first started dating, who I was before I met Gina. The guy that I was, he coasted through life. I didn’t care about school, or hobbies, or really anything. I was lazy in my life and in my relationships, including with Nini. I think back on the stuff she let me get away with when we first started dating and I can’t believe I ever acted like that. But Nini let me get away with that stuff and I thought that was why we worked.

“I had known Nini since I was six years old,” Ricky continued, “She’s one of my oldest friends in the world. I mean she gave me my nickname and I gave her her’s. She was my first crush, my first kiss, my first real girlfriend, and because of that I was convinced that she was the girl who understood me, the girl who knew me. I spent most of life convinced that she was the girl I was destined to end up with. But when my life started getting real, and my parent’s marriage was falling apart, I couldn’t say anything to her. I couldn’t tell the girl I had spent my whole life with how I was really feeling.

“My world was spiraling and then…then I met Gina,” Ricky’s smile is infectious as Jamie sees Ricky reliving meeting Gina for the first time. “Over the course of a few weeks we had three conversations. Real conversations. I don’t count the one where I called her out because I was jealous and didn’t know why. After that third conversation, this girl who I didn’t even know existed a month ago, was suddenly my best friend. And I know, I know, it’s a cliche to say your significant other is your best friend, but it’s the truth. I had just met her and Gina could understand me better than people who have known me my whole life. She knew me better than I knew myself. The thing that surprised me most though, was she could see me.

“And not just who I was, she saw who I could be, and I liked that. I wanted to be the person Gina saw when she looked at me. So I started really trying to be…better. I didn’t coast anymore. I found a passion for theatre I didn’t know was there. And even when Nini started noticing me again, it didn’t matter, because the way Gina looked at me during rehearsals…she would smile and I could see in her eyes, she was proud of me, and I liked the feeling of her being proud of me. It’s funny, I hated things changing, but I never realized how much she inspired me to change.

“But then,” Jamie looks on as Ricky’s face sinks recalling the next memories, “as quickly as she appeared she was gone, and the person she saw inside me went with her. So I tried to go back to who I was before. I became the guy who coasted through life, the guy who was convinced that Nini was who I was meant to be with.”

“Then Gina came back,” Jamie interjects.

“Yeah,” Ricky says barely louder than a whisper, “but she was leaving again so I didn’t allow myself to get my hopes up. She still looked at me and saw the person I could be though. I mean I was having the worst night. My mom showed up with her boyfriend and Nini was possibly leaving so I bailed, because that’s who I was. My mom tried to make me feel better but she couldn’t. And then, like my own personal angel, Gina was there. She made me feel better, she made me smile, she even got me to laugh a little bit, and then she got me to go back inside and finish what I’d started. Just for a moment, I felt like the guy Gina saw in me.”

“But you got together with Nina anyway,” Jamie reminds Ricky.

“I thought Gina was leaving,” Ricky explains, “little did I know the girl I thought was staying was leaving and the girl I thought was leaving was staying. Just when I was getting use to things changing they changed again, and the one person I wanted to talk about it with was the one person I had to keep at arms length. Before I knew it I’d alienated my best friend and immediately after that my relationship imploded. In retrospect those two events may not have been mutually exclusive. It turns out both Nini and I had changed too much for us to go back to who we used to be.”

“Let me ask you something,” Jamie gathers himself, “after everything, do you think you deserve my sister?”

“No, not at all,” Ricky answers without hesitation.

“Really?” Jamie asks a little impressed, “but you think you can make it work with her when you couldn’t with Nina?”

“I do,” Ricky responds confidently. “I have screwed up with Gina more times than I’m willing to admit, and she has forgiven me more times than I deserve, so I know the capacity of Gina’s forgiveness better than anyone. You think Gina is too good for me, and I agree with you. I am nowhere near worthy to be with her…but I’m never going to stop trying to be.” Ricky’s smile is matched only by Jamie’s as he continues, “Nothing matters more to me than Gina. Sure I want to graduate college, and I want to be in the music industry. I want to be in a few horror movies, and I would like to be on Broadway for a bit. But If I ever had to choose between those things and Gina, I’d choose Gina every time. And if I ever had to achieve those things to be with Gina, nothing would stop me, because Gina is my priority. More than anything else I want to be with her. I may never be the person Gina sees me as, but I will spend the rest of my life trying to become that person.”

Jamie simply nods his head and says, “Okay.”

“Okay?”

“Okay,” Jamie repeated.

Before Ricky can ask what Jamie means, Gina appears. 

“Hey sorry I’m late,” Gina greets as Ricky quickly stands and hugs his girlfriend gives her a kiss on the cheek to greet her. After that Jamie embraces his sister who he hasn’t seen in ages. As the three sit down Gina notices the third cup of coffee on the table. “Did you get me my usual?” Gina asks sweetly. 

“Of course I did Gi,” Ricky responds nonchalantly, “If you want I can get you another since it won’t be as hot now.”

“No, no,” Gina grabs Ricky’s arm as he goes to stand up, “It’s perfectly fine thank you.”

Ricky smiles as he informs Gina, “I also got you croissant.”

“Thank you so much. I’m starving,” Gina says as she grabs the pastry, “I’ve been so busy I forgot to eat today.” Ricky smirks at Jamie as Gina takes a bite. As she continues to eat Gina asks, “so what were you two talking about?”

“Oh, well-,” Ricky stammers out.

“I was actually just about to tell Ricky I’d love to hangout some more and tell him about the music business,” Jamie interrupts. “Maybe you’d like to shadow me in the studio for a few days, provided Gigi is okay with you hanging around your ex girlfriend.”

Ricky looks to Gina with a pleading pout before Gina responds, “I trust Ricky completely and I know how much he’d love to be in a recording studio.”

“I love you,” Ricky says tenderly.

“I love you too,” Gina says before leaving a lipstick stain on Ricky’s cheek.

Jamie looks on at the young in love couple and is so happy at how happy his baby sister is with this man sitting across from him. He’s even more thrilled at how he knows how much that man will work to make his sister happy, and those simple facts are all Jamie needs to know.

“Ricky really said all that about me?” Gina asks in disbelief as Jamie wraps up the story.

“He did,” Jamie confirms with a grin, “but he might work some of that into his vows so try to act surprised.”

“Please, I’m going to be bawling through my own vows, you think I won’t have a river a tears flowing down my face as Ricky says his?” Gina says.

“So the waterproof makeup was the right call,” Jamie states.

“It’s going to a battle to get off later…but yeah it was the right decision,” Gina admits.

As the siblings chuckle they hear a whirling and whooshing sound coming from outside. They look out the window and see a helicopter landing on the front lawn of the church. The pure absurdity of the situation causes the siblings to start laughing uncontrollably as Emmy and Big Red rush toward the chopper to get a small package the pilot is holding out for them.

As Jamie gets ahold of himself he turns to his sister and asks, “so, are you ready to go get married?”

Gina still out of breath from laughing grabs a nearby bouquet and and simply says, “It’s now or never.”

As Jamie and Gina approach the foyer, where the wedding party is gathering, they hear Ricky saying, “buddy, I love you, but I’m going to be holding this over your head for a very long time. Maybe forever.”

“I understand,” Big Red’s voice says flatly. 

“Bride approaching,” Emmy announces as she sees the siblings coming from the bridal suite, “Ricky turn around.”

“Fine,” Ricky scoffs.

“You too Gina,” Emmy says turning back to the bride. Gina turns around and with the help of their friends the couple are guided until they’re back to back. It’s clear both are anxious right before Emmy counts them down, “On three…1…2…3!”

As Ricky turns around to face Gina, he looks as if he’s been struck by lightning. His eyes begin to well up with tears and he can hardly catch his breath. Gina’s face begins to flush as Ricky looks at her in understandable awe. It’s clear Ricky wants to say something but the words are caught in his throat.

Jet leans over to Kourtney and whispers, “I thought you said-.”

“Give him a minute,” Kourtney cuts him off, “Ricky just needs a minute to adjust.”

It felt longer than a minute before Ricky finally managed to utter a barely audible, “wow.”

“So I look good?” Gina asks knowing the answer.

“You’re beautiful,” Ricky says as a couple of tears being flowing down his cheeks.

“And there’s two words,” Kourtney says, “we’re good.”

“You don’t look so bad yourself, Mr. Bowen,” Gina chuckles as she fixes Ricky’s tie. The tie was already perfect, Jamie could tell Gina just wanted an excuse to touch Ricky.

“Gi…is it okay if I kiss you right now?” Ricky asks in wonderment.

Gina didn’t say anything as she tenderly grabbed onto Ricky’s face and pulled him into her. Ricky leaned into Gina as she caressed his cheek with her thumb. One last kiss before they got married, a farewell to the old dynamic.

Finally separating Jamie steps forward, “okay so bad news, you two are going to need to be separated again but it’s only for a few minutes this time instead of a whole day.”

The young couple chuckle as Ricky says, “I’ll see you down there.”

“Can’t wait,” Gina adds with a radiant smile. Before Ricky could be pulled away Gina quickly adds, “I love you. Full stop.”

“I love you. Forever,” Ricky returns with his own beaming smile. 

Before leaving, Ricky and Jamie locked eyes and a brief communication happened without having to say a word. Jamie took a few deep breaths as he feared what he had to do.

Ricky was the first through the doors, his mom and dad there to greet him as they linked their arms through his and escorted him down the aisle. Next Big Red and Ashlyn went, followed by Kourtney and Carlos, then EJ and Maddox, and finally Emmy and Jet. The doors to the chapel closed allowing Gina and Jamie to get into position.

Gina linked her arm through Jamie’s as she held her bouquet. Jamie felt Gina shaking but it wasn’t nervousness. Jamie knew this was excitement. Gina had been looking forward to this for a long time and now it was finally happening.

“Hey, Jamie,” Gina whispers.

“Yeah Gigi.”

“Thanks for being here.”

“Of course,” Jamie smiles to hide his grimace, “by the way…Ricky wanted me to tell you…he changed the song you’re going down the aisle to.”

“He did what!” Gina loudly whispered.

“Smile Gigi, the doors are opening.”

Gina quickly faced forward and plastered a smile on her face as she said through gritted teeth, “he is so going to pay for this later.”

Jamie smiled, as out of the corner of his eye he saw the plastered faux smile soften into the genuine article, and Gina’s eyes fill with tears, as the string quartet starts to play and Nina Salazar-Roberts sings the song that was Ricky’s big surprise.

“I’ve been wishing on a falling star for to long.”

Chapter Text

“Mom, I’m going to need you to let go of Gina at some point in the next five minutes, because we have to go,” Ricky reminds his mother. Lynne Bowen had Gina Porter locked in a tight hug and seemed unwilling to let the young woman go. Ricky, Gina, and his parents stood by a waiting car. While everyone had brave faces on, it was clear all four were feeling melancholic at the situation at hand.

“I know,” Lynne finally acquiesced to her son’s request and let go Gina, “I’m just going to miss you both so much. Both of you going off to college, I’ve known this day was coming but it doesn’t make it any easier.”

Ricky leans over towards his dad and whispers, “mom does know I’ve already been in college for a year, right?”

“There’s a difference between you going to college here and leaving to go to college in California,” Mike points out to his son. Ricky lightly chuckles as he hugs his dad goodbye. “I’m gonna miss you, buddy. I love you. Be safe,” Mike says to Ricky as his voice cracks before adding, “and take care of her.”

Ricky gazes at Gina. Even after two years together he still could hardly catch his breath when he looked at her. She still made his heart race. Ricky often wondered if that reaction would ever go away, and hoped it never would. Sighing contently Ricky responded to his father, “I will, forever.”

Going over to hug his mom, Lynne said with heartbreak in her voice, “oh my baby boy. It seems like just yesterday you were learning to walk. And now here you are driving away from us.”

“It’s going to be okay mom,” Ricky comforts his mother.

“I know,” Lynne replies with sad smile, “I’m taking some solace in the fact that at least you two will be together.”

“So am I,” Ricky laughs, “Gina has been using like a thousand checklists to prepare for this.”

“I like to be prepared,” Gina retorts as she playfully smacks Ricky’s arm, “besides I’m kind of a pro at this.” It’s almost too fast to catch but Ricky sees Gina’s happy facade slip for just a fraction of a second. He knows how hard this must be on her, moving again, but Ricky was here for Gina for this move. 

“Well, speaking of being prepared, we really have to go,” Ricky says to his parents. “Gina has our entire roadtrip mapped out and scheduled. So if we don’t leave soon we’re going to fall behind.”

“Okay, okay,” Lynne reluctantly replies. “We love you both.”

“Bye you two, drive safe,” Mike adds.

“And please text us whenever you stop anywhere, even if it’s to get gas,” Lynne continues, “just so we know you’re safe.”

“We will,” Gina responds as Ricky rolls his eyes at his worrying parents, “bye Mr and Ms. Bowen.”

“Bye mom, bye dad,” Ricky bids farewell as he climbs into the driver’s seat of the packed orange beetle.

While most of their belongings were in a moving truck that was already on it’s way to California, Ricky and Gina had filled the back of the Bug up with several of their remaining belongings. Over the last couple days, Gina had been double and triple checking everything about their move, as if she was afraid she’d forget something. Ricky knew why Gina was doing it, and while she would laugh it off that she was ‘an expert’ at this, Ricky could tell this was bringing up some past trauma. 

As they started their drive, Ricky would glance over Gina. Gina was looking out the passenger window, quietly gazing at the place she considered home. She was looking at the streets and the buildings, trying to hide her heartache. Ricky could relate, which is why he knew exactly what to do (at least he hoped he did).

All it took was one turn before Gina said, “Ricky, this isn’t the way to the highway.”

“I know,” Ricky slyly responded, “we just have to make one quick stop before we go.”

“Ricky, it’s 8 am, we cannot have pizza for breakfast,” Gina sternly says assuming they’re heading towards Slices.

“I disagree, but we are not having that debate again, and we aren’t heading for Slices.”

“So where are we going?” Gina asks.

“You’ll see,” is all Ricky says as he grins.

After a few minutes the orange vehicle pulls into a parking lot it has stayed in hundreds of hours before. Looking at Ricky with a look of annoyed disbelief Gina asks, “Ricky why are we at East High?”

“There’s something we have to do,” Ricky answers.

“Ricky, we really need to get on the road before-,” Gina starts before Ricky interrupts her.

“Do you trust me?”

“Yes,” Gina replies already exasperated with the boy she loves, “I trust you…probably more than I should.”

“Come on then,” Ricky instructs as he outstretches his hand.

With that the young couple makes their way through their alma mater. As Ricky leads Gina through the building she tries to guess why they are there, “are you going to serenade me one last time in the rehearsal room? Or are we going to sing a duet on the stage for old times sake?  Or maybe one last dance together in the gym? Tell me!” Ricky remained silent much to Gina’s continued annoyance. After walking past the gym, the rehearsal room, and the theater, the couple quickly arrived at a very familiar stairwell.   

“Remember this place?” Ricky asks.

“You mean the stairwell where we first met and the entire trajectory of my life was forever changed?” Gina asked sardonically before facetiously answering her own question with, “vaguely.” Ricky laughs for a minute before Gina sincerely asks, “seriously, what are we doing here Ricky?”

After catching his breath Ricky answers, “I brought you here so we could say goodbye to this place.”

“Ricky I graduated months ago,” Gina reminds him. “You were there. I wore a white cap and gown, I had to give a speech as salutatorian, and when I got my diploma you shouted so loudly it set off people’s car alarms.”

“It was one car alarm and that was a coincidence,” Ricky rebuffs, before continuing, “but graduating isn’t the same thing as goodbye. I mean I graduated a year ago and I still haven’t fully said goodbye to this place.” 

“Ricky I’ve done this a million times,” Gina points out, “I’m used to it.”

“You keep saying that but I’m not convinced,” Ricky retorts, “Gi, this is the longest you’ve lived in one place since you were a kid. You made this place your home. East High isn’t just another school you went to, it’s where you found your family.” Ricky sits on the staircase and looks at Gina who’s standing by the doorframe, “we’re both saying goodbye to the place where we met.”

“Is that why we have to say goodbye to this spot in particular?” Gina inquires, “because we met here.”

“You said it yourself, that the trajectory of your life changed here,” Ricky reminds Gina with a playful grin, “but it’s not because we met…at least not fully.” The puzzled look on Gina’s face is enough encouragement for Ricky to explain and as he does Gina joins him on the stairs, “this was the place where you chose to be brave, to open yourself up to what East High, and by extension Salt Lake, had to offer. This where you made the decision that you weren’t going to keep people at bay anymore…even if it took a couple weeks to sink in.”

Gina chuckles as Ricky sees tears starting to pool in the corner of her eyes as she solemnly asks, “so what do we do now? I’ve kind of always just cut ties and left, the only times I really ever said goodbye was, well, you remember.”

Ricky did remember. He remembered the girl he loved crying in his arms on two separate occasions when she thought she was leaving. The first time he was too cowardly to admit even to himself how he felt about her, and the second time he raced to tell her exactly how he felt about her. 

Taking a breath Ricky answers, “I think we take in our surroundings. Remember the good times and the bad and everything in between. Then we say our goodbyes and we get in the car and we move forward…together.”

Ricky feels Gina lean against him and place her head on his shoulder and a feeling of completeness washes over him as Gina responds with a barely audible, “I like the sound of that.”

“Me too,” Ricky whispers back before gently lifting her face and kissing her comfortingly. The pair of them sit in silence for a few minutes, reflecting on their time at East High and the last three years. 

Ricky thinks back to meeting Gina and the advice she gave him. He thinks to running into her at the skate part and Homecoming and talking in her driveway afterwards. He remembers finding his passion for the musicals he had thought were unrealistic and dumb. He thinks to opening night when he felt on top of the world after finally being able to Nini he loved her, only for his heart to shatter moments later as Gina broke down in front of him. 

The uneasy second semester of his Junior year where he went through emotional growing pains. Looking back he hated how he handled things with Gina during that time, trying to find a way to fit her in his life while trying desperately to make things work with Nini leading to his heart being broken two ways within a few weeks. The pain he felt as he watched Gina and EJ grow closer and himself trying to find some solace in Lily. Dating Lily may not have been the worst mistake Ricky ever made but she easily made the top three.

Ricky remembers his senior year. Gina and he were finally together and the happiness he felt was immeasurable. The secret rendezvouses and the excitement of their new relationship that had been a long time coming. He thinks on the uncontrollable jealousy he felt as he was forced to watch Gina and Mack dance and kiss. The pain of that was only surpassed by the shutting down of the drama club, his home away from home. Ricky had thought no pain could be worse, until Terri Porter told him about Gina leaving to film a movie in New Zealand. Finally being able to tell Gina he loved her despite the pain he felt did help, but hearing she wasn’t leaving him at all took away all the pain he had been experiencing.

In the months that followed, Gina and him filmed their movie, and Ricky finished up his senior year. They performed the final musical they would do together and going to prom being a particular highlight for the end of his time at East High. Ricky graduated and actually had college plans (much to everyone’s shock). Ricky wasn’t done with East High though. He watched as Gina had dominated the stage in her last two musicals, with Emmy and Ashlyn and Carlos and Jet and Seb by her side, and Ricky was so proud of all of them. Ricky seeing Gina in her white cap and gown and walk across the East High stage one last time to accept her diploma would forever fill him with such pride in his girl.

Ricky remembers all of the friends he made, the adventures they went on, the happiness they found. He remembers it all, the good and the bad. Taking a deep breath Ricky silently bids the school that changed his life a fond farewell. He then turns to Gina who is wiping away a couple loose tears as she says somberly, “I’m really going to miss this place.”

“I am too,” Ricky agrees. 

It took all their strength for the young couple to finally stand and start making their way to the awaiting car and the future that they were headed to. As the pair open their respective doors they both look longingly back at the school before swallowing their pain and getting in the car. As they drove in silence for a few minutes Ricky glanced over at Gina and while she was still visibly sad at leaving the place she called home, he could tell she seemed lighter, as if a weight had been lifted off her. 

Still the desire to comfort Gina was overwhelming as Ricky broke the silence by saying, “we get to go back, you know?”

“Hm?” Gina sounds puzzled as she breaks out of her stupor.

“Unlike your other moves, we don’t have to cut all ties,” Ricky informs, “we get to go back. In fact we have to go back. My mom will be very upset if we don’t make it back for Thanksgiving and Christmas.” Ricky internally breathes a sigh of relief as Gina starts laughing at his joke.

As they enter the highway Ricky offers his right hand to Gina and she puts her left hand securely in his. As they interlock their fingers Ricky brings their entwined hands to his lips and lightly kisses the back of Gina’s hand. As Gina giggles she grabs her phone and plugs it in to the car.

“I made a playlist for the drive,” Gina explains as she presses play.

Ricky shakes his head and rolls his eyes as he hears his own voice come out of the speakers.

“I been wishin’ on a fallin’ star for too long.”

“I’ve been running I don’t know what from.”

Nini sings the song he wrote so long ago for the woman currently walking down the aisle. Gina is so beautiful that Ricky can hardly believe his eyes. Gina always looks beautiful whether she’s in a $15,000 dress or wearing one of his old t-shirts and sweatpants. Today though she embodies what Ricky always thought she was, an Angel, his Angel, bright and shining and perfect. While the dress and the expertly done makeup were certainly accentuating Gina’s natural gorgeousness, what truly left Ricky dumbstruck was what the dress represented: their future together.

Tears had started forming in Ricky’s eyes the moment the doors opened revealing Gina in all her splendor and they started flowing the moment Ricky saw Gina also having joyous tears form in her eyes as she glided down the aisle. Despite the tears both beamed with so much happiness that to an outside observer they probably looked insane. They definitely were, at least a little bit. 

Everyone stands and looks at Gina, extravagant as she is, all eyes on her, but her eyes were locked with Ricky’s as it feels like it’s only them in the room as the song sounds in the background.

“Because You and I’ve become a sacred kind of home.

“I’m in love, I’m in love, I’m in love and I know it.

“So rare, so real, right here in this moment.

“I’ve never been more sure of what I got,

“And I’m staring at the only thing I want so,

“I’ll say it first no matter what the cost/

“Here I am, full heart, full stop,

“I love you.”

Ricky flashes back to the first time he sang this song and how, as he stood in front of Gina, he pictured this moment. Although he had to admit the reality was far better than he could have ever imagined.

“I want to finish what we started in the stairwell where we met,

“I want to live like I have never even heard the word regret,

“I want to scream what’s in my heart and I won’t ever take it back,”

Gina is mere steps away as Jamie gives his sister a quick hug and Gina walks to stand in front of Ricky, a face covered in tears of love, just as the song finishes.

“Cause I love you feels a lot like High School,”

“And forever after that,” Ricky sings the last line just as he and Gina intertwine their hands together, tears in both their eyes. After taking a moment Ricky whispers, “did you like the song?”

Like a pull of gravity Ricky and Gina began to fall towards each other to kiss, only to be stopped by a hand between their faces, breaking them out of the fantasy they were wrapped up in as Dewey Wood said, “no skipping ahead.” The couple gives their officiant matching looks of exasperated disbelief as he addresses the wedding guests to, “please be seated.”

As the crowd sits down Ricky and Gina both manage to pull in their tears as they look longingly at each other as Dewey begins, “Weddings…are so uniquely human. No other animal, at least to my knowledge, has anything even close to what we humans do when we decide that two of us want to share our lives together. In that same vein though, weddings are one of the things that unite all of us together. Across cultures and religions and traditions, most weddings can be boiled down to two people pledging themselves to each other, surrounded by friends and family to witness their declaration, and a leader of some variety to oversee the ceremony.”

The crowd chuckles as Dewey continues, “what’s also uniquely human is the deciding factor by which we use to bind us to another person: Love. While animals use their vibrant plumage or their superior strength to attract a mate, humans let love guide us, for better or worse. I know I don’t have to tell you two that Love is not a thing you get. It’s work and tears and sweat. And over the last several years you two have certainly put in the work. In the case of Ricky Bowen and Gina Porter the love you two feel for each other is what ultimately brought you two together and what has allowed you to stay together, and it’s also brought the people here who have chosen to love and support you and your relationship now and in the years to come.

“Since you both are theatre kids I thought it appropriate to tell you a fun fact I learned. William Shakespeare only ever wrote comedies and tragedies. The tragedies always ended in death, but the comedies always ended in marriage. Death was meant to symbolize an ending, but marriage symbolized a beginning. Your marriage today is only the beginning of your lives together. Cherish it. Now, I understand you both have written your own vows. Who would like to go first?” Dewey asks.

“I will,” Gina quickly replies. Gina turns around and Ashlyn hands her a folded up piece of paper. Gina unfolds it, takes a breath. “Ricky,” Gina starts as her voice cracks as tears start to flow again, “I’m already crying.”

“It’s okay,” Ricky whispers as he goes to cradle her face and wipe some of the tears, “it’s just you and me.”

Gina lowers the paper looking directly into Ricky’s eyes and starts again, “Ricky, when I met you, I had shut myself off from the world. I had decided it was easier to just not care about people who were just going to end up disappearing or disappointing me. But when I met you I decided to risk everything and put myself out there, and I’m so happy I did. From that day on it felt like I was drawn to you and the joy and fun you have brought my life have made the sting of all my years alone, not only bearable, but worth it. Because I met you, I was able to make friends that are as close to me as family, I have a career I had only dreamed about since I was a kid, and I found a home… in you. 

“Ricky Bowen you have been so much more than just my partner, you’ve been my protector, my rescuer, my shelter, and my shield. You’ve been biggest supporter, my superhero, my first super cute super fan, and my favorite fan at that. You’re my confidante, my study buddy, my favorite artist, and my secret admirer. Not to mention, you are my first friend, my best friend, my first love, my great love, my other half, my soulmate. You’re my Kristoff, my Romeo, my Troy, and most importantly…You’re my Ricky. And all of that is still only scratching the surface of what you are to me.

“From the moment we met, you’ve always been able to see me, even when I couldn’t see myself. You’ve understood things about me I struggled to accept, and you’ve known me and loved me and accepted me even when I didn’t love myself. Eight years ago I told you that you weren’t a ‘maybe’ to me, that you were a ‘yes.’ Everyday since then, that statement is even more true. You are the one thing in my life I am absolutely certain about. I know that people think the odds are stacked against us and I don’t know what will happen tomorrow, or next year, or in five years, or in fifty, but what I do know, with absolute certainty, is that you and I can face everything as long as we’re together. 

“I love you so much, Ricky Bowen. I always have. I always will.” 

As Gina finishes the tears are flowing down her face, but she’s not the only one. Ricky can barely see through all the tears in his eyes and the sound of sniffling through the chapel as well as behind Ricky and Gina, signals that there are several more people crying.

As Ricky reaches into his coat pocket, he wipes some of his tears away as he feels Gina’s hand on his face wiping a few more away as she says repeats what Ricky had just told her, “It’s just you and me.”

Ricky finds what he was looking for as he pulled out his own folded piece of paper with his vows. The thing is he didn’t actually need them. He only had the physical copy for posterity. Ricky had known exactly what he had wanted to say for a long time. The words on the page were already seared in his mind and carved into his heart.

Ricky wiped away a few loose tears before taking a breath and pouring out his heart, “Gina…Over the years I’ve written, I don’t even know how many songs for you and about you and about how I feel about you. Even with all those songs, and the hundreds, if not thousands, more I’ll write in my lifetime, I still don’t think it’s actually possible for me to tell you exactly how much I love you. When I met you I felt so lost, so directionless, I felt hopeless, I had no real passion for anything. Then I saw this girl in the hall who I thought would be brutally honest and I’m so glad it was you I called over because you inspired me that day and everyday since, but more than that, that day you saved me. I was going through a pretty tough time when we met and I don’t know where I’d be right now if you hadn’t come into my life.

“I know it took us almost a year to get our timing right, and I wish that maybe we could’ve gotten together sooner. I don’t know how many times I’ve told you that I feel like I’ve known you my whole life, and that I’ve felt that since the beginning. I wish I had known you my whole life, if only just so I could have 10 more years with you. I’d even take just 10 more seconds with you, because every moment with you has been a gift. Everyday with you has been the greatest day of my life. Because everyday I fall in love with you a little bit more and I wouldn’t trade a single second of the time we’ve had together. I wouldn’t trade our worst day together for thousand of the best ones with someone else.

“Gina, I always hated change, but with you, you taught me that change can be amazing, if you’re open to it. Gi…you are the best change that has ever happened to me. And I know our relationship is going to keep changing and growing, but I’m not scared. I can’t wait to see what comes next for us. I can’t wait to see who we are next year, and the year after that, and the year after that.

“No matter how we change, I love you so much…My Intimidating Girl,” Ricky finishes and looks at Gina.

Gina smiles as more tears run down both of their faces as she says, “My Skater Boy.”

The couple begins leaning towards each other once more, only to be interrupted once again as Dewey Wood says, “not yet.” If looks could kill Dewey would be a pile of ash as Ricky and Gina stare daggers at him. “We’re almost done…the rings please.”

Having been waiting for his cue, Seb Matthew-Smith stood up excitedly from his seat in the front row. He pulled a small silver whistle from his pocket and blew into it but it was barely audible. Suddenly a bark sounded as a golden retriever comes racing down the aisle stopping just in front of Seb. The Labrador was a wedding gift from Mack, one of the dogs that played Spark to act as their ring bearer. Big Red and Ashlyn approached the dog and removed the rings that hung from his collar before handing them to Ricky and Gina. Seb and the dog quickly took a seat in the front row as the wedding continued.

“Alright here we go,” Dewey says with a tinge of excitement as he turns to Ricky, “Do you, Ricky Bowen, take Gina to be your wife, to have and to hold, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish her, for as long as you both live?”

Ricky smiles as he slides the ring on to Gina’s awaiting finger, “I do, forever.”

Dewey turns to Gina, “and do you, Gina Porter, take Ricky to be your husband, to have and to hold, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish him, for as long as you both live?”

Gina smiles so soft and sweetly it reminds Ricky of a sunrise as she slides the ring in her hand onto Ricky’s finger and replies, “I do, forever.”

“Then, by the power vested in me, by the State of California, it is my honor and my privilege to pronounce you two married,” Dewey says matter of factly only to be met by stares from those assembled. After a beat Dewey says, “this is the part where you’re allowed to kiss.” A few chuckles can be heard but are quickly drowned out by the uproarious shouts and applause as Ricky and Gina crash into each other. 

Ricky feels the electricity flow through him as he is finally allowed to kiss the woman of his dreams. Ricky doesn’t know the exact number of times he and Gina have kissed, a few hundred thousand times at least, but this kiss feels different. This kiss feels special. It feels familiar but unexplainable at the same time. As they finally part Ricky can’t help himself as he wraps his arms around Gina and lifts her off the ground and spins her around in pure joy. Putting her down the newlyweds laugh before kissing one more time to more cheers, before Gina links her arm through Ricky’s and the pair make their way down the aisle, hearts overflowing with love.

Their first stroll as Mister and Missus Porter-Bowen.

They had never been happier.

Chapter Text

Gina’s face hurt from smiling, her eyes were puffy from crying, her feet hurt from having to stand around in heels, and she had never been happier. The pictures were currently being taken and it was a slow process, but Gina knew that she was going to love every picture from today and treasure them forever. One factor that kept extending the pictures being taken was the fact every few minutes they’d have to stop because Gina’s new husband just had to kiss her (not that she minded). 

Just thinking about that word “husband” made Gina feel giddy. Ricky Bowen was her husband. If Gina could tell her fifteen year old self that one day the idiot boy who she felt inexplicably drawn to, was going to be her husband, her younger self would probably not have believed her. Of course present Gina, in her wedding dress, wearing her engagement ring and wedding ring, and standing next to Ricky, could hardly believe it herself. 

After about a hundred pictures they were finally done. The assembled loved ones, who had stayed behind for pictures with the happy couple, began to grab their few belongings to make their way to the reception where the rest of the wedding guests were waiting. Ricky grabbed Gina’s hand and gently pulled her close to him. Gina couldn’t decide if he was being extra affectionate because of the wedding of because they had been apart for 24 hours. After so many years together Gina knew Ricky was practically addicted to being in her presence. Of course that addiction went both ways, Gina would be lying if she said she didn’t find being in Ricky’s embrace intoxicating.

Ricky pulled Gina into his chest and quietly whispered into her ear, “I love you so much,” before kissing her again.

“I love you, too,” Gina whispers with a smile.

“Hey, Troyella,” Maddox shouts. Ricky and Gina turn to see their friends and family staring at them at the entrance to the chapel. “We know you’re cute and all, but come on. You can’t be late for your own party.”

The walk to the reception is quite relaxing after such a stress filled day. Everyone laughing and joking and talking about the various stories that the ceremony reminded them of. Mr. Bowen bringing up Ricky’s attempts to trick him when Gina was secretly living out his room, Maddox mentioning Gina sneaking Ricky onto the USC campus during finals as her ‘emotional support boyfriend,’ Ashlyn talking about the ‘plane going down’ after High School Musical’s opening night and how far the couple had come since then. All the while Gina had her arm linked with Ricky’s as they made their way down and they smiled as they remembered all of those moments, and so many more.

Seb ran up to the group and linked his arm through Carlos’s as he caught up. He had been returning the golden retriever to his owners as the pictures were being taken. Turning to Ricky, Gina says, “we have to thank Mack for getting us our ring bearer.” Seb coughed and Gina corrected herself, “co-ring bearer. Sorry Seb.”

As the group chuckled Carlos asked, “where is Mack? You did invite him, right? Or is Ricky still threatened by him?”

“And you wonder why you weren’t Best Man,” Ricky retorts.

Carlos sticks out his tongue at Ricky as Gina explains, “Mack was unfortunately busy today. I think he’s doing promotion for a new movie.”

As if they were on some sort of synchronized dance team everyone pulled out their phones and began checking to see what Mack was up to. It took less than a minute before Carlos went, “oh, no.”

“What is it?” Kourtney asks.

“Um, well,” Carlos starts nervously, “don’t kill the messenger but…it looks like…Mack and Dani…got married today.”

“I’m sorry, what now?!” Ricky exclaims.

“They better not have,” Gina angrily says as she rips the phone out of Carlos’s hands. Sure enough there’s a picture of Mack and Dani standing on a beach, her in a white dress holding a bouquet and him in a suit. Gina feels her hand start to grip the phone tighter, trying to shatter the screen.

Just before Gina breaks the phone in her grip Emmy speaks up, “false alarm. We’re good.” The entire group turns to her and she informs the group, “The wedding is a stunt. It’s a promotion for the upcoming Mark and Spark movie. Apparently Mark is going to marry Dani’s character, Parker, so they staged a fake wedding. Their officiant is actually the voice of Spark, and apparently Spark is going to be the officiant in the movie.”

Everyone breathes a sigh of relief as Gina hands Carlos his phone back. Linking her arm back with Ricky’s he comments, “That movie sounds so cheesy,” before he leans into Gina and whispers, “we’re watching that the day it comes out aren’t we?”

Gina giggles and whispers back, “I’m already calling in sick that day.”

Finally arriving at the reception hall they found, that despite the photos taking about twice as long as anticipated, that people were still getting settled. The wedding party decided to try and speed things up a bit, leaving Ricky and Gina alone for the first time in over a day. She had been with Ricky for years, but standing with him, alone, it felt almost like when they had first started dating. When she had dated EJ the beginning had felt very awkward as they tried to figure out how to act around each other, but with Ricky it had been completely different. When she and Ricky had gotten together she felt completely at ease around him, as if being together was their natural state. Now, being married, Gina felt like that again, like she was coming home after a long trip. Everything just felt right. 

Gina looks at the man who had held her heart for over a third of her life and in giddy disbelief said, “we’re married. We are actually married.”

“Yes we are,” Ricky nods, “How are you feeling?”

“It’s….more amazing than I thought,” Gina replies with a smile. Ricky grins and chuckles. Gina has heard that chuckle a million times but she’s never gotten tired of hearing it. “This day has been a long time coming.”

“I mean it could’ve been a lot sooner,” Ricky jokes.

“Oh, I know,” Gina scoffs playfully, “you’ve made it abundantly clear you would’ve married me as soon as you put this ring on my finger,” Gina gestures to her engagement ring. Compared to their wedding rings the engagement ring was very plain, a diamond that was so small you wouldn’t notice it if you weren’t looking for it and a gold band that was a little worn. It was a little rough around the edges, but Gina loved it more because of that.

“Well,” Ricky whispers as he closes the distance between them, “you were worth the wait. You always are.”

“I feel the same,” Gina says before lightly kissing Ricky’s lips. As they part Gina jokingly whispers, “twinsies.”

“You are never going to let me live that down are you?” Ricky breezily argues.

“Not for as long as we live Ricky Bowen,” Gina replies mischievously.

“Gi,” Ricky grins so widely it’s almost comical, “I know it’s new but that’s not my name anymore.”

Gina smiles tenderly and, as she loops her hands around Ricky’s neck, sweetly says, “Ricky Porter-Bowen.” 

“That’s my name, don’t wear it out.”

The joy that is flooding Gina’s system is suddenly interrupted by a very familiar voice. 

“‘Porter-Bowen’, huh? I guess I should officially welcome you to the family,” Terri Porter joked as she appeared.

Gina’s teeth clench at her mother’s voice. Gina knew exactly why she felt the way she did about her mother (it was a frequent subject in her therapy sessions), but knowing why her mother had this effect on her wasn’t alleviating the discomfort. Gina turned to face her mother, as she did Ricky reached out and took her hand, giving her a comforting squeeze. As tense as her mom made her, having Ricky by her side made her feel a little more at ease.

Taking a breath Gina reminds her mom, “Mom, we told you that you couldn’t stay for the reception.”

“I know, I know,” Terri responds with her hands up in surrender, “I’m not staying. I just wanted to thank you for letting me be a part of this special day. Also to say congratulations, it was a beautiful ceremony. And, if it’s not too uncomfortable, maybe get a hug?”

Gina had to admit that the hug she shared with her mother earlier had been more comforting than she thought it would be. That said, Gina still wasn’t entirely sure where she and her mother stood. Part of her wanted to keep her mother at arms length, and another part wanted one more hug with her mom on the happiest day of her life. As Ricky gave her another encouraging squeeze, all the memories of her final years living with her mom and how she talked about and treated Ricky flooded her mind. Gina was still upset, and one decent moment with her mother hadn’t changed that.

Terri Porter, seeing Gina’s decision on her face, solemnly nodded her head before saying, “I understand. We’ve got a ways to go before we’re there. I just…pray you’ll call in three weeks.”

“We’ll see,” Gina replies still unsure.

“Well, goodbye,” Terri says as she begins to walk toward the exit. She stops part of the way and turns to face Ricky, “Ricky, I was joking before, but sincerely, welcome to the Porter family, such as it is.”

“Happy to be officially be here,” Ricky grins.

“We’re, no sorry, I’m happy to have you…son,” Terri says with the utmost sincerity.

Ricky grimaces and responds, “that…sounded weird.”

“Felt weird to say,” Terri says with a chuckle, “hopefully we’ll get there.”

“I hope so,” Ricky says before adding, “…mom.”

Gina feels the tension lift off her as she starts laughing at the absurdity of what is happening, and the faces both her mother and Ricky are making, like they’ve both eaten something super sour. It only takes a moment before Ricky and Terri Porter join Gina in her hysterics. After a minute the three of them are trying desperately to catch their breaths. 

Finally settling down, Terri says, “alright, I’m going. I hope-.”

“I know mom,” Gina responds, “we’ll see. Three weeks.”

“Three weeks,” Terri repeats with a twinge of hope in her voice. 

After Gina’s mom had left Ricky turned to her, “do you want to talk about it?”

“No,” Gina answered assuredly, “I know I should, but not tonight.”

“Okay. Hey,” Ricky pulls her in again, “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

“Hey romcom protagonists,” Ashlyn interjects, “your adoring public awaits.”

Hand in hand Ricky and Gina entered to Jet’s voice ringing through the speakers announcing their first dance.

The next few hours seemed to fly by. Their first dance followed by a delicious meal made by the Redonoviches. Then the cake was wheeled out and it was immaculate. Three layers of a perfectly made chocolate cake with homemade buttercream icing. The first layer had the Wildcats logo interspaced, representing where they met as well as what brought them together. The second layer had snowflake designs to symbolize Frozen and the summer that finally brought them together. The top layer only had two designs, a red guitar on one side and a knitted hat on the other. Seb had even gone above and beyond and the border frosting actually had written in it two phrases looped together: “I Love You feels a lot like High School, and Forever After that,” and “If you’re reading this, I love you too, Ricky.” The two phrases seamlessly framing the top layer. Lastly the cake topper was perfect, expertly capturing the couple and, instead of a wedding gown and tuxedo, their mini selves wearing the classic Troy and Gabriella Prom outfits.

The cake cutting was probably going to be replayed over and over again when Gina rewatched the recordings. After their first bite Ricky had some frosting on the corner of his mouth and Gina removed it with her thumb. The audible ‘awwwws’ were practically deafening as Gina licked the frosting off her thumb. Ricky, not to be outdone, proceeded to smear some frosting on Gina’s nose. As Gina tried to look annoyed at him (but that was undercut by her trying to suppress her laughter), Ricky leaned forward and removed the frosting with a kiss, right before kissing Gina on the lips.

As cake was being passed around and enjoyed by the wedding guests, it was time for the toasts from the Best Man and Maid of Honor. As Ashlyn and Big Red spoke about how much Ricky and Gina changed each other for the better, Gina couldn’t help but notice a longing glance that Ashlyn had toward Maddox as she talked about love. Maybe there was some hope for the two of them after all.

After the cake came several hours of partying and dancing and well wishing. Gina lost track of how many times she and Ricky had been congratulated. As the night wore on Gina noticed a few things, Carlos and Seb being more affectionate than usual, Jet taking the time to dance with both Kourtney and Emmy when he wasn’t playing, EJ talking with Ms. Jenn and Mr. Mazzara, and Maddox and Ashlyn slipping out the side door.

Ricky and Gina hardly left each other’s side during the whole night and were currently dancing to a slower song, enjoying the calm of their embrace. That calm was interrupted as the next song started and the voice of EJ Caswell said, “mind if we cut in?” Gina and Ricky turned to  face EJ and Nini. The couple relent and each share a dance with their exes.

“I assume you wanted an opportunity to finish our discussion from earlier?” Gina questions.

“That, and I still owed you a dance,” EJ says. The two chuckle a moment before EJ asks, “so any advice? About my dad?”

Gina sighs, “if you asked me six hours ago I would say that maybe it’s not worth it to let a parent who’s hurt you get their claws into you again, but now…I don’t know. My mom is clearly trying. If it’ll last, I don’t know. I don’t even know if I want a relationship with her anymore, but my relationship with my mom is my relationship with my mom. So the question is, if your dad has changed, do you want a relationship with him?”

“I don’t know,” EJ replies.

“That’s something you’ll have to think about,” Gina comforts her friend.

“Thanks Gina,” EJ says with a smile.

“All right, I’m cutting back in,” Ricky interjects as he snatches Gina away from EJ. EJ and Nini laugh as they say congratulations to their former partners before finishing the dance together. 

As the song finishes Gina leans in and whispers to Ricky, “I think it’s time.”

“Okay,” Ricky says as he runs to the small nearby stage and Jet hands him the microphone. “Hey all,” Ricky starts as he rejoins Gina in the middle of the dance floor, “continue having fun and dancing, and enjoying our open bar.”

“But Ricky and I have a flight to catch,” Gina finishes. “We just want to say that we love you all and thank you for joining us on this incredible day. So please don’t take this next part too personally but-.”

“For the next three weeks you all are dead to us,” Ricky says in seriousness as the people laugh, “you all are laughing but I’m very serious. For the next three weeks only like six people know how to get ahold of us and they have strict instructions on what to contact us about.”

“Anyway thank you all for coming, and we’ll see in a few weeks,” Gina finishes as she and Ricky start heading out the door. The wedding party as well as few friends and family follow after them to give them some last heartfelt well wishes as the newlyweds climb into the back of a limo and collapse into each other as the door closes behind them.

“Alone at last,” Ricky sighs with relief as Gina takes a deep relaxing breath.

Gina breathed in the smell of the salty sea air as she took in the view of the beach and the waves crashing against the shore. It had been four days since the wedding but it was the first time since their arrival that Gina had taken in the the view they had spent a fair bit of money on. Gina continued to write into the book on the table, sipping her coffee as she did.

“Boo!” A familiar voice exclaimed as he grabbed Gina’s shoulders startling her. As Gina rolled her eyes Ricky kisses her cheek and greets, “good morning,” before taking his seat across from her, a giant smirk on his face.

Gina scoffs, “I’m going to divorce you.”

“Come on Gi, I owed you a scare,” Ricky says, “I mean I woke up this morning and you were gone. I nearly had a heart attack.”

“I just wanted to get some breakfast,” Gina explains as she continues writing.

“You should’ve woken me up I would’ve come down with you.”

“Ricky, if I had woken you up, we wouldn’t have left the room,” Gina points out.

Ricky chuckles as a waiter places a hot coffee in front of him, “Oh, I didn’t order this.”

“Your wife ordered it for you, sir,” The waiter explains, “she told me to bring it to you as soon as you joined her. She also took the liberty of ordering your breakfast which I’ll put the order in now.” The waiter walked away a brisk pace.

Ricky smiles lovingly at Gina and remarks, “I know at some point I’m going to get used to it, but I love hearing that. ‘Your wife.’ It just feels so right.”

“Well, husband,” Gina giddily replies, “I know exactly what you mean.” The two of them kiss across the table.      

As Ricky sips his coffee he finally notices Gina’s book on the table, “are you just journaling or is this something else?”

“Little of both,” Gina answers as she shows Ricky the very first page.

“‘The Story of Ricky & Gina,’” Ricky reads. “I’ve heard good things,” Ricky jokes, “any thoughts.”

“It has it’s moments,” Gina jokes back before explaining, “After going through all my journals to help with my vows-.”

“Which were beautiful by the way,” Ricky interjects.

“Thank you. Anyway as I was reading I noticed a lot I didn’t realize before about our relationship. So I decided to compile all my old journal entries about us and our relationship in one place, with some additions from Gina who just got married to the boy she’s writing about,” Gina finishes her explanation.

“Okay,” Ricky remarks, “out of curiosity what part of our relationship are you writing about now?”

“Prom,” Gina states.

“Camp, mine, or yours?”

“Yours,” Gina answers, “more specifically about what happened after prom that night.”

Ricky smiles knowingly, “that was a good night. Definitely a night to remember.”

Gina feels her heart pound in her chest as they pull up to the house. The sound of her heart beating in her ears was deafening, she could hardly hear a word Ricky was saying. She tried in vain to calm herself as they got out of the car and made their way to the front door. 

It was a nice little house. It looked even cuter than it had on AirBnB. As Ricky fiddled with the lock Gina started to shake a little in what she tried to convince herself was anticipation or nervousness or anything but what she was actually feeling; fear.

“Gi,” Gina snaps out of her catatonia as Ricky speaks to her with concern in his voice, “sweetie are you okay?”

“I can’t do this,” Gina admitted with a barely audible whisper, “I’m sorry.” Gina started to run back to the car and, not even thinking about it, dove into the tiny backseat. Gina didn’t even realize she had started crying as she started to hyperventilate. Ricky was knocking on the window of the car a minute later asking if he could come in or if she needed some more time alone. Gina opened the door to the car and Ricky slid in. 

The backseat was a tight fit, and while you could say the car could fit four people, realistically only one person could sit in the back comfortably. So as Ricky joined her in the backseat the pair were practically on top of each other, but they didn’t mind. Ricky closed the door behind him before he wrapped his arms around Gina and whispering, “What’s wrong?”

“I thought I was ready. I really did,” Gina confesses.

“It’s okay that your not,” Ricky comforts her, “Forever is a long time. There’s no rush. If it makes you feel better, I’m not totally ready either.”

“Really?”

“Really,” Ricky confirms, “so if I’ve been pressuring you…”

“No,” Gina comforts Ricky, “no, you have been a perfect gentleman.”

“Then, why? Why did you set all this up?” Ricky asks.

Gina sighs, “It’s gonna sound silly.”

“Gina,” Ricky sighs in mild disbelief before reminding her, “anything you have to say, I want to hear it.”

Gina takes a breath before admitting, “I feel like we haven’t moved forward in while. Like we were moving so fast and then we…stopped.”

“Gi, it took us a year to get together,” Ricky points out.

“Yes, but as soon as we did we started moving at hyper speed,” Gina shoots back, “after our first kiss, it was maybe a week before you were climbing through my window. It wasn’t long after that we’d stay up super late just cuddling and then you were practically spending the night. We wrote a song together, had our first date, our first fight, we made up by having a kiss in the rain like we were in a movie, and then, four months after we got together, we were saying ‘I love you…forever.’ But since then, I don’t know, we moved forward so quickly, I just feel like we’re stuck. So I thought, with prom and everything, now was the right time. You know for this.”

Ricky stifles his laughter, “Gina, my sweetheart, we are moving forward,” Ricky states, “not as fast as we were, I’ll grant you, but we are. Relationships aren’t about the sweeping declarations of love and big moments. Relationships are built in the tiny, mundane moments. Do you remember the first day of school?”

“Yes,” Gina answers rolling her eyes.

“What do you remember about that day?”

“HSM4 was announced, we were told we got to be extras, I walked in on Mack in his underwear,” Gina grimaces realizing what she just said, “I didn’t tell you about that, did I?”

“No, no you did not,” Ricky responds flatly, “and I will follow up on that later, but, for now, there was a very special, albeit tiny, moment I remember from that day. It was right after Miss Jenn announced High School Musical 3. We were all so excited and you reached behind you to hold my hand. We were supposed to be secretly dating, but you still wanted to hold my hand.”

Gina giggles, “we were so bad at the secret dating thing.”

“The worst,” Ricky agrees with a laugh. “Although, we literally did a whole song and dance and our friends still didn’t figure it out.”

“They had their own drama going on,” Gina says in defense of their friends but it’s undercut by the laughter escaping form her lips. “But that’s what you think about? Me wanting to hold your hand?”

“Yeah,” Ricky answers, “I also think about the way you leaned your head on my shoulder after we sang Maybe This Time for the first time. I can still feel your head on that shoulder when I think about it. I think about the way you kissed my cheek after I asked you out for our first official date. I think about your smile when I told you ‘You aren’t a maybe, you’re a yes,’ when we were on set. I think about the dinner we had with your mom and how you grabbed my hand to let me know you were with me. I remember Valentine’s Day, when you wanted to make that brownie recipe you found online, and they smelled so good we ended up eating the whole tray and then we couldn’t eat anything at our overly fancy dinner reservation.”

“I felt so bad for our waiter,” Gina chuckles at the memory.

“We left a good tip,” Ricky reminds her, “Plus the food was just as good as leftovers. I’m also going to be thinking about this moment too. After prom when we just sat in the back of my car, that’s way too small for both of us, and just talked. Those are the moments I think about when I lie awake at night thinking about you. I love our big moments, but I think I love our small moments even more. Any couple works in just the big moments, we both know that, it’s the little moments that truly matter. That truly define a couple.”

Gina leaned into Ricky’s chest feeling a lot better than she had a few minutes ago. “Thanks Ricky. I love you.”

“I love you too,” Ricky replies sealing the declaration with a light kiss on her temple. After a couple minutes Ricky asks, “do you still wish this was a bigger moment than it is?”

“A little,” Gina answers, “but I don’t think there’s anything that could make this a bigger moment. At least not one we’d both be comfortable with.”

“There may be one thing,” Ricky says nervously. Ricky shifts around and reaches into a pocket on the inside of his suit jacket. After a moment he pulls something out, but keeps it hidden in his hand. “So after Valentine’s Day my mom gave me something she said I might need someday. Although she did say ‘not for a long time.’ Anyway, I couldn’t bring myself to hide it in my sock drawer and I don’t know how I would even open a safety deposit box, so I’ve been carrying it around with me for the last few months.”

“Ricky,” Gina sweetly says, “you know you’re very cute when you’re rambling but can you get to the point.”

Ricky timidly opens up his hand revealing a worn golden band with a small diamond poking out. Gina can hardly breathe as Ricky says, “it’s my mom’s engagement ring. She said she wanted to keep it in the family. I know it’s not anything fancy but, I don’t know.” 

Ricky looks directly at her with hope and love in his eyes. Gina feels the thoughts and feelings run through her head like a runaway train unable to focus on a single thought or feeling. The one thing she’s absolutely sure of though is she’s not feeling afraid. 

Before Gina can say anything Ricky closes his hand and scoffs, “you know what it’s crazy. I shouldn’t have even brought it up. We were having a nice moment and I ruined it. You can just forget I said anyth-.”

“Ask me,” Gina meekly demands.

“What?” Ricky asks with surprise.

“Ask me,” Gina commands more confidently.

“What are you going to say?” Ricky questions worry laced in every word.

“There’s only one way to find out. Ask me.”

Ricky gulps and takes a breath before holding the ring out and stammering out, “Gina, will you-will you mar-marry m-me?”

Gina feels time stop for a moment. Suddenly she’s back in the car at Homecoming, she’s leaning forward and kissing Ricky’s cheek. Then she’s sitting listening to Ricky sing When There Was Me and You. She’s standing in Ricky’s kitchen handing him a hat that held a message that she was hoping Ricky would read sooner, rather than later. She’s in the dressing room, tears streaming down her face, telling the boy she loved goodbye. Suddenly she’s in Ricky’s new kitchen fighting every instinct in her body not to just tell Ricky she loves him and wants to be with him. She’s then standing at camp hugging him so awkwardly after not having talked in so long. Then him barely leaving her side throughout camp. She’s standing backstage looking out at Ricky sing a Lullaby as Kristoff as he looked directly at her and in that moment they weren’t Kristoff and Anna, they were Ricky and Gina. 

Gina sees their first kiss. Ricky climbing through her window. Him playing the Mark and Spark theme song as they’re surrounded by puppies. Ricky walking her to set on her first day as the lead of High School Musical 4. Him surprising her by decorating her trailer. She sees everything  they’ve gone through. She sees Ricky standing in the rain, a heart literally in his hand to match the metaphorical one as she runs to him. 

Gina looks at the Ricky in front of her, once again his heart in his hand, and the only thing she can say comes out as a whisper, “yes.”

“Really?!” Ricky asks excitedly as a wave of relief washes over him.

“Really,” Gina answers confidently, “yes, I will marry you. Of course I’ll marry y-.”

Gina is interrupted by Ricky’s lips crashing into hers. Gina had kissed Ricky a thousand times at least by this point, but this one felt different. For the first time in her life Gina knew with absolute certainty what her future held. No matter what minutiae life would throw at her, she knew she would have Ricky Bowen by her side through all of it, and that was a feeling she cherished. 

Breaking apart, Ricky held up the ring in way to ask if she wanted to put it on. She held up her left hand and Ricky slid the ring onto her finger. As the piece of jewelry found its place Gina felt a feeling of completeness cover her. She felt more like herself than she had ever felt before. It didn’t have anything to do with the ring on her finger though, only what it represented. Many people had made commitments to her in the past but none of them had ever lived up to those commitments, except Ricky. And here he was prepared to make the ultimate commitment, to her. Gina laughed to herself as she thought, ‘When Ricky says forever he means it.’ 

“Do you like it?” Ricky asks nervously, “if not I can get you another one.”

“I love it Ricky, it’s perfect,” Gina looks at the ring and all she sees is the boy who gave it to her. It may be a little rough around the edges, but so are they. “I never want to take it off Ricky…”

“Why do I sense a ‘but’ coming?” 

“However…” 

“That’s just a fancy way to say ‘but.’”

“…I don’t think I should wear it when I get home,” Gina finishes. “My mom isn’t exactly your biggest fan and she may actually murder you if she sees it.”

Ricky chuckles, “I’ll win her over eventually. I mean I’m going to be her son-in-law.”

“I’m not holding my breath,” Gina retorts. “And just because we’re engaged,” Gina does a little dance on the inside at that word, “doesn’t mean we’re getting married anytime soon.”

Ricky looks a little disappointed and pouts as he says, “fine.”

“In fact,” Gina starts, “I really don’t want to hear what anyone else has to say about this or us, so what if we kept our engagement a secret?”

Ricky playfully says, “I just got the weirdest case of déjà vu.”

“Ricky I’m serious.”

“A secret engagement. Sounds spicy,” Ricky jokes. After Gina shoots him look to please take this seriously Ricky earnestly says, “Like I told you a long time ago, as long as we’re an us, I’m in.”

“Thank you,” Gina says lightly kissing Ricky’s lips, before snuggling into his chest again.

“And hey, it’ll probably be easier than keeping our whole relationship a secret,” Ricky points out, “this time we’re only keeping a part of our relationship a secret.” Gina hums an affirmative agreement lightly into Ricky’s chest. “Hey Gi?” Ricky whispers.

“Hm?”

“Are we moving fast enough for you again?” Gina laughs at the question. She had wanted tonight to have a big step forward for them, and she got what she wanted.

“You know for someone who wanted to keep our engagement a secret you nearly got us caught a few times over the years,” Ricky scolds. “I mean how many times did I climb through your window and ask ‘is your mom home?’ For you to answer by showing me you were wearing the ring and saying-.”

“‘Would I be wearing this if my mom were home?’” Gina finishes Ricky’s sentence.

“A tradition you continued when you moved in with my mom,” Ricky reminds Gina. “If your mom had caught you wearing it just once, I would be dead right now, and if my mom had caught you, we’d have gotten a lengthy lecture that would make us wish we were dead.”

Gina laughs as she defends herself with, “I couldn’t help it. I loved wearing it.”

“And I loved you wearing it,” Ricky concurs, “I loved seeing you wear it around our apartment when we moved in together. Even when our friends would show up unexpectedly and we’d have to turn into magicians to hide the ring from them.”

“We got pretty good at it,” Gina says before asking, “do you think we’ll ever tell them about how long we were actually engaged?” 

“I’m sure it will come up at some point, but for now, I’m happy keeping it our little secret.”

“Me too.”

“Hey Gi,” Ricky says with a grin, “our book, how do you think it will end? Maybe with an ‘And they lived happily ever after?’”

Gina giggles, “bit of a cliche, don’t you think. How about, ‘and they loved each other for the rest of their days?’”

“‘And forever after that,’” Ricky adds.

“Perfect,” Gina says lovingly.

Ricky reaches out his hand and Gina, putting aside the book, takes his outreached hand in hers. Ricky looks at her nervously and Gina for a moment sees the boy in the stairwell, as he says, “Gina, I’m really happy your my wife.”

Gina looks into Ricky’s eyes and responds, “I’m really happy you’re my husband.”

The sound of the distant waves, the view of the beach, hand in hand with the man of her dreams. This was a perfect moment. A moment to treasure. Forever was a long time, a time that was filled with tiny moments. Moments of passion and pain, of happiness and despair, of love and loss, and every moment worthwhile. This wasn’t the first day in their forever and it wouldn’t be the last, and Gina was looking forward to every single moment to come in that forever, with Ricky by her side. 

And they loved each other for the rest of their days…and forever after that.    

Yeah…that sounded like a good ending.