High school reunion

Chapter 1

The invitation

This should have been expected. Then why was she so surprised? Was it the fact that it was happening so soon? No, even then she knew it was going to happen eventually. Staring at the formal invitation in her hands, they trembled slightly. Did she really want to go? Part of her did, but the other was dreading it. It's only been ten years. Six of those years were lonesome. Losing contact with old friends is not what she planned when she graduated. Her graduation was filled with the usual promises to stay in contact, to see each other and plan things. To call each other and talk all the time but after two months, the calls came less and less. No letters were ever exchanged and now they don't even talk on Facebook.

Things have definitely changed. But were they for the better? It was always hard to think about them. Having that painful reminder of what could have been. It was her own fault really. She ignored what her heart was screaming at her, trying to tell her. She brushed it away as if it meant nothing. In actuality it meant everything. To this day it's still painful. Just not as bad. She didn't want to relive those emotions. The pain, torment and heartbreak. It had taken her years to move on with her life. And now she was going to have to face it all, all over again.

"What's the matter babe?" came a voice from behind her. She knew the voice. She had grown to like it, maybe even love it. They had been talking recently. Her and Sting. He claimed he loved her after their second year anniversary but Lucy had yet to say it. Dating for four years, she knew that she cared for him. But was it love? That was what has been bugging her. He says those three words so often to her, so easily. Yet she doesn't even like to think about it. She heard his words but they didn't register. Her mind still stuck on the paper in her hands.

"Lucy, are you alright?" She noticed the concern in his voice, letting it pull her from her thoughts. Was she alright? Why was she so bothered by this? One invitation had turned her world upside down. She could always deny it. Just simply not go but something in her wanted to go. A yearning to see how much has actually changed. But what if things changed too much? It would be painful to realize that things would never be the same. That she would never be able to talk to them the way she used to. See their smiles or hear their laughter as it once was. She knew she couldn't leave her boyfriend hanging. She had to answer him or he would just worry more.

"I'm fine, just a little surprised is all." It wasn't much of an answer and he knew she was lying. Moving closer, he glanced over her shoulder as he wrapped his arms around her waist. His warmth was comforting to an extent. The trembling slowed as she took a deep breath. She could feel his eyes burning a whole through the paper, no longer reading it. He knew of her past, including her old feelings as well. She told him of what happened, how everything went down. So now he understood why she was upset.

"You know you don't have to go." He told her. She nodded, but said nothing else. What else could she say? She did want to go, but then she didn't. In all honesty, she was scared. She had time to decide though, it was over a month away. But she did wonder just how much her friends grew. How much has changed in their lives? Were they happy? Are they still with the same people or living in the same town? She hasn't even looked at her so called best friends Facebook page in at least two years.

"I know, but I kind of want to go." She explained. He moved to face her, looking longingly in her eyes. He was worried about her. And worried about them. He was scared that if she went, those old feelings would resurface. He has been working so hard on getting her to love him. And he really felt that he was getting close. That she would say it soon. But if she went to this then that would change things. The timing was just awful. But if she wanted to go, he wouldn't stop her. He just wanted her to be happy. To keep the pain away from her eyes. He hated the way they looked when they first met. Filled with sorrow and hurt. Like she had nothing to live for. Over the course of these four years, he watched that look slowly edge away. And it was almost gone, until today. Now it was back and worse then before.

"Then go." His words surprised her. He would be willing to let her go? Even though he knew of what happened? If she ever doubted his love for her, it was now gone. She knew he loved her, cherished her. He was always there when she needed him, doing everything he could to make her happy. Now at the age of twenty-eight, she was starting to feel like her life was gaining a sense of normalcy. But if she went, more than likely, that would all change. His eyes stayed locked onto hers, not moving nor wavering. He was completely serious.

"Should I?" She turned her gaze to look at the invitation once more. Beautiful black letters wrote in calligraphy spelled out the date and time. The gold imprint along the sides of the paper just added to the formality of it. It claimed that she could bring a date but should she? If she really went, would it be better if Sting went too? Would that make it easier on her? To have someone there for support, to make sure that she was truly okay. Sting was wondering the same thing. Would she want him there, or rather face this alone?

"It's up to you. What do you want to do?" He asked. His eyes searching hers. Trying to figure out what she was thinking. What was going through her head right now? She could feel his deep blue eyes staring at her. As if trying to gaze into her soul, her inner most thoughts. As if he wanted to read her mind. But her mind was scattered, her heart torn. Of course she wanted to see all of her old friends once more. To know what was going on with them, and how they have been. But she didn't want to face them. What if they went? Both, together. Are they still together? She wasn't even sure. And if they are, how would she feel about seeing them?

"I don't know what I want." She whispered. Her eyebrows furrowed with worry. She placed the invitation down on the desk with all the rest of their mail. She needed to get her mind off it. Do something else. Turning around, she faced the blond man. They have been living together for a year and things have been going great. Would going to something like this ruin what they have? No, she has to push those thoughts away. She couldn't think about that right now.

"It's alright babe. You have time, let's just go to the signing and you can take as much time as you need to think things over. Decide what you truly want to do." He was such a sweet man. So understanding. He knew her so well, knew what she needed and always made sure she had it. She nodded knowing that they had to leave or else she would be late. She took one last glance in the mirror before grabbing her purse. She smiled the best she could at him, trying to show him that she would be okay. At least for right now.

They walked out the front door of their spacious two story home. It was hers at first but now it was theirs. They had both agreed that her house would be better. Before they moved in together, he lived in a small apartment. He didn't need a lot of space since it was just him. And even she didn't need all the space her home provided but she really liked the place so she just had to get it. But now, whenever he wasn't there, it felt like it was too big.

She climbed into the luxurious BMW and turned on the radio. She was greeted by the song 'Thanks for the memories' by Fall out boy. Interesting that they played that song right after what just happened. It turned her thoughts right back to the invitation. To her old friends and the memories they shared.

And I want these words to make things right,

But it's the wrongs that make the words come to life.

'Who does he think he is?'

If that's the worst you got,

Better put your fingers back to the keys.

If only words could change what happened. Things are never that simple. Feelings were hurt and lives were changed. Don't misunderstand. She doesn't regret what happened, because she is a firm believer that all things happen for a reason. Sometimes that reason is just a little unclear. Even now she is not sure what she gained from it. Maybe it was the chance to move on, find a new life. But even though she has done that, it's still painful.

One night and one more time,

Thanks for the memories,

Even though they weren't so great.

'He tastes like you only sweeter.'

Life moves on. You can either go with the flow or get left behind. And she was almost left behind. She picked herself back up at the last moment. Saving herself from losing what she had left of her life. She was always told that she was strong, but if she truly was then how did that ever happen? How could she have sunk so low? Let herself be used in such a way then to let it drag her down. It made her feel like trash, like nothing, as if she was worthless.

Been looking forward to the future,

But my eyesight is going bad.

And this crystal ball,

It's always cloudy.

Except for when you look into the past.

One night stand.

One night stand off.

Why did they have to play this song? Of all the songs they have, they chose this one, at this time. More bad timing. It seems like she has run out of luck recently. She saw the plaza ahead, knowing that she would have to put on a smile and suck everything up. At least until this is over. Sting pulled around the back, making sure that no one spotted them. Parking just outside the rear entrance, he turned to her.

"Are you going to be alright?" His voice full of concern, worried blue eyes gazing at her. His eyes reminded her of the ocean. Calm and relaxing. They were full of emotion, but even though they were a different color, at times they reminded her of him. It took a long time before her thoughts finally stopped making her think of him. And when she managed to achieve it, this happens. Turning it all around and making her have to start from the beginning.

"Yeah, I'll be fine. Thanks Sting. You really are the best." She gave him a small kiss before climbing out of the car. He couldn't go in with her, no matter how much he wished he could. He knew she needed someone right now. Being reminded of the past was always hard for her. Knocking three times, the rear entrance quickly opened and she stepped inside. With her no longer in view, he sighed. This was going to be tough. It was like starting all over again. The painful look in her eyes, the hurt in her voice. The nervousness, and even the fear has all returned and she hasn't even went there yet. It was from a simple invitation that all she had to do was deny. She didn't have to go. She was a grown woman and could make decisions on her own. He pulled out of the parking lot, hoping that she would be okay.

"Ms. Heartfilia, are you ready?" A man with brown hair and matching eyes asked her. He was the owner of the shop they were currently holding the event at. They had met on several occasions during the planning. He was kind, and very well read. She was able to get along with him just fine. He could see that something was off about her today. But it wasn't his business, so he wouldn't ask. What happened in her life was hers and if she didn't want to say then he wouldn't bring it up.

"Yes David, let's get this started."