Chapter 2

Jackson was setting up the ingredients for the macaroni and cheese when Melissa came in and said in a deep voice like those voice-overs, "Mr. Cody Jackson, you are invited to Hartwell High's 10th High School Reunion!"

They both laughed a bit and then Melissa handed Jackson his envelope. It was nicely decorated with words that popped up on the paper and decorated with maroon and white, the school's classic color.

"Wow, ten years. I can't believe it. I guess I can't escape the sad fact that I'm actually 28, single, and living with my best friend," Jackson said with a sly smile directed at Melissa.

"Har, Har. Very funny. You're a real comedian," Melissa said sarcastically as she made her way to the couch. "Anyway, the party's gonna be at that nice restaurant they just built downtown. I heard the food is delicious there."

Jackson was leaning on the kitchen counter and said, "Careful when you talk about the restaurant in front of other people."

"Why?" asked Melissa with curiosity.

"Because they wouldn't be very impressed with the drool coming out of your mouth." Jackson started laughing and then was hit with the pillow from the couch by Melissa.

"Hey, it was just a joke!" Jackson said half laughing.

"Well... it was just a pillow. Suck it up, baby."

"Okay, fair enough. Now let's start some dinner and I think I'm gonna go look for our high school yearbook so I can freshen up with the names."

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After dinner was over, Melissa and Jackson got themselves comfortable on the couch. They were sitting close to each other since they were sharing a fleece blanket and the yearbook was between them. The television was on and it was on "Jeopardy."

"Look at us," Jackson said. "We look like an old couple here. Watching 'Jeopardy' and looking back on the old days."

He noticed that Melissa gave an uneasy smile when he said the word "couple" but he didn't take it to mean anything.

Jackson liked how they were. Melissa had always been supportive of his music and she was the one who gave him the will. It was funny to him because he didn't really see her as a woman even though she was one. She was like one of the boys, but she could also be the girliest girl. He liked that about her. She could get along with anyone and that made her so likeable.

"Okay, I think I'll flip to page 10," Melissa said. "Hey, remember Eric? He was the class clown."

"Oh, yeah. Wasn't he the one who started that food fight in senior year?"

"Yeah, yeah. I think that he threw his potato salad at the Mock Trial team and hit what's-his-name."

"I'm pretty sure his name was Nathan," Jackson said to fill in the blank. "And he thought that it was that girl----"

"Daley on the Debate team and he threw his potato salad at her because they were sworn enemies or something."

"I think the funniest part was when the cheerleaders got hit like 20 times, especially that Taylor girl."

"Well, that's what she got for being the head cheerleader and having the table in the middle of the cafeteria while people are throwing stuff from across the room."

"I think I got hit with the peanut butter and jelly sandwich," Jackson said and he laughed just remembering the memory.

"I think I got the special."

"Are you serious? I don't think there was anything edible about that special."

They stayed on the couch all night recalling countless high school memories that made them laugh until they were breathless.