Chapter 10 THE REUNION.

CHAPTER TEN- THE REUNION

~ LUCY'S POV ~

I got home and couldn't stop staring at the message on my phone-it was from my old high school group.

A reunion.

They have one every year, and every year, I find a reason not to go. The truth is, I've never truly healed from what I went through back then. I was bullied-over and over-until fear became a part of who I was. It didn't end with graduation.

The fear stayed. It followed me into adulthood like a shadow I couldn't shake.

Reading that message brought everything rushing back-the whispered insults, the isolation, the feeling of never being enough. Even now, after all these years, the thought of standing in the same room with those people fills me with dread.

So, like always, I decided not to attend the reunion.

The next day was Friday, and I arrived at work early. It was the usual routine-sorting files, responding to emails, attending brief meetings, and completing assigned reports.

The day moved along as normal. I noticed Mr. Michael glancing at me now and then, as if silently asking for an explanation about what happened the previous day-but I pretended not to notice. I wasn't ready to talk.

Later, I headed to the cafeteria, where I saw Tris waving at me. She quickly made her way over and joined me at my table. "Hey, Lucy," she greeted, settling into the seat across from me.

"Hi," I replied, my tone low and unenthusiastic.

She tilted her head, concern in her eyes. "What's wrong? Is everything okay?"

"Oh, everything's fine," I said, forcing a smile I didn't quite feel.

"Alright... So, what are your plans this weekend?" she asked, her voice a little brighter. "I was wondering if you could come with me to a house party I'm hosting on Sunday. I'll need help with a few things. Please say yes-you know you're the only real friend I have right now." She gave me a pleading look that made it hard to say no.

"Okay, okay-I'll be there," I said with a smile. Spending time with her might help take my mind off the whole reunion situation.

"I'll call you, and we can meet at the grocery store to pick up some things," she said cheerfully.

"Alright, sure-let's do that."

The rest of the day passed quietly, and I went home feeling a little lighter.

At least I'd be spending the weekend with Tris.

Sunday morning came quickly. I met up with Tris at the grocery store, just like we planned. She greeted me with a cheerful wave, already pushing a half-full cart down the snack aisle.

"There you are! I already grabbed chips and soda, but we still need to pick out drinks and some things for the grill," she said, grinning. I smiled and nodded, falling into step beside her.

It was nice to have something to distract me-until I heard a familiar voice behind me that froze me in place.

"Oh my God... Lucy?" I turned slowly, heart pounding. It was Sandra.

Sandra Lopez-one of the girls who made my high school years a living nightmare. The same girl who once dumped juice on my project in front of the class. The same one who'd laughed every time someone mocked my clothes or called me names. She stood there, older but still sharp around the edges, with a condescending smile that hadn't aged a day.

"I almost didn't recognize you," she said. "Wow. Still quiet, I see." She chuckled, then turned to Tris. "Oh, you must be her friend? Brave of you."

My mouth went dry. I didn't know what to say.

Tris stepped forward slightly, protective energy radiating from her. "I'm Tris," she said coolly. "And yes, I'm her friend. Is there a problem?"

Sandra shrugged. "Not a problem. Just surprised to see her out and about. You know the reunion's tonight, right? Most of us are going-it'll be fun catching up."

The word reunion landed like a brick in my stomach. Sandra winked. "Anyway, see you around... or not." She turned and walked off with that same smugness she wore back in school.

I stood frozen, the weight of old memories crashing over me like waves. I felt sick. Ashamed. Small. Tris touched my arm gently.

"Lucy... what was that about?" I shook my head, eyes stinging.

"She... she used to bully me in high school. All of them did. I've never gone to a reunion because I can't stand the thought of seeing them again."

Tris frowned, her expression hardening with empathy. "Is that why you've been off lately? This reunion... it's been bothering you, hasn't it?"

I looked away, blinking fast. "Yeah. I thought I could just avoid it again like I always do, but running into her like that-"

"Lucy." Tris's voice softened. "You don't have to hide anymore. You're not the same girl they hurt back then. You've grown. You're strong. You don't owe them anything-but maybe it's time you showed up and reminded yourself of who you've become."

I didn't speak. My throat was tight with emotion.

"I'll go with you," she added. "You won't be alone. Let's go there together-not for them, but for you. So you can finally walk into that room with your head high."

"Wait... what about your house party?" I asked, staring at Tris. "The reunion's tonight."

"Oh, shit-you're right!" she gasped, tapping her fingertips to her lips as she tried to think. Then, as if a lightbulb went off, she turned to me. "Okay, I have a plan. Do you have anything to wear for the reunion?"

"Um... no, I don't think I do," I said, lowering my head, suddenly feeling embarrassed.

"No problem," she said quickly. "Let's stop by a boutique and find you something. Honestly, you need a few new things anyway-you dress way too simply all the time."

Before I could protest, she grabbed my hand and led me to the cashier. We paid for the groceries and hopped into a cab headed to a boutique.

"But... I didn't bring my card," I said softly. "And I'm kind of on a tight budget right now."

"Don't worry about it," she replied with a small smile. "I'll pay." I turned to her in surprise, wondering how she could afford it-and why she would do this for me. But something in her eyes told me not to argue. I knew there was no changing her mind once she'd made it up.

We spent hours browsing through racks, picking out dresses, tops, shoes-everything. I tried on so many outfits, turning in front of the mirror, unsure if any of them truly felt like me.

Finally, we settled on a stunning white backless dress and a pair of sleek black Louboutin stilettos. I could hardly recognize myself in the mirror. We also picked out some new clothes for work-nothing too flashy, just more polished, more confident.

Clothes that made me feel like the woman I was becoming. And for the first time in a long while, I felt... ready. Maybe not for everything, but for something. And that was enough.

"Okay, now your hair," Tris said, eyeing me through the mirror with a critical gaze.

Before I could respond, she was already leading me to a salon just down the street from the boutique.

"Tris, I think the clothes are enough," I said gently, not wanting it to seem like I was letting her overspend.

"Oh, come on," she scoffed. "Your hair needs a little help-you're starting to look like Albert Einstein on a bad day."

There was no talking her out of it. I sat down in the salon chair as the stylist approached with a catalog of hairstyles.

"What would you like to do today?" she asked, handing me the book. I flipped through the pages, scanning the glossy photos.

After a moment, I decided to trim the tips just a bit and chose the same sleek, silk-straight style Tris wore-only mine would be jet black.

An hour later, when the stylist finally spun my chair around, Tris gasped. "Oh my God-you look like a dazzling damsel," she said, eyes wide with excitement.

I couldn't stop staring at my reflection. Was this really me? Could I actually be this beautiful? For the first time in forever, I felt it. All thanks to Tris.

We left the salon and headed back to her place so I could still help her prepare for the party since the reunion wasn't until 8:30pm and it was only 4:00pm.

After hours of planning, folding decorations, and sharing quiet laughter, Tris turned to me with a grin. "Lucy, it's time to get you ready for this reunion," she said. I went to the bathroom, took a refreshing shower, and changed into the outfit we had picked out earlier.

When I came out, she was already waiting with makeup in hand. "Sit down," she said. "Let me add a little makeup."

"Tris, don't you think this is too much?" I asked, glancing down at my dress with hesitation.

"Hey, it's not too much. In fact, this is exactly how you should be-confident and radiant. Stop underestimating yourself," she said while gently applying a warm brown powder to my face.

"Yeah, I know, but-" "Nope. No more talking," she cut me off, lifting a lipstick to my face.

I paused. I recognized that lipstick-it was the same one I saw in Mr. Michael's car when he gave me a ride home. My heart skipped.

What was Tris's lipstick doing in his car?

Then again, maybe I was overthinking. It could've just been the same brand. Just because it looked identical didn't mean it was hers. Still... I had always assumed Mr. Michael didn't have a girlfriend. But with a man like him, I shouldn't be surprised.

"All done," Tris said, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Thanks, Tris," I replied, gazing at my reflection in the mirror. I almost didn't recognize myself.

"No problem, Lucy. What are friends for?" she said, smiling. Then her expression turned fierce. "Remember-don't let them intimidate you. They're just a bunch of bitches. Keep them in their place." She handed me a black coat.

"Of course. I won't let them," I said with a smile. "Have fun at your party." And with that, I turned toward the door and left.

I got into a cab and headed toward the venue-an upscale, well-known restaurant called Amerigo's Grille. The cab pulled up at 9:00 p.m., which meant I was thirty minutes late. Perfect timing, in my opinion.

As I walked in, I immediately spotted Suzy, already seated and smiling among a group of our former classmates.

"Wait... is that Lucy?" a voice from the small group said. All heads turned in my direction. For a moment, fear gripped me.

But then I remembered Tris's words: Don't underestimate yourself. With that in mind, I straightened my posture and walked in with quiet confidence. Their eyes were fixed on me, as if analyzing every step I took. They all looked stunned-none of them had ever seen me like this before. I took a seat next to Suzy, who was still staring at me, mouth slightly open in disbelief.

I barely had a moment to settle into my seat before the comments began.

"Well, well... look who finally decided to show up," Sandra said, her voice laced with mock sweetness. "Didn't recognize you for a second, Lucy. You clean up so well."

The others around her snickered.

Another chimed in, "I didn't know she even knew how to wear heels. Thought she was still stuck in those old sneakers from high school."

I felt a tight knot form in my chest, but I kept my expression calm, remembering what Tris told me: 'Do not feel intimidated. They're just a bunch of bitches. Keep them in their place'.

I gave a soft smile and replied, "I guess people grow up. Some faster than others." The snickering stopped for a beat, then Suzy leaned in, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Wow, Lucy. I mean this in the nicest way... but who did your makeover? It's like you were hiding a whole new face." I turned to her, matching her smile.

"Oh, just a friend. Amazing what confidence and a little kindness can do, right?" Sandra raised an eyebrow.

"Still shy, though? Or are you going to actually speak this time instead of shrinking into the walls like you used to?"

I took a breath, sat up straighter, and looked her directly in the eyes. "I may have been quiet back then, Sandra. But I was never blind."

She blinked, clearly taken aback. I could feel the shift in the air-the same girls who used to make me feel invisible were now unsure of how to handle the woman sitting in front of them.

I didn't come here to fight, but I also didn't come here to fold.

Suzy chuckled awkwardly and changed the subject, but I could see the way they all kept glancing at me, trying to figure out who I had become. And for the first time, I didn't feel small. I felt seen.

Just as I was starting to feel comfortable in my own skin, the door to the restaurant opened again.

"Hey guys," a familiar voice called out.

"Nathan?" Sandra said, turning toward the voice

Wait-Nathan? The Nathan I knew?

My first love?

I lifted my head, and there he was.

My breath caught in my throat. He was still as handsome as ever.

Tall, effortlessly attractive, with that same disarming smile I used to dream about in high school. He hadn't changed much, except his jawline was sharper now and his presence even more magnetic.

His eyes scanned the room casually-until they landed on me.

He stared.

I stared back.

I hadn't expected this. I hadn't expected him.

My first love.