Chapter 1 The Reunion

Amanda POV

As I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my hair for what felt like the hundredth time, I couldn't shake the wave of anxiety threatening to drown me.

I had always dreaded these gatherings, not for the fear of seeing old acquaintances, but for what they often represented, a stage to measure dreams against reality. My reflection stared back, a mixture of apprehension and determination.

At twenty-eight, I had accomplished so much by society's standards, I was a resident doctor in one of New York's largest hospitals, after all. Yet, there was a nagging voice in my mind whispering that these achievements would pale in comparison to those of my classmates.

Unconsciously, my hand brushed over the name tag I had been given. It felt heavy, a reminder of the single word that defined me in that crowded space.

I felt the familiar tightness in my chest grip me like a vice. The event was being held at an upscale venue filled with twinkling lights and lavish decor, nothing like the small gymnasium where we had celebrated high school milestones.

As I approached, the sound of laughter and music flowed out like an inviting tide. Yet for me, it felt more like a tempest.

Entering the venue, the unmistakable scent of nostalgia washed over me. Memories flickered through my mind like snapshots; school dances, whispered secrets, and the bittersweet pangs of teenage drama.

Each step I took further into the crowd brought echoes of laughter and animated conversations that dripped with triumph. I could see old friends embracing, their smiles wide, the kind that ignited vivid reminders of shared moments. It was as if the past had materialized around me, tangible and all-consuming.

In moments like these, the wounds of my insecurities flared back to life. I watched as former classmates effortlessly engaged in conversation, their lives showcased like exhibits at a gallery, all sparkling and polished.

There was Sara, who had always competed for the top of our class, now regaling a group with tales of her success as a corporate lawyer; we had once existed in the same study group, but somewhere along the line, Sara had eclipsed all expectations. I felt a pang in my chest. Had the path I chose diminished me in their eyes?

Each face I recognised carried with it a tidal wave of memories; there was Liam, flitting from group to group, effortlessly charming everyone, just as he had in school. I bit the inside of my cheek, forcing myself to breathe steadily. We had never been close, but his aura of confidence only magnified my own insecurity, turning it into a loud, garish shout in my mind; look at what you've become.

A few steps away, Rachel, once my closest confidante, had morphed into a stunningly poised woman who easily commanded attention. We had shared laughter and dreams back then, but the years and the circumstances had created distance laden with unspoken words.

My heart sank a little further when Rachel's turn to share her life approach came, complete with anecdotes about her whirlwind travels and a recent engagement. The word "engagement" echoed in my brain, competing with the sound of ice clinking in glasses as someone toasted to Rachel's happiness.

As the night went on slowly, I found myself drifting between groups, caught in awkward transitions of conversation, the rhythm stilted and uncertain.

"What have you been up to?" was a popular inquiry, and each time, I felt a manicured facade coalesce around me.

I would talk about my work and my late nights at the hospital, never daring to admit how lonely those hours could be. For every story I shared, there was an unspoken fear that I might be judged as too ambitious or too serious to fit into the jubilant fabric woven by my former peer.

Amid the clinking glasses and laughter, there were patches of honesty, too. A few classmates had genuinely supported my pursuit of medicine, a stark contrast to the hushed doubts I had also sensed over the years.

Jennifer, a once-timid girl whose kindness had always outshone her social status, stepped forward with a warm smile and an open heart.

"I always knew you'd do something great, Amanda. I admired your dedication back."

"Thanks," I interrupted gently, my voice almost an afterthought. I could feel myself softening in places I had built walls over. "It's been a long journey, though."

Those brief exchanges brought flashes of light to my otherwise heavy spirit, proving that maybe there was a thread of understanding still stitched into the fabric of our memories. Yet, just as quickly, envy curled around my ankles, dragging them down once more.

I watched as classmates animatedly shared tokens of success; promotions, weddings, children, and conversations full of contentment, leaving me spiralling deeper into my thoughts.

In moments of brief connection, I couldn't help but compare my life to theirs. What did it say about me that I was still single, leaning heavily into my career while they seemed to bask in their personal triumphs.

Was my dedication to medicine a veil for fear, a passive acceptance of being left behind? The clock on the wall ticked louder, pulsating with each self-critique I whispered to myself.

Slowly, I edged toward the buffet table, partially lost in the sea of faces, hoping food could be a temporary distraction. As I served myself, I overheard snippets that fed my subjective frenzy

"...I bought a house!" "...we're expecting twins!" "...I just launched my own business!"

Every declaration was like a drumming beat against my chest, amplifying the questions swirling in my mind. Was I supposed to feel accomplished simply because I held a degree? What did it matter if I was respected in my profession when my personal life felt like a spinning top, out of control, lost somewhere between duty and desire?

And just as I picked a plate, a soft voice broke through the commotion in my thoughts, and a tap on my shoulder.