I spent the morning lounging around the house, trying to shake off the lingering thoughts of Rion's hug the day before. But as I sat on the couch, flipping through TV channels, my mind kept drifting back to the events of the past few days.
Just as I was starting to feel like I was going stir-crazy, I heard the doorbell ring. I got up to answer it, expecting it to be a delivery or maybe even Vincent finally coming to visit.
But to my surprise, it was my friends Riley, Samantha, and Lisa, standing on my porch with big smiles on their faces.
"Hey, girl! We were thinking of coming over to keep you company," Riley exclaimed, giving me a tight hug.
I hugged her back, feeling a little overwhelmed by the sudden invasion. "Hey, guys! Come on in."
As we sat down in the living room, Samantha immediately started asking me about my plans for the day. "So, what are you up to today?"
I shrugged. "Not much. Just hanging out around the house."
Lisa raised an eyebrow. "You can't stay cooped up in this house forever. You need to get out and start living again."
"Jeez, relax it's just today I decided to stay home." I said.
"A day is enough to have an impact on your emotional health." He retorted.
Riley nodded in agreement. "Yeah, and we have just the thing. Our high school reunion is tonight, and we're all going. You should come with us!"
I hesitated, feeling a little uncertain. But they were insistent, saying that it would be good for me to get out and socialize, especially after everything I'd been through lately.
"Come on, it'll be fun!" Samantha exclaimed. "And who knows, maybe you'll even run into Rion again."
I rolled my eyes, feeling a little embarrassed. " I shouldn't have told you guys. You guys are just trying to get me to go so I can see Rion."
Riley grinned. "Maybe a little. But seriously, Blossom, you need to get out and start living again. This is the perfect opportunity."
I sighed, feeling a little worn down by their arguments. "Fine, I'll go," I said finally, resigning myself to a night of awkward small talk and forced nostalgia.
They all cheered and hugged me, excited that I had finally agreed to go. As they left to get ready for the reunion, I couldn't help but feel a little anxious about what the night might hold.
I spent the rest of the afternoon getting ready for the reunion. I started by rummaging through my closet, searching for the perfect dress. I had a few options in mind, but nothing seemed quite right.
After trying on several dresses, I finally settled on a stunning, creamy, floral exotic dress that made me feel like a million bucks. The dress was a work of art, with intricate, hand-beaded embroidery that caught the light as I moved. The fitted bodice hugged my curves, while the flowing skirt fell in soft folds around my legs. I paired it with some strappy heels and a statement necklace, feeling mature, presentable, and ready to take on the night.
Next, I moved on to my makeup. I kept things simple, opting for a natural look that enhanced my features without looking too done-up. I highlighted my cheekbones, defined my brows, and added a swipe of mascara to my lashes.
As I finished up my makeup, I heard my phone buzz with a text from Riley. "Hey girl, almost ready? We're going to be late!"
I smiled, feeling a little excited despite myself. I grabbed my clutch and headed out the door, ready to face whatever the night might bring.
As I slipped into the car, Lisa turned to me with a critical eye. "Okay, let's get one thing straight - tonight, we're going to have fun. No moping around, no thinking about your dad or...other things. Just us, having a good time."
I nodded, feeling a little grateful for my friends' unwavering support. "I promise, I'll try."
Riley grinned, starting up the car. "That's all we can ask for. Now let's go party!"
As we pulled up to the venue, I could feel my nerves starting to kick in. What would people be like? Would they be friendly, or would they be judgmental?
I took a deep breath, reminding myself that I was here with my friends, and that we were going to have a good time no matter what.
As we stepped inside, I was immediately struck by the sea of familiar faces. There were people from my old school, people I hadn't seen in years.
I felt a little overwhelmed, but my friends were by my side, guiding me through the crowds and introducing me to people I hadn't seen in ages.
As the night wore on, I started to relax, started to enjoy myself. I laughed and chatted, danced and sang along to the music.
And then, just as I was starting to feel like I was really letting loose, I saw him. Rion, standing across the room, his eyes locked on mine.
My heart skipped a beat as our eyes met, and for a moment, it felt like time stood still.
Why was he looking at me like that?
As our eyes met, Rion smiled and started making his way over to me. I felt a flutter in my chest as he approached, his eyes never leaving mine.
"Hey, you look stunning," he said, his voice low and smooth, as he handed me a glass of champagne. "I'm so glad you decided to come."
I took the glass, feeling a little self-conscious about the way he was looking at me. "Thanks, I wasn't sure if I was going to make it."
Rion leaned in close, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I'm glad you did. I've been thinking about you all day."
I felt a shiver run down my spine as his words sent a thrill through me. Was Rion really interested in me, or was he just being friendly?
As we chatted, I couldn't help but notice the way Rion was looking at me. His eyes seemed to bore into mine, as if he could see right through to my soul.
And then, just as I was starting to feel like I was getting used to his intense gaze, he reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair out of my face.
The touch sent shivers down my spine, and I felt my heart skip a beat. What was Rion doing?
Just then, a voice interrupted us, and I turned to see Emily, an old classmate of ours, grinning at us like a fool.
"Oh my god, you two are so cute!" she exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement. "I had no idea you were together!"
Rion and I exchanged a look, both of us laughing awkwardly. "We're not together," I said quickly, feeling my face heat up.
But Emily just winked at us. "Don't be shy, guys! I ship it!"
The people around us started to stare, and I felt my face grow even hotter. Rion, however, just chuckled and put his arm around me, pulling me close.
"I think we make a pretty good team, don't you?" he whispered in my ear, his breath sending shivers down my spine.
I felt my face heat up with embarrassment, and I quickly excused myself to go to the restroom.
As I locked myself in a stall, I leaned against the wall, trying to catch my breath. Why did Emily have to go and say that? Now everyone was going to think that Rion and I were a couple.
I felt a wave of distress wash over me. What if Rion thought I was interested in him romantically? What if he started to feel the same way?
I closed my eyes, trying to calm myself down. This was not what I needed right now. I just wanted to get through this reunion without any drama.