As the limousine pulled up in front of the event hall, Lucy couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement in her stomach.
She glanced out of the window, taking in the lavishly decorated exterior, with golden lights twinkling like stars against the evening sky. The marquee above the entrance announced in bold letters, [Welcome to the 7th High School Reunion] and beneath it, a smaller sign read, [Lucy's Prom].
The chauffeur opened the car door, and Tom stepped out first, extending a hand to help Lucy. She accepted, stepping gracefully out of the vehicle.
As soon as she emerged, a chorus of excited shrieks greeted her ears. She turned to see Sonia and a group of their former classmates rushing toward her, their faces lit up with joy.
"Lucy!" One of them squealed, throwing her arms around her. The others followed suit, enveloping Lucy in a whirlwind of hugs and laughter. It was as if no time had passed since their graduation seven years ago.
"Oh my God, you look amazing, Lucy!" Chloe, the lady who had told her about the reunion, exclaimed, stepping back to admire Lucy's gown. "And where did you get that tiara? You look like a queen!"
"She is a queen. My Queen," Tom interjected and sounds of 'aww' rent the air.
"You're so lucky, Lucy," one of the ladies said. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
Lucy laughed, her eyes sparkling. "Yes, I am. Thank you! You all look fantastic too. I can't believe it's been so long!"
"It's been too long, Lucy. Every year I looked forward to your presence at the reunion but you never showed up," one of them said.
Just then, Lucas stepped out of the limousine, drawing the attention of the group. A round of greetings and smiles greeted him, and he responded with his usual easy charm.
"Ladies," Lucas said, nodding at them with a smile.
Their attention shifted when they noticed Amy stepping out of the car. The reaction was immediate— a series of appreciative smiles and compliments.
"Amy, you look stunning!" Sonia said, her eyes widening in admiration. "That dress is beautiful on you!"
"Thank you," Amy replied shyly, a soft blush spreading across her cheeks at the unexpected attention. "You look amazing too."
"Isn't she just lovely?" Lucy said, beaming as she introduced Amy to the group.
After the greetings, one of the ladies, who had been appointed the head of the reunion committee, turned to Tom with a grateful smile. "Mr Hank, thank you so much for sponsoring this reunion. We really couldn't have pulled this off without you. Before now our reunions were a casual affair, but this? This is the grandest we've ever had it."
Tom smiled modestly. "It's my Jewel you should thank. It's my pleasure to put a smile on her face," Tom said, and Lucy giggled as another round of 'awws' filled the air.
"Where's Bryan?" Tom asked Sonia when he didn't see him anywhere around.
Sonia rolled her eyes playfully. "Busy signing autographs."
Tom chuckled, "Well, I better go find him before he starts getting carried away," Tom said.
"I will come with you," Lucas said and then turned to Amy, "Do you want to come with us, or would you prefer to stay with Lucy and Sonia?"
"I will join you inside later," Amy said, giving him a reassuring smile.
"Before you go inside, you should take pictures at the red carpet," Sonia suggested, and both Tom, Lucy, Lucas and Amy, made their way down the red carpet so that the designated photographers would capture their pictures.
After they were done with the pictures, Lucas and Tom headed into the hall, leaving the ladies to their conversations.
Tom's eyes narrowed slightly, but before he could say anything, Lucy giggled, shaking her head. "That was ages ago. I only have eyes for Tom now." She leaned into Tom, her eyes twinkling with affection as she kissed his cheek.
One of the ladies sighed dramatically, "Well, I'd only have eyes for my man too if he pulled off an event like this just for me." Her words drew a chorus of agreement from the other ladies, who nodded and laughed.
Someone else at the table, clearly eager to stir the pot, commented, "Isn't it funny how both Sonia and Lucy ended up as sisters-in-law, married to two very successful brothers? I guess Sonia's decision to turn her back on her family and stick with Lucy eventually paid off. Tell us, who connected who?"
Lucy's smile faltered, and a spark of irritation flashed in her eyes. "I thought maturity comes with age, but I see some people still haven't grown up. You're still as envious as ever, Sophia," she said with a shake of her head.
"Sensitive much? Must be the..."
Sonia yawned loudly before Sophia could finish speaking, "Some people are super desperate to steal the show, but even their attempt is boring."
The atmosphere at the table grew tense, and before the exchange could escalate, the emcee's voice broke in once, "It's time to hit the dance floor! Let's take it back to the golden days!" He announced to the relief of everyone.
Lucy looked up at him, her eyes shining with love. "I am happy, Tom. Happier than I've ever been."
16:05
"I'm happy to hear that."
"Want to dance?" Tom asked, and Lucy turned to him with a wide smile, her earlier irritation gone.
"Sure."
The DJ started playing hits from their high school years, and the dance floor quickly filled with people eager to relive the past. Tom stood, extending a hand to Lucy, his eyes softening. "Shall we?"
Lucy nodded, smiling up at him. "Let's go." She took his hand, and they moved to the dance floor, joining the swaying crowd.
As they danced, surrounded by the music of their youth, Lucy felt a wave of happiness wash over her. She glanced up at Tom, feeling grateful for him, for his love and support, and for the life they were building together.
Tom leaned down, his lips brushing against her ear, "I love seeing you like this, Jewel. So carefree and happy."
Lucy looked up at him, her eyes shining with love. "I am happy, Tom. Happier than I've ever been."
"I'm happy to hear that."
A few feet from them, as Amy and Lucas danced, she looked up at him, "I guess I didn't have to worry about being badmouthed by your classmates."
"You were worried about that?" Lucas asked with a frown.
"Yeah. Were you uncomfortable earlier when she was brought up?" Amy asked, and Lucas nodded.
"Yeah. Sort of. I was worried at the thought that she was mean to someone because of me. Were you uncomfortable?" He asked, and she shook her head.
"No. I was only concerned about you. And no, she didn't do whatever she did because of you. It was because of herself. So, don't let it bother you," Amy said, and Lucas smiled.
"I love you, Amy."
"You don't have a choice," she said with a grin, and Lucas chuckled as he swept her off the ground and twirled a laughing Amy around the dance floor.
They all danced together, lost in the music and each other, while around them, the reunion continued, a celebration of the past and the bright promise of the future.