Short Words, Big Love

Class Reunion

WILLIAM'S JOURNAL

There are three things you should know before you read this. That's if anyone ever get to as it isn't my intention to share my deepest thoughts with anyone.

The first is that I used to be popular. Used being the key word here. The first male captain of the cheerleading squad, loved and envied by everyone. I worked hard and practiced all the choreographies until my bones hurt. And I say my bones because my muscles were done with me by then. I wasn't exactly a star student, but during my last year of high school I felt like a god and that's when it all ended. I would never be popular at anything again.

The second is that it was years after I realized that I was a fool to let Jack, the captain of the soccer team, go. Jack wasn't exactly handsome. He was smart, tall but gangly, fast on the field and somehow he liked me. Yet while in god mode, I didn't feel he was good enough for me. We were good friends and studied together. The times I felt bummed about life or when we would compete and not get the score I was hoping for, he was there for me. Yet when he confessed his feelings for me one day behind the bleachers, I gave him a pat on the shoulder and walked away. We never spoke after that.

Third, is that I'm about to enter the high school building, because tonight is the tenth anniversary of our graduation. I moved away right after high school with the hopes of being accepted at a dance academy, but that dream went down the drain after a car accident that left me unable to dance again. When my mom messaged me to tell me about the reunion, I doubted if I wanted to come back for it. She had bought my ticket already, she said. I felt I couldn't say no and must admit I was a little curious.

As I entered the old gym area I couldn't say that I recognized anyone, not even the members of my squad. I've also changed and have packed extra weight from lack of movement. When people noticed me, they gave me side glances and exchanged whispers. Long gone are my days of glory when I would enter the room and people would surround me, asking me to dance with them or just to hang out.

"I was hoping you would come."

The well-known voice surprised me, but at the same time felt like a warm embrace. I turned my chair around to find him. Like me, Jack has changed and is no more the gangly kid who told me he loved me. In front of me, was a sophisticated man and I felt inadequate.

"I wasn't sure I wanted to come. I have good memories of this place, but my life isn't the same."

"I still remember you the same," he said and gave me a tender caress on my cheek. "Let's grab a drink."

"Heard from my mom that you married a girl," I said after accepting the glass of wine he handed me.

"Divorced after a year. I was fooling no one, just myself." He chuckled as he sat next to me with his own drink.

We watched as people got on the dance floor. It hurt knowing that I was supposed to be there with them, dancing at the anniversary of my class.

"This was a mistake."

"Will, no! Don't go!" Jack stood up and placed his hands on the arm rests of my chair.

His gaze followed mine and he understood what was in my mind.

"Do you want to dance?" He asked.

"You used to be smart."

"I have an idea. Follow me."

I was grateful that he didn't offer to push my chair and I followed him outside. The night was clear and a few stars adorned the sky.

"Where are we going?" I asked.

"To the pitch."

"These wheels don't do great in grass."

Jack smiled and continued walking until we reached the fence of the soccer pitch. The lights were on, but further, there was no one.

"This isn't one of those batshit crazy stories where you murder me, right?"

Jack laughter echoed through the area.

"Why would I want to do that? Will, I've been in love with you for as long as I can remember. I don't believe anyone has ever known the real you. All they know is the cheerleader captain, cold, distant, unattainable."

"Not much has changed. Except for the part where I can't dance anymore."

"Is that so?"

Jack held my hand and pulled my arm. I had to turn before it dislocated.

"I believe that was a turn," he said. "What was that thing you used to do with your arms? Like this..."

Jack tried to synchronize his movements but failed. It made me smile and I showed him how it's done.

"You still got it!" He said.

We continued our stroll around the pitch and caught up about our lives. Yet my brain kept repeating his words, that he had been in love with me for as long as he remembered.

"Jack, did you really love me?"

Jack leaned against one of the fences and smiled. "I don't think I ever stopped. Not even after your rejection."

"Looking back, I was a fool. I let a good thing go. My life would have probably been different."

"It's never too late." He shrugged.

The idea sounded lovely but reality is different. "We don't even live in the same town."

"True, but my boss wouldn't mind me wanting to change my view."

His mischievious smile said it all, he worked for himself.

"Will..." He came so close that I saw the pitch lamps reflected in his dark eyes. "Give us a chance this time."

I didn't give him a friendly pat this time or left because his lips landed on mine and they are every bit as soft and perfect as I imagined them to be.

Nothing else was said and we returned to the party. Upon entering, the girls from my old squad surrounded me and before I could say no, I was sort of dragged to the dance floor. I looked towards Jack who smiled at me from his place at the table we were at and gave me a silent cheer with his old glass of wine. This time, I won't let him go.