EACH INDIVIDUAL ORBIT

ONE

ANNE MARIE SAT in silence on the driver's seat of her car, her fingers anxiously gripping the steering wheel. Her gaze flicked to the clock, realizing that the homecoming party would begin soon. The weight of the decision bore down her, causing her to bite her lower lip and nervously rock her legs back and forth.

Letting out a deep sigh, she felt the tension in her head intensify. She had sighed countless times already, each one adding to the throbbing ache in her temples. Should she gather the courage to go inside and face the crowd, or should she simply retreat and come up with an excuse about not feeling well?

The internal struggle continued to play out as she weighed the pros and cons, her mind racing with thoughts of potential judgement and discomfort.

"Fudge," she cursed under her breath, frustration evident in her voice as she started the car. Anne Marie had made her decision not to attend the homecoming, determined to break her streak of skipping the event for the third time. She had vowed to continue avoiding it altogether.

As she released her foot on the parking brake, she shift the gear into drive and began driving to the left towards the exit of the parking lot, when a sudden loud banging sound jolted her. Reacting instinctively, she slammed her for the brakes, her heart pounding in her chest. The abrupt stop prevented her from colliding with the steering wheel, but her breathing came out loud and rapid, a mix of shock and anxiety filling the car.

She sat in stunned silence for a moment, her mind racing to comprehend what had just happened. Did she hit something... or worse, someone? The weight of the situation settling in, and she felt a wave of unease wash over her.

She kept her head lowered, her forehead resting on the steering wheel as she continued to catch her breath, trying to calm her racing heart.

Suddenly, a loud knock on her window startled her, causing her to let out a startled scream and clutch her chest dramatically. The unexpected intrusion had caught her off guard, intensifying her already heightened stated of anxiety.

"Are you okay?" a muffled voice of a man outside the car asked, genuine concern evident on his tone. However, she remained her head down, unable to mustered a response. Another knock followed, prompting her to locate and press the button that lowered the window shield, allowing a small opening for communication.

"Miss," the man called out, his voice filled with genuine concern. "Are you okay? I am so, so, sorry. I was making a phone call..."

Anne Marie slowly lifted her head, a deep sigh escaping her lips. She couldn't help but feel a tine of annoyance at the man's careless admission. "It's not right to use you phone while driving, sir," she replied sarcastically. deliberately avoiding making eye contact with him.

There was a moment of silence, followed by the sound of the man sighing in frustration. "I'm so sorry—wait... Anne Marie?" he exclaimed, his voice filled with recognition and surprise.

She gazed at the man intently, her mind working to recall where she had seen him before. The space between her eyebrows knotted as she strained to remember anyone with that face. After encountering so many people on a daily basis, it felt futile to try and pinpoint a specific connection.

The man leaned closer, lowering his body to bring himself face to face with Anne Marie. "Don't you recognize me?" he asked, his voice filled with a mix of surprise and disappointment.

She slowly shook her head, her expression apologetic.

"Oh, come on!" he exclaimed, clearly taken aback by her lack of recognition.

Straightening his posture, the man extended his right arm through the open window, inviting her for a handshake. "My name's Sebastian. Sebastian Cortez," he introduced himself, his voice carrying a hint of excitement.

Anne Marie's eyes widened in realization as Sebastian introduced himself. Of course, Sebastian! she chided herself silently. How could I forget my first boyfriend?

A warm smile spread across her face as he grinned back at her, memories of their time together flooded her mind. Grateful for his help, she watched as Sebastian confidently maneuvered her car into an empty parking space. His skilled handling of the vehicle impressed her, reminding her of his natural knack for driving.

As they walked side by side towards the elevator, Sebastian's concern for the car damages lingered in the air. "I'm sorry about your car," he stated, his voice filled with remorse. "Please, let me take care of the repairs."

Anne Marie shook her head, declining his offer. "It's just minor damages," she reassured him. "As long as my car is still working, it's fine. Besides, accidents happen, and I don't want you to bear the burden alone... and please, never ever use your phone while driving." she replied her voice filled with reassurance.

Sebastian looked at her intently and his expression softened, appreciating her understanding. "Thank you," he said. "I'll make it up to you somehow. Here's my business card," he handed it her. "Call me when you want to have dinner."

She nodded, a sense of warmth and familiarity enveloping her. It felt like a twist of fate to reunite with her first love in such unexpected circumstances. As they entered the elevator, Anne Marie couldn't help but wonder what delicious foods are waiting for her at the homecoming party.