Meeting You Again

Chapter 34

Ayla's POV

After work the next day, Tariq and I worked to move all my boxes into his apartment and I finished talking to the apartment manager and landlord with all my lease stuff. It was done very quickly because it was such a top tier apartment complex, but I was happy I was leaving for Tariq's place where that group of people could never even get close to causing a ruckus.

I was also excited that I would get to spend more time with Tariq...once he returns, that is. Yeah, after I moved in, Tariq had to go on his business trip. He seemed even more reluctant to leave than I was. How was I ever scared to express my true feelings in front of him? However, it wasn't too bad. We called every night, and I wasn't as lonely as before because I had Kai with me.

Today was Thursday and I was on the way home from the grocery store when I got a text.

Zane: Hey Ayla, how are you doing?

Huh, it was from Zane – who was that again?

Oh I remember now, the Vice President from my high school days.

Ayla: Hi Zane, I'm doing well. What about you?

Zane: Good, thanks for asking. I wanted to check if you were coming to the high school reunion this Saturday at Heritage Tavern?

We have a high school reunion this weekend?! What? Since when? I quickly went to check my emails, moving to the inner edge of the sidewalk so that I wasn't blocking people. Goodness, they sent the email nearly 8 months ago! Did I respond? My phone dinged with another message.

Zane: Everyone's looking forward to seeing you again after such a long time. They all miss their favorite class President. So, are you coming? You didn't respond to the email and I want to make sure you're coming.

Wow, it's already time for a high school reunion. This quick? I swear it feels like I graduated a few years ago!

My time in highschool was truly not bad. I was the class president, and I tried to help everyone as much as I could back then, so I don't think there were any hard feelings with anyone back then. Except Remus, you mean.

Well, he doesn't count anymore okay? Besides, he's likely too busy with Corinna, their expecting baby, and his job as he took over on his father's behalf. You've seen how busy Tariq's been after taking over as President from Mr. Runyon.

I didn't really have anything planned for this weekend, and I did miss everyone.

Ayla: Yes, I plan to attend! I apologize for not responding, I haven't seen the email until you told me about it right now.

Zane: Great! Everyone's going to be so excited, can't wait to see you there!

I read through the email in more detail now, taking into account the location and time. The way my school did reunions was slightly different. As an upper class high school, the reunions were on a grand scale, and they most often than not rented out a high-level restaurant instead of having a reunion at the school.

Do I have any proper dresses for this? I haven't gone to an event in a long time...I'm kind of excited. Maybe I should FaceTime Tariq tonight instead of calling, and ask for his opinion on what to wear.

***

Saturday June 1, 2024

Ayla's POV

I decided to wear a dusty pink dress. I don't know why but Tariq was incessant on me wearing dusty pink, telling me that the color "emphasized my elegance". When did he even see me wear this color before anyways? I didn't have much of this color in my wardrobe.