Over a decade later..
Toni's POV
Years had passed since I said goodbye to Kenny, and I know life has taken us in different directions. I always wondered what he was up to. Did he graduate high school, go to college, get married?.
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Toni was now in her mid-twenties, working as a graphic designer in the bustling city in Atlanta. Her friend Janet invited her to a party in California with a small group of her associates. Toni wasn't particularly excited about being in a crowded room full of strangers but Janet's enthusiasm convinced her to take that 5 hr flight.
"Come on Toni! It'll be fun" Janet exclaimed as her and Janet pulled up to a club. "You look fine girl stop pulling your dress down and live a little" Janet said as Toni sighed and fixing her short black dress.
The music played loud as they entered the building, people chatting and dancing. Janet quickly spotted some friends and dragged Toni over to the group.
Toni was mid conversation, half listening to someone's story about a recent trip they went on, when her eyes wandered across the room and froze. There, standing near the bar was a familiar face she hadn't seen over a decade. It was Kenneth. He looked different-tall, and more mature. But there was no mistaking those brown eyes and warm smile.
Kenny was talking to a couple of people but glanced up and noticed Toni at the same moment. His eyes widened in recognition, and he excused himself from the group and walked towards her.
"Toni?" He said, his voice filled with surprise and a hint of nostalgia. "Kenny!" Toni exclaimed, feeling a rush of emotions. They hugged, and for a moment it felt like no time had passed. Janet noticing the reunion walked over with a curious smile. "Hey T- who's this?" She asked. "Janet this is Kenny" Toni said beaming. Janet smirked and looked at Kenny then Toni. "It's nice to meet you Kenny, don't try no funny shit with my girl I'm watching you" Janet scolded and Toni nudged her. "Is she always like that?" Kenny asked. Toni giggled.
They spent the next few hours catching up. Kenny had shared he took an interest in architecture and he's moved all over the US but eventually came back to California. "So how'd you end all the way up in California?" Kenny asked. "Janet" Toni said. "She's always dragging me into some shit" Toni said taking a sip of her drink. "It's so surreal seeing you again" he said as his eyes sparkled. "I didn't except us to cross paths like this". "But aren't you glad we did?" Toni smiled watching everyone around the room.
Janet who had been mingling but keeping an eye on her friend, eventually joined the two. "You two look you're having a great time, it's like fate brought u back together" Toni and Kenny took a small glance at each other and smiled. Toni nodded feeling grateful for Janet's insistence on coming to the party.
As the night wound down, the exchanged numbers and made plans to meet up soon.
"See you soon Ken" Toni shouted as she disappeared from Kenny's view.
