Listen To Your Heart (A John O'Callaghan Story)

Chapter 3: Reunited

As I checked my appearance in the mirror after putting on the dress I picked out to wear, I sighed loudly. I didn't really want to go the little get-together or whatever Rachel liked to call it. I didn't know who would be there and I wasn't really ready to be going out yet. I had just got home and I was barely even settled in, but Rachel was pretty much forcing me and there was no getting around that. I had tried many times in the past and I knew better to even try again.

I finally left my room after putting on a pair of wedges and walked down the stairs to look for my mom. I found her in the living room reading a book.

"Mom, do I look alright?" I asked her as I smoothed out my dress.

She looked up from her book after a moment to look at me and a smile graced her lips. "You look wonderful."

"The dress isn't too much?" I asked her seriously.

"No, it's just right," she said as she smiled more and nodded.

I nodded my head in return as I heard a horn honking outside.

"I guess that's them," I said before sighing. "I'll try not to be home too late."

"You're not a teenager anymore, Brooke. Go out and have some fun. You need it. I'm old and not that much fun."

I smiled as I shook my head at her comment. I grabbed my purse from the coffee table and walked out of the door. Rachel was waving at me from the passenger's seat of the car and motioned for me to get in the backseat behind her. I walked to it and got inside.

"Hey, Brooke!" she said happily. "I'm glad I didn't have to come in there and drag you out."

"Sounds like something you would totally do," I said as I buckled in. "Hello, Garrett."

"Hi, Brooke," he said as he began driving. "Long time, no see."

"Yeah, I know," I said. "How have things been?"

"Great," he said. "The band's doing pretty good and we're having fun with it."

"I'm sure you are," I said. "You guys are very talented."

"You've listened to our music?" he asked me curiously.

"I have and I really love it."

"Thank you," he said as he smiled. He seemed genuinely happy that I thought they were good.

"Enough about that," Rachel said as she waved her hand dismissively. I was sure she probably heard enough about their music. "I really love your dress, Brooke."

"Thanks," I said as I smiled. If she approved of my dress then I knew I didn't have to worry so much. She was very blunt and truthful. "I wasn't really sure what to wear. I love yours, too."

"Thanks," she said. "You and I have got to go shopping sometime. I know this cute boutique that wasn't here when you were. You would love it."

"So begins the girl talk," Garrett sighed dramatically.

Rachel and I both laughed at his comment and continued talking until we made it to the restaurant. I had never seen it before so I was guessing that it opened up when I was gone. It looked nice from the outside.

Garrett parked the car and we all got out of it. I smoothed down my dress and followed them inside. It was as nice as it was on the outside. Tables and booths were sitting all around and I could spot a bar on one side.

"I see Jared, Pat, and Kennedy over there," Garrett said as he pointed them out.

Rachel and I followed him as he lead us to the big table where they were sitting. Girls who I assumed to be there girlfriends were sitting with them.

"Great," I mumbled to Rachel so only she could hear. "You didn't tell me everyone had dates with them."

"Oh, don't worry about it, Brooke," she said. "It's just a get-together. No need to feel left out or anything."

I rolled my eyes as we got to the table.

"Hey, guys," Garrett said as he pulled out a chair for Rachel and then me.

"Hey," Kennedy said. "Who's that?"

"You really don't remember me?" I asked.

Kennedy looked at the rest of the guys and they shrugged their shoulders at him. None of them could remember me apparently.

"No," he said, but made it sound more like a question. "Should I?"

"It's Brooke," Rachel finally said to him.

"Brooke Matthews?" he asked.

"That's right," she said to him.

"Wow," he said as his eyes finally showed some recognition in them. "I can't believe it. I couldn't recognize you."

"It's fine," I said as I smiled at him in amusement.

"Well, it's good to have you back," he said. "This is my girlfriend, Kristen."

"Nice to meet you," she said.

"Nice to meet you, too," I replied back politely.

The rest of the guys introduced me to their girlfriends. Sarah was Pat's girlfriend and Whitney was Jared's. They all seemed nice as we talked for a while.

"And here's our final guest," Garrett said. "Late as usual."

I had my back turned to whoever it was so I didn't know who he was talking about and I wasn't really that concerned about it. I thought it was just going to be all of us anyways.

"Hey, guys. Sorry I'm late."

My eyes widened and I stiffened instantly as I recognized the voice immediately. It was John. I was not ready too see him. I should have known he would come since the rest of the guys were there, but I wasn't thinking about it. I seen Rachel look at me from the corner of my eye to see my reaction.

"Who's the blonde?" John asked from behind me.

I took a deep breath before I stood up and turned to face him. It wasn't like I could get out of it at this point anyways. He had another girl with him, which did not make it any easier for me. He looked at me for a moment before realization dawned on his face.

"B-Brooke?" he asked, sounding surprised.

Many emotions flooded through me at that moment. His appearance hadn't changed much. A few different things here and there. Looking at him made me feel like I was in high school again.

"Do you know her?" the girl that he had brought asked him.

He just nodded as he stared at me. Almost as if believing I weren't really there.

"I-I need some air," I said and quickly walked to the doors to get outside.

When I made it outside of the restaurant, I leaned against the wall and closed my eyes, trying not to cry. I took deep breaths to help calm myself down.

I felt like I was in high school all over again.