Peculiar Interest

Chapter 4

The day of the charity walk was rather inexplicable to say the least. I took a taxi to the school because I couldn't risk anything by walking, of course. There was a likely chance someone I knew would be going so it wouldn't do anything good to have them spot me along the way.

The moment I arrived and got out of the taxi, a wave of nostalgia immediately hit me. I didn't think I'd be back here. The fresh crowd pouring into the school building only made me recall all the times I spent with the gang and made me excited for what was about to come. I was ready.

"Ladies and gentleman, the charity walk has now begun!" a voice echoed from the loudspeaker, "Enjoy the event and make sure to stick around because we have a guest speaker at the end!"

Everyone cheered and began walking around the track in clustered groups. I felt a sudden deja vu upon seeing the sight, and then I slapped myself back into reality and hid in the shadows of the building and spied on everyone. I couldn't really see clearly though because of the amount of people that were at the event, but that only made me more confident that at least one person I know would be there.

Time went by rather fast considering all I did was just hide, but I wished to have at least an hour more because my chest was already feeling tight for what was about to come. I lied. I wasn't ready at all. Why did I even decide to do all of this?

"Oh Mr. Mantle! You're here!" one of the event coordinators cried cheerfully, "We need you on stage now!"

She pulled my shirt and dragged me over to the stage while the principle who wasn't Mr. Weatherbee spoke.

"And tonight, we have a special guest here who donated $5,000 to the event!" spoke the principle, "he once attended this school before moving to New York City and has just returned to the town, so if you know him, be sure to welcome him back. And now I introduce to you, Reggie Mantle!"

The audience gasped and began mumbling. That made it clear to me that most of the people attending knew who I was. I nervously stepped up and then strode across the stage with no indication of how fast my heart was beating.

I gulped and then spoke. "Good evening folks. I'm sure some of you have recognized me. I once left this city, my home. But I received the wonderful opportunity to come back. I decided to donate $5,000 to show that I've come back as a different person and am truly sorry for the way I may have treated others in the past. I hope to start a new chapter with you all. Thank you. Have a good night."

The audience roared and clapped after my speech. To tell you the truth, I was supposed to save some of that money for a different charity but I guess it doesn't matter as long as it's just a charity. But most of all, I was just glad I got the hard part over with. I stepped off the stage and walked towards the doors

But before I could reach the doors, someone tapped on my shoulder and I turned around.

"Reggie?"

I widened my eyes when I saw who it was. "Veronica?"

Veronica hugged me tightly. "Reggie! You're back! You have no idea how much we missed you all!"

"I missed you too Veronica but uh, what are you doing tonight? I thought you didn't walk."

She glared at me and punched me in the shoulder. "Exercise is extremely important for your information. Though I guess you knew that already judging by those biceps."

"Oh yeah these," I smirked and flexed my biceps for her as a joke.

She rolled here eyes. "You sure you've changed?"

"Believe it or not I have."

"Reggie! Dude!" Another voice called out from the distance. This time it was my good pal Archie. He high-fived me then hugged me.

"Yo! Why didn't you hit me up if you were coming back?"

"Sorry Arch. I wanted it to be a surpris-"

"Wait up," he interrupted,"We gotta celebrate this reunion at Pop's! I'm gonna call up the rest of the gang now. Come on!"

For the first time in so long I actually felt happy. I could breathe. From this point on, life was about to get better.
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A/N: Wow. I honestly did plan on continuing this story but I didn't think it'd take so long for me to write it again. I'm not going to use the typical I was busy excuse although I have been due to moving (I moved to Canada almost a month ago) but to tell you the truth, I just had no idea where to go with this story. Everytime I sat and began writing, I would just give up, but now I finally got a chapter done wooo! Thanks so much for all the support you guys have given! I'm so happy and sorry at the same time xD