What's So Good About Picking Up The Pieces?

Two: Reunion

"Are you sure that you'll be okay on your own for a few days?" Damen asked me, gripping tighter at the duffle bag that hung over his shoulder.

"I'll be fine, dear."

"Did you decide whether you were going to your high school reunion?" he asked sternly while staring intently at the letter clenched in my hand.

I brought it up to my face. "Um..." I skimmed the invitation, reading the phrases Mission Bay Senior High; Class of 2001 10 year reunion, and Special Guest Appearance "Pierce The Veil."  I didn't know who Pierce The Veil was, but assuming they were a band, Mission Bay got them to make appearance at our reunion. Hmm, they must not be too important if they're playing gigs at a high school reunion. "I haven't decided yet." However, my answer was leaning more towards no, because those just happened to be the worst times of my life. Suddenly, I froze in terror as my next thought creeped up on me; Would Vic be there? And Emily?

But Damen broke my train of thought. "Well whatever you decide to do, have fun." He leaned forward and hugged me tightly. "But not too much fun, Autumn. You better behave yourself; do I make myself clear?"

I nodded quickly. "Yes sir."

"Good girl; well, my father's viewing is tomorrow, but the funeral isn't until Sunday. So, I probably won't be back until late Monday night. Got it? And I expect you home, waiting my return on Monday." I nodded once again. "I'll see you in a few days." And then he was gone.

Well Autumn, if you're going to make a decision, it's going to have to be tonight because the reunion is tomorrow. I sighed, giving my invitation another once over. What could it hurt? I didn't have anything else planned anyway besides sitting at home and watching Netflix movies. Ever since they hired another general manager at the US Grant, they gave me weekends off, which resulted in sitting on my ass all day and doing nothing productive. So it was settled; I was going to make an appearance at the reunion, peek my head in and see how much every one had changed, and then come back home. With that decision made, I headed to my bedroom and began putting together an outfit for the next day. 

The next morning, I woke up extremely nervous. It didn't take me but a moment to remember why; Oh, right. The reunion tonight. So, I spent majority of the day cleaning the house and stalling the moment that I had to get dressed and ready for the reunion.

"This is it," I encouraged myself, glancing at my reflection in the mirror. I tried to settle on an outfit somewhat formal, having decided on a thigh-length, shoulder strap, grey satin dress with a white bosom top and black ribbons around the stomach, and black leggings underneath. Once I assured myself that my outfit was fine, I inserted my nose and lip ring, rolled on some eyeliner and dark red lipstick, and brushed out my straight hair. "Well, here goes nothing," I reassured myself as I reached for my grey converse, exhaling nervously. 

The entire drive there, I was fully debating on turning around and going back home. But knowing I might have regretted it, I kept driving onward. And even though I was only fifteen minutes late, it seemed almost impossible to find parking. Jeez, I didn't think everyone would show up tonight. Finally settling on a spot in the back, I turned off my car and headed to the high school.

The exact moment that I walked into the building made my entire trip worth while because I saw the most amazing thing in the universe.

Lexi... overweight, raggedy, and disgusting looking... chasing around the four of her children who all seemed to be around the same age. Oh my god, no way! That's too hilarious; karma's a bitch. I giggled aloud and walked on towards the gymnasium, pleased with myself. The moment I walked in, I was hit in the face with soft playing music, loud chatter, and the faint smell of alcohol in the air. Oh no, what am I getting myself into? I should just turn around... now.