**An Evening Reunion**
Alice always thought of herself as the least remarkable girl in her class. Petite, slim, and topped with red hair, Alice was self-conscious about her appearance, enviously eyeing her blonde, blue-eyed classmates.
“Sweetheart, you’ll bloom like a rose,” her mother reassured her. “I too blossomed late, only around sixteen. So don’t rush, and one day, you’ll certainly win the hearts of boys. You’re only thirteen now.”
“But, Mum, I’m really not rushing,” Alice would say quietly, though her green eyes betrayed her emotions. Gazing into the mirror, Alice would sigh sadly.
For some time, she had a fondness for a boy in the parallel class, Bradley. Athletic, tall, and full of fun, his daring nature in sports and games bordered on recklessness. Watching the boys play basketball during P.E., Alice would keep her eyes on Bradley as his enthusiasm invigorated the entire team, leading them to victory after victory.
Even if Bradley hadn’t been so handsome, Alice would have admired him, but his striking looks left her feeling she had no chance of befriending such a leader. Besides, Bradley was always surrounded by friends, both boys and girls, leaving no room for approach. Just passing him in the hallway was a delight for Alice, though her lack of self-confidence remained a hindrance. Meeting his gaze, she would immediately look away…
Alice never confessed her secret crush to anyone, yet she felt as if the whole world knew her secret, making her blush with the fear of her classmates’ ridicule or, worse, Bradley discovering her feelings.
So, she decided she must forget him and try not to pay him any attention. Initially, this was difficult, but with determined resolve, she managed. Alice calmed herself, feeling a sense of pride. “The key is to avoid any close encounters,” she told herself. Spotting him at school, she’d quickly turn away, disappearing behind the presence of other students.
Two years passed. Alice excelled in her studies, grew taller, and became more at ease with herself, as her mother had predicted: over one summer, Alice transformed into a graceful young woman. After completing eighth grade, Alice moved on to college. She learned of Bradley’s life through occasional chats with her former class teacher, Mrs. Thompson, who lived nearby.
Alice rarely attended school reunions as her class was not particularly close-knit, leaving few school friendships. But when everyone gathered to celebrate Mrs. Thompson’s anniversary, Alice decided to attend and congratulate her favorite teacher. Thirty years had passed since their class graduated, and the reunion was poignant since many had not seen each other since school days. Students from the parallel class attended as well.
Alice felt a jolt upon seeing Bradley. Now a tall, distinguished man with flecks of grey and a neat beard, he scarcely resembled the reckless boy she remembered. Only his eyes were the same—bright and lively.
Conversation buzzed in the hall. After congratulating Mrs. Thompson, groups of friends chatted and hugged. Alice was astonished when Bradley approached her, smiling warmly, introducing himself: “Here’s my secret school crush… Alice.”
He gently bowed and kissed her hand. Time slipped away, and Alice blushed. “A crush? Me?” she stammered, “Why am I only finding out now?”
They shared a laugh. By now, most of their classmates were married with children, including Bradley and Alice.
Standing aside, Bradley shared stories about his job, family, and son with Alice. “I have a son too,” Alice smiled, just as she’d always dreamt. Glancing at Bradley, she suddenly asked, “But tell me, why? Why did you like me? I was so quiet, shy, and ordinary…”
“That’s the point,” Bradley replied. “You didn’t just want to blend in with everyone else, and would walk by with your head high. I never dared approach you. So proud. But I liked you very much. It remains a sweet memory of youth.”
“And I admired you just as much, though it’s hard to put it into words…,” Alice blurted out. “But breaking through your group of friends seemed impossible, and I wasn’t brave enough to make the first move. It was indeed just a youthful crush.”
“Who knows,” Bradley pondered, “maybe we unwittingly missed something in our lives.”
“Perhaps,” Alice laughed, “Maybe we will meet again someday. In another lifetime…”
“I’ll look for your green eyes,” Bradley whispered, with a gentle smile. He was clearly captivated by the radiant Alice, who truly had blossomed, just as her mother once predicted.
Suddenly, Alice heard a voice call her. “Mum! Dad and I came to pick you up, as you asked…”
A young man pushed through the crowd towards Alice and Bradley.
“Meet my son,” Alice introduced him, smiling.
“Bradley,” the young man offered a handshake cheerfully.
“Bradley Mitchell,” Bradley responded, extending his hand. He looked at Alice, his eyes filled with surprise, warmth, and confusion.
Alice waved goodbye and headed for the exit. Just as she reached the school doorway, Bradley caught up with her.
“Listen, Alice…” his eyes glistened, “Thank you…”
“For what?” Alice asked, puzzled.
“For our sons… another Bradley growing up. Thank you for the memory…”
Alice nodded and then approached her car, settling into the back seat.
Her husband asked, “So, how did it go?”
“It was nice,” Alice replied with a smile, “A lot of people came. It was wonderful to see everyone, and a bit bittersweet, of course. Time changes us all… I’m thrilled for Mrs. Thompson. Such a dedicated teacher. May she enjoy good health for many more generations of students…”
