The Swan

Reunion

Eve picked up the diamond earrings she had bought for the reunion. Placing them in her ears, she looked at herself in the floor mirror. Turning to the side, she had to admit to herself that she looked beautiful. Her gown hugged her body and hung near her ankles with a long slit up the side. It was silver but appeared white when the light glistened off of the shimmery sequins. It was one of the gowns from her favorite designer and looked like it was made specifically for her. In fact, it was a limited edition.

Her diamond necklace landed just below her collar bone. It matched her earrings and bracelet. It might be a bit much for a reunion, but Eve wanted to make an impression on everyone there tonight, especially Maria and her friends. They tormented her mercilessly in high school and she wanted to put them to shame.

***

Eve stepped out of her car at the valet. She wore strapped heeled sandals that had a thin strap around her ankle. She walked around the back of the car heading toward the entrance when she noticed most of the staff staring at her. She smiled to herself before walking through the opened door.

***

Maria was standing near the stage talking with Sarah about the turn out.

The graduating class was quite large, so they were forced to rent out the large banquet room at a nearby club instead of using the gymnasium at the school.

Maria looked over and watched as David was getting them something to drink from the refreshments table. 'He is so handsome tonight! Eve can eat her heart out! He's mine!' She was still angry that Eve had the nerve to talk to David the other night at the restaurant after she specifically told her to stay away from him. At first, it seemed like David was smitten with Eve but Maria figured she was just seeing things. Although Eve was pretty now, she was sure David could see through her.

"You look deep in thought," David said as he approached Maria. She didn't even realize he had come back.

"Just wondering how lucky I am to have you," Maria covered. She lifted her head and kissed David.

David felt uneasy when he kissed Maria. He couldn't stop thinking about Evelyn. He knew he was in trouble.

Maria and Sarah had some last minute business to attend to for the finale of the night, so, after telling David she'd be back soon, they made their way to one of the rooms at the back that held the media equipment.

They weren't present when the crowd began to form around the doorway.

***

Eve stood there in the entrance as a small crowd gathered around her. The president of the reunion board walked in her direction to greet her.

"It appears that many of our alumni already recognize you," the president stated as she held her hand out. "Hi, I'm Elaine."

Eve smiled and shook her hand. "I'm glad to be here!" She didn't want to be seen by too many people until she was introduced. "Is there another room I could stay in?"

"Of course, right this way," Elaine escorted Eve toward an area behind a curtain that was cordoned off. After Elaine left her there, Eve looked around the curtain to see who was in attendance. She knew nobody recognized her from high school so when she does reveal herself, it will be a priceless moment.

Eve saw David which meant Maria was nearby, though she couldn't see her. David looked very sexy in his suit. She hasn't been able to stop thinking about him, even after knowing he was engaged to Maria. She's never believed in love at first sight, but she had to admit that she liked him, a lot. Eve didn't know what David saw in Maria. Obviously, Maria has him fooled.

She scanned the crowd and saw Maria coming out of a room in the back with Sarah, one of Maria's minions. She looked to the room Maria had just come out of and thought she saw computer screens. Clutching her small purse that held the flash drive with the pictures and video clip she'd found of Maria, she decided to make her way back there using the curtain as a cover. She knew she had plenty of time as the reunion just started.

***

Maria and Sarah made the final touches on the memoriam and had just walked back into the banquet hall when they noticed a change in the atmosphere. There was excitement in the air. A class mate walked past and Maria stopped her. "Susan, what's all the commotion about?"

"You mean you didn't see her? Misty Diane just arrived!"

Maria felt disappointed that she missed her. "Oh shoot! I can't believe she came in just when we were in the back," she said to Sarah. "Where did she go?"

"I think she snuck out so she could be introduced later," Susan stated before walking away.

"Who's Misty Diane?" asked David.

"Seriously? She's only the best author ever! She has several New York times best sellers. She's my idol!" Maria said proudly. "She's also a mystery. Nobody has seen what she looks like. I know I have searched the internet for a photo as much as I can, but there just isn't one. She apparently went to this high school when we did, but I don't remember her. there are no pictures in the school year books with her either. But Elaine was able to get a hold of her to come to this reunion. We are so proud to have such a famous author from our little school!" Maria gushed. "I can't wait until I can have her autograph my book!" She pointed to where the lockers were. She had put her purse and book in one of them.

***

Eve looked around to see if anyone was watching her before she went into the media room and shut the door. She wanted to act fast before someone saw her.

Walking over to the main computer, she sat down and got her flash drive out. Finding the file was fairly simple, so, after opening it, she put the drive in and opened it too. Eve scrolled through the footage and photos in the program, adding her own here and there. She wanted the video clip at the end. She found a clip of Maria doing some questionable things on camera; twerking and pole dancing at a nightclub.

When Eve was done, she hurriedly saved it and closed the file. Taking the flash drive out of the computer, she stood and started walking back to the door when she heard voices coming. Quickly, she looked around and saw a closet. Stepping in and closing the door just in time, she heard the person walking around briefly before hearing the main door close.

Slowly, Eve opened to closet door and crept to the main door. Opening it a bit, she saw nobody was around, so she slipped out and walked back to the area Elaine had left her, inwardly smiling at what was to come.

***

Elaine walked on to the small stage and up to the microphone. Tapping it, she says "excuse me everyone. Now is the time we've all been waiting for. She's one of the best-selling authors of our time. She also attended this high school ten years ago. We love to welcome Misty Diane, aka Evelyn Robertson!" she gestured to the curtained off area and everyone applauded. Maria was so excited to see her idol.

Eve felt excited, not just for the revenge, but for the feeling she gets when she is the focal point. It never gets old. She stepped out and walked toward the microphone, waving to the crowd. She heard gasps when Elaine said her real name and even more applause.

Maria couldn't believe what she was seeing. Eve? Eve is Misty Diane? 'No, this can't be possible! Eve is a loser!' Maria looked around and saw Sarah's surprised look. She turned toward Maria with a look of shock.

***

David was standing next to Maria waiting on the guest of honor. He had never heard of Misty Diane, but then again, he was never a big reader outside of academics.

Elaine announced her and David's mouth dropped. The woman that has been dominating his dreams stepped out, waving to the crowd. She looked gorgeous this evening. He had to cover up his surprise before Maria saw his reaction.

***

"Hi everyone! I want to thank you for such a warm welcome back to Emerson High. I am so touched!"

Eve continued her brief speech and shared that she would be doing book signings the following day at one of the local bookstores for anybody that would like to meet her. She heard excited murmurs throughout the room.

Looking out at the crowd, her eyes landed on Maria and she felt amused at her expression. Eve simply smiled at her. She, then, saw David standing next to Maria and gave him a quick wink and a smile, which she noticed made Maria angry. Eve had to keep from laughing out loud when she saw Maria glaring back at her. David just blushed quickly and turned his head.

***

It was nearing the end of the night and after the excitement of seeing Misty Diane, everyone was getting tired. Maria knew the final event of the night was the memoriam she had prepared. She glanced at Elaine and nodded, giving her the okay to begin the presentation.

She walked to the stage and asked for everyone's attention. "Hello everyone. We want to thank all of you for coming tonight and for celebrating ten years. The final event tonight will be a presentation that I'm sure everyone will enjoy. It's time to take a trip down memory lane," she finished and stepped down as the lights dimmed. She heard the music and watched as photos and video clips began playing. She felt proud as people were laughing and enjoying the pictures and clips.

She was taking a drink from her punch when she heard gasps and saw people looking at her. Confused, Maria glanced up and coughed on her drink. There on the big screen was a picture of her giving a man a lap dance at a party she went to a few years prior. She had gotten drunk that night and felt ashamed. She had always made herself proper and didn't know how that photo got in there. She was mortified as more embarrassing pictures began playing intermittently between other class photos. She felt panic and looked at Elaine. She mouthed at her to turn it off. Elaine began heading to the media room when she heard her voice play. She looked up at the screen and saw herself dancing seductively on another man's lap from that same evening. It showed her dancing on a pole, mostly n***d while men were whistling at her. She began hearing laughter from her classmates around her. She heard whispers. The room began to get smaller as she felt light-headed. Looking at David, she saw disgust on his face. The last face she saw before passing out was Eve's smile.