The Unrecognized Beauty

ATHENA'S POV Mom handed me my phone and said, "Athena, someone is calling you; you left your phone in the living room." "Oh, right! Thanks, mom!" I said as I took my phone from her hand and answered the call. It's Megan on the other end of the line. As I answered the phone, I said, "Hey, Meg! What's up?" "Hello, Girl! Are you coming to our reunion? I got an invite," she inquired. "Me too! I'm still thinking whether or not I'll go." I picked up the invitation on my table and check the event details once again. "Oh, I'll go. I hope you can go as well! If you decide to attend, contact me!" she added. "All right, Meg, I'll let you know if I decide to go." I returned the invitation to the table. "Then I'll wait for your call," she replied "Sure, Meg. I've got to get going. I'll contact you soon, or we can meet to catch up." "I see. Let's meet another time," She said, laughing. "Bye Athena, my extremely gorgeous friend." Every time she bids her farewell, she always says that. "Bye, Meg. You're lovely, too! Always remember that. Love you!"  I replied as I hung up the phone.  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It's been days since I received an invitation to attend our high school reunion. I honestly don't want to go. But, after much deliberation, here I am, heading to my former high school. Springfield International Academy. I arrived quickly and parked my car inside. It appears that there are already a large number of people inside because of the vehicles in the parking lot. My phone started buzzing even before I could get out of the car. I  looked at the screen to see who it was and saw that it was Megan. As I answered the phone, she yelled, "Girl! Where are you? I'm here already! I just parked my car." Instead of going together, we decided to meet here at school. "Same here. I'm in the parking lot as well. Let's meet at the entrance," I said as I grabbed my small handbag. She quickly ended the phone after stating, "That's good! See you!" I'm not sure if I'm ready to go inside. I was anxious about the people I would encounter. I'm just hoping he's not around. I'm not sure I'm ready to face him yet. Before opening the car door, I check my reflection in the rear-view mirror. My hair is in a high ponytail, and I'm wearing a plain black dress that is pretty close to my body. I gathered my thoughts and began walking towards the entryway where the event was taking place. Megan exclaimed, "Athena!!!"  She missed me that much huh? "Meg, it's just me, okay?" I said, giggling slightly. She's dressed in a red tube dress that hits just above the knee and pairs with white high heels. I like her outfit. It is perfect for her. "You look great!" she exclaimed exaggeratedly. "Thank you!" I said, smiling. "I love your look; you're so adorable." "Thank you, lovely! Shall we go inside?" she inquired. I paused before responding, "Ah, yeah. Sure." I believe I'm breathing hard. As we go, I'm getting a little uneasy. There were already a lot of people there, and I recognized a few of them. "Athena! Meg!" When Peter spotted Megan and me, he yelled our names. He became a friend of ours over time. He attempted to court me before, but I rejected because I was frightened of being hurt again by allowing a man into my life. However, he has just resumed his efforts. I was considering giving him a chance because he's a nice and talented guy.  He's now a member of a well-known band in the country. They also have seen from various television shows. They have a lot of fans. I am proud of him, and I tell that to him frequently. "I thought you're not coming? You lied to me, Peter?" I asked, feeling betrayed.  "I'm sorry! It's been a while since I saw you so I decided to come here." he remarked, smiling broadly at me. I smiled back and answered, "You should have informed, though." "Hey, dude! "A man approached and greeted him. "How's it going, bro?" He gave the guy a tap on the shoulder as he glanced at him. He then returned his gaze to us. "Excuse us, ladies." He grinned at me again and said, "See you around." I just smiled and nodded. Megan tried to look sorrowful as she continued, "I guess you forgot about me for a minute." I believe she is correct. It was almost as if I had forgotten about her. I made a peace sign and said, "I'm sorry, Meg." "You're not even going to deny it?  Ouch. That hurts," she replied, her voice trembling. She even put her right hand over her heart. Her reaction made me giggle. I just suggested, "Let's just find a seat." "Right! "Let's just get going," she replied. "Please lead the way, Miss beautiful," I murmured, motioning with my hand. "I believe that table over there is still vacant," she remarked, pointing to the empty table. "All well, but can you go there on your own?  I'm sorry, I'll go to the restroom and pee." I can't take it anymore. At home, I believe I consume too much juice. "Yeah! It's no problem. Go now," she ordered, and I followed her command. I take a short walk to the restroom. However, I bumped into someone even before I got to the bathroom. And my small handbag fell across the floor. "I'm sorry, Miss," he said as we were both about to get my bag on the floor. He was the first to get it. He was about to handed it over to me when he stopped. We were now staring each other in the eyes. He looks to be in even better shape than I remember. He broke the silence between us by saying, "Hi." "Hello," I responded coldly, "may I have my bag?" I inquire, my gaze falling on his hands, which are holding my bag. "Oh! Yeah. "  He handed me my bag and said, "Here." "Thanks." I muttered, "Excuse me," and was ready to walk away when he spoke again. "Wait a minute, Athena. Is it okay if we talk? " he asked, his gaze fixed on me. "We don't have anything to discuss, Markus. So, if you'll excuse me, I have to go." I didn't wait for him to respond. I walked right by him as soon as I finished my words. I can't bear being in his presence once more. I'm afraid that if I stay much longer, my legs will give out. Just seeing him makes me feel weak. He's the person I don't want to see tonight, but fate hasn't been kind to me.