When Stars Align Again

Episode 2: The Face from the Past

"Out of all the scenarios I envisioned for our reunion, I never expected it to unfold like this," Lucas Rivera says, his champagne glass quivering slightly in his grasp. His voice is richer than Hazel remembers, yet it still holds that familiar warmth that once made her feel secure. The boy who used to sketch building designs in tattered notebooks is gone; in his place stands a man whose face has adorned the covers of business magazines.

They find themselves in her grandmother's garden, having silently agreed to escape the knowing glances and murmurs from inside. The cool evening breeze brushes against Hazel's flushed cheeks, and the wind chimes produce a soothing melody that fills the awkward pause between them. The soft glow of the garden's fairy lights reminds her so much of the starlit nights they once shared.

"You thought about seeing me again?" Hazel asks, trying to maintain a neutral tone. She takes a sip of her champagne, relieved to have something to occupy her hands. The cool glass steadies her against the tide of memories that threaten to overwhelm her.

Lucas brushes his dark hair back – a gesture so familiar it tugs at her heart. He wears what she assumes is his standard CEO outfit: a sharply tailored charcoal suit that likely costs more than her monthly rent in Boston. Yet, his tie is slightly askew, and there's still that hint of boyish uncertainty in his eyes when they meet hers.

"It’s hard not to, especially since your grandmother keeps me posted about your medical career," he admits. "Every accomplishment, every milestone – she made sure I was in the loop.”

"She what?" Hazel nearly chokes on her drink. The sting of betrayal hits her, even though she should have anticipated it. Her grandmother had never been discreet about her matchmaking efforts, even back when they were kids.

A small smile tugs at the corners of his mouth. "Did you honestly think Po Po Maya would let any of her kids wander too far? She's been my emergency contact ever since my parents moved to Manila. She was there for every significant moment – my graduation, my first building project, the company launch."

Of course, she has. Maya Chen had practically raised half the neighborhood kids, including Lucas and Diego Rivera, after their mother's passing. She was the one who introduced Lucas to architecture, nurturing his endless sketching of building designs, just as she had fostered Hazel's passion for science by buying her first telescope at seven.

"Congrats on Rivera Developments," Hazel says, trying to steer the conversation back to business. She gestures toward the house. "The sustainable housing project in Oakland is impressive. And what about the community center in Manila?"

"You've been keeping tabs?" There was a hint of surprise – and something more – in his voice.

Hazel shrugs, playing it cool. "It's hard to ignore when you’re making headlines. Youngest CEO to crack Forbes '30 Under 30' list in sustainable architecture. The kid who used to build tree houses is now changing the game in eco-friendly urban development."

"The girl who used to name constellations is now saving children's lives," Lucas replies softly. "Pediatrics at Mass General – you always said you'd work with kids.”

The fact that he remembers sends a pang through her chest. "Yeah, well, some childhood dreams do come true, I guess."

The weight of everything left unsaid lingers between them. Some dreams blossom, while others crash down like stars plummeting from the sky. Like promises shared under meteor showers, sealed with pinky swears and that unwavering belief only children have.

"Hazel, about what happened—" Lucas begins, stepping closer. Suddenly, she’s engulfed by the scent of his cologne, mixed with something distinctly him, evoking memories of summer nights and secret hideouts.

"It was thirteen years ago. We were just kids." She forces a smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes. "Ancient history.”

"Is that really what we are? Just ancient history?" His voice drops, filled with intensity. "Because I remember a girl who could name every constellation, who could rattle off the periodic table while picking wildflowers, who made promises—"

"Please don't," Hazel interrupted, raising a hand. "We can't go there, Lucas. Not right now."

Before he can say anything else, Sarah's voice rings out from the house. "There you both are! Po Po's about to start her birthday speech!"

Saved by the bell, Hazel thinks, rushing back inside. She feels Lucas's gaze on her back but doesn't look back. She can't afford to see the hurt in his eyes, can't let herself remember why leaving had been so difficult in the first place.

The living room had been cleared in the center, with Maya standing on a small platform. Her grandmother's eyes sparkle as she sees Hazel and Lucas coming in from the garden, and a knowing smile creeps onto her face that makes Hazel uneasy.

"My beloved friends and family," Maya began, her voice steady despite her years, "I am grateful for your presence today. At eighty years old, I learned that the greatest treasures in life are the relationships we build and the legacy we leave behind.”

She hesitates, and Hazel senses a surge of unease wash over her. She recognizes that look in her grandmother's eyes – the same look she had when she orchestrated the elementary school science fair partnership that eventually brought Hazel and Lucas together.

"Which is why I'm absolutely delighted to unveil my birthday gift to Berkeley – the Maya Chen Observatory and Science Center for Youth!"

The room bursts into applause, but Hazel feels a chill run through her. This is the first she's heard of it. She senses Lucas stiffens beside her.

"This project," Maya continues, her eyes sparkling with mischief, "will be designed by our very own Lucas Rivera of Rivera Developments, whose groundbreaking approach to sustainable architecture has garnered attention throughout the industry. And the educational program will be crafted by my granddaughter, Dr. Hazel Chen, whose dedication to children at Mass General has filled this grandmother with pride."

The world around Hazel tilts slightly. She glances at Lucas, who looks just as stunned. They’ll have to collaborate. After thirteen years of maintaining distance, they’ll be thrust into close quarters.

"The observatory," Maya states, her voice laden with significance, "will be constructed on Star Hill."

Hazel's heart skips a beat. Star Hill – their cherished spot, where they used to gaze at meteor showers and make promises beneath the expansive sky. It’s where it all began, and where it all unraveled.

"The location is deeply meaningful," Maya continues, seemingly oblivious to the way both Hazel and Lucas have gone pale. "It’s where many of our community's children first discovered their love for the stars. Now, it will ignite inspiration in a new generation of dreamers and scientists.”

The room bursts into cheers and inquiries, but Hazel barely registers them. Her grandmother has orchestrated this flawlessly – the return, the reunion, and now this project. She feels trapped, and judging by the expression on Lucas's face, he understands it too.

"Dr. Chen?"

A new voice slices through her thoughts. Hazel turns to see James Wong, the hospital administrator from Berkeley General, standing in front of her. He looks just as she remembers from their brief encounter last year – tall, polished, and exuding ambition like a perfectly tailored suit.

"I've heard whispers that you might be coming back to Berkeley," he says, his smile both professional and inviting. "Maybe we could chat about that position in our pediatric department over dinner? We're expanding the ward and could use someone with your skills."

Out of the corner of her eye, Hazel notices Lucas tense up. The champagne glass in his hand tightens, his knuckles turning pale.

"I..." Hazel begins, but her grandmother's voice cuts in.

"James! What perfect timing!" Maya exclaimed, gracefully descending from the platform despite her age. "You simply must join our first project meeting tomorrow at noon, here at the house. The input from the medical community will be essential for the children's programs.”

The room suddenly feels constricted, filled with the weight of past and present colliding. Hazel shifts her gaze from James's eager smile to Lucas's carefully neutral expression and her grandmother's content look, realizing that her meticulously planned twenty-four-hour visit has just become infinitely more complicated.

The soft tinkling of wind chimes from the garden floats in through the open windows. Thirteen years earlier, she had departed from Berkeley with a heart full of sorrow and dreams in ruins. Now, standing between the man who caused her pain and the man who offers a new beginning, Hazel understands that sometimes the past refuses to stay buried.

Judging by the intensity in Lucas Rivera's dark eyes as he observes her, some stories are destined to linger, no matter how hard you try to write their ending.

The evening unfolds before her, brimming with both promise and uncertainty. In the distance, the wind chimes in her grandmother's garden carry on their tune, a melody that feels eerily like fate chuckling at her carefully crafted intentions.