forever you and me

The old wooden bench in the park creaked softly under Robert's weight as he watched the pigeons peck at scattered breadcrumbs. Fifty years. Fifty years since he'd last seen Megan. Her face, though etched with the wisdom of time, was still as clear in his mind as the day they'd said their tearful goodbyes. A shadow fell over him, and a voice, raspy with age but still holding a familiar melody, spoke, "Robert? Is that really you?" He looked up, and his heart, which he thought had long since settled into a peaceful rhythm, skipped a beat. Megan. Her silver hair was pulled back in a neat bun, and gentle lines fanned out from her warm, hazel eyes. She held a cane, but her smile, though a little wobbly, was the same radiant smile he remembered. "Megan," he breathed, a lifetime of unspoken words caught in his throat. They sat there for hours, the setting sun painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, as they recounted the chapters of their lives. Marriages, children, careers, the quiet joys and inevitable sorrows. Their parents, those formidable figures who had stood between them like an unbreachable wall, were long gone, their disapproval now just a distant echo. "I never stopped thinking about you, Robert," Megan confessed, her voice soft. Robert reached for her hand, his gnarled fingers closing around hers. "Nor I, Megan. Not a single day." The years had softened their edges, replacing youthful impetuousness with a quiet certainty. They spoke of the unfairness of their past, the pain of forced separation, and the what-ifs that had haunted their lonely moments. But there was no bitterness, only a profound sense of peace. Their children were grown, their own families thriving. The world that had once conspired to keep them apart now offered them a quiet sanctuary. "What do you say, Megan?" Robert asked, his eyes twinkling. "Shall we finally give our story the ending it deserved?" Megan's smile widened, crinkling the corners of her eyes. "Oh, Robert. It's about time, don't you think?" ....... ....... ........ ....... >>>>>>>>back in highschool>>>>>>>>>50 years ago (Muttering to herself) > Okay, just a quick check. Can't start college looking like a gremlin. She darts into the bathroom. INT. LADIES' ROOM - CONTINUOUS Jessica immediately goes to the mirror, pulling out a compact and fluffing her hair. She scrutinizes her reflection. JESSICA > (To her reflection) > Alright, alright. We’re working with something here. Not bad for 7 AM. Suddenly, another girl emerges from a stall. This is VANESSA (18, effortlessly cool, slightly sarcastic), washing her hands. She glances at Jessica’s intense mirror session. VANESSA > (Dryly) > Everything in order for your big debut? Jessica jumps, startled, nearly dropping her compact. JESSICA > Oh! Uh, yeah. Just… making sure the face is presentable for the academic arena. You know. Vanessa chuckles, grabbing a paper towel. VANESSA > Absolutely crucial. Can't learn calculus with rogue hair, right? JESSICA > Exactly! Wait, are you new here too? VANESSA > Freshman, first day, terrified. Check all the boxes. They share a brief, conspiratorial smile. JESSICA > Me too! I’m Jessica. VANESSA > Vanessa. Nice to meet a fellow face-checker. SOUND of a bell ringing, a little urgent JESSICA > Oh, shoot! That’s probably the "get in line or get scolded" bell! Gotta go! Jessica spins to leave, but her foot catches on a wet patch on the tiled floor. Her eyes widen as she loses her balance. She throws her arms out, closing her eyes, bracing for impact. Instead of hitting the cold floor, she lands in strong arms. She opens her eyes to see Sam SAM (18, athletic, charmingly disheveled), holding her steady. He has a basketball in his other hand. SAM > Whoa there! Easy does it. On the first day, I don't want to break any bones already. Jessica blushes furiously, pulling away slightly. JESSICA > Oh my gosh, I am so, so sorry! Thank you! I’m such a klutz. SAM > No worries. Glad I was here. You okay? JESSICA > Yeah, fine. Just… very embarrassed. Vanessa, who has watched the whole thing with an amused expression, leans against the doorframe. VANESSA > Graceful as a swan, Jessica. SAM grins at Jessica. SAM > I'm SAM by the way. JESSICA > Jessica. SAM > Well, Jessica, try not to fall for any more strangers today. Good luck with your schedule! He gives her a quick, friendly nod and heads off with a group of other basketball players, dribbling the ball casually down the hall. VANESSA > (To Jessica) > Well, that was quite the entrance. Already snagging the attention of the basketball team. Impressive. JESSICA > (Still blushing) > Shut up! Let’s just get to that line before we actually get scolded. They hurry out of the bathroom and join the end of the long line. INT. COLLEGE HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS The line is slowly moving. Students are buzzing about classes and club choices. JESSICA > So, any idea what clubs you're going to join, Vanessa? I'm thinking maybe the drama club, or the literary magazine… VANESSA > I don't know, maybe something outdoorsy. Or anything that involves free food. A new figure, MEGAN (18, earnest, a little shy), rushes past them, trying to find the end of the line. She's clearly out of breath. MEGAN > (Muttering to herself) > Oh, please don't let me be too late. Please don't let me be too late. She squeezes into the spot just ahead of Jessica and Vanessa, turning to offer a quick, apologetic smile. MEGAN > So sorry! Just trying to beat the teacher's death glare. JESSICA > (Smiling) > No worries, we're all in the same boat. I’m Jessica, this is Vanessa. MEGAN > Megan. Nice to meet you both! VANESSA > So, Megan, what’s your strategy for surviving the next six months? ..... As they chat, a group of basketball players walks by again, heading in the opposite direction. Robert is among them, laughing with his friends. ROBERT (18 handsome, hot, basketball players, and architecture students). Robert glances over, and his eyes lock with Megan's. Time seems too slow. Her soft smile and slightly flushed cheeks meet his easygoing gaze. It’s a moment of quiet recognition, an undeniable spark. The other basketball players nudge Robert, pulling him along, and the moment breaks. Robert turns his head, still looking back at Megan until he disappears around the corner. Megan, a faint blush on her cheeks, watches him go, a small, knowing smile playing on her lips. JESSICA > (Noticing Megan's distant gaze) > Everything alright, Megan? MEGAN > (Snapping out of it, a little flustered) > Oh! Uh, yeah. Just… admiring the.....the.. surroundings. Vanessa and Jessica exchange a knowing look, trying to suppress their grins. VANESSA > Right. "surround...dings." Well, looks like our freshman year just got a little more interesting. The three girls laugh, a newfound camaraderie forming between them as the line slowly shuffles forward.