Ten Year Reunion

I had gone home for my ten year school reunion and expected a night of boredom, talking to people I hadn't liked then and cared even less for now. I showed up late, dreading the event but feeling an obligation to attend. Entering the school brought back many memories, not all of them pleasant. Following the signs I made my way quickly to the gym, noticing how little things had changed in the decade of my absence. After making small talk with the overly friendly greeting committee I got my name tag and entered the gym. Music from our days at school blared out of poorly arranged speakers, distorted until it was almost unrecognizable. Heading straight for the bar, preparing to set up camp there for the night. If nothing else good happened tonight, I could get completely wasted on free .

The room was crowded, it looked like the entire class had made it back for the reunion and many of them were talking loudly, reminiscing about their glory days in school. I ordered a drink and thankfully it arrived quickly. Downing it in one shot I ordered another one, then turned to survey the room. I recognized most of the people in the crowded room, figuring those that I didn't were either spouses or significant others to my classmates. Several of the women were worth a second glance, and I admired how they had either kept their looks from high school or had improved over time. I sipped at my second drink, figuring I should mingle among them but decided to wait for at least one more drink. If I had to talk to them, I definitely didn't want to do it sober.

"John!" I heard a voice call out behind me, and setting my drink down on the bar turned, dreading having to make polite conversation with a person I hadn't particularly cared for to begin with. I was pleasantly surprised as I looked at the person who had called me.