Shortly after the party, I went back to my hometown.
When my former classmates learned that I was home, they started arranging get–togethers. For several days in a row, I was invited to attend several
class reunions.
At the most recent one, I was 30 minutes late. Just as I was about to enter the private room, I heard someone say Nathan’s name.
“Nathan, you and Yvonne were inseparable back in school. You were childhood sweethearts, right? Why haven’t you gotten married yet?”
“Yeah, we all thought you and Yvonne would tie the knot right after college!”
I paused, hand frozen on the doorknob.
Inside, Nathan was silent for a long while before awkwardly stammering, “Soon. Very soon.”
The room erupted in teasing and laughter.
I turned to leave, but just then, our former class representative, Steve Cortes, opened the door and saw me. His face lit up with surprise and delight. Yvonne, you’re here! We were just talking about you–oh, your childhood sweetheart Nathan is here too!”
“If he’s here, I’m not staying. Goodbye,” I replied immediately and turned to leave without any hesitation.
Just as I walked out of the restaurant, hurried footsteps sounded behind me.
I hid in a small alley off the street and watched as Nathan ran past in a rush, calling out my name as he did so. “Yvonne, come out! Why are you avoiding me? You’ve been hiding from me for three months. Why won’t you see me? Please come out, Yvonne!”
Just then, a woman walked by. Her clothes were the same color as mine. Mistaking her for me, Nathan rushed forward and hugged her.
All he got in return for his troubles was a slap. The passers–by surrounded him, threatening to call the police on him for harassment.
Amid the chaos, I stepped out of the alley and left without a second glance.
Through the crowd, Nathan saw my departing back and started yelling my name again. “Yvonne, don’t leave! Wait for me!”
He tried to run toward me, but the crowd blocked his way and refused to let him leave.
I didn’t know what happened to him after that, and I had no interest in finding out.
