CHAPTER TWO

Their drive to the reunion venue was filled with nostalgic chatter and laughter. As they parked, Lisa's anxiety resurfaced, but Rachel's calming touch on her knee steadied her.

Rachel gave Lisa's hand a squeeze as they made their way to the reunion venue.

Inside the hall, the sounds of laughter, music, and nostalgic chatter enveloped them. As familiar faces emerged from the crowd, Lisa's stomach twisted into knots, her mind racing with memories. She took a deep breath, scanning the crowd. Some faces sparked recognition, others seemed frozen in time.

A gentle tap on her shoulder broke the spell. ‘Lisa! Oh my goodness, it's been ages!’

Lisa turned to face Emily, a former classmate, whose bright smile and warm eyes immediately put her at ease. As they chatted, Lisa's initial anxiety began to dissipate. Rachel hovered nearby, occasionally interjecting witty remarks or sharing humorous anecdotes.

The evening unfolded like a time capsule. Laughter echoed through the hall, memories resurfacing. Old friendships rekindled, bonds reformed. Lisa's confidence grew with each passing conversation.

During a lull in the music, Rachel dragged Lisa onto the dance floor. Under the sparkling lights, they twirled and spun, their laughter mingling with the beat. In this moment, Lisa's apprehensions melted away.

As the night wore on, laughter and catching up seamlessly transitioned into a game of reminiscing about past events. Rachel and Lisa, along with their former classmates, swapped stories of university escapades.

However, the conversation took a poignant turn when Hannah, a close friend from their study group, mentioned a particular party.

‘Remember that crazy night at Sigma Chi?’ Hannah asked, chuckling.

Lisa's smile faltered, her eyes clouding over. Rachel noticed the subtle change and instinctively reached out, her hand brushing against Lisa's.

‘That was the night…,’ Hannah continued, unaware of Lisa's discomfort, ‘when Lisa had that disastrous run-in with Mark.’

Lisa's face burned, her eyes welling up with unshed tears. The room's noise receded, replaced by the echoes of her past.

Lisa's memories, long buried, resurfaced like whispers in the darkness.

She was 19, naive, and enchanted by Mark's charming smile and silver-tongued promises. A senior at university, he seemed worldly, sophisticated.

Their whirlwind romance swept Lisa off her feet. Mark wove a tapestry of lies, convincing her that their love was eternal, that he'd marry her, and build a life together. Blinded by love, Lisa surrendered her innocence, trusting Mark implicitly.

But the fairy tale shattered when Mark's true nature revealed itself. He manipulated her, gaslighting Lisa into doubting her own perceptions. His affection turned toxic, controlling.

The night at Sigma Chi, mentioned at the reunion, was the turning point. Mark's drunken advances left Lisa feeling violated, confused, and heartbroken. His subsequent abandonment left her shattered.

Rachel's grip on Lisa's hand tightened, sensing her distress. ‘Hey, let's not revisit that night,’ Rachel intervened, attempting to steer the conversation elsewhere.

Lisa's mind recoiled, shielding herself from the memories. But Hannah’s innocent remark had cracked open the door, allowing the past to seep in.

Rachel's concerned gaze met Lisa's, sensing the turmoil brewing beneath her surface. Hannah, oblivious to the damage, continued, ‘Oh, Lisa, you were so vulnerable back then. We were all worried sick about you.’

Rachel's gentle touch on her arm anchored Lisa to the present. ‘Hey, let's grab some fresh air.’ Rachel suggested, sensing Lisa’s distress.

The memories still held the power to suffocate her. Lisa's inner dialogue echoed with self-doubt. ‘Why did I trust him? Was I stupid?’ Her composure cracked, her emotions spilling over like a shattered dam. She hastily excused herself.

As she burst through the doors, Lisa felt the weight of her past crushing her. The carefully constructed facade was crumbling. The cool night air slamming into her like a slap. Tears streamed down her face as she frantically hastened her pace. Just as she thought she'd left the reunion behind, Rachel's gentle voice called out. ‘Lis, wait!’

Lisa slowed, tears streaming down her face.

Rachel rushed after Lisa, her heart racing with concern. As she caught up, she enveloped Lisa in a warm hug, trying to comfort her. ‘Hey, are you okay Lis?’ Rachel asked, her voice soft and gentle.

Lisa's tears continued to flow, her body shaking with sobs. Rachel's attempt to make her feel better failed. The painful memories had clearly resurfaced, intensifying Lisa's emotional pain.

Rachel tried to deflect Lisa's attention, sharing fond memories of their past adventures. But Lisa's emotions remained raw, resistant to distraction. Frustration crept into Rachel's voice as she searched for the right words.

As the minutes ticked by, Rachel realized that words alone couldn't lift Lisa's spirits. She gently guided Lisa away from the reunion's chaos, toward a calmer environment. Let’s get out of here, take a break,’ Rachel suggested.

Lisa nodded silently, allowing Rachel to lead her away. As they walked, Rachel continued to offer words of comfort, but Lisa's tears persisted. Eventually, Rachel decided to take Lisa home, prioritizing her well-being.

The car ride was quiet, Lisa's emotions still simmering. Rachel remained supportive, her presence a reassuring constant.