**Reunion Evening**
Bella was the most inconspicuous girl in her class. At least, that’s how she saw herself. Petite, slender, and with red hair… Bella was self-conscious about her looks, enviously eyeing her blonde-haired, blue-eyed classmates.
“Daughter, you’ll blossom like a rose,” her mother reassured her. “I too didn’t look like a young lady until I was sixteen. Don’t rush; you’ll win boys’ hearts yet. You’re only thirteen now.”
“Mom, I’m not in a hurry,” Bella would argue, lowering her lashes, though her green eyes betrayed her true feelings. She gazed into the mirror with a sigh.
For a while, she had admired a boy in the parallel class—Ben. Athletic, tall, cheerful. His boldness in games seemed almost reckless. Watching the boys play basketball during gym class, Bella focused on Ben. His passion and energy spurred the team to victory almost every time.
Even if Ben wasn’t so handsome, Bella would still like him, but his striking looks made any chance of friendship with such a leader seem impossible.
Moreover, Ben was always surrounded by friends—breaking through his circle seemed unachievable. He was never alone, always amidst a crowd of boys and girls. Yet, brief encounters in the corridor during breaks brought Bella immense joy—though her lack of confidence often betrayed her, making her look away quickly.
Bella never spoke of her childhood crush, but she felt as if the entire world knew her secret. The mere thought of her classmates or, worse, Ben teasing her, made her blush.
Determined to forget the charming boy at all costs, Bella tried to pay him no mind. Initially, it was difficult, but sheer willpower helped. Bella grew content and even proud of herself.
“Just don’t come close to him,” she murmured to herself, always diverting her path when she saw him at school, retreating quickly, hiding among her peers.
Two years passed. Bella excelled in her studies, grew taller, and became less self-conscious as her mother’s predictions came true: Bella transformed from a girl into a graceful young woman over the summer.
After Year Eight, Bella moved on to college. She learned about Ben and others from infrequent meetings with her former class teacher. Mrs. Thompson lived on the same street as Bella.
Bella didn’t attend school reunions. Her class wasn’t particularly close, and she had no school friends. Only once, when they gathered to celebrate Mrs. Thompson’s anniversary, did Bella decide to attend. It had been thirty years since they graduated!
The reunion was touching, as many hadn’t seen each other since their school days. Even students from the parallel class showed up.
Bella was startled to see Ben—a tall, distinguished man with graying hair and a neat beard. He barely resembled the daring boy she remembered. Only his eyes remained unchanged—joyful and sparkling.
The hall buzzed with chatter. After congratulating Mrs. Thompson, groups formed, chatting and hugging.
Bella’s surprise was immense when Ben approached her, smiling widely.
“And here is my secret school love… Bella.”
He bowed slightly and kissed her hand. Despite the years, Bella blushed.
“Love? Me?” she giggled, “Why am I only hearing about this now?”
They both laughed. Everyone had long since built families, including Ben and Bella.
Stood aside, Ben shared stories about his job, family, and son with Bella.
“I have a son too,” Bella replied, as she’d always dreamed. She sighed and, looking at Ben, suddenly asked:
“But tell me, why? Why did you like me? I was so quiet, shy… not pretty…”
“That’s just it. You didn’t act like everyone else around me. You held your head high, walking past. I never dared approach you. Proud. But I found that very attractive. Though, now it’s just a sweet memory from our youth.”
“I liked you just as much, believe me,” Bella blurted, “But breaking through your throng was impossible… I couldn’t approach first. It was a mere childhood crush after all.”
“Who knows,” Ben mused, “maybe we missed something important in our lives.”
“Perhaps,” Bella laughed, “Maybe we’ll meet again in another life…”
“I’ll seek out your green eyes,” Ben whispered with a wistful smile. His gaze showed he was charmed by Bella, who indeed had blossomed as her mother once said.
Suddenly, Bella heard a call.
“Mum! Dad and I came to pick you up, just as you asked…”
A young man squeezed through the crowd toward Bella and Ben.
“Meet my son,” Bella said, smiling.
“John,” Bella’s son introduced himself energetically, extending his hand.
“Ben Cooper,” Ben replied, offering a firm handshake. He glanced at Bella, his eyes filled with wonder, tenderness, and confusion.
Bella waved goodbye and headed for the exit. Just at the school’s door, Ben caught up with her.
“Listen, Bella…” he began, his eyes misty, “thank you…”
“For what?” Bella asked, surprised.
“For the son. Another Ben is growing. Thanks for the memory…”
Bella nodded. She approached the car and slid into the back seat.
Her husband asked, “So, how was it?”
“Good,” Bella replied, “Many of the old friends came. It was nice to see them, though a bit sad too. Time changes us… I’m happy for Mrs. Thompson. What a remarkable teacher. May she continue to inspire many generations…
