**The Reunion Evening**
Emma always felt like the most unremarkable girl in her class—or at least, that’s how she saw herself. Petite, slender, and with ginger hair, Emma was self-conscious about her appearance, often envying her blonde, blue-eyed classmates.
“My dear, you’ll bloom like a rosebud,” her mother comforted her, “I didn’t blossom into a proper young lady until I was sixteen. So don’t rush; you’ll win hearts someday. Right now, you’re only thirteen.”
“Mum, I’m not in any hurry,” Emma would say, lowering her lashes, though her green eyes told a different story. She would look wistfully at her reflection and sigh.
For some time, she had harbored a crush on a boy from another class—Ben. Athletic, tall, and full of life, his daring nature in games and pranks seemed more like recklessness. Watching the boys play basketball during gym class, Emma couldn’t tear her eyes away from Ben. His enthusiasm and energy rallied his team, and they always won.
Even if Ben weren’t so handsome, Emma would still like him, though his striking looks seemed to place him out of her league.
Moreover, Ben was always surrounded by friends—breaking through to him seemed impossible. He was never alone, perpetually in the middle of a bustling group of boys and girls. Yet even brief encounters in the hallway were a source of joy for Emma. But her lack of confidence always let her down. Walking past Ben, she’d quickly look away, unable to meet his eyes.
Emma shared her secret crush with no one but felt as though the entire world could see her feelings and knew her secret. Just the thought of her classmates laughing at her, or even worse, the mere idea of Ben finding out, made her blush.
So she decided with all her might to forget about the charming boy and try not to pay him any attention. Initially, this wasn’t easy, but sheer willpower eventually did the trick. Emma found peace and began to feel proud of herself.
“The important thing is to avoid him,” she whispered to herself. Whenever she saw the object of her affection at school, she’d swiftly change direction or hide behind other classmates.
Two years went by. Emma excelled in her studies, grew taller, and stopped being so self-conscious as her mother’s prediction came true: over one summer, Emma transformed into a graceful, slender young woman.
After finishing eighth grade, Emma went on to college. News of Ben and her old schoolmates came from occasional chats with her former class teacher, Mrs. Thompson, who lived on the same street as Emma.
Emma never attended school reunions. Her class wasn’t particularly close-knit, and she hadn’t made any school friends. Only once did she go, when the students gathered to celebrate Mrs. Thompson’s milestone anniversary. Thirty years had passed since their graduation! The reunion was a touching experience, as many classmates hadn’t seen each other in years. Some from the parallel class were there too.
Emma was taken aback when she saw Ben. Tall and distinguished, with some gray in his hair and a neat beard, he hardly resembled the daredevil boy she remembered. Yet his eyes were the same—sparkling, full of mischief.
The hall was buzzing with noise. After the speeches to Mrs. Thompson, groups formed as friends chatted and embraced.
Emma was surprised when Ben approached her with a wide grin.
“And here’s my secret school crush… Emma.”
He gave a slight bow and kissed her hand. It was as if no time had passed—Emma blushed.
“Me? A crush?” she sputtered. “And I’m only finding out now?”
They both laughed. Of course, by now everyone had families and children, including Ben and Emma.
As they stood apart, Ben shared stories of his work, family, and son.
“I have a son too,” Emma replied, just as she’d dreamed. She sighed and hesitantly asked, “But tell me, why? Why did you like me? I was the quiet one, the shy one—and not pretty at all.”
“That’s precisely why,” he explained. “You didn’t just go along with the crowd. You passed by with your head held high… I never dared approach you. Proud, but you were lovely. It’s now just a sweet memory of youth.”
“And I liked you too, so much,” Emma admitted suddenly. “But breaking through your entourage was impossible. I could never have been the first to reach out. But it was all just a childhood crush.”
“Who knows,” Ben said contemplatively, “maybe we missed something in our lives.”
“Perhaps,” Emma chuckled, “Maybe we’ll meet next time. In a new lifetime…”
“I’ll be looking for your green eyes,” Ben whispered, smiling wistfully. Clearly, he was taken by Emma, who truly had blossomed into a beauty. A late bloom, as her mother once said.
Suddenly, someone called for Emma.
“Mum! Dad and I came to pick you up, just like you asked…”
A young man made his way through the crowd toward Emma and Ben.
“Meet my son,” said Emma, smiling.
“Ben,” the young man said confidently, extending a hand.
“Mr. Ben,” Ben replied, offering his own broad hand, looking at Emma with a mix of surprise, tenderness, and confusion.
Emma waved and made her way to the exit. At the threshold of the school, Ben caught up with her.
“Emma…” he started, eyes moist, “thank you.”
“For what?” she asked, surprised.
“For the boy. Another Ben is growing up. Thank you for the memory…”
Emma nodded, then approached the car and got into the back seat.
“How was it?” her husband asked.
“It went well,” Emma replied. “Many of the classmates came. It was nice to see everyone again. A bit nostalgic, too, of course. Time changes us… I’m happy for Mrs. Thompson. She’s a wonderful teacher. May she continue for many more generations of students…”
