Hey love, remember how in Year9 I first noticed that lad Tom was always stealing glances at me? I could feel his eyes drilling into me even when we were just sitting at our desks, and sometimes Id catch his gaze right back.
Emma, giggled my best mate Lily, Tom cant take his eyes off you, Ive seen it.
Yes, I know, I laughed, feeling a little thrill I actually liked the bloke.
One afternoon after class Tom finally mustered the courage. He waited for me on the school steps, looked a bit nervous and said, Emily, can I walk you home?
I was about to bolt, but Lily nudged me forward and I agreed.
Alright, were on the same road anyway, I replied, trying to sound cool.
As we walked, Tom jabbered about the upcoming football match, we laughed, and my heart was doing somersaults. Thats how our friendship turned into that classic schoolyard romance. Soon the whole school knew we were a thing. Tom stuck by me, and if anyone from another form tried to chat me up, hed shut them down in a flash.
Even back in firstgrade, Miss Evans, our teacher, couldnt help but say, My goodness, Emily, you have the most beautiful eyes!
When we were finishing school, Tom and I decided to apply to the same university. We nailed the entrance exams, got our Alevels sorted and said goodbye to school, hello adult life. After the results, Tom suggested, Emily, why not come over to my cottage tomorrow night? We can celebrate passing everything.
I could tell he was getting more forward, and I started pulling back. He got a bit hurt.
Were adults now, forget about all the rules. Itll happen eventually youve read Romeo and Juliet, havent you? They were younger than us and nobody judged them, Tom pleaded.
I listened, a bit scared, because I didnt want to lose the Tom Id grown to love.
Come on, Emily, just say yes, he urged.
Im not sure, maybe Mum wont let me stay overnight.
My mums there too, cant you think of that? he shot back.
Getting permission wasnt easy. My mum looked at me sternly, What are you thinking? I wont let you go off alone.
Ill be with his parents too, and his older sister, I fibbed, hoping shed trust me.
After a moment she shrugged, Fine, go then. Cant keep an eye on you forever, though its a bit improper for a girl to spend the night at a blokes place.
Tom and I held hands on the coach, both nervous. I imagined what would happen, and when we got to his cottage he practically dragged me into a room with a sofa.
Dont worry, love, he said softly, pulling me onto the sofa.
The room was bright, he pulled the curtains back and lunged at me. I shoved him away, leapt up, and bolted out of the house, sprinting to the bus stop. No bus in sight, and there he was, standing there.
Im taking you home, he said, and dont bother trying to explain yourself.
At the graduation party he stayed away from me, Lily kept asking, I just kept quiet. He never called after that night. A week later I swallowed my pride and rang him, only his sister answered.
Ians moved to London for uni. I thought youd know.
Fast forward twenty years. I married Oliver, we have a daughter named Charlotte. Ian pops up now and then in my thoughts, never calls, we never meet, but he haunts my dreams.
Last night he appeared again, his hand in mine, walking through a field of daisies, a river glinting in the sun. He smiled sadly, let go, and vanished.
I woke up, glanced at Oliver snoring like a baby, sighed in relief.
Sleep like a log, I whispered, you always need your rest.
Even though it was early, I slipped out of bed, headed to the bathroom, and peeked into Charlottes room she was still asleep, her blonde hair fanned across the pillow. Standing under the shower I thought, Why do I keep dreaming of Ian? After those dreams I feel off, a bit down, start picking fights with Oliver maybe I shouldnt have married him? Our life is tidy, predictable, no fireworks, just a schedule.
I made breakfast, intended to wake Oliver, but hed already left the bedroom. We ate together while Charlotte enjoyed her holidays. Just then my phone rang.
Emily, hi! Sorry for the early call, but youve got to hear this our class is getting together for the 20year reunion. Can you believe it? Lilys voice was all excitement.
Lily, youre still the class clown, I laughed. Whens it?
Saturday next week.
Saturday? Oliver and I were planning a weekend away to his familys farm.
No worries, we can cancel. Youve missed the last two reunions already.
I had good reasons
Come on, Em, dont be a drama queen. Well all be there, or well storm your house!
I chuckled, Alright, wheres it at? The pub?
Actually, at a restaurant. No, Im kidding. Well be at Toms place.
Tom? The one who kept showing up in my dreams?
Hes built a massive twostorey house and invited us all.
Is his wife okay? I asked, curious.
Shes off in Turkey with their son. Toms a free man now.
Sounds like a plan, Ill be there. Olivers at work, hell be late.
Oliver muttered as I left, Those schoolmates are a nightmare. You didnt even see them.
I didnt need to, I replied. Im not asking permission, Im just doing what I want. Besides, Im tired of the same old routine cooking, cleaning, laundry, feeling like a servant.
Dont whine, love, he said with a grin, Im not a tyrant, Ill even let you buy a new dress if you want.
Thanks, Ill definitely look pretty.
The night before the reunion I lay awake, the past twenty years flashing by.
When I arrived by taxi, the gate swung open and there stood Tom tall, handsome, looking every bit the respectable bloke.
Hey there, fancy guest, his velvety voice said, a teasing grin on his face. Come in, or are you still that scaredycat?
Hi, I replied, stepping inside. He gave me a quick hug and a cheeky kiss on the cheek.
You look stunning, Emily. Even more beautiful than before, honestly a bit terrifying, he gushed.
His dark eyes made me blush, I lowered my head and followed him into the house, his hand finding mine.
Yay, Emily! Lily shouted, rushing over to hug me.
Everyone started mingling, catching up, swapping stories about families and kids. Music played, Tom asked me to dance.
Hows life? I asked.
Good, I see the world differently now. Business is booming, Im always on the move.
As the evening wound down and people started leaving, Tom caught my arm.
Stay a bit, help me tidy up, he said.
Im not sure, I hesitated.
Dont be shy, someones gotta pitch in, Lily chimed in with a sly smile.
Fine, I muttered.
When the last guest left, Tom suddenly took my hands.
This whole dinner thing was just a excuse to get you to stay, he whispered.
Why? I asked, nervous.
I dont know, he said, rubbing his cheek against mine. Seeing you made me realise how much Ive missed you all these years.
His warm lips brushed my neck.
Emily, youre youre amazing, he breathed, ripping off his jacket and throwing me onto the sofa. You know what? Im bored of the usual a wife, random flings for money. Youre fresh, gorgeous
I felt a wave of revulsion. Im not some plaything. I wont betray Oliver.
I sprang up, pushed him away and bolted out of the house. I reached the gate, and my phone buzzed it was Oliver.
Hey love, you on your way? he asked.
No, Ive called a taxi, Ill be there soon, I said, trying to keep calm. Youre my favourite.
He laughed, Cant wait to see you.
I got into the cab, and Toms angry voice echoed behind me, Youre still the same, loveitallgirl!
I slammed the taxi door, the vehicle sped off, and I thought, Let him stew. Let him rot in his cold house. Im finally free of his grip, forever.
