Expected Encounter

After a two-hour journey, the car came to a stop. The driver let Ezra know they had reached their destination. Startled from her thoughts by the driver's voice, she nodded in response.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped out of the car, exuding confidence. Her strides led her towards a luxurious farm resort, a place she knew all too well. Yet, as familiar as it was, a layer of fog settled over her heart at the thought of someone connected to this place—someone who held a significant presence in her past.

Ezra entered the villa, greeted by the sight of maids bustling about, preparing snacks on the lounge table. Lost in their tasks, they seemed oblivious to the new arrival. Ezra cleared her throat, catching the attention of a maid refilling fresh flowers. With a warm smile, Ezra politely inquired, "Hello, I'm here for the high school reunion."

The maid, momentarily surprised, replied with equal politeness, "Oh, everyone is in the backyard. The reunion started about an hour ago." Ezra's heart skipped a beat as she processed the information. The reunion, a gathering of faces from the past, had already commenced without her. With a nod of gratitude, Ezra moved forward, a mix of anticipation and apprehension lingering in the air.

As Ezra walked, a noticeable transformation overcame her. Her body stiffened, and an air of arrogance surrounded her, emanating a powerful aura that demanded attention. Anyone observing her could sense the intensity she carried.

Upon stepping into the backyard, a familiar scene unfolded. Faces from the past filled the space, chatting happily and enjoying the reunion. Some dipped their legs in a hot stream, embracing the warmth of both friendship and the surroundings.

Suddenly, a loud, excited voice pierced through the air. Ava, catching sight of her best friend after three long years, couldn't contain her enthusiasm. "Ezra!" she shouted, and in an instant, the attention of everyone nearby shifted. All eyes turned towards the newcomer, captivated by her transformed appearance and the formidable aura she exuded. Despite the intensity, a subtle smile graced Ezra's lips upon hearing Ava's voice.

Ava, unable to contain her excitement, rushed toward Ezra, enveloping her in a tight hug. Following closely behind Ava was Ivan, a familiar face from the past, and a new acquaintance, their expressions a mix of surprise and curiosity as they welcomed the enigmatic return of Ezra to their midst.

After the warm exchange with Ava, Ivan stepped forward, offering a side hug to Ezra. "Look who's finally decided to show up," he commented, a teasing tone in his voice. "Long time, Ezra," he added, to which she replied with a simple, "Yeah, long time."

Ezra's attention was then drawn to a new face in the group. Ivan introduced her as his girlfriend from their batch. Ava, brimming with excitement, asked, "Can you guess who she is?" Confused, Ezra strained to recall the face from her past, but the connection eluded her.

Ivan, sensing her confusion, gently held her hand, and the newcomer shyly smiled. Ava, catching the playful exchange, shot Ezra a mischievous look. However, Ezra remained clueless, the fog of time concealing the identity of Ivan's girlfriend from her memory.

Ezra's efforts to recall Sophia's identity proved futile, and Ivan relished the moment, aware of her struggle. Ezra, admitting defeat, raised her hands in surrender, saying, "I lost, guys. I can't remember." Just as she was about to conclude her sentence, Sophia spoke up, "Ezra, I am Sophia. Remember?"

Ezra's eyes widened as the name triggered a rush of memories. The realization painted her face with surprise, and Ivan couldn't help but laugh, thoroughly enjoying the moment. Sophia, feeling a bit shy, bit her lower lip. Ezra, overcome with a mix of embarrassment and relief, hugged Sophia, apologizing for the momentary lapse in recognition.

Sophia laughed lightly, assuring Ezra, "It's okay." They exchanged pleasantries, and Ava guided them to a nearby table where they all sat down to enjoy the reunion. Curiosity sparked in Ezra's mind about the relationship between Ivan and Sophia. As far as she remembered, Ivan used to annoy Sophia a lot back in school, and now, the dynamics seemed to have shifted. The table became a space not just for catching up on old times but also for unraveling the new chapters that had unfolded in their lives.

Amidst the lively chatter, Ezra was suddenly interrupted by a familiar voice. "Omg, Ezra, is that you?" The recognition in the voice made Ezra sigh, and she turned around to greet Natalie. The atmosphere momentarily shifted, as the past and the present collided in the unexpected reunion of old acquaintances.