It had been years since I had seen her. Life got in the way. You know how it is. Maintaining adult friendships is tough- work, family, kids, divorce…they all get in the way.
A friend of a friend brought her back into my circle by chance.
Back in school, she had been a lively girl. One of life’s unique colourful souls. I’d secretly had a huge crush on her. Many many times I’d almost asked her out on a date, but I felt that she was too good for me. She deserved more.
She was one of life’s free spirits and I was keen to learn where life had taken her to.
I spotted her easily when I arrived at the restaurant, recognising her long sun-bleached blonde hair instantly. Fifteen years down the line and I’d know her anywhere.
My heart was pounding in my chest and my palms were sweating as I approached the table. Would she recognise me?
“Hi, Lizzie,” I heard myself say as I reached the table. “Great to see you. It’s been a while.”
“Hi,” I heard her reply.
Something was different…
I took a seat opposite her, almost sending the small vase of flowers in the centre of the table crashing to the floor as I bumped the table.
She smiled and my heart skipped a beat, but I sensed that something was just a little bit off. There was an air of serenity about her. There was no sign that that free spirit was still flying free. She was dressed entirely in black. Where had her colourful gypsy clothes gone?
And where had the long, ragged scar that now ran down her cheek come from?…
Coral McCallum 