From:Ashburton High Alumni
Date:December 15
Subject:SAVE THE DATE - Class of 2017
Calling all 2017 Alumni!
Come celebrate with us next year as we REUNITE to reminisce and catch up with our fellow classmates. A firm date has been set forSaturday, June 22. A plus-one will be permitted.
More details to follow, including venue, theme and costs.Please RSVP by May 1.
We can't wait to see you all.
Let's go, Ashburton Tigers!
CHAPTER 2
The Present
"Okay,don'thateme."
I glanced at my friend, huffing as I dragged my suitcase through the door. "Can I take a rain check on the hate until I set my bag down?"
"Ooh, yes, sorry, let me help!"
I watched in amusement as Amelia grabbed the handle of my bright red bag before dragging it across the hallway of the house she shared with Liam.
"Wow," I laughed. "You must've really fucked up if you're willing to help with my bags. I remember when you didn't unpack for a month after coming back from Spring Break!"
Amelia gave a strained titter. "Well, you know...since Liam's making an honest woman out of me, I figured I would, um, you know, start helping out and stuff..." Her sentence puttered out.
I placed my hands on my hips. "Okay, Amelia, what gives? What did you do? Do I have to wear a big princess bridesmaid dress with puffy sleeves?" I joked. "Because you know I would do and wear anything for you," I smiled gently.
I was one of the fortunate ones who retained a close friendship with my high school best friend. Despite Amelia attending the local community college and staying in Ashburton, she was a constant presence in my life.
While I avoided spending too much time in Ashburton, Amelia made good use of having an out-of-state bestie, visiting me as often as possible. Together, we visited all the theme parks and most of the museums. We hiked and camped in the surrounding mountains and drove through most of California in an open-top car, making sure to hit most wineries on the way down.
And now I was back in Ashburton for the longest time I'd ever spent here since I moved away.
A month.
A whole freakin' month in Ashburton, Kentucky.
Yes, I got to spend time with my family and Amelia. But I didn't really want to spend it for a consecutive month. I couldn't even hunker down and stay at my parent's place, avoiding the usual Ashburton haunts. No, I was here for Amelia and Liam's wedding. I was Maid of Honor, and Amelia somehow blossomed into a social butterfly because she had all sorts of "fun" activities planned for the bridal party.
I was thrilled to be part of the wedding, and I adored Liam. He was one of the good ones. He had been on the wrestling team at school, but compared to the superstars that were the Ashburton Tigers football team, the wrestling team barely registered on anybody's radar. Liam was a tall yet stocky boy who had grown into quite a handsome man. But beyond his looks, Liam was kind and respectful, with a dry, witty sense of humor that mirrored my own.
He and Amelia were high school sweethearts, but he always included me in a few of their dates so I wouldn't feel left out. Amelia had told me that after a rough day at school dealing with my tormentors, it was Liam who always suggested taking us out for ice cream. For that, I adored him.
So I was happy to be here.
Kind of.
Okay, not really.
But I would do anything for Amelia and Liam, so spending a month ensuring they had the perfect day possible was no hardship. I could suck it up and then detox in New York. Ooh, maybe Miami Beach.
Amelia's red-headed figure popped into view while I daydreamed about sipping pina coladas in a Harrison-free zone.
