At the gates of St. Catherine's Hospital parked a yellow cab. From it came a tall, slim but beautiful lady, who has glasses on and tied her hair into a ponytail. Vienna was the exact meaning of eyecatching'.
Vienna adjusted her stethoscope around her neck as she moved briskly through the bustling corridors of St. Catherine's Hospital. The sterile scent of antiseptic mixed with the faint hum of machinery created a familiar backdrop to her mornings. It was a typical day—patients to see, charts to update, lives to touch. Yet, beneath the calm professionalism, a subtle tension gnawed at her.
Her phone buzzed softly in her pocket. A message from Cynthia: "Don't forget the reunion tonight at LIBS. It's been ages!" Vienna sighed, pocketing the phone. The thought of returning to their old high school stirred a whirlpool of emotions—nostalgia, anxiety, and an unexpected flutter of anticipation.
In the break room, Vienna found Cynthia waiting with a bright smile. Cynthia's presence was a balm, a reminder of simpler times and unwavering friendship.
"Vienna, you look like you could use a break," Cynthia said, handing her a cup of coffee.
"Thanks, Cyn. I'm just... not sure about tonight. It's been so long. And... Newton will be there," Vienna admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Cynthia nodded knowingly. "I know it's complicated. But maybe it's time to face the past."
The Past Reawakens
Newton, the heir to the vast family empire that shaped the town's skyline, had been the magnetic center of their high school universe. He was the leader of the Big Boys—a tight-knit circle of influential young men. Erick, JB, Allan, and Jackson, each carried their own reputation, but Newton's shadow loomed largest.
Vienna remembered their youthful romance vividly—the stolen glances in the library, the secret notes passed under classroom desks. Then, without warning, Newton vanished after their final year, leaving her with unanswered questions and a heart quietly breaking.
Now, years later, Vienna was a respected doctor, carving her own path. The reunion was a chance to reconnect, or so Cynthia hoped.
Jayden's Silent Vigil
At the hospital, Jayden observed Vienna with a quiet admiration. A fellow doctor, he had worked alongside her for months, yet his feelings remained unspoken. He admired her strength, her dedication, and the way she carried herself with grace despite the ghosts of her past.
As Vienna prepared to leave for the reunion, Jayden approached gently. "Are you ready for tonight?"
Vienna managed a small smile. "As ready as I'll ever be."
Jayden nodded, his eyes lingering a moment longer before he turned away.
Evening at LIBS: The Reunion
The old halls of LIBS had transformed since their graduation—fresh paint, new banners, but the echoes of laughter and memories still resonated. The reunion buzzed with chatter and laughter as former classmates mingled, sharing stories of their journeys.
Vienna stepped into the gymnasium, the heart of the event. The Big Boys were unmistakable even now—Newton stood tall, exuding the same confidence that once captivated the school. Erick laughed beside him, JB held Cynthia's hand with a familiar ease, Allan moved with a restless energy, and Jackson, the mayor's son, commanded attention.
Cynthia pulled Vienna into the crowd. "Come on, don't just stand there."
Vienna's eyes met Newton's across the room. Time seemed to freeze. He approached, a tentative smile on his lips.
"Vienna," he said softly. "I've missed you."
Her heart pounded, but she took a steady breath. "Newton, some things are better left in the past." Cynthia squeezed Vienna's hand reassuringly.
The night stretched on, weaving together old friendships, new beginnings, and the quiet promise of healing wounds long left open