The Reunion

It was an unusually cool night for late July. Fortunately the massive thunderstorm local meteorologists had predicted no longer seemed to be a threat, which was good since the school had neglected to plan for an alternative location in the event of rain. As Frances Greco sat at the wooden picnic table at the marina and observed her former classmates, she could not believe that ten years had already passed.

“I know this is weirder than I thought it would be,” commented her friend Aja who seemed to be reading her thoughts.

Frances and Aja were born and bread in Prescott and had been best friends since the first grade. Prescott was a small, lake front town in Northern Ohio that’s only claims to fame were the giant cheese wheel in front of Gunderson’s Dairy (which boasted to be the largest in the Midwest) and for being the exact halfway point between Toledo and Cleveland.

“Isn’t it amazing how much people’s appearances can change even only after ten years,” Aja continued.

That was easy for her to say thought Frances. Aja looked exactly the same as she did the day they graduated. She looked amazing in the simple tangerine sundress she was wearing tonight. It complimented her rich cocoa toned skin. She was tall and despite going through childbirth three times, she had maintained her hourglass figure. Frances was still lamenting the additional ten pounds that took up residence on her midsection after giving birth to her own son, Andrew.

Aja was one of a handful of girls from St. Maria Goretti High School that Frances had managed to keep in touch with. Bridget O’Donnell had moved to Cleveland a couple years after Frances. Bridget had been a great help to Frances by offering to baby sit free of charge whenever she was stuck at work late. After Bridget married Randy and they started there own family, Frances was able to return the favor by occasionally watching their children so they could enjoy a night on the town in peace.

Bridget was currently a few tables away, chatting with Angela DiNappoli and Lucy Norman. The three of them had been cheerleaders for St. Sebastian’s, the all-boys high school down the street. Frances thought it was funny that she had struck up a friendship with the former top of the pyramid since during their adolescence they had run in completely different circles. There were a lot of things that happened after graduation that she never could have predicted.

Frances had also kept in touch with Lisa Carlson, though mostly via e-mail and Facebook. Lisa had been her lab partner in both Bio and Chemistry. She had recently finished medical school at The University of Toledo and was missing the reunion because she was at a Pediatricians convention in Detroit.

Lastly there was Ann Ambour. All eyes at the reunion seemed to be focused on the breathtaking blonde sitting at the table with Aja and Frances. Ann had been wise to keep her aviator sunglasses on her face the entire time. No one recognized that Hollywood’s new it girl was in their presence. Indeed Ann was introducing herself by her real name, Judy Farkle.

Judy’s family moved to Prescott during sophomore year. She was a timid teen who aside from Aja and Frances, kept to herself. She was in the school choir and drama club, but never went out for solos in the holiday concerts and only had minor roles in school plays. She was an excellent student and her 1550 SAT score, high GPA and a stellar audition secured her a spot in Yale’s drama program.

New Haven had been good to Judy. After shedding fifty pounds, appearing in some summer stock productions, and receiving a rave review for her Miranda in a Shakespeare in The Park production of The Tempest she had reinvented herself. After moving to LA, undergoing a nose job and liposuction, dying her hair, and changing her name her metamorphosis was complete.

Everyone at the reunion was buzzing about how good looking “love-handles Farkle” had turned out. Frances agreed that her friend had indeed gone from awkward duckling to lovely swan, but still thought her hair looked better in its original chestnut shade.

“You’ll never guess who the bartender is,” said Ann as she resumed her set next to Frances.

“Who?” she asked.

“Tim Fitzgerald.”

“As in St. Sebastian’s star quarter back, Tim Fitzgerald?” asked Aja.

“Yup. He just asked me what I was doing after the reunion. Can you believe it? He never even acknowledged my existence during high school,” continued Ann.

“Well you showed him. He’s a bartender stuck in Prescott and you’re an Academy Award nominated actress,” said Aja.

“Shhh,” whispered Ann.

“Oh sorry. I forgot we’re the only ones that know that,” apologized Aja.

Ann was dying to go to this reunion just to see how others would react to her new figure. However, she didn’t want any of her former classmates to discover her true identity. The press would have a field day if someone had leaked photos of her awkward years to the tabloids. Ann could picture the headlines-Starlet Ann Ambour: Former Fatty! She had only relented to come to the reunion at the last minute when Aja and Frances had promised that if she used her real name and kept her eyes covered no one would suspect a thing. She had managed to full them all, but didn’t want to risk being found out so she decided to take her leave.

“I’d better get going too,” said Aja.

“You’re not going to leave me alone are you?” asked Frances. This was the first time in years Frances had been able to enjoy an evening without the responsibilities of motherhood tying her down. Not that she minded. Andrew was her whole world. She was grateful that her father was willing to watch him this weekend.

After seeing the pleading look on Frances face, Ann and Aja agreed to stay for another drink.

“What the hell. This is one of the few times in the past decade I haven’t been knocked up or nursing. It’s a rare opportunity for me to take advantage of an open bar,” laughed Aja as she went up to get another rum and diet coke.

Frances found it ironic that Aja, the former wild child in their trio ended up having a relatively drama free life after high school. Their senior year Aja had started dating Don Jetters the power forward on Prescott High’s varsity basketball team. Don won an athletic scholarship to Ohio State and Aja followed him to Columbus. After college they proceeded to get married and wasted no time on starting their brood. They had a daughter Simone almost a year to the date of their first anniversary. The twins Devon and Walter were born two years later. Aja indeed had come a long way from the fifteen year old who used to through parties every time her parents were out of town and sneak out of study hall to enjoy smoking a joint behind the statue of the Blessed Virgin.

“Would you like another drink Fran?” offered Ann.

“I’ll take another Midori Sour please.”

Frances was delighted to see that Hollywood hadn’t spoiled Ann. Indeed Ann hadn’t grown accustomed to being waited on by others. Despite the massive makeover and accolades being thrown her way, gorgeous Ann Ambour still thought of herself as bulbous nosed Judy Farkle.

Frances knew something was wrong when she saw Anna and Aja making a quick dash back to the table without any drinks in hand.

“We need to leave now,” said Aja as she grabbed Frances’ hand and tried to pull her from her seat.

“What’s going on? Oh no did someone recognize you An…I mean Judy?” asked Frances.

“No. We just need to get out of here,” insisted Ann.

As Aja and Ann were fussing with Frances, they neglected that the man that had run into- the reason they were in a hurry to leave, had followed them back to the table.

“Hello Franie,” he said.

Ann and Aja were blocking the man from Frances’ sightline, but she knew it was Anthony.

“Hi Tony,” replied Frances.

Aja and Ann let out an audible sigh of defeat.

“Do you still want me to get you a drink?” Ann asked Frances.

Frances knew it was really code for do you want us to leave you alone with Anthony Martino, and a part of her did think it would be safer to get up and leave. Instead she just nodded and with that Ann and Aja left.

“It’s been a while Franie,” said Anthony as he slid into the seat next to her.

“Almost ten years,” she acknowledged.

Memories started to flood Frances’ mind. Anthony Martino was the best looking guy at St. Sebastian’s. Beyond his looks, Tony also had the distinction of being cliqueless. As a member of the swim team, captain of the Model United Nations group, and first baritone in the acapella group he was popular with everyone. Frances knew him from Model United Nations. They had both sat on the Security Council Committee their junior and senior year.

Like every girl at St. Maria’s, Frances had a huge crush on Anthony. Other then their study sessions for United Nations, she never got to spend much time with him. She would have given anything to have gone to the prom with him, but he been dating Lucy Norman since freshman year so it was out of the question. Frances didn’t even go to prom. Instead she picked up an extra shift at the rec center where she worked. She was feverishly trying to save up. Frances had an academic scholarship for University of Pennsylvania. She intended to work that whole summer, so she’d have money for her living expenses in Philadelphia.

It was a sweltering day in July when Anthony had shown up at the rec center to take a dip in the pool. Frances was working the cash register at the concession stand. He had noticed her and came over to chat. He told her that Lucy had just dumped him. Frances had to keep herself from jumping up and down in excitement. He asked her if she wanted to go with him to see a movie when she got off and she tried not to appear too eager when accepting.

“You look good Franie,” said Anthony. If it were possible he looked even better now then he did in high school.

“Thanks. You look good too,” replied Frances.

“What are you doing with yourself these days?” he asked.

“I’m a paralegal for a law firm in Cleveland. How about you?”

“I’m in sales for factory equipment. I moved to Defiance. So you didn’t stay in Philly after college?”

“I never went.”

“What?” Anthony seemed genuinely surprised. Frances was relieved. This meant he didn’t know what had really happened to her and therefore wouldn’t have any suspicions.

“It ended up being too expensive. I moved to Cleveland after…that summer,” she replied.

Frances insisted on going home and changing after finishing at the rec center. Anthony pulled up and picked her up at seven on the dot.

“You look really pretty Franie,” he said when she got into the car.

“Thanks.”

“Do you mind if we drive out to Sandusky? I thought we could go to that old drive in theater.”

Frances nodded and they were off. Anthony told her about his plans. He was going to Eastern Michigan in the fall. He was impressed by her scholarship, but hardly surprised. He admitted that he thought she was the smartest person in Model UN.

“Can I make a confession?” he asked as they pulled off the freeway.

“Sure.”

“I always had a bit of a crush on you. I was with Lucy though so I couldn’t make a move,” he confessed.

Frances was even more attracted to him now. He wasn’t the type of person who would hurt someone in order for him to pursue his own desires.

They got to the drive in which appeared to be abandoned. Anthony turned pale with embarrassment.

“I swear they were playing movies here last week. I wouldn’t bring you to an empty parking lot,” he stammered.

“I believe you,” said Frances pointing to a sign that informed them that the drive-in was closed for two weeks for renovations.

“I’m so sorry. Did you want to see what’s playing over at the mall?” he suggested.

“Naw. I really don’t feel like a movie. Do you want to just grab something to eat and talk for a bit?”

They ended up driving to Dogs and Suds. The parking lot was overcrowded so they went through the drive-thru and drove back to the empty lot to eat their chilly dogs and curly fries.

“Franie, I’m going on vacation with my folks tomorrow. We’re going camping out west for a month. Would you go out with me again when I get back?”

“When do you get back?”

“August Fifteenth.”

“I’ll be in Philadelphia by then,” she said sadly.

“Oh that stinks. Would you stay in touch with me? Maybe we could go out again during the holiday break and summers?”

Frances was exhilarated. Anthony Martino liked her. Liked her enough to try and make a relationship happen despite geographical separation. She didn’t know what came over her but she kissed him.

“Oh, Franie,” he murmured seeming both surprised and pleased at the same time.

They continued to make out in the car. Frances found herself sliding into the back seat with Anthony.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” he asked as she lay across the seat with her legs wrapped around his waist.

“Yes. Oh, yes,” she managed as Anthony gently slid his soft hands up her legs and pulled her panties down.

The odor of their half eaten chili dogs lingered in the car. Frances didn’t care if it was a less then romantic setting. She was making love to Anthony Martino. Nothing mattered. Everything was perfect.

They drove back to Prescott that night in a comfortable silence. Anthony kissed her tenderly in front of her house before she left the car.

“I’ll write to you,” he promised as he drove off.

Frances felt as though she were floating as she walked up the driveway. Her spirits continued to soar as she received weekly postcards from Anthony that summer. They were from different national parks-The Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yellowstone…, they all had the same five word message-Franie, I love you! –Tony.

Her bliss might have continued all summer except she realized her period was late. Three home pregnancy tests and a visit to the doctor confirmed her fears, she was pregnant. There would be no Philadelphia now.

Frances’ plan was simple. She would work and save up money until the baby came. After the baby was born she would go to school part-time and continue to work. It would be difficult, but she knew she could do it. What she hadn’t counted on was her mother’s reaction.

“Prescott’s small. Everyone will talk. I won’t be able to go out in public. You need to get rid of it,” her mother insisted.

Terminating the pregnancy wasn’t an option. Frances was pro-choice, but she just couldn’t get rid of something that she and Anthony had created together. She packed her bags and moved in with her father, who had moved to Cleveland after divorcing her mom.

“Aren’t you going to tell Tony?” asked Aja as she helped her pack.

“No. He’d drop out of school and take a job to support me and the baby. I don’t want that. I don’t want him to give up on his dreams.”

So Frances quietly snuck out of town and never left Anthony with any clue of where she had gone. The only people from Prescott who ever knew of Andrew’s existence were Aja, Ann, and Bridget, and only Aja and Ann knew that Tony was the father.

“Are you married?” Anthony asked Frances.

“No.”

“Seeing anyone?”

“No.” There had been no one after Anthony. Fortunately he didn’t ask if she had any kids. She wouldn’t have been able to lie.

“How about you? Are you married?” she asked.

“Yes.”

Frances’ heart sank. She didn’t know why. She hadn’t seen him for ten years or made any effort to contact him. Why wouldn’t he have moved on with his life.

“That’s why I’m here,” he continued. “Lucy and I got back together after you never…after that summer before college. We got married five years ago.” There was something bitter and accusatory in his voice. It was as though he found Frances partially responsible for his marrying Lucy. She could tell he was on the verge of asking her what happened that summer and why she disappeared, but he refrained.

“Are you happy Franie?” he asked instead.

“Yes, very happy,” she replied. It was the truth. Andrew had brought her so much joy. She never resented not going off to University of Pennsylvania. She took a job as a receptionist when she moved to Cleveland. After she had Andrew she went to Cuyahoga Community College and earned an associates degree. She was able to work up from receptionist to paralegal in a few short years and eventually she and Andrew could afford to move out of her dad’s house and into their own place in Lakewood. They lived modestly, but comfortably. She made damn sure that her son never wanted for anything.

“Are you happy?” she asked.

Anthony just smiled weakly.

“You know Franie, that summer…that night was the happiest moment of my life,” he said quietly. Frances was surprised. She of course felt the same way, but never dreamed that Tony would be harboring the same thoughts for her. She wanted to say she felt the same. She wanted to tell him about Andrew and the reason she left, but she noticed the snapshoot Tony had pulled out of his pocket.

“What’s that?” she asked.

“These are my kids,” Anthony said proudly handing the photo over to her.

Frances studied the dark haired little boy who appeared to be around four and the fair haired little girl who looked just shy of two. They looked like carbon copies of Anthony and Lucy.

“Ben and Laurie,” Tony said before she had a chance to ask him what their names were.

“There you are,” said a short, bubbly blonde who approached the table.

“Hey Luce. You remember Fran don’t ya?” asked Tony.

“Sure,” said Lucy as she unenthusiastically reached out to shake Frances’s hand. “I didn’t realize you two knew each other,” she continued.

“We were in Model UN together,” offered Frances.
“That’s nice,” Lucy snipped. “We really should get going. I told the sitter we’d be back before 11,” she said to Tony.

“Yeah I guess it is late. Well it was really nice seeing you again Fran. I hope we run into each other again sometime soon,” he said. He leaned in and Frances thought for a moment that she was going to kiss her on the cheek, but instead he patted her on the shoulder before following Lucy to the parking lot.

Aja and Ann reappeared once the coast was clear.

“Are you okay sweetie?” asked Ann as she handed Frances a Midori Sour. Frances nodded.

“What did you talk about?” asked Aja.

“Nothing really,” said Frances.

“Did you tell him?” Aja asked.

“No. I couldn’t. He’s married. They have kids. I couldn’t turn his world upside down.”

“I still think he has the right to know about Andrew,” insisted Aja.

Ann sat there silently. Frances didn’t know if Ann agreed with Aja or not, but at least Ann knew the importance of keeping secrets and wouldn’t judge her for not disclosing the truths of the past to Tony. Some things were better kept tucked away like the small bundle of postcards from National Parks that she could never bring herself to throw away.

Impressum

Tag der Veröffentlichung: 27.06.2010

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