Fifteen years after graduating, I returned to my hometown to open our high school time capsule.
What seemed like a nostalgic reunion quickly turned into something deeper. As we unearthed old memories, I discovered the shocking truth about the betrayal and heartbreak that shaped my life all those years ago.
We stood in the schoolyard under the dark sky, our class gathered in secret. I felt nervous, hoping no one would find us.
“Dig faster!” Jess, my best friend, ordered, her voice sharp and impatient.
“If you’re so clever, do it yourself!” Malcolm snapped, his shovel pausing mid-air.
Jess rolled her eyes. “I have a manicure and white sneakers. You know I can’t. These boys are useless,” she added, glancing at me.
I smiled faintly, trying to hide my unease. My eyes stayed on Brian, who stood a few steps away, looking at the ground.
He was my boyfriend, but tonight something felt wrong. He hadn’t said a word to me, no explanation, nothing. I’d tried to ask him what was going on, but every time, he turned away.
“Done!” Malcolm yelled, pulling me from my thoughts.
The email was simple, reminding me that in two days, we were supposed to dig up the time capsule we’d buried as teenagers.
I tried to remember what I had put inside but couldn’t. That night had left a scar.
I’d lost Brian, my first love, in a way I never fully understood. Then Jess, my best friend, had betrayed me, leaving me feeling utterly alone.
As I approached my old school, unease crept over me. The building looked smaller than I remembered, but the memories were still vivid.
I was about to face people who had once been a huge part of my life, people who had also caused me so much hurt.
I greeted a few classmates who had already gathered, including Malcolm. He smiled warmly, his face filled with nostalgia.
There was still no sign of Jess or Brian. We decided to start searching for the capsule without them. None of us could remember the exact spot, so the digging dragged on.
Then, from the corner of my eye, I saw Jess and Brian walking toward us. My heart clenched before I could stop it. Were they still together?
I didn’t expect to care after all these years, but I did. When Brian moved closer, my pulse quickened.
I looked up, spotting Jess in the crowd. Anger replaced my tears. “Sorry, Brian. I need to talk to your girlfriend, Jess,” I said, my tone sharp. I walked away without waiting for his reply.
“She’s not my—” Brian called after me, but I didn’t care to hear the rest.
I reached Jess, holding up the letter. “Care to explain this?” I asked, my voice firm.
Jess looked at me, guilt flashing across her face. “Amelia, I… I don’t even know where to start,” she said.
“How about with the truth?” I replied, my words steady.
Jess hesitated, then sighed. She took my hand, surprising me, and led me toward the school bleachers.
Jess hesitated. “I’ve missed you.”
I looked at her. “I’ve missed you too,” I admitted after a moment.
“Would it be okay if I started reaching out? I don’t expect you to trust me yet. I just want to try,” she said.
I studied her face, seeing the regret there. “I still have the same number,” I said finally.
Jess smiled. “Thank you,” she said softly.
We sat there for a while, not saying much. Then Jess nudged me, pointing toward the field. “He’s not looking for me,” she said.
I sighed and climbed down the bleachers, my steps slow and uncertain. When I reached Brian, my mind raced, and I almost forgot how to speak. Before I could say anything, he started.
“Amelia,” he said, his voice steady. “First, I want to make one thing clear. Jess isn’t my girlfriend. I haven’t seen her since high school.”
I nodded. “I know,” I said, my voice quieter than intended.
Brian glanced at me, then down at the ground. “The locket you put in the capsule—is it the one I gave you?” he asked.
I hesitated. “I don’t know—”
“Just one date,” he said, looking at me earnestly.
I sighed, then smiled a little. “Fine. But only if you win me a new locket. This one’s turned black,” I said, holding it up.
Brian laughed, his face lighting up. “It’s a deal.”
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