TEN- THE

CY'S

ing at the message on my phone-it

eun

s, I've never truly healed from what I went through back then. I was bullied-ove

ed me into adulthood like

isolation, the feeling of never being enough. Even now, after all these years,

decided not to at

as the usual routine-sorting files, responding to emails,

and then, as if silently asking for an explanation about what happened

e. She quickly made her way over and joined me at my table. "H

, my tone low an

ern in her eyes. "What's w

," I said, forcing a sm

ou could come with me to a house party I'm hosting on Sunday. I'll need help with a few things. Please say yes-y

mile. Spending time with her might help tak

t the grocery store to pick up so

sure-let's

quietly, and I went home

spending the wee

y store, just like we planned. She greeted me with a cheerful

need to pick out drinks and some things for the grill," she sai

tract me-until I heard a familiar vo

turned slowly, heart po

e on my project in front of the class. The same one who'd laughed every time someone mocked my clothes or called m

Still quiet, I see." She chuckled, then turned to

ry. I didn't kn

radiating from her. "I'm Tris," she said coolly

e her out and about. You know the reunion's tonight,

winked. "Anyway, see you around... or not." She turned and

crashing over me like waves. I felt sick.

at about?" I shook my

of them did. I've never gone to a reunion because

athy. "Is that why you've been off lately? This

ought I could just avoid it again like I a

me girl they hurt back then. You've grown. You're strong. You don't owe them anyth

My throat was ti

et's go there together-not for them, but for you. So y

e party?" I asked, staring at

as she tried to think. Then, as if a lightbulb went off, she turned to

o," I said, lowering my head,

que and find you something. Honestly, you need a few n

d led me to the cashier. We paid for the grocer

" I said softly. "And I'm kind

rise, wondering how she could afford it-and why she would do this for me. But something in

ps, shoes-everything. I tried on so many outfits, turning in f

uboutin stilettos. I could hardly recognize myself in the mirror. We also picked ou

d for the first time in a long while, I felt... ready. Mayb

said, eyeing me through the

ready leading me to a salon just d

," I said gently, not wanting it to s

needs a little help-you're starting to

t down in the salon chair as the stylist

ked, handing me the book. I flipped throu

t a bit and chose the same sleek, silk-straigh

r around, Tris gasped. "Oh my God-you look like a da

eally me? Could I actually be this beautiful? For the

could still help her prepare for the party since the

e with a grin. "Lucy, it's time to get you ready for this reunion," she said. I went to the

ing with makeup in hand. "Sit down,"

too much?" I asked, glancing d

uld be-confident and radiant. Stop underestimating yourself,"

more talking," she cut me off,

the same one I saw in Mr. Michael's car wh

's lipstick do

cause it looked identical didn't mean it was hers. Still... I had always assumed Mr.

said, snapping me

at my reflection in the mirror.

ssion turned fierce. "Remember-don't let them intimidate you. They're just

a smile. "Have fun at your party." And wi

restaurant called Amerigo's Grille. The cab pulled up at 9:00 p.m.,

Suzy, already seated and smiling amo

small group said. All heads turned in my

with quiet confidence. Their eyes were fixed on me, as if analyzing every step I took. They all looked stunned-none of them

o settle into my seat be

ndra said, her voice laced with mock sweetness. "Didn't

around he

new how to wear heels. Thought she was still

n calm, remembering what Tris told me: 'Do not feel intimidat

Some faster than others." The snickering stopped for a be

o did your makeover? It's like you were hiding a wh

nfidence and a little kindness can d

actually speak this time instead of shr

her directly in the eyes. "I may have been qu

he air-the same girls who used to make me feel invisible were

fight, but I also did

he way they all kept glancing at me, trying to figure out who I ha

omfortable in my own skin, the do

familiar voic

said, turning t

n? The Nat

irst

head, and t

y throat. He was still

sed to dream about in high school. He hadn't changed much, except

room casually-until

sta

red b

ed this. I hadn

irst