So, clever clogs, did your prized grades get you anywhere in life? Look at what weve becomeand just look at you, jeered my former schoolmates at our class reunion, taunting the quiet girl they remembered as timid and compliant.
But none of them could have guessed what would happen next, nor what Id done with my life.
I still remember how the heavy glass door of The Green Terrace restaurant opened with a muted creak. I, Mary, paused on the threshold, taking in the lively crowdthe scent of roast beef and red wine filling the air, waiters weaving between tables, and the hum of conversation beneath the strains of an old tune. It had been fifteen years since we parted ways at the gates of St. James’ Comprehensive in Manchester, and now, here we were.
I was not driven by nostalgia to attend; I simply wished to close a chapter and see for myself the people with whom I’d once shared every day.
Adjusting my simple green linen dress, I crossed to the long table where my old classmates had already gathered.
Oh, would you look at who finally decided to grace us with her presence! piped up a familiar female voice. It was Lilyback then, thought the belle of our year, now dressed in a vivid scarlet dress, her hair laid just so. She eyed me from head to toe, eyebrows arching.
Mary? Never thought youd turn up, scoffed Ian, the former football captain, now visibly rounder than his schoolboy self. I greeted everyone quietly and took a seat at the table’s end.
The conversation was less catching up than a contest: expensive cars; sprawling homes in Surrey; tales of foreign holidays to Marbella and Rome.
I listened in silence, hands wrapped round a glass of water with lemon, offering the occasional nod.
So, Mary, what are you up to these days? Lilys voice sliced through the chatter, pitched a touch too loud.
A hush fell, all eyes turned to me. Lily twirled her wine glass.
Back in school, you were the brainy one. Always with a book glued to your nose. She leaned closer, her lips curling into a smirk.
And whats that genius doing for you now? A few at the table snickered.
Working some desk job for a pittance, Id wager? Lily pressed on. A clerk in a records office, maybe a librarian.
Laughter bubbled up, especially from Ian. Remember what we called her? he guffawed. The Scarecrow.
That old barb had cut deeply once. Id been the shy girl in hand-me-down jumpers, thick glasses sliding down my nose, never far from my textbooks. I used to help them all with homework, let them copy my answers, cover for them on tests. In return, Id only ever received mockery.
I set my glass down, levelly meeting Lilys gaze. There was no anger in my eyes, only calm. It was clear they hadnt left the playground behind, even after all these years.
What none of them realised, though, was what I had become since those school days.
I was about to leave when a man in a crisp suit approached our table, looking somewhat nervous.
Excuse memight I have a word? he asked, addressing me in particular.
A silence fell over my former classmates.
My wife watches your programme every evening, he said, beaming. She spotted you the moment you walked in and begged me to ask for a photo.
He offered me his phone. I smiled gently. Of course.
We snapped a picture together. He thanked me sincerely and returned to his table.
Conversation at ours died on the spot. Lilys brow furrowed.
Hang on, she said slowly, suspicion in her voice, who are you?
I met her gaze steadily. Im a journalist.
Ian let out a disbelieving laugh. Oh, everyones a journalist now, what with blogs and Twitter.
I shook my head. Im a presenter at the BBC. I host an investigative news programme.
Lily looked flustered as she fumbled for her phone, searching hastily. Her face changed when she found ita headline beneath my photo on a news site.
Mary Johnsoninvestigative journalist, renowned for unearthing major corruption scandals.
Her hands dropped to her lap. Thats you?
Quietly, I nodded. I didnt get here by knowing the right people or on anyones say-so, I said softly, glancing around the silent table. I just studied hard and worked even harder. Thats all.
The boasting and laughter stopped for good.
Collecting my handbag, I stood and offered a polite smile. It was good to see you again.
With the same calm dignity as I had entered, I left the restaurant, leaving them to reflect on all that had passed.
