Elizabeth arrived at her school reunion. Thirty years had slipped by She made up her mind to go so she could greet her favourite teacher. The evening was so touching. Some of the lads from the parallel class attended as well. Elizabeths heart skipped a beat when she saw William! Her old school crush He was tall now, with streaks of grey and a neatly trimmed beard. He scarcely resembled that cheeky boy she once knew.
The hall was abuzz with chatter. After the greetings, everyone broke into small groups and started catching up. Elizabeth actually sat down from surprise when she saw who was making his way over to her.
Elizabeth had never thought of herself as pretty. At least, thats how she saw it.
She always looked at her golden-haired, blue-eyed classmates with a hint of envy.
Mum, why cant I look more like them? shed say.
Darling, your time will come, her mum would reassure her. I only started to blossom at sixteen myself. Dont be in a rush. One day soon, youll capture hearts too. But theres no need to hurryyoure still young
Mum, Im not rushing at all, Elizabeth would say, lowering her lashes, though her green eyes often gave her away.
Shed stare at her reflection in the mirror and sigh.
For ages, shed liked a boy from the other classWilliam. Sporty, tall, always cheerful.
His daring ways in games and pranks sometimes bordered on reckless.
Watching the boys play basketball during PE, Elizabeth could never take her eyes off William. His energy and passion spurred everyone on, and his team nearly always won.
Even if William hadnt been such a looker, Elizabeth would have liked himyet his bright presence made her feel she had no hope of even being friends with the class leader.
Besides, William was always surrounded by matesboys and girlsmaking it impossible to get close.
He was never alone. Always in the thick of things. Still, those odd chance meetings in the corridor between lessons felt joyous for Elizabeth.
But her nerves would always get the better of her.
If she found herself next to William, even just glancing at him would make her look away instantly.
She told no one about her secret crush, but it always felt as though her secret was written all over her face and that everyone must knowand shed flush furiously at the mere thought of anyone, especially William, laughing about it.
And so she decided to forget about the handsome boy, to ignore him, to not even let her mind dwell on him.
At first, it was tough, but by sheer will, Elizabeth managed it. Eventually, she settled and began to feel quietly proud of herself.
Best to simply avoid him, she would whisper to herself.
So whenever she saw William at school, shed hastily change direction or try to slip behind other pupils.
Two years went by. Elizabeth worked hard at her studies, grew taller, and stopped feeling so shy. Her mothers predictions came truein one summer, she transformed from an awkward girl into a graceful young lady.
After her GCSEs, Elizabeth started at a local college.
She only heard tidbits about William and other classmates from the odd run-in with her former form teacher.
Mrs. Thatcher lived just down the road.
Elizabeth never went to school gatherings. For some reason, her class wasnt especially close-knit, and shed never really made lasting friends at school.
Only one time, when everyone gathered for Mrs. Thatchers anniversary, did Elizabeth go tooto wish her beloved teacher well.
After all, it had been thirty years since their class had left school!
The reunion was moving, as so many hadnt seen each other since their schooldays.
Lads from the other class came as well.
Elizabeths heart fluttered furiously when she saw William. Handsome and distinguished, with greying hair and that trim beard.
He looked nothing like the mischievous boy she remembered. Only the eyes were unchangedlively and sparkling.
The assembly hall echoed with noise. After the speeches for Mrs. Thatcher, people grouped up, chatting, laughing, hugging.
Elizabeth actually sat down with shock when she saw who was heading her way!
It was him! William approached and, smiling broadly, said,
Well, here she is, my secret school crush Elizabeth.
He kissed Elizabeths hand. As though the decades had melted away. Elizabeth blushed bright red.
A crush? Me? she stammered. Why am I only finding out now?
They both laughed. Of course, they all had families now, children of their own. That was true for both William and Elizabeth.
They found themselves drifting aside. He told her about his work, his wife, and his son.
Ive got a son too, Elizabeth said. Just as Id always hoped.
She gave a sigh and looked at William, suddenly asking,
But tell mewhy did you like me? Back then, I was quiet, shy and not exactly pretty
Thats just it, he replied. You didnt try to be one of the crowd. You always passed by with your head held high I never dared approach you. So proud, but I liked you all the more for it. Though now its just a sweet memory from our youth
And I liked you no lesshonestly, I cant put it all into words, Elizabeth admitted. But breaking through your crowd of friends was impossible. And I never could have been the one to make the first move. In the end, I suppose it really was just a childhood crush.
Who knows said William, thoughtful now. Maybe, without realising it, we missed something important along the way.
Maybe, Elizabeth laughed. Perhaps well meet again. In another life
Ill look for your green eyes, William whispered with a wistful smile.
You could tell William was still captivated by Elizabeth. And she really was beautiful.
Suddenly, Elizabeth heard her name called.
Mum! Dad and I have come to pick you up, like you asked
Her grown up son wove his way through the crowd.
Meet my son, Elizabeth introduced.
She smiled fondly.
William, said her son, offering a cheery handshake.
William Thatcher, replied William, reaching out his broad hand.
He looked at Elizabeth, surprise and tenderness in his eyes.
Elizabeth gave him a little wave and headed for the door. Just as she reached the entrance, William caught up to her.
Elizabeth, wait He gazed at her, tears shimmering in his eyes. Thank you
For what? Elizabeth asked, surprised.
For your son. Another William in the world. Thank you for remembering
Elizabeth nodded. She got into the car and took her seat in the back.
Her husband turned and asked,
So, how was it?
Lovely, Elizabeth replied. A lot of old faces showed up. It was good to see everyoneeven if bittersweet. Time changes us all Im glad for Mrs. Thatcher. Shes a wonderful teacher. I hope shes blessed with many more years and generations to come
As the car drove away through the quiet English dusk, Elizabeth realised how people and feelings may fade or transform, but the kindness and memories we share endure, shaping us as we continue through life.
