Page 113 of Easy Reunion

Thinking back to our reunion in Savannah, I feel like everything in my life was gray before Ry walked back into my life. There was no color. And I’m so glad I was tired of it.

Ry and I spent a month on Skidaway Island at his parents’ home after I flew in. Despite his gratitude I was there at all, it was still crucial for him to know we were in this together. Our hurts, our pain, our past, and our future were all determined by two people, him and me. He needed to know I was strong enough to be able to help carry his burdens the way he helped take mine. I will never forget for the rest of my life when he framed my face with his hands, leaned down, and told me our pasts weren’t going to be given a chance to ruin our future. Not anymore. While what happened mattered, it wasn’t going to define us. It wasn’t going to break us. Nothing was.

Thank you, God, for the miracle of insight you sent us both.

The song winds down. The nerves start to make my stomach churn. “Before I wrap up, I’d like you all to take a stand with me against bullying. Right here, right now. It’s okay if you can’t; I understand. But know I’m standing right with you, and there is support from me, from your now former administration, if you need it. Students, parents, administrators, family, and friends, if you are or have ever been a victim of bullying, I’d like for you to stand. I want this cycle to end here. Now. Let’s go forward today with the promise we will be kind. We will stand up for those who need us. We will be the leaders of the future.” I step out behind the podium in a black graduation gown with the blue shoes I bought so long ago at Head Over Heels.

I knew they were perfect for me the moment I saw them.

Behind me, I hear the slap of chairs hitting their seats as members of the administration start to stand. Including, to my surprise, President Adams. Then the sound is like the popping of balloons. Chairs from sections all around the outdoor amphitheater start slamming as people stand.

More than half of the people are standing. My hand flies to my mouth as a sob erupts. “I am here for all of you,” I cry passionately into the microphone. “Do not believe ever again you are alone! Do not think you don’t deserve life, happiness, love—in whatever form that comes in.

“My name is Kee Long. I was bullied. I’m still standing, and I will continue to stand with you. Now, promise me this. Here. Today. In ten years, I want to be invited back to your reunion. I want you to share your stories with me because I know reunions aren’t easy.” I flash a huge smile at Ry. “But, boy, do they have their rewards.

“I’d like to leave you with a quote by Maya Angelou. ‘I can be changed by what happens to me, but I cannot be defined by it.’ Life will test your faith. You may feel like it’s going to let you go, but trust me, it won’t. Somewhere along the way, there will be people who will catch you when you stumble. They’ll love you just for being who you are. Nothing more; nothing less.” My hand reaches up to frame my neck. “Just keep your hearts open and find the courage to go on. Thank you.”

Turning off the microphone, I’m almost knocked off my feet with the overwhelming applause I receive. Lips parted, I turn slightly to find Ry cupping his hands over Hope’s head, trying to muffle noise against her delicate ears. The love and pride on his face are like a gravitational pull. But before I can take the first step in his direction, President Adams is at my side. “I have never been more honored to call someone a graduate of Forsyth Academy than I am right now, Kelsey,” he murmurs.

My throat feels tight, but I still manage to answer. “If I managed to get through to even one of them, it was worth it.”

“I think you did more than that. Look,” he encourages me.

And I do.

The blonde-haired girl has lifted her head. She has a scar on her face that she’d likely been ridiculed for. A group of teens are surrounding her, urgently saying something. She turns her head to hide that side of her face until a tall, dark-haired boy walks up behind her and lays his hand on her shoulder. Frozen, we both watch as he tucks her hair behind her ear. Glaring at the others, he leads her away.

So, it won’t be perfect in a day. I mentally shrug. Miracles are just that, and they’re reserved for the right moment at the right time. But at least I got them talking, I think, proud of myself.

And maybe by the time Hope’s in school, we’ll have a chance for a better future.

For all of us.

In the meanwhile, I wonder what Ry’s going to think later about the fact I arranged for our family to watch Hope for us tonight. Since we’ll be celebrating the speech at the Perrault family compound with Angel, Darin, and Lucy, Cade and Lisa, Nana and Pop-pop, and Pierre and Roberta, there are plenty of volunteers willing to look out for our little girl. I already have a reservation at the Westin where our personal reconciliation occurred. With a sidelong glance in my husband’s direction, I catch the way his eyes rake over me before they meet mine.

Then again, he may already know.

I strongly suspect tonight’s reunion will go a lot easier than the last one did.

THE END