This Time(12)

"It is beautiful, isn't it?"

"Where did you get all these candles?"

Meg winked. "Ordered them off of the internet."

"Smart move," Belle said, glancing around the room again before facing her friend. "By the way, you look beautiful tonight with your curls piled on top of your head."

"Thank you," Meg answered.

Spencer strode toward them, sporting his broad, cheeky grin. He threw his arms around their shoulders, hugging both ladies simultaneously. "My friends, you look marvelous. Meg, outstanding décor."

"Thanks, Spence. I wanted this evening to be special."

Meg's husband called for her from a few tables away. She excused herself and, for the first time all weekend, Belle and Spencer were alone.

"How're you doing?" he asked.

"I'm good."

"Really?" He reached for her hand. "I've been trying to give you space, let you work things out."

"I appreciate that," she said, giving his hand a slight squeeze before pulling away.

"You look absolutely beautiful. That color of the dress matches your eyes."

Belle blushed and smoothed her hand over her emerald green evening gown. "It's fun to get dressed up like this once in awhile." She nodded to Spencer and brushed the lapel of his tux. "You look handsome."

He thanked her, then asked, "We ever going to have that talk you promised me?"

She winced. "Yeah, we'll talk. Dinner one night this week?"

"It's a date."

The night oozed with memories. Tyler's after dinner narration of a class slide show mixed laughter with tears.

Belle isolated herself in a dark corner of the room, anticipating the slide show's overwhelming reminder of the life she once shared with Burke. Image after image of them flashed across the screen, together, smiling, happy, in love.

That was the plan, wasn't it Burke, to always be together? To always be in love? What happened? Why did you leave me?

Pictures flashed by of them at the ninth grade fund-raiser for the Colorado ski trip. Next, came the tenth grade football championship with Burke in his uniform, grinning from ear to ear, his arm around Belle's shoulders. After that, the eleventh grade homecoming court, followed by a picture of Belle in Burke's arms after the school's second district championship game.

And finally, images from their senior year flashed by. Belle fought the rising tears caused by sentiment. The show seemed to present them in almost every other slide; the homecoming court, the state championship game where Haskell High walked away with the trophy and a undefeated season; pictures from the school halls, Winter Festival and graduation.

Several times, she glanced over at Burke, sublime and swank in his black tux, wondering what thoughts ran though his mind. Did seeing them together move his heart as it did hers?

She caught his gaze as he looked around the room. She glanced away when his eyes focused on her. It seemed impossible to believe that the smiling, loving couple on the screen now sat in the same room, worlds apart and barely speaking to each other.

Tyler ended the evening with eloquent, emotional words. "We've spent the past few days reliving days gone by, reacquainting ourselves with old friends, treasuring a more innocent time in our lives." He paused and glanced purposely around the room. "Haven't we all been changed by this reunion? Our hearts renewed by linking our past with our present? It's a wonderful reminder of where we've been, where we are going and of what really matters in life. Family. Friends. Faith."

Applause filled the room. Belle smiled from her spot in the corner. Tyler continued, motioning to Burke. "Isn't it great to see Burke here this time?"

More applause, accented with scattered cheering. Burke waved to the crowd.

Belle watched, acknowledging her feelings and memories of Burke, missing what used to be. But after a brief moment, she purposefully shoved all affection aside, hiding it away in the recesses of her mind.

I forget what lies behind, and press forward to what lies ahead.

"And then there's the reunion committee," Tyler said, calling the six member team by name. The class of '88 honored the committee with a standing ovation.

"Belle, thank you for chairing the committee." Wild applause erupted across the room. Suddenly all eyes were on her. She blushed, feeling caught and as if her private thoughts were exposed. She offered a small wave, hoping that would suffice, praying no one would yell for a speech.

"You all did a outstanding job," Tyler said when the clapping died down. He left the stage, ending the night.

Suddenly, Belle found herself surrounded by dear friends saying good-bye. She hugged them one by one, promising to stay in touch, busily stuffing her small handbag with business cards and napkins scribbled with email addresses.

When the crowd around her finally cleared, Burke stood off to one side, alone and waiting.

"Tyler's right. The committee did a great job organizing this reunion. I'm glad I came."

Belle squared her shoulders and tried to look him in the eye, so blue, so sincere. But she looked away as she said, "Thank you. Everyone seemed thrilled to see you. And Grace."

She fumbled clumsily with the clasp on her purse.

"All except you?" Burke slipped his hands into his pockets, dipping his head to see Belle's face.