Just a Moment

Reunions of any nature have never been a subject of interest, and in particular, the high school get-together. In this life-time I have been able to destroy enough illusions with little or no help.

But odd as this might sound, it came as no shock to be suddenly transported back in time where I found myself standing outside the boy’s room of my former school, circling my bicycle for an appropriate spot to park the thing.

I did fret at that point about leaving my spiral notebook laying in the basket. Would it be safe there? Safe from being misshapen for a brief minute or two?

Then I noticed a fellow down the hall walking toward me. Oh, I instantly recognized his rotund shape. Not even his trim beard could throw me off. And of course Larry’s eyes lit up when he saw me standing beside the bike.

Forgetting all about my beloved journal, I stepped away from my bicycle to go greet this long-past acquaintance. He halted a few feet away to study me as I approached. Displaying a toothsome grin, he leaned slightly first to one side, and then to the other. Then he chuckled and spread his arms for what appeared would become a big bear-hug.

“So here is the famous one everyone has been talking about.”

Well. What could I say then? That I had to pee really bad?

“Hi, Jerry.” Sounded safe enough.

But then instead of the hug, he reached inside his coat and brought out a necklace of some sort. From there he proceeded to make me very uncomfortable, since he insisted on placing it around my neck. That took more time than I care to describe now, but as he finished the connection and stood back to beam at his gift, I did emit a heart-felt sentiment.

“I am touched.”

Before he could answer, a group of girls passed by us giggling.

“Hi, Larry,” They all called out to him.

See why I hate the idea of reunions?

I recall standing at a urinal next, feeling both relief and some embarrassment. But like the juicy details of most dreams, the rest have vanished now, so I won’t invent anything for a good ending.