Sophia hit the road for school just after 11 AM. She wasn't a VIP, so she could
take it easy.
By the time she got to the school, the event hadn't kicked off yet.
It was a sunny day, perfect weather, and since West District High had a big student and teacher crowd, the celebration was set up on the large field right at the school's entrance.
Unlike the ghost town vibe a few days ago, today, West District High was buzzing with a festive spirit, all decked out and bustling with excitement.
Students who were already on their end-of-term break were back to pick up their final grades and join in the centennial bash. Free from the stress of exams, each young, fresh-faced kid was brimming with excitement and joy.
Watching all these vibrant young faces, Sophia felt herself unwinding too. Knowing President Poe was swamped, she didn't go out of her way to get in touch, just cruising by as a plain Jane tourist.
The school had hired extra security to keep the peace, so there was no need to block off the entrance.
The school gate and pathways were swarming with students coming and going, as well as loads of alumni, all huddled up here and there, shooting the breeze.
The music pumping from the stage was super festive. Plenty of students were snapping pics together, and quite a few returning couples were openly holding hands and hugging, while other young men and women, reunited after a long time, greeted each other with excited hellos.
Sophia, on her own amidst the hubbub, felt a tinge of nostalgia for her school days, mixed with a familiar twinge of regret.
For some reason, she suddenly remembered the "Sophia" and "Brandon Crawley" names side by side on the school's honor roll, with no pictures, just names.
She didn't know if that Sophia was actually her, and that Brandon - was he the same guy who hadn't replied to her manuscript review message?
Just then, her phone buzzed. It was Amanda; Sophia picked up.
"Hey Sophia, where you at right now?" Amanda's voice came through, "I was packing and my suitcase gave out on me; won't close. Gotta dash to buy a new one, come with?"
"I'm tied up with something outside." Sophia replied, glancing across to the West district downtown shopping center not far away, "I'm near the mall, so I might as well grab one for you on my way back. What kind you looking for?"
"Just something for an emergency, nothing fancy." Amanda wasn't picky, "Just get it and head back soon. I've got stuff to deal with; won't come your way."
"Got it."
Sophia nodded, about to hang up, when a girl cautiously tapped her on the shoulder, asking shyly, "Excuse me, Miss, could you take a group photo for us?"
She pointed to a few guys and gals behind her, all pretty young, looking like fresh college kids.
"Sure thing," Sophia said with a light nod, taking the girl's phone from her hand. One of the guys behind looked puzzled, frowning, "You look kinda familiar." Sophia shot him a curious glance, her mask still on, wondering how he could feel she looked familiar - maybe another person who knew her?
The girl who had asked for the photo smacked the guy on the shoulder, "You think every pretty girl looks familiar, Zack. Your pickup line's so lame. Aren't you worried Tina might mind?"
The girl named Tina blushed and quickly clarified, "What are you talking about?" Zack also rushed to clear the air in embarrassment, "Shut it, David; if you can't speak nicely, don't speak at all. Who's hitting on anyone?"
Another girl in the group was already urging them, "Okay, okay, let's just snap it while there's no one in the background; it'll be crowded soon."
Interrupted, the group quickly fell back into formation, prepping to strike their poses for the shot.
Sophia, holding the phone, crouched a bit to find the right angle, carefully avoiding the bustling crowd.
At the same moment, President Poe and other school bigwigs were greeting Brandon as they passed right behind Sophia.
Brandon was absentmindedly watching some high schoolers in uniform goofing around for photos, looking a bit distracted and detached, his good-looking profile cutting a sharp and aloof figure in the play of light and shadow.
"Wow, he's so hot," One of the girls ready to pose for a photo spotted Brandon walking behind Sophia and couldn't help but nudge her friend, whispering excitedly.