***Chapter 2***
***Ethan's POV***

As I wrapped up another day at the dental clinic, the satisfaction of easing patients' discomfort and ensuring healthy smiles lingered. The white walls and faint scent of antiseptic grounded me in my profession. I only had one more patient to see, which made the end of the day feel relaxing.

Stepping out of my office, I spotted Keilen, my best friend since high school, walking into the reception area.

"Hey man, good to see you. Looks like you've been busy these last few weeks," I said, taking in his appearance.

His jet black, curly hair was cut short, just about an inch long, giving him a clean, sharp look. His black suit practically screamed 'courtroom,' with a crisp white shirt and black tie. He had that just-back-from-court vibe, clutching his black leather briefcase like it was an extension of himself. His shoes were polished to a shine, each step echoing his confidence as he walked in.

"Yeah, just finished a case that's had me occupied for the last month," he said, tired but smiling as he sat down on the bench with me. An began to slacken his tie from his neck.

"Did you win?" I asked, seeing the confidence radiating from him.

"Of course," he replied, giving me a fist bump. "How was your day?"

"Busy as usual," I said, shrugging off the day's challenges. "But every smile I fix is a victory."

Keilen chuckled. "Awesome, keep being the kids' hero!"

We chatted casually for a while, catching up.

"Did you get the letter from Lakeside?" Keilen curiously asked as he stared at me.

His question caught me off guard. "Yeah, I did," I confirmed, "And I RSVP," I informed because I knew that was his next question. Before we could delve into Lakeside, I was relieved to see my last patient entering the office.

"Looks like I have to head back," I said, gesturing towards my office and the patient who entered. "Catch up later?"

"Sure thing," Keilen replied, understanding the demands of my profession.

As I entered the office, I saw a little boy, no older than four, clinging to his mom's leg, trying to hide from me. Seeing his nervousness, I decided to do something special. With his mom's agreement, I grabbed some puppets and put on a little show, pretending to be a magical figure like the tooth fairy. Gradually, his fear eased, and he allowed me to tend to his teeth.

It was great to see the happiness on his face as he was leaving. I felt a sense of accomplishment as I finished my work. His mom was very happy for me and told me thank you. Not surprisingly, she did provide her number and asked if I would want to attend a date. I only smiled and put her number in my pocket.

"Can you believe that mom gave me her number," I informed him.

"No way," he laughed, "Are you going to take her on a date," he teasingly asked.

"Nah," I said, and he wasn't surprised because he knew I made a rule never to date a patient.

"Well, if you're not going to. You need to accept one of these blind dates I have been offering you, " Keilen suggested, "Besides, you should have a date for the reunion."

"Fine, I will go on one of your blind dates," I stated.

"Do you think you will be okay if you see Sophia," he inquired, his voice quieted as he said her name. We had a somewhat unspoken rule not to discuss her.

"Yes, I will be," I calmly said as I took a slow breath," I almost reached home. I will talk to you later," I said as I ended the call.

I knew it was abrupt, but I didn't want to discuss her. Thinking about her made me turn the radio louder to forget about her.

**Flashback**

Sophia's grey eyes held humor as she sang loudly with a spoon as her mic. We sat on the hood of my old Ford Mustang. Her confidence was infectious, even though she couldn't carry a tune. I couldn't help but laugh at her.

"Don't make fun of me," she teasingly said as she poked me with the mic.

I decided to stand up and take the spoon from her. I began singing along to the radio while she tried to take it. Me being taller than her made it harder for her to reach.

I noticed she was plotting something as she held a glint in her eyes. Once she gave me that devil-may-care grin, I approached to stop her from doing whatever mischief she was scheming.

She jumped at me, and I effortlessly caught her. Sophia took the spoon back, determined as ever, and resumed singing.

"If we ever had a child, I hope they don't inherit your singing voice," I teased. Her mouth gaped open in shock, but her eyes sparkled with humor. We both burst out laughing.

"I do wish they have your laugh," I said with a smile.

We sang all the songs on the radio as I dropped her home and headed back myself.

**Flashback End**

It was weird the amount of memories this reunion had brought up concerning Sophia. I pulled up in my driveway and saw a blue Nissan car parked. Mom was home.

As I entered my home, tiredness from work began to consume me. I saw my mother holding a gift box, which intrigued me.

"I got you something," she announced with excitement.

The unexpected gesture took me by surprise. We usually only have gifts in our house during special occasions. I was going to inquire about it. But my mom went to the kitchen to prep dinner.

I decided to open the gift gently and slowly in awe. Finally revealing the contents, I stared at a charcoal grey suit, its elegant simplicity catching my eye. As I lifted my head with my mind racing with confusion. My eyes darted toward my mom's chocolate eyes, similar to mine.

"I got it for you to wear at the reunion," she kindly said with a smile, revealing a surprising foresight.

"How did you know?" I asked, my mind swirling with wonders since I never confirmed I was going to her.

"Lucky guess," she replied with a knowing smile.

As I thanked her, my thoughts drifted back to prom night, the first time I wore a suit.

**Flashback**

I wore a navy blue suit with a bow tie and retro Jordan's  5, trying to be different. I kept brushing my hand through my hair to get a nice bedside-looking hair.

"Stopped it," my mom said with anger, although I could see a smile on her.

"I want to take some photos of my baby boy all dressed up," my mom happily said as she patted my hand down. She began taking photos of myself. I was beyond grateful my mom was off today to be here for me.

"Now let's get ready to go to Sophia's house for me to get a couple of photos with you and Sophia," my mom offered.

Sophia's family home, adorned with lights, felt like a haven as we passed through the security at their entrance and drove up their long, ascending driveway. The anticipation of seeing Sophia in her prom dress filled me with excitement and nervousness.

As Sophia descended the staircase, illuminated by the chandelier's glow, she looked magnificent.

In her navy blue prom dress, her presence was breathtaking. The puffy, glittering dress accentuated her beauty, while her strawberry blonde hair, styled in an elegant half updo with curls cascading around her face, added a touch of enchantment. The diamond necklace with a blue heart pendant and the sparkling earrings enhanced her radiance.

"Why do you have that look on your face?" she teased as she approached me, her eyes holding a blend of playfulness and uncertainty.

"You look beautiful," I managed to say, my heart racing with admiration and affection. I don't know how I got so lucky to be with Sophia.

"Thanks," she whispered, her eyes reflecting uncertainties.

"Don't forget to put it on her," my mom whispered as she tapped my shoulder, reminding me of the corsage.

For the first time, nervous about wanting to make this night perfect for Sophia, my hands began to tremble, and I accidentally dropped the corsage. My mom kindly picked it up for me.

"Come on now," her dad chuckled.

I  gently placed the corsage on Sophia's wrist, a gesture that felt like a promise.

"Now let's get that picture," my mom declared.

Sophia and I held wide teeth and bright smiles as we took photos to please our family. We had a wonderful time at the prom.

***Flashback Ended***

The memories, captured in a photo that once held a prominent place in my home, now served as a bittersweet reminder of a chapter that ended but left an indelible mark on my heart.

My mom's words brought me back, saying, '"This would be a nice outfit for you."

I couldn't help but agree, and I received a text message.

"Don't forget you will have that blind date this weekend," Keilen texted.

It's about time I started seriously moving on from her and giving myself another chance to meet someone. I texted I wouldn't forget and reminded Keilen to provide the information.