BRIDGETTE

I walked the busy street, pushing my way through a crowd of people carrying their cups of coffee and pretzels. My stomach ached for food but I had no time for that. I was really running late for an important meeting with an important client.

Okay, I admit. I didn’t really know who my clients would be—I was just informed by my secretary that I had to meet them immediately because the couple I had to meet were important. Sara…Cora…Lara—whatever my secretary’s name was—would never joke about it. She had learned from experience how I could be if I was ever misinformed or misguided.

As I walked to the building where my office was located, I tidied my skirt and looked at my high heels. They were gorgeous as always and I hoped they matched my loose white silk blouse tucked neatly into my black skirt. I checked my watch once again and ran to the closing elevator. I pushed my way into the packed space and smiled at everyone. I always knew that acting nice while in an elevator packed with all kinds of personalities would always be the best option. My usual behavior towards humankind would only leave me without peers when things went wrong.

The moment we reached the fifteenth floor, I was standing with two gentlemen who were carelessly eyeing my legs. I gave them my Bridgette Finn look—my come-and-try-but-you’ll-die-trying look. I breathed a sigh of relief when the two of them went on the opposite direction.

“Coffee, Cora…” I ordered as I stepped inside the office.

“Lara,” she corrected in a very low voice and scurried off to get me a cup of coffee from the pantry.

“Are the clients here?” I asked before she disappeared.

“Yes,” she nodded. “They’re already in the conference room. I already gave them refreshments,” my petite, red-head secretary answered.

I nodded. “Get me the profiles and bring them in,” I ordered as I made my way to the conference room.

“But your co—”

“What are you waiting for?” I arched my brow, showing my impatience. “And where’s my coffee?”

The poor girl stammered, closed her mouth, turned and walked back to her desk to the profiles.

I entered the small conference room directly in front of the reception area. A practiced smile was already pasted on my face along with the words, “A pleasant morning!” Never apologize for being late. That was my golden rule. I never apologized.

I didn’t dare look at the couple as I made my way at the head of the table. I didn’t know what to call them yet. The answer to that problem laid on the papers my secretary was taking her precious time retrieving.

“Good morning!” a sweet voice answered. It was the bride. I pretended to be busy looking at my planner on the table. I was planning on giving my secretary five more seconds before storming out the room to fire her when the papers came.

Their names were printed on the front page. Quinn Carter and Natalie Higgins.

My heart literally skipped a beat and I think I might have suffered a very small heart attack seeing the names. Actually, it was just the first one that struck me cold.

Slowly, I raised my eyes and for the first time in many years I saw Quinn Carter.

CARA

“Cara!”

I closed my eyes as I slowed down the hall. I forced a big smile on my face before I turned around and said, “Hi, Mrs. Fowler, how are you this morning?”

Prepared for another morning glory of fresh gossips fresh from the pot, I shifted my shopping bag to my other hand.

“My morning is fine, dear, but I cannot say the same for the Connelly’s!”

“I’m hoping nothing bad happened to them?” I didn’t even know who the Connelly’s were!

“Oh, no accidents dear but I think they’re now hoping for one.” Mrs. Fowler leaned closer and lowered down her voice as she continued, “They just moved into 577. You know, Mr. Robinson’s—God bless his soul—apartment.”

I frowned. “Why would the Connelly’s wish for an accident?”

“Because they are living right next to Ms. Danes! You know how loud her place can get whenever she has visitors every Friday.” She finished that sentence with a series of nod and a meaningful look.

Whatever story Ms. Danes had, I only knew Mrs. Fowler’s version. I only even met the lady twice or three times a week and each time she smiled at me nicely so whatever was going on with her life, I had no business. “I’m sure the Connelly’s can handle the noise,” I assured Mrs. Fowler and started backing away. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Fowler, but I really have to go now. I just came from the night shift and I really need a long sleep.”

The lady showed me her crooked teeth and nodded. “Okay, okay. Be thankful it’s not Friday!”

I shook my head and worked with my keys in one hand.

I went to the motion of stocking my kitchen cabinets and the fridge. I prepared a light breakfast and ate alone beside a large window overlooking the busy life down the street. People were just starting their day while I was ready to bid the world good night.

After clearing the table and the sink, I took a warm bath, soaking my sore muscles in warm water. I had almost fallen asleep and only stirred to full wakefulness when the water’s temperature started to drop. I dried myself, stepped into my sleeping clothes and attacked the bed.

REM was fast—six to seven hours the most. I could not sleep for more than eight hours even if I wanted to. My body would always scream in protest if I sleep for more than seven hours. Being a nurse means you have a wrecked body clock.

I had the day off so when I felt like sleep was not coming back, I decided to dress up. Danica, my best friend and colleague had been nagging me to go out with her for several weeks now and I finally said yes last night. It was four hours before our planned girls’ night out. It meant I still had time to go shopping for a good party dress. My old ones were five years old and I didn’t think it would do me well that time. I had to give myself a break so why not start with a nice dress, right?

The mall was just thirty minutes away from my place and it was already packed. People of all ages were shopping for their summer clothes and I had to deal with the slow pace. People usually take their time when they’re in the mall and I couldn’t bear it. As a nurse, I have always been used to moving two or three times faster than normal people. I went inside the first store I found which didn’t have more than ten people in it and went for a backless black dress. I was never the fashionable type but I knew the rules. If you couldn’t decide, go for black. Nothing could go wrong with black.

I checked my watch and was surprised when I only wasted an hour. I still had to kill three more. I found the perfect solution in a massage spa. After two hours, I was already running late.

Being late was fine if you were meeting Danica because the girl was the prime example of tardiness. I curled my dark brown locks and left it hanging around my shoulders. I did my makeup in just a matter of fifteen minutes. I went straight to our meeting place, a small bar and restaurant in town, to eat dinner while waiting for my friend.

Of course I was right. Danica was running late and I think I knew why. She must be waiting for someone else. She had done this more than a dozen times. She would always bring a guy and I would always be the third wheel. I didn’t have any problem with that because I could always come home without worry that Danica would be left alone.

When I finished my meal, I ordered for a glass of red wine. I was never a drinker but wine always suits my palate. I checked my watch again. Danica was one hour late. I was planning to wait for thirty more minutes and I would be gone.

BRIDGETTE

Of course he was also surprised. Who wouldn’t be if you saw your ex-girlfriend from high school and she turned out to be your wedding planner?

But then, because I have always been so good in masking any kinds of emotions, I smiled. His fiancée, Natalie, a blond pretty girl was confused when she noted the shock look on Quinn. She couldn’t help it and asked if we knew each other. I was fast to say yes. Quinn was a classmate in high school. It was the truth but not the full truth. Quinn’s eyebrows raised but he went with it and confirmed the new information to his fiancée.

The meeting started awkward but I managed to be professional. I gathered everything about the couple. It is always nice to know how the relationship grew and build from there.

They met in a project where he was the architect and she the interior decorator, they went on their first date after a week, moved in together after one year and he proposed during a dinner after six months.

I have heard this kind of love story a hundred times. There was nothing great about it so it meant I had to rack my brains out for a great wedding plan. I asked them for specifications such as number of guests, the type of wedding they wanted, any motif in mind, the works…

Quinn had been awfully quiet while Natalie did all the talking. I decided to ignore him and focus on the work. Natalie wanted something magical and fairytale-like. I took notes and knew her plans would eventually come flying out the window because I just didn’t like it. Soon I would come up with something much better. It was wise of them to hire a wedding planner because Natalie had a lot of plans in her mind to even consider a great wedding.

“It is nice to see you again, Quinn,” I said while shaking his hand.

He nodded, forced a smile and said, “Yeah.”

I then turned to Natalie and took her hand in mine, “And of course, it is nice to finally meet the bride. I am very much looking forward to working with you, Natalie.”

Natalie smiled sweetly and answered, “Me too! I am so excited! I heard you are the best!”

I shook my head and uttered, “No, I just try to do great.”

After they left, I threw my files on my secretary’s desk. “I want them printed out and compiled neatly in for tomorrow.” I then proceeded to my private office and started brainstorming alone. I didn’t need help from anyone. I was confident with my own talent and skills.

Cora, Lara or whoever she was brought me lunch. Two hours later she came in with a cup of coffee and a few biscuits. Two more hours later, I placed everything in order and called it a day. I really needed to get out for a few drinks.

I tried calling a few friends—most of them men—to accompany me but none of them could make it. No I was not dating anyone, but it was fine. I could find great company anytime I wanted to. I decided to go out for an early dinner first.

It started raining so I had to run to the door of the restaurant, ruining my one-thousand dollar pumps.

The place was already packed when I opened the doors and there was only one high stool left right at the bar. Any thoughts of dinner went away when I saw a familiar face. What was happening? It seemed like high school reunion was coming earlier than planned! Not that I would attend it if the invitation came at my door. There were just too many bad memories in that place and that time.

I very well remembered Cara Leonard as much as I remembered Quinn Carter, the two people who ruined my last few weeks in high school.

Squaring my shoulders, I smiled and worked my way towards her. “I think I know you,” I said, leaning my elbow on the bar next to her.

She slowly turned and her shock was clearly painted on her face. “Bridgette,” she breathed out.

At first I saw fear in her eyes and then anger—controlled anger.

“What are you doing here?”

I did not answer her question. “I was not expecting we would meet after what? Ten years?” I looked at her up and down and I must say Cara grew beautiful. She had been taking good care of herself. I pretended I couldn’t remember her name and asked, “You’re…what’s your name again?”

She frowned. “Cara.”

I rounded my eyes in feign surprise and slapped the hell of my palm on my forehead. “Of course! I should have known! You’re with someone?”

“I’m expecting someone,” she said, looking desperately over my shoulders. She must be praying for a good excuse to exit the place and avoid my wrath.

“Well, since you’re still alone and I’m alone, why don’t we catch up a few years since we last saw each other?” I looked at the man sitting right beside her. I placed my hand over his shoulder and he turned with a scowl which was immediately replaced by a smile when he got a good look at me. “Hi, can you scoot over there? My friend and I need to have some catching up to do,” I said it with a great deal of sweetness that could melt guy’s knees.

He just nodded and jumped right next to the empty stool and ordered a shot of tequila for me.

“So!” I turned to face the shocked Cara the moment I took over my throne and drowned down the tequila. “Do you know who I happened to cross path with earlier this morning? You would not believe me after I tell you.”

She seemed not to know if she should guess or wait for me to blurt it out.

“Quinn Carter!” I announced.

Her face turned to stone but she held her grace. I must say Cara never changed a bit. She was still the silent girl—controlled and graceful. I took that to my advantage.

I signaled for another shot of tequila. I never drink tequila because I usually get out of control after five shots. I made an exemption and drank the second glass before the bartender could set it down.

“I can’t believe it,” I shook my head dramatically.

Cara was obviously getting uncomfortable. Her fingers restlessly turned her half-empty glass of wine around and around, her eyes watching the dark liquid swirl.

“I must have done something wrong today. This day was just the most unfortunate one. Who would believe I would see the two people who ruined my high school?”

With my last words, Cara’s head turned to me, her eyes glowing in anger. She must have realized by now that I never forgot her name. “What did you say?”

Her voice was now deprived of its usual gentleness. Again, I won. One point for me.

“We ruined your high school?” she repeated my words, disbelief in her voice.

“You don’t think so?” I asked before I emptied another shot of the clear liquid. I could already feel the alcohol working its magic but I didn’t care.

“No.” Cara took cash from her purse and placed it on the counter. “I have to go. Don’t worry about the bill. It’s on me.” She then climbed off her stool and started walking away.

My alcohol-driven brain couldn’t let her so I stumbled out of my seat and caught up to her. “You’re still the coward I always knew you were. You pretend you didn’t do anything wrong when in fact, you were the bitch!”

Cara pretended not to hear me and walked out into the rain.

“Walking away like ten years ago?!” I shouted behind her. My head was started the get soaked and tiny drops of water splattered on my face. I didn’t care.

Cara finally turned around and yelled through the sound of the rain, “I thought you were my friend! You just used me like everybody else. You just had to, right Bridgette? You never had any friends! You just had yourself!”

I didn’t know what came over me but I just found myself attacking her in the rain. There was no one there to stop us. They were all inside eating, drinking and having fun.

Cara pushed me away and started to cross the street in brisk strides. I followed after her and pulled her hand to face me.

“Let go of me, you crazy bitch!” She screamed, pulling her hand away.

“Now who’s talking bitchy here?” I gritted and pulled harder.

“You’ve had a few drinks so go home! I don’t want to see you ever again!”

“Yeah? Really? I’m not done with you!”

“After everything you’ve done to me ten years ago, you still have the guts to say you’re not done with me? What more can you do to ruin my life, Bridgette?”

“I will never forget what you did, do you understand? So yes, I am not done with you!”

“Let me go—watch out!”

I did not even have the chance to turn around to see what caused the horror on Cara’s face. It happened so fast that neither of us had gotten out of the way. The car was coming too fast and its light blinded both of us.

And then there was just plain, utter darkness…