“Come on, Andrea. Let’s get out of here,” she says gently, guiding me away from the scene of my humiliation.

“Okay, so maybe the plan didn’t go exactly as expected,” she admitted, a hint of remorse in her voice. I roll my eyes, a half-smile breaking through the embarrassment.

“Maybe? Tanya, the entire school thinks I orchestrated the most awkward attempt at asking someone out. I’ll be the subject of the lunchtime gossip for weeks!”

Tanya chuckled, her hand on my shoulder in a gesture of camaraderie. “Look, Andrea, it might feel like the end of the world now, but trust me, this will blow over. In a week, they’ll find something else to talk about. Besides, who knows? Maybe Jeremy thought it was cute.”

As we walk home after school, the events of the day replay in my mind like a cruel loop, each replay more painful than the last. Yet, despite the sting of rejection, a small ember of resilience flickers within me, a reminder that even in the face of disappointment, there is strength to be found in the journey forward.

When Tanya arrives at my apartment, I greet her with a forced smile, masking the turmoil swirling within me. She senses my unease immediately, her brow furrowing in concern as she steps inside.

“Andrea, what’s wrong?” Tanya asks, her voice laced with worry.

I sigh heavily, collapsing onto the couch and gesturing for Tanya to join me. “It’s the whole ‘Jeremy getting married’ thing,” I begin, my words tumbling out in a rush. “He’s getting married, Tanya. Can you believe it?”

“I know Andrea, I know how you feel about all this.” she says quietly.

My stomach churns with a mix of emotions. “Jeremy—the same person who broke my heart back in high school,” I reply with bitterness seeping into my tone.

Tanya reaches out to place a comforting hand on my shoulder, her gaze softening with empathy.

“I’m sorry, Andrea. I know this must be hard for you,” she says gently, her words offering a sliver of solace amidst the chaos of my thoughts.

I shake my head, the memories of Jeremy’s indifference flooding back with painful clarity. “You have no idea, Tanya. He was such an arrogant jerk back then, you know. I was so embarrassed that day, and all he could do was laugh about me with his friends,” I lament, my frustration bubbling to the surface.

Tanya listens attentively, her presence a soothing balm to my wounded pride.

“And now he’s getting married, while I’m stuck here wallowing in self-pity,” I continue, my voice tinged with bitterness.

Tanya’s expression softens with understanding, her gaze unwavering as she meets my eyes.

“Andrea, listen to me. You are so much more than your high school crush. You’ve accomplished incredible things, built a successful career, and forged meaningful relationships. Don’t let Jeremy’s actions define how you see yourself,” she urges, her words resonating deep within me.

I nod slowly, absorbing Tanya’s words like a lifeline in the midst of a storm.

“You’re right, I shouldn’t let Jeremy’s engagement party dictate how I feel about myself,” I concede, a flicker of determination igniting within me.

“It’s just…I don’t think I can attend the…” I try to say before she cuts me off.

“Don’t, don’t you say it, Andrea. We are both going, okay?” she says, obviously trying to help.

“Tanya…”

She smiles encouragingly, her confidence in me unwavering.

“Attending the engagement party can be a chance to show Jeremy just how much you’ve grown since high school,” she suggests, her optimism contagious.

I consider her words carefully, the idea of seeing Jeremy after all these years is both terrifying and exhilarating. “You really think so?” I ask, my voice tinged with uncertainty.

Tanya nods emphatically, her conviction unwavering. “Absolutely. Plus, it’ll be a chance to catch up with old friends and have a bit of fun. Who knows? You might even enjoy yourself,” she replies, her smile hopeful.

“I don’t know, Tanya, I mean a lot could go wrong.”

“I understand, Andrea! I’ll be right by your side every step of the way,” she promises, her words infused with genuine warmth.

“You know what, let’s just forget about it for now and head out, okay? Go get changed. I’m hungry.”

We head to my favorite restaurant.