Before We Met Again

“You know, weddings used to make me think about leaving before dessert, but here we are.” Mia laughed, raising her glass of bubbly to Ethan, her childhood friend she hadn’t seen—or thought about much—in years. He raised his glass to hers. The summer sky held onto the sun just a bit longer, dyeing the vineyard in hues of orange and pink. It was that magic hour when everything seemed draped in warmth and possibility. A perfect backdrop for a wedding but equally perfect for a reunion of sorts. “Leave before dessert?” Ethan echoed, his eyebrows arching in surprise. “That's the best part.” “Not when the seating chart has you next to someone from your past,” Mia teased, tossing a lock of hair back. “No offense.” He chuckled, “None taken. I wasn’t fond of school dances either. You, however, look nearly as grumpy as you did when you were twelve.” Her mock glare was the same too, and familiar, like comfort food. They were guests of honor at their best friends’ wedding. Dan and Lily had been navigating long-distance for so long the nuptials seemed due. Just like them to plan this extravagant event at Lily’s family vineyard, ensuring every detail matched their love story. Mia watched the newlyweds swirl gracefully on the dance floor to a song she didn't quite recognize. It was beautiful – almost unreal – and momentarily softened her metaphorical veil of jadedness. “They look happy,” Ethan commented softly, not taking his eyes off the couple. “Or maybe it’s just the wine,” Mia smirked. Laughter pulsed through them, a gentle reminder of the essence of their past friendship. Years ago, they were inseparable - two mischievous troublemakers always ready for adventure. Time slipped them apart like boats drifting downstream in different directions. But here they were. “Tonight definitely has a vintage touch,” Ethan said, gesturing to the vineyard. “Remember digging that time capsule in the backyard? With all our ‘important treasures’?” “Oh wow.” The memory rushed back, vivid as ever. “I think it’s still there!” “Creativity knew no bounds for two bored suburban kids,” Ethan grinned, before his smile softened into rumination. “I hope we buried some peace of mind.” During dinner, seated too close at a long wooden table under the starlit sky, old inside jokes sparked up like embers igniting flames. Stories poured out about family dramas, travels, graduations, career changes. Lives had filled up, memories stacked like bookshelves. “Feels like another life,” Mia pondered aloud. “Maybe parts of it were,” Ethan replied. “But not everything has changed. We’re still the same, deep down.” She gazed at him, encountering an intensity she hadn’t realized missed. She noted lines on his face crafted by the passage of years yet familiar in unexpected ways. “This blasted dress feels tailored for nightmares,” she changed the subject playfully. “Don’t even get me started on this tie,” he gestured dramatically. Inevitably, dancing commenced. Somewhere between clumsy footwork and too many spins, Mia’s hand found his. When her cheek brushed against his shoulder, familiarity engulfed her once more—comforting, safe. “Guess I am staying for dessert after all,” she murmured. The night, rich with laughter, soon began to mellow. The marquee lights flickered, but the spark between them glowed steadily. “You ever think about what if…” he began, but trailed off, leaving the unspoken question dangling, full of curiosity. “Not until tonight,” Mia admitted quietly, holding shared warmth in their silent exchange. When Lily tossed her bouquet and it landed at Mia’s feet, laughter erupted, coaxing her back among familiar faces, all brimming with love and hope. Ethan and Mia’s moment drifted into the night, unnoticed by simply everyone—everyone but them. As they walked under the Southern Star-laden sky, still hand-in-hand, they couldn’t call it simply nostalgia anymore. Something deeper called them to rediscover what years had buried. What was it their time capsule lacked, they wondered? Perhaps a new beginning.