After the photoshoot, Bruno and Beauty walked into the party room, which was buzzing with laughter and chatter. The vibrant decorations created a festive atmosphere, with colorful balloons and streamers hanging from the ceiling. The sound of clinking glasses and lively music filled the air.
"Wow!" Beauty gasped.
"Are you okay?" Bruno whispered, taking her hand.
Beauty nodded and smiled at him. "Just happy to see everyone again."
"Even though they were rude and mean to you?" Bruno asked.
Beauty smiled back at him. "They were high schoolers; it's a teenage attitude."
"You know that's not how it works. A bully is a bully, no matter their age," Bruno replied, then scanned the room until he found an empty table in the corner, away from the crowd, and settled down.
"Great, a quiet corner," Bruno said beneath his breath.
"Come on, I found a table," he said softly, leading her to the spot.
His presence didn't go unnoticed; eyes turned in their direction.
Bruno pulled out a seat.
Beauty muttered thanks with a blush and sat down, looking around at the other couples. Some were laughing heartily, while others were sharing sweet moments, introducing their partners to friends.
She felt a kind of loneliness inside her, a sense of being an outsider even in a room filled with familiar faces. Bruno might not be aware, but she wasn't naturally an introvert like him. She just lacked the opportunity to socialize with others. They never chose her to be with them, unlike him, who may have been invited and turned down the invitations.
A waiter walked up to them and asked for permission to fill their glasses and serve dessert.
Bruno looked at Beauty.
It took her a few seconds to grasp his silent communication.
"We would love that; thanks," she said nervously to the waiter, not expecting Bruno to let her decide.
The waiter left, and the two awkwardly avoided eye contact.
"Um, Beauty?"
Beauty's eyes fluttered open instantly, as if she had been waiting for this.
"Yes!"
"I have... something important to discuss with you," Bruno said, his fingers clicking on the table so hard that Beauty smiled awkwardly, feeling concerned.
"I..."
"Bruno!" Beauty snapped, holding his hand.
"It's okay. Feel comfortable telling me anything. Please don't hurt your fingers."
Bruno's eyes widened at that statement, then lowered with a blush.
"Well, that's certainly sweet, but I can't help it. Funny, I never felt like this at work," he chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck.
He is blushing for me! Beauty yelled inwardly.
Just then, a familiar voice cut through her thoughts. A classmate from high school, Nia, approached their table with a warm smile.
"Beauty! Is that you?" she exclaimed, her eyes lighting up. She was accompanied by her husband, who stood slightly behind her, smiling politely.
Beauty froze at that. No way... this is bad... I am about to be made a joke of, not here with Bruno by my side. Why can't they let me be?
Bruno, sensing Beauty's shyness, stood up and turned to the man, mistaking both for her classmates.
"You better speak to her nicely, or else..."
"Bruno!" Beauty snapped in shock.
Nia and her husband exchanged glances, their faces darkening at Bruno's threat.
"I... I understand, but please, I am not here to make her feel uncomfortable. I came to ask her for forgiveness. I am Nia, and he is my husband, not a classmate," she introduced awkwardly.
Bruno's eyes lowered a bit, embarrassed. He sat down slowly.
"I apologize; please have a seat with us," he replied, his tone suddenly friendly.
"Thank you," Nia replied with a smile, and she whispered to her husband, probably to calm him down after Bruno's threat.
Beauty felt her cheeks warm as she looked up at Nia, who was radiating confidence and happiness.
"Hey, Nia," she finally managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper.
Nia smiled happily and took her hands, making Beauty blush and feel uncomfortable, never having received such positivity before, apart from Jessie and relatives.
"I can't believe it's really you! You look amazing! So beautiful. Everyone is talking about you. I have voted for the best glow-up already. You are an inspiration."
"Um, thank you?" Beauty replied nervously.
Nia leaned in, lost in the moment, and whispered, "And who's this protective, handsome guy?"
"This is Bruno, my... boyfriend," Beauty said, finally finding her voice.
She looked at Bruno; he wore the smile of a golden retriever, looking proud.
She was grateful for his presence. He smiled encouragingly back at her. He made her feel like she was indeed important.
"Oh, that's why! Nice to meet you, Bruno!" Nia said, and the women laughed, but the men were clueless.
They both looked like rivals.
"Beauty, I have a lot to say. First, I am so sorry. I don't know how to ask for your forgiveness. I told my husband years ago, when we started dating. And today, I am grateful I had this opportunity to meet you again. I was harsh and mean for nothing. We all made mean jokes about you. It was fun, we thought, but looking back, I hated that I was part of those ugly souls. I am Beauty."
Beauty felt a rush of warmth at Nia's words, a mix of surprise and emotion.
"Thank you," she replied, a shy smile breaking through her earlier unease.
"I feel so much better to hear you say that. Thank you... you may not know this, but... it means so much to me." Beauty looked down as tears rolled down her face.
"Aww... Beauty..."
Bruno gave her a handkerchief.
"Thanks," Beauty whispered, then looked up with a smile.
Bruno smiled back and helped her clean the mascara stains.
Nia and her husband watched them quietly.
Afterward, Nia leaned back slightly, her expression softening.
"Beauty... I... I wish we had spent more time together back in school. That would have been possible if I hadn't been such a fool. I remember when you wanted to hang out. I was an idiot. And that idiot was the unlucky one. You were better off not being a friend of mine then. But now I promise I am no longer that fool. I would love to be friends if you're open to it. If you refuse, I understand." Nia said sadly.
Beauty's heart lifted at the offer.
"I'd like that," she replied, her voice steadying. "I really would love to be your friend, Nia."
Bruno squeezed her hand under the table, silently encouraging her. She looked at him, and he gave her a reassuring smile.