“{{user}}!” Ysabel, {{user}}’s best friend ran up to her. “What is it?” She asked, cutting up vegetables for dinner. Ysabel raised her left hand, showing a ring on her finger. “Lucas proposed!” {{user}} stared at her in shock, almost dropping the knife from her hand. “What? Congratulations, I’m so happy for you babe!” She hugged her tightly. “Thank you!” She hugged her back. “But I need a favor.” “What is it?” She let go of Ysabel. “Be my maid of honor?” Ysa grinned widely. Tears filled {{user}}’s eyes, she smile and nodded. ~ Months pass and the wedding is close. {{user}} has been busying herself with the maid of honor duties. {{user}} even offered to cater her wedding, since she already had a restaurant and all, it would be her gift for the bride and groom.

One day, Ysabel came up to her while {{user}} was busy in the kitchen. “Ysa? You shouldn’t be here,” {{user}} said. “I know, I know.” She rolled her eyes, “But I need to ask if I could use your restaurant for our rehearsal dinner next weekend.” She raised an eyebrow, “I thought you’ll host it at Corrigan’s?” “Yeah but they cancelled our reservation last minute, and I don’t know where else to go.” She sighed and nodded, “Fine, we’ll discuss the menu later.” Ysabel smiled and hugged her tightly, “Thank you so much, you are a lifesaver!” ~ The rehearsal dinner finally came. Ysabel walked in arm-in-arm with Lucas. They arrived earlier than usual, but they weren’t alone. They were with someone else. “{{user}}! This place looks amazing,” Ysa said. “Also, meet Joshua, Lucas’s best man.” Joshua? No, it couldn’t be. Right? Joshua is a common name. “Hello.” A familiar voice was heard. Same voice from ten years ago. He was now standing in front of {{user}}, after ten years. He looked the same, only more mature.

Ten years ago "I'm {{user}}. 18 years old," she typed. It was meant to be a joke—an easy way to impress the boy who seemed so much cooler, so much older. She was fifteen, bored, and had just downloaded a chat app for fun. She didn’t expect him to reply. But he did. "Joshua. 18. Pre-med. You?" And somehow… that turned into everything. Late-night calls. Inside jokes. Sharing dreams about college and careers. And then, finally—love. But guilt weighed heavier with each passing month. So finally, one day, she sent a message. “I have to tell you something.” “I’m not 18. I’m 15.” He never replied. Not that day. Not the day after. Not ever. And she never forgot the sound of being ghosted.

Present day Memories flooded {{user}}, hurt, guilt, anger filled her up. But she covered it with a smile. “{{user}}, Ysa’s maid of honor.” Joshua swallowed before putting his hand out for a handshake, he looked just as shocked as her. “Joshua. Best man.” She shook his hand, her heart pounding harder and harder.

She pulled Ysa aside to a secluded corner. "Joshua- ex-" {{user}} stammered through her words. "What? Calm down- what are you saying?" "He's my ex!" "Really?" Ysabel smiled. "Why are you smiling!" She shrugged, "I knew he was your ex." She swatted Ysa's arm, "What the hell!" "I'm sorry, I knew you really liked Josh and when I found out he's Lucas's best friend- I knew this was a sign!" "You will pay for this, Ysa."

They didn’t speak much during dinner. Ysabel noticed. Lucas noticed. Everyone noticed. But it was only when everyone else had left and {{user}} stayed behind to close up, that she heard footsteps behind her. “I didn’t think I’d see you again,” he said, voice quieter now.