Free Class Reunion by Linda Hill Page A

settled back and listened as they chatted, content to add an occasional comment while she watched each woman grow more animated. She watched Heather closely, recalling memories of Heather as a child. She had been so painfully shy. So introverted. Thinking back now, Jen could barely recall any conversation that they’d shared.
    Her most vivid memories of Heather were of her sitting in the bleachers while the girls practiced basketball. Jen remembered that throughout their senior year, when Sheila had been so absorbed in popularity and boys, Jen could look up into the bleachers at every practice and see Heather sitting there, arms wrapped tightly around her knees as she watched them play. In those days, Jen had used basketball as a means to eat up the time that she was used to spending with Sheila. Each day after practice, she would climb those bleachers and settle a few rows away from Heather. Their conversation was quiet; it was mostly about basketball and about teachers. Jennifer was far from the best on the team, but Heather always encouraged her to do better, pointing out subtle ways in which she could improve.
    Heather knew the ins and outs of basketball far better than most of the girls on the team. She had explained that she’d spent countless hours in the driveway with her father while he drilled the fundaŹmentals into her head. When Jennifer told her that maybe she should go out for the team, Heather had only laughed nervously. “I’m better at watching than playing,” she’d said as she tapped the pine beside her.
    Before long, a number of people had gravitated to their table. Children were suddenly everywhere, laughing and playing. One introduction after another was made, until Jen’s mind was spinning with names and faces from both past and present.
    She wasn’t a bit surprised by the reaction of classmate after classmate as each realized exactly who Heather was. Nobody could believe what a transŹformation she’d been through, and Jennifer found herself cringing at the callous remarks that many made.
    Through all of the comments, Heather remained poised, smiling graciously at every compliment. Jennifer, for her part, couldn’t help the desire to protect Heather from their stares and insensitive words. She caught herself thinking that she’d always felt that way about Heather. That she’d wanted to protect her somehow even back in school, when everyone was making fun of her. But we’re not kids anymore, she told herself, and Heather seemed to be taking it all just fine.
    Lucy and Gina approached the table a few moŹments later, insisting that they needed more players for a softball game. After much ribbing, Jennifer gave in and took the leather glove that Lucy thrust in her lap.
    “Come on, Heather. What about you?” Lucy grinned.
    Heather shook her head. “Not me. You guys go ahead. I’ll watch.”
    Reluctantly, Jen stood and looked down at Heather, a slow smile touching her lips. “Just like old times, eh?”
    Heather’s chin tipped up and she laughed. “Just like old times.”
    Feeling triumphant that Heather recognized the small secret they shared, Jennifer didn’t miss the wide grin on her sister’s face before she turned and strode toward the ball field with Lucy and Gina at her side.

Chapter 9
    A large group made up of mostly men and some women were dividing themselves into separate teams. Jen allowed herself to be shuffled back and forth until they finally settled it. She was to play along with Diane, Gina, and a group of eight men, while Lucy joined the opposing team, which included Sheila’s husband, Bobby.
    Sheila must be nearby, Jen mused, but she reŹfused to look for her. She regretted her decision to join in the game. She hadn’t touched a softball since she was about twelve years old.
    They assigned her to play second base, and after a quick toss of a coin, she headed out to her posiŹtion. She sensed Diane beside her as she walked.
    “I don’t suppose you have anything to