“I—I thought you were coming to town later in the week,” Sarah, who hadn’t moved since she caught sight of me, said. She was probably shocked by my looks. She hadn't seen me in three years, and since I deleted all social media, I doubt she saw pictures of me. I looked over to my mother, and she was playing with the leaves on a plant like it was the most exciting thing she had ever seen.

“No, I um. I got in this morning,” I said to Sarah, though I wanted to scold Mom for playing her little tricks.

She eyed my dress and replied, “Wow, you look…” I imagined how she’d finish that sentence. Skinny? Tan? Blonde? Everything I never was before I left? “…amazing,” she finally said. “It's great to see you.” She walked my way and circled me in the most uncomfortable hug the world had ever known.

Last time Sarah and Logan saw me, I was on the heavier side with short brown hair, and I was paler than a ghost. I didn't mind it in those days; I was more of me back then than I am now. I was authentic, raw, real. I liked my body, I didn't care what random strangers thought, and I felt beautiful on my own without all the extra. Wearing only leggings and an old high school t-shirt never bothered me back then, but now I feel like if I’m not dressed to the nines, then I’m being gawked at.

After the day that shook me to my core, I moved away. Dropped over 70 pounds, dyed my hair, and being a Florida resident, I got a tan pretty quickly. I'm surprised any of them recognized me.

With an awkward silence in the air, Matt cleared his throat. “Let's go ahead and head out so we're not late.” Big Brother to the rescue!

We all piled in two cars, purposefully avoiding any uncomfortable situations by carpooling with the sister I hadn’t seen in years. When we got to the restaurant, they seated us at a long rectangular table and my nerves rose higher. I chose a seat randomly and ended up between Matt and Logan. I pretended to be engrossed by something on my phone to avoid any conversations.

While Matt, Sarah, and my parents talked amongst themselves, Logan quietly cleared his throat next to me.

“Hey, Olive.”

My cheeks flared red, and a whirlwind of emotions swept through me: anger, confusion, sorrow, you name it. Because the last time I saw Sarah and Logan was the last time we even had any contact whatsoever.

“Hello.” I didn't look at him, instead staring down at my phone resting shakily in my palms. I aimlessly swiped through apps on my phone, pretending as if I had someone to talk to on it or something that needed my attention.