Third Narrative Assignment

The orange and black banner that exclaimed "Welcome Back Tigers of 2011!" fluttered in the warm breeze as I walked up to the doors of the gym. I absentmindedly reached for my keycard to open the door, but felt foolish when all I grasped was a fist full of air. I smiled to myself, remembering how the same thing happened at the ten-year reunion, and how it would undoubtedly happen again if I attended the twentieth one (highly doubtful). But keycards are a thing of my past. As are many other characteristics from high school that no longer make up who I am. I proceeded to the performance gym, which I would have easily found if I lost my way (thankfully I didn't) due to the blaring rap music that was audible from several hallways away. I took a deep breath before opening the door bracing myself for the evening ahead of me. I had changed since high school. Things happened that caused a shift in my personality, and I knew that the difference wouldn't go unnoticed. As I reached for the door handle, it came swinging towards me and propelled my purse out of my hands spilling the contents all over the floor.

"What a great start to the night," I thought to myself sarcastically. I bent down to retrieve my things and with the help of whoever almost knocked me out, I gathered them in no time.

"Thanks," I murmured unenthusiastically, not making eye contact.

"Anytime! It was my fault, so it's the least I could do," said the woman.

I froze. I would recognize that voice anywhere. "Oh, hey Mary Beth." I said.

"...Uhm, erm... hi?" She responded, clearly confused.

I could tell that she had absolutely no idea who I was, or how I knew her name, but I honestly couldn't care less. All I wanted to do was get through the night so I could go home and watch ancient reruns of Days of Our Lives.

"I'm gonna go get some punch." I said as I turned quickly and started to walk away. I was hoping my blunt responses would help her realize that I was not interested in chatting. But of course, it was hopeless.

"Wait. Excuse me. How do you know my name?" She asked with a curious suspicion.

"Ughhh." I sighed and rolled my eyes as I turned around.

"Its me, Hannah...Hannah Leedle.

"What are you talking about? Your not the Hannah I remember...and trust me, old age has not effected my memory one bit."

"Well, its me. Can I go get my punch now?"

"No! I have so much to tell you! I just got a new job and you are going to be fascinated with what it entails. Seriously, it is right up your ally." She said with a bright toothy grin on her face.

"Wonderful." I said sarcastically under my breath.

"I was just selected to go to Antarctica to conduct scientific tests on the ice there. It is really amazing. You can determine how long ago an air bubble was trapped in the ice, and even the level of CO2 emissions during that year. I can't wait to begin."

When I didn't respond she snapped, "Hannah?".........."HANNAH!"

My head whirled around toward her.

She was giving me an unfamiliar expecting look that seemed to say "Hellooooo? Anybody home?"

"Oh, erm, yeah...you lost me at Antarctica."

"What is your deal?" She demanded. "Seriously, who are you and what have you done with my best friend? During high school you would have loved hearing about this stuff. You were so curious about anything new or different, and absolutely loved to learn new things. And now...you just don't care." She said.

I detected the sadness and worry in her voice.

"Yeah well...I'm gonna go get that punch."

She stared at me in disbelief.

I had had enough. I knew that someone would notice and make a big deal out of the new me. As I walked toward the exit I felt not even the slightest bit of remorse for how I treated my high school pal. I knew that I had changed, and I didn't need anyone else to tell me that or try to help me change back. The things I used to love most about myself were the same ones that recently me caused me horrific pain, and I knew I would never go back to my old ways. But now the only thing on my mind was forgetting this dreadful night, and returning home for my date with the television set and a pint of Ben and Jerry's.