Sandra scrutinized her reflection in the car’s rear-view mirror. Makeup was perfect, check. Hair was great, check. She bit her lip and exhaled softly. It was just a dinner, she reminded herself. Yet her heart thumped with a ferocity that betrayed her inner feelings.

She took one more look in the mirror, smoothed the wrinkles in her flowery skirt, and killed the car engine. Dumping the car keys into her clutch bag, she got out and closed the door with a firm click.

Melodious bird calls greeted her, along with the fresh scent of grass after rain. After years of her absence, this small neighborhood near the edge of town hadn't changed much. It was picturesque, with the rolling hill behind the row of houses framing the scene like the back of a postcard. The houses were getting on in age, their upkeep left to the respective owners. Spread far apart, each house had its own bubble of privacy.

One stood out among the scenery of grey buildings with its fresh coat of yellow paint. Picking it out with a sweep of her eyes, Sandra crossed the road to the quaint little house. The gate was open in anticipation of her arrival, so she strolled right through. The flowers in the garden welcomed her with their sweet smell and she smiled at the vibrant colors.

She came to a stop at the front door, taking a deep breath as she tugged on the long sleeves of her colorful blouse. Feeling like a young girl on her first date, she puffed out her cheeks before assuming her practiced smile.

She pressed the doorbell and a soft melody reverberated through the house. A few seconds elapsed before the door opened to reveal a tall, slim boy dressed in a checkered shirt and jeans.

“Ray,” she exclaimed. “Wow all dressed up to impress, are you?”

The teen blushed, his eyes flitting away as he beckoned her in. “Come in, Ms. Sandra.”

Chuckling, she entered the house, taking in the simplicity of the decor and the array of owl figurines. It seemed Lynn still liked collecting owl-related decorations. Down the hallway traveled sounds of cutlery and banging appliances.

“My mum’s in the kitchen,” Ray said. “You can head right down if you want.”

Sandra smiled at the teen who averted her gaze. “Thank you, Ray.”

She headed down the hallway after hanging her bag on the rack, and popped her head into the kitchen. Minding the stove was a petite woman, hair swept back with a cloth, an apron covering her sweat pants.

“Lynn!” Sandra called out.

The woman turned, a spatula in hand. Upon seeing Sandra, her lips parted into a wide smile and she placed the spatula down. She rushed towards her and the two women embraced.

“Oh Sandra, it’s so nice to see you again after all these years,” Lynn exclaimed.

As they broke the embrace, Lynn cupped Sandra’s cheeks in her rough hands. Her gentle eyes took in all the details and contours of her childhood friend’s face. “You’re still so beautiful, Sandra. I’ve missed you.”

Sandra ran a hand through Lynn’s hair and removed the cloth. Her friend’s shoulder-length hair tumbled down over her face. “So are you, Lynn. Look at you, cooking and all!”

“Yeah, can you imagine?” Lynn laughed as she turned back to the stove and switched it off. “We were delinquents before and now, you’re a teacher and I’m cooking!”

Leaning on the island counter, Sandra tossed her head back and chuckled. “Anything can happen in this world. Want my help?”

“Nope.” Lynn busied herself as she scooped out food onto the plates. “But you can help me set the table in the dining room.”

Sandra looked around, finding a set of plates and cutlery already laid on the counter. “Sure, where’s the dining room?”

“Through that door.” Lynn pointed towards the other end of the kitchen and grinned. “Thanks for the help.”

“Don’t count on it,” Sandra teased. She picked up the dishes and headed for the white French door. Her friend’s laughter echoed as she left the kitchen.

The dining room was small, with a round table that seated four and a long landscape mirror behind it. Humming one of her own songs, Sandra laid the plates and cutlery down. A warm feeling engulfed her and she berated herself for not getting in touch with her best friend sooner.

It was nice seeing Lynn after so long. Yes, her friend’s dressing had gotten frumpier but that probably came with being a mother. She was still the same bubbly, energetic girl Sandra knew and that was enough for her.

“Sandra?”

Freezing at the sound of the familiar voice, Sandra’s heart skipped a beat. She moistened her lips and turned around. Her eyes settled on a well-built man with a squarish face, his eyes sharp and intense. Dressed in a simple white t-shirt and black jeans, he was an older and more mature version of Ray.

Just like the first time she laid eyes on him, he took her breath away. She had to remind herself that she hadn’t answered him yet. She broke into a smile. “Mark! It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

His lips twitched upward in a grin and she found herself yet again entranced by his looks. “Yeah, we were surprised to hear you were back. Glad to have you home again.”

Mark’s warm expression made her melt and she gave a little sigh. “I missed you.” Realizing her mistake, she quickly added, “Both you and Lynn.”

A rumble of laughter came from Mark. “Just like old times.”

Sandra relaxed and she echoed his words.

“Just like old times.”