She wondered if JoeGad would even think to invite her, or if Sofia would be the one accompanying him instead.
Alyssa's phone buzzed with a text from her mom, reminding her to check her email for any important updates. Alyssa's heart skipped a beat as she saw an email from JoeGad's family in her inbox. She hesitated for a moment before opening it, her hands trembling slightly.
The email was an invitation to the annual business party, but it was addressed to JoeGad and Sofia. Alyssa's heart sank as she read the email, feeling a pang of disappointment and rejection. It seemed like she was no longer a part of JoeGad's inner circle.
Alyssa took a deep breath and tried to shake off the feeling of sadness. She reminded herself that she was better off without the drama and heartache that came with being around JoeGad. But as she closed her laptop and went back to lounging around her house, she couldn't help but feel a sense of loss and longing.
As the days went by, Alyssa tried to push the thoughts of the party and JoeGad out of her mind. She spent her days lounging by the pool, reading books, and catching up with old friends. But despite her best efforts, she couldn't shake off the feeling of being left out.
One day, while browsing social media, Alyssa stumbled upon a post from JoeGad's family, announcing the upcoming business party. The post was filled with photos of the luxurious venue, the catering, and the entertainment. Alyssa's eyes widened as she saw a photo of JoeGad and Sofia posing together, looking like the perfect couple.
Alyssa felt a pang of jealousy and sadness, wondering why she wasn't the one by JoeGad's side. She quickly closed her social media app, feeling like she was torturing herself.
As the night wore on, Alyssa's mind kept wandering back to the party. She wondered what it would be like to attend, to see JoeGad and Sofia together, and to pretend like everything was fine. But she knew she couldn't handle the drama and heartache that came with being around JoeGad.
Just then, Alyssa's phone buzzed with a text from her best friend, Rachel. Rachel was asking Alyssa to meet up for a shopping trip, and Alyssa agreed, hoping to take her mind off things.
As they shopped and laughed together, Alyssa felt a sense of normalcy and happiness that she hadn't felt in a while. She realized that she didn't need JoeGad or his family's party to have a good time. She had her own friends, her own interests, and her own life to live.
The holiday went by quickly and soon it was their senior year, Alyssa's mother was up to something but she didn't know.
They were having lunch one afternoon and the door bell rang. She went to get the door and the door and who she saw shocked her.
Alex and Aunty Maria, at first she couldn't recognize her children friend who lived in Germany because of growth.
The last time they saw was when she was 9 and me she's 16.
Alyssa's eyes widened in surprise as she opened the door to find Alex, her childhood friend who had moved to Germany, standing on her porch. It had been seven years since they last saw each other, and Alex had grown into a tall and handsome young man. Aunty Maria, Alex's mother, stood beside him, smiling warmly.
"Alyssa, it's so great to see you!" Aunty Maria exclaimed, opening her arms for a hug. Alyssa hugged her back, still trying to process the unexpected visit.
As they stepped inside, Alyssa's mother greeted them with a warm smile. "It's so wonderful to see you both! Come on in, let's catch up."
As they sat down in the living room, Alyssa couldn't help but notice how much Alex had changed. He was no longer the scrawny 9-year-old she remembered. His eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief, and his smile was charming.
Alyssa's mother began to chat with Aunty Maria, catching up on old times. Alyssa and Alex sat together on the couch, exchanging awkward small talk at first. But as they started to reminisce about their childhood adventures, their conversation flowed more easily.
As they talked, Alyssa found herself feeling more and more at ease around Alex. She had always considered him a friend, but now she was seeing him in a different light. She noticed the way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled, and the way his hair curled slightly at the nape of his neck.
Alyssa's mother and Aunty Maria decided to take a walk around the neighborhood, leaving Alyssa and Alex alone in the living room. As they sat together in comfortable silence, Alyssa felt a sense of connection with Alex that she hadn't experienced in a long time.
"So, how's life in Germany?" Alyssa asked, breaking the silence.
Alex launched into a story about his school and his friends, and Alyssa listened intently. As he talked, she found herself feeling drawn to him in a way that she hadn't expected.
As the afternoon wore on, Alyssa realized that she was having a great time with Alex. She had almost forgotten about JoeGad and the drama that had been plaguing her. For the first time in a long time, she felt like herself again.
As the sun began to set, Aunty Maria and Alyssa's mother returned from their walk. "We should get going," Aunty Maria said, glancing at her watch.
As they said their goodbyes, Alyssa felt a pang of disappointment. She didn't want Alex to leave. But as he smiled at her and promised to stay in touch, she felt a sense of hope that she hadn't felt in a long time.
As Alex and his mother were leaving, Alyssa walked them to the door, feeling a sense of nostalgia wash over her. It was like no time had passed at all, and yet, everything was different.