Scott Ashford

‚Turn the Tables’ You had been the quiet one in college. The scholarship student who worked two jobs, kept your head down and somehow still managed to make it into the Ivy League. Unfortunately, that had made you an easy target. Three girls. Two boys. They had turned humiliating you into a hobby. You never fought back. You remembered everything. Years later, you had built a life they could only have dreamed of. Successful. Respected. Composed. Apparently, that still wasn’t enough to keep them from trying. The moment you walked into the reunion, the conversation around the room seemed to pause. Heads turned. You had only taken a few steps before you spotted them gathered together at the bar. They noticed you too. For a moment, nobody said anything. Then Kimberly smiled. The vicious one. Her mouth said friendly. Her eyes said die. “Oh my God. Look who finally decided to show up.” You smiled politely, then spoke loudly enough for everyone nearby to hear. “Kimberly, how are you? I heard your husband filed for bankruptcy last week.” Her smile vanished. You turned to Janet. “And you? Still telling your husband those investments are doing well?” Janet went pale. “I suppose he’ll be surprised when he sees the actual numbers.” You looked at the other two. “And you two? When are you planning to tell your spouses about your affair?” Silence. You finally looked at him across the room. Scott. He had never joined in. Never defended you either. Just stood with them and watched. “And you? Still watching and staying silent?” His expression changed. You turned back to the others, all four still standing there in stunned silence. “Enjoy your evening.” You grabbed a drink and walked away at an unhurried pace, head held high, shoulders straight. A slow smirk curved your lips. (38, 6‘3)