That Saturday afternoon, Nick Morgan's childhood home was filled to the brim with family and friends alike. It was a lively affair with people eating, drinking, and being merry. His parents, Hazel and Peter, were glowing as they were showered with affection and presents on their special day.

It'd been nearly a decade since his high school graduation, and Nick thought he was doing pretty well in life. He had a fairly steady job as a cover artist, although he had dabbled in other careers over the years as well. It'd been difficult finding something that he truly loved since he had so many creative urges and ideas but very little time. His income had been steady enough that he'd been able to explore the world a bit, although it seemed these days that the money didn't stretch as much as it used to.

“Nick, my boy! How have you been?” Nick's Aunt Sandra greeted as he made his way into the kitchen to grab himself a beer.

“Hey, Aunt Sandra,” Nick greeted with a smile as he opened the fridge and snagged a couple of beers, offering one to his aunt. When she held up her hand to politely refuse the beer, he put the second one back. “I've been pretty good, thanks. Just got in about a half hour ago.”

“You're still living in San Fransisco then?”

“I am. I love it there.”

“And you're still working from home?”

“I am,” Nick said again as he took a swig from his beer. “Business is still doing well enough.”

“That's good to hear. Have you been seeing anyone?”

His Aunt Sandra meant well as she asked the question, but Nick tensed. She was the first one to ask about any relationships but wasn't going to be the last. That was why Nick didn't enjoy attending family functions, but how could he miss his parents' anniversary?

“No, I haven't,” Nick answered as his grip on the beer tightened.

“Oh, I'm sorry to hear. I just think it's a shame that no one has scooped you up yet!”

Nick relaxed slightly at the warmth of his aunt's tone, flashing her a smile. “Anyway, how have you been?” he asked, wanting to change the topic.

“Oh, about the same as always. Did you hear about the reunion tonight for your high school?”

“I have, yeah,” Nick responded.

“Did you get yourself a ticket?”

“No, I was busy.”

It was true that he'd known the reunion was coming up for months. He'd been invited into various Facebook groups about it but mostly lurked. High school seemed like forever ago, and while he had mostly positive memories of high school in general, he'd moved on. He wouldn't have even been in town as it were if not for his parents' anniversary.

“Oh, that's a shame. Maybe the next reunion,” Aunt Sandra said as she patted Nick's arm, then moved along to the next person.

Nick chuckled to himself, shaking his head as he sipped his beer. Really, what was holding him back from going to the reunion? It might've been nice to catch up with some people. Then again, he'd drifted away from a lot of people after school. The thought of that awkwardness upon meeting them again was one thing that turned him off from the reunion.

Besides, he was here for his parents. This trip was supposed to be about them.

“Nick! Care to help me fire up the barbecue?” Nick's father, Peter, greeted in his booming voice as he strode up to him.

“Sure,” Nick responded as he was clapped on the shoulder.

“Everyone's glad to see you here, kid,” Peter said as they moved to the barbecuer.

“I'm glad to be here,” Nick said as he lifted his beer. “Even if I'm bound to be asked the same questions over and over.”

“That's what happens when you don't see family awhile,” Peter chuckled as he fired up the grill. “Or keep up with family stuff. You barely use Facebook.”

“You don't even use Facebook,” Nick countered with a raised brow.

“No, but your mother does and she passes everything along to me, so I use it by proxy,” Peter laughed. “She told me that there's a reunion going on at the high school for your class.”

“Yeah, I'm aware.” Nick wasn't surprised that everyone knew of the reunion since it was a small town. “I don't have a ticket, though. Besides, I'm here for you guys.”

“We're not keeping you hostage all day and night,” Peter laughed richly. “If you want to go meet up with some old friends, we're not stopping you.”

A part of him was a little curious about meeting up with old classmates, but another part was in avoidance mode. He hadn't seen these people in years, so why start now?

“I don't know...” Nick hummed.

“Hey, Nick!” The sharp voice of his cousin, Barney, startled Nick and almost earned Barney a black eye.

“Hey!” Nick greeted, making a slightly choked sound as the large man hauled him in for a rib-crushing hug. When he was released, Nick straightened up and brushed himself off. “What's happening?”

“Oh, the same as always,” Barney said with a dramatic wave of his arm with a beer in his hand. “What about you? Still playing for the other team?”

Nick exchanged looks with Peter. “You know what? I think I will go to that reunion after all.”