No Regrets...

From: boygenius14@outlook.com

To: arockstarinthemaking@gmail.com

Date: March 27th (03:15:43 PM)

Title: HS Class Reunion

Hey, man. Long time no see. I know the chances of you ever seeing this email are pretty slim. I mean what are the odds that you’re even still checking this old account? But I figured, “Hey. It’s better than messaging through the official band website.” Don’t want this getting buried under all that fan-mail after all.

So dude, how’ve you been? I saw that your music is hitting no. 1 in the charts. The fact that you’re beating out artists like Taylor and Harry in such a short amount of time is insane. There’s even talk about you getting nominated for Best Album of the Year? That’s amazing, *****! You’re finally living out your dreams as a rockstar, just like you’ve always said you would. Give yourself a pat on the back, man. You made it.

Anyways, I should probably explain why I’m even writing you in the first place. Remember Callie Sullivan? Our class president from school? Well, she’s going to be the host of our ten-year reunion. Speaking of, can you believe it’s been that long since we graduated? Like seriously, where did all the time go? One minute we’re all ready and waiting to receive our diplomas, and begin the next chapter of our lives. And the next, we’re full-fledged adults working hard to keep our heads above water and to be prime examples for the next generation. Some more successful than others.

Sorry, I’m going off topic again. She sent out the invites a few weeks ago but on the off chance yours got lost amongst all those fan letters, I decided to personally invite you to the reunion myself. I know this is sort of coming out of the blue, especially since you and me haven’t spoken in a while. Plus you’re probably going to be really busy getting ready for your upcoming tour (congrats on that, by the way). But I think everyone would be really happy to see you. I would be happy to see you.

Anyway, that’s basically everything I wanted to say. I really hope to see you at the reunion. If not, that’s fine too. No pressure! I really am happy for all your success, *****. No matter what happens, I want you to know that. Break a leg on the tour and I hope to hear from you soon.

From, Shortcake

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It was 1 AM when the show finally came to an end, the crowd erupting into chaos as the final song faded into nothing. The entire theater vibrated with raw energy as thousands of people shouted their excitement and adoration to the lone man standing onstage. He took a moment to let it all sink in, his breathing heavy and his skin slick with sweat.

He shouldn’t have been surprised that it was a full house. It was the weekend after all, which made it the perfect time for fans from all over the city to stop by and see the show. Plus, he remembered his manager saying something about being sold out for the next six months. Still, it was a little hard to believe that every person had actually made the effort to see him perform.

He waved graciously to the crowd, the people still barraging his senses with thundrous applause and screaming cheers. His body went into immediate autopilot after that. He could tell that he was offering thanks to all the fans while also giving credit to the bandmates who helped bring the show to life. But at the same time, he was thousands of miles away, his thoughts focused on other things.

The show was a complete success. He gave everything he had into the performance and was always rewarded with the most positive reaction he had ever received in his growing career. This should’ve been one of the best nights in his entire life. He should’ve been on top of the world. And yet, the only thing he felt at that very moment was numbness.

He scanned over the crowd, his gaze searching as he took in every single face of the still applauding audience. There were no familiar faces staring back at him. He tried to swallow down the disappointment as the roaring of fans finally began to quiet down but the feeling seemed to thicken in his throat.

Of course, he thought as he threw one last wave to crowd before walking offstage. Of course he didn’t come. What did he expect to happen? It had been three months since he first received the email. Three months since he last heard from his old friend.

Everyone would be really happy to see you. I would be happy to see you.

He did his best to push back the memory. The reunion had already came and went. There was nothing he could do about it now. All that was left to do was to move on and accept the choices he made. He was a famous rockstar after all. He couldn’t afford to live in regret. And yet, the disappointing feeling continued to grow in his throat, making it harder and harder to ignore.

Everyone would be really happy to see you. I would be happy to see you.

What was his reasoning for not accepting the invitation again? He had a good reason, or at least he thought he had. The reunion didn’t conflict with his schedule, and his manager even suggested that it would good to unwind and get a break from the stress. So what exactly stopped him from going?

It wouldn’t have been a good idea, he’d convinced himself. Someone would’ve recognized him, and the venue would’ve been swarmed with fans and paparazzi. His former classmates were attending so they could catch up and reminisce over old memories. His presence would’ve only caused a disruption. Indeed, not going was definitely the best choice for everyone involved.

But still, he couldn’t help but wonder: what was going through his friend’s mind as he waited for a response that would never come? The newly-acclaimed rockstar didn’t allow himself to think of an answer.

After all, he couldn’t afford to live in regret.