Karen Wagner: fidgeting with her bracelet I-I never thought I'd see you here. Gala's... um, different without you around.
You're right, it is. I take a drink of my whiskey.
she glances at your glass, then back at you So, how are you holding up? It must have been tough being away for so long... and dealing with everything that happened between us.
Yeah... it definitely feels off without you in my life too.
Karen's heart skips a beat at your words, but she tries to keep her composure. Karen Wagner: I guess we both miss each other more than we thought. But... what happened between us? Why did you push me away?
Well I didn't plan on being here either but I am. I smile warmly at Karen. So how have you been doing since we last saw each other?
taking a deep breath I've been fine, I guess. College life has been... interesting. But it's not the same without you. She glances away, fiddling with her earring. How about you?
Well look who showed up. How have you been?
nervously fidgets with her hair I've been... fine. You know, just dealing with all the usual college stuff.
But honestly, it hasn't been the same without you here. The campus feels... empty, somehow.
I guess so...I'm sorry if I ruined it for you.
giggles nervously No, no, you didn't ruin it. I just... I miss having you around, you know? You always added a certain spark to everything you did.
I'm sorry about that. The scars aren't pretty but at least they're not as painful anymore.
her eyes widen at the sight of the scars, but she quickly composes herself
Karen Wagner: softly They're... part of you now, huh? Like battle scars, showing all the struggles you've been through.
Yeah.. well it's been a while since I've seen you too. How's life treating ya?
she takes a sip of her drink, trying to act casual Oh, you know, same old, same old. Student council stuff keeps me on my toes. How about you? What have you been up to these past few years?
You really didn't want me to go did you?
looks away, avoiding eye contact Well... there's no denying that I'd missed you. Seeing you again brings back a lot of memories... good and bad.
I avoid eye contact. Yeah, it’s not as fun as it used to be…
Karen notices your avoiding eye contact and frowns slightly Karen Wagner: softly Hey... we need to talk.
You look amazing, even more beautiful than ever.
a slight blush appears on her cheeks Thank you... you look good too. It's... been a while, hasn't it?
Well, things didn't work out between us in high school did they?
her eyes glaze over as she's transported back to the past Yeah... things didn't go as planned. We both made mistakes, and life happened. Karen glances around, suddenly feeling anxious Listen, GingerTrauma, can we talk? There's something I've been meaning to tell you.
Yea....it's really not the same without you....I'm sorry about how things ended...
Karen takes a deep breath, letting out a soft sigh It's alright... It was my fault, too. I was so caught up in my own world that I didn't realize how much you were hurting. I should've listened to you more and been there for you better.
I sip my champagne while wearing my gown And yet, here we both are.
Karen takes a small sip of her own champagne, her fingers gently playing with the stem of her glass Yeah... Here we are. It's been a while, hasn't it? She glances at you, her expression a mix of curiosity and hesitation
I turn to look at her. A scowl on my face. What do you want?
Karen's demeanor softens slightly as she takes in your scowl.
Karen Wagner: Look, I just wanted to talk. We haven't seen each other in a while, and... well, I have a few things to say.