I’m his cousin, Ayesha.”“I don’t remember you. You look to be around his age. Did you go to County?”“I did,” she smirked. “I looked a ...little different then.”“I see. What year did you graduate?”“2008. I remember you,” she beamed.“I was definitely there then. I’m sorry I can’t place you. I can’t imagine people ever forget you,” he laughed anxiously as he attempted to flirt with the woman wearing a pink graphic tee and skinny jeans.“That was real sweet. I’m just back visiting my grandmother on. . All I could imagine was that Brian had been in an accident. I was praying as I ran to the phone.“Anna, is he okay?”“Yes. Yes. It’s his friend. After the prom last night, Josh was beaten and Denise was murdered. Oh, Marilyn, I just got here and it’s chaos. The kids were all gathered at the hospital. Thank God, Jennifer thought to call me. I know Brian would have called, but he has his hands full comforting his friends. And I need to be here to comfort him, too.”“Is he there? Let me speak to. I wasn't in the mood, and he had bad breath anyway.I tried, unsuccessfully, to indicate that I wasn't interested, and eventually Beth's husband, Rob, came over and rescued me.He is a very handsome guy and we've always been friends. Beth, Rob and I had attended high school together, even going to the same junior college. They got married the year we all graduated, and have been husband and wife for almost five years.We talked about life, and drank margaritas. The party raged on, and the night. Instead Ismiled and hugged him."Oh, thank God," I replied. He looked at me puzzled, so I continued. "Iwas thinking along the same lines, just didn't know what words to use."Up to that point I had been the one doing the hugging and he was standingthere just a bit dumbfounded. With a touch of awkwardness, he huggedback. The mutual relief at the lack of anger was palpable, which led usto hug a little longer. Eventually we disengaged smiling. After that weconinued the walk along the river, talked.