Those who are lost then found

"This is the last bottle!"

I shouted as I reached into the fridge to grab the last bottle of wine we had. I would rather not think of the possibility of us leaving to buy more. It was late in the night, and as much confidence in protecting myself. I would rather not take any unnecessary risks.

But I also didn't want to stop the fun I and my friends were having. Work had been a bitch, and it took almost two months for the four of us to be able to have this weekend for us.

No work. No calls, and for some of us, no boyfriends.

Just us girls and a weekend of fun!

"There should be 4 more bottles left in the box beside the fridge!" Sarah shouted back. I looked at the side of the fridge and saw that there was indeed a box placed there. 'Huh? ' I opened it and grabbed a bottle and placed it in the fridge to replace the one I just got.

With the cold bottle of wine in one hand, I made my way back to the living room, where I found 3 of my closest friends lounging around. We were all in Sarah's place, it being the most spacious, not to mention her building had a pool for tenants.

"I got it!" I lifted the bottle above my head to the cheer of everyone. I passed the bottle to Camille, who immediately opened it to the delight of everyone, including me. I plopped down on the sofa beside Sarah, who was already a bit tipsy, her glass reaching for Camille to be filled by the wine we so very much adore right now.

"Cheers!" We all shouted and clinked our glasses once all of us had refilled them. I looked around and smiled. These girls are the best friends I could have wished for, Sarah and Mary. I've known them since I was 10, with Camille joining us at college. We all went to the same university and studied finance.

We all graduated together, and as luck would have it, we joined the same accounting firm. It's safe to say that we have been together for a long time. And frankly, I wouldn't have been able to reach where I am now without them. And I am infinitely thankful to have them in my life.

"To bad bitches!" I toasted, and they repeated it just as boisterously. We went back to our drinks and settled down. Sarah and I were seated on the sofa, while Camille and Mary were on the floor. Snacks of every kind were scattered all around us. The TV turned on and showed some inane reality show that has no idea what reality really is.

"It's great that Rob agreed to go without you!" I told Sarah, talking about her boyfriend, who she is living with. He is out for the weekend, and we are currently taking advantage of that, taking over their home for our staycation. "His father's been wanting a guys' trip just for him and his brother," she explained. "It just all lined up perfectly with everyone's schedule!"

I nodded, agreeing with her words. It really did seem like the world itself wanted us to have this short vacation. This free time where all four of us would get to be together at the same time. Sarah's and Mary's boyfriends being out of town was just an added bonus. "And where is Andrew tonight? And why is he not messaging you non-stop?" I turned to Mary, who is usually glued to her phone talking to her man.

"He told me it's DND night and that he will be staying with his bros for the weekend finishing some campaign," she shared, making air quotes of the word "campaign." She rolled her eyes at the quirkiness of her boyfriend, and yet she had a soft smile on her face. Proof that despite the weirdness of some of his hobbies, she really did love and adore him. And they have been together the longest, 7 years, so she had gotten used to his antics.

Or rather, according to her. She's gotten rid of the more unacceptable parts of their relationships and was now only left with those that are not going to be a problem for the two of them.

I had to tip my hat to her. She has changed from the party girl I knew her to be. She said that she recognized that her partying was going to be a problem if she didn't get rid of it and may even cost her relationship with Andrew in the future. So she decided to cut back on going out and drinking in bars. We questioned her about that at the start of their relationship, if she was letting herself be controlled by Andrew, but she shut us down real quick.

She said that her decision came after a discussion the two of them had after they had been dating for over a year. After they have gotten to know one another a lot better. How they laid out all the things they had problems with one another, things that are causing them to think things through, and things that they think they can work out.

She also said that the two of them decided together to change a few things, like her clubbing and going out. And his spending habits and a few other things. She said that this was a conscious decision between the two of them, one they believed would benefit their relationship. And based on what we can see and the fact that they have been together for 7 years now, it worked.

It was frankly something I admired about her, her mature approach to dealing with the differences between her and Andrew. And her careful handling of the problems that came up in their long-term relations was something I looked up to. I only wish I could emulate her in mine in the future. Not that I had any chance to do as she did; I mean, I am still single, and the last relationship I had only lasted for 6 months. Not enough time for me to know the man deeply.

Besides, I am not looking for one right now. All I want at the moment is to have fun with my girls and enjoy the time we have.

"This is stupid!" Camille suddenly exclaimed. Grabbing the remote, she flicked through channels, trying to find something else interesting to watch. I agreed with her; most reality shows these days were so far removed from what true reality is. And most of them are not even reality shows anymore; almost all of them are produced and scripted.

"Stop!" Mary shouted, startling us. I turned to her to see that she was grabbing Camille's arm, staring at the TV. I frowned at her and turned to see what got her attention. "I forgot these were on today!" She muttered, eyes now glued to the show.

The TV was showing a very beautiful woman walking down a runway in a very frilly lingerie set. Hundreds of people sat on either side of the platform while the band played on stage.

It was the annual Victoria's Secret fashion show. Something I was not interested in when I was younger but have since gotten into. I am still a woman after all, and as I grew up, I found myself being attracted to their products, especially when I started becoming physical with boys.

"Looking for something to surprise Andrew when he comes back?" Sarah asked, teasing Mary. I smirked as I looked at Mary, sharing the same idea as Sarah. Mary turned to us and replied to Sarah, unabashed by her answer. "Maybe? Our anniversary is coming up! I need to get something ready." She quickly turned back to the TV, and I glanced at Camille and Sarah in turn. We shared knowing looks behind Mary, our smiles plastered on our faces as she remained in the dark about the real purpose of this get-together.

While we did plan to spend the weekend just having fun with just us girls. The real reason Andrew left us alone was not to join his friends for a stupid "DND night." No, he is out preparing for a far more precious and serious matter. He actually didn't leave their place and is instead getting things ready for an important surprise for her.

Andrew, as it turns out, after 7 years is finally going to propose to Mary on their anniversary. And she asked us to get her out of the house for a few days so she can prepare the place. The plan was for Mary to come back after the weekend to find their place prepared with flowers and candles and all that sweet shit. And then Andrew will go down on one knee and ask her to marry him. Just the two of them in their home.

We plan to join them later after the two of them have had the time to properly celebrate. (Wink wink!)

We were all so excited to hear the news of his plan, and we immediately agreed to help him. I was also feeling a little bit nervous; I mean, I knew Mary loved Andrew, but there was always a chance that she would say "no" to his proposal. It was a very slim chance, but a chance nonetheless. Though I don't think it would happen, I still prayed that everything would go well. If that happens, then they would be the first in our group to be engaged.

"I'm sure Andrew would love it, whatever it is!" I told her, poking her side with my foot. She swatted it away before we all turned back to the TV just in time for the next batch of models to walk out.

The TV announced that the last batch of models would be the last for the night and that they would be wearing the best of the year's lingerie sets. "We missed most of it!" Sarah complained; she was always the most fashionable among us. "At least we get to see the best ones," I said, placating her.

"There is that," Sarah agreed, taking a sip of her wine. We all tuned in, waiting for the last show to start. The TV announced the theme, which is "Godly Brilliance," and that they will be showcasing lingerie designs that will embody the ancient gods' beauty and elegance. And in order to do that, Victoria's Secret worked with another company to bring their vision to life.

The announcer's voice then welcomed the models, and the screen showed the name of the company they chose to work with, a brand I am very familiar with. "No way!" Camille gasped as Mary placed her glass on the floor in shock and excitement. I kept my eyes on the TV as the first model walked out from behind the stage just as all the lights around the venue dimmed. With the spotlight trained on her, she started down the runway, walking slowly as the screens showed the name "Celestial Creations" before fading out.

"That brand is really moving up in the world!" Sarah muttered as we all got transfixed on the scene on the TV. The model walked as if she were a goddess, and the camera focused on her face first before panning down to her neck, or to be exact, to the shimmering necklace she was wearing. The piece glittered in the spotlight like she was wearing the stars in the night sky itself.

"Wow!" Camille wondered as his eyes shone in admiration. I felt what she was feeling, as I was even feeling like I wanted to wear that. The camera then went even lower to focus on her waist, where it focused on a bejeweled belt wrapped around it. Just below her navel was a large red shimmering stone that could only be a ruby surrounded by white stones.

The entire thing reflected the light and broke it down into tiny sparkles like some kind of disco ball or like some kind of twilight vampire, glittering in the sun.

The model reached the end and turned around to walk back, meeting the next model halfway. We all started as the second model strutted her stuff in an equally beautiful lingerie set. Like the first, she was also wearing a set of jewelry that made her shine like stars in the night sky.

"So pretty," Mary sighed as she leaned back on the seat of the couch I was sitting on. "I can understand why they worked with Celestial Creations; those are really beautiful!" I told no one in particular, but three heads nodded at my words.

"I went to their store last month. The pieces they had there were so beautiful I almost bought one!" Sarah mentions, and I turn to her. "Why didn't you?" I asked. Scoffed before answering. "I couldn't afford it; the cheapest they had was over 3 thousand dollars! Definitely out of my budget!" I nodded; I, too, have checked some of their pieces out, and the prices were not something I could afford on a whim.

"Maybe Rob would buy you one, a ring for when he goes on one knee for you!" Mary teased, turning to Sarah. "Maybe. Why? You know something I don't?" Sarah replied, playing along despite her being the one who knew something about rings and getting on one knee. "I don't, but you never know," Mary denied with a shrug, still intent on teasing Sarah.

"I think you are the one closest to having a man drop on one knee to present you with a ring," I said, joining in on the fun. "I mean, you and Andrew have been together the longest." I grinned at her while Camille and Sarah giggled. "I don't really care about the ring; I just want him. If he wants to get married, then we'll get married. If not, then we won't!" She declared, all serious, "All I want is to stay with him; as long as it's him and me, then I'm happy." She added, a soft smile on her lips.

Her words didn't really shock me, as we all knew just how much she loves Andrew. What shocked me was her stance on marriage. I didn't think she would be that open to it, or rather, her going with what Andrew wants shocked me. It was so different from the "Go for what I want" girl I knew growing up. Then again, she has changed so much since meeting him. Maybe this is just natural.

"Besides, he doesn't need to have a ring to kneel in front of me." Camille gasped at her teasing tone and the innuendo her words had. I raised a brow while she started to shake from her giggles. "You are such a slut!" Sarah shouted as she reached over to jokingly slap Mary, hitting her on her shoulder.

Mary shrugged again, acting as if she was unbothered by her words. "What can I say? I have that effect on him." She added, and we all ended up laughing and giggling with her. I felt very happy about the closeness of our friendship. That we can joke about such things is, for me, proof that our bond is strong enough that we didn't have to think about any one of us thinking less of any one of us or such crass words or thoughts.

We continued to joke around with each other while watching the TV. A number of models walked down the runway, all sporting skimpy lingerie adorned by the most wonderful jewelry I had ever seen. Pieces that belonged in a museum were worn by royalty. Such was the quality of the treasures these models were advertising to the world.

The music that was playing was gradually coming to an end, and the host announced the entrance of the last model, also the one who would be wearing what he said were the crown jewels of "Celestial Creations' heavenly series of jewelry." And I have to agree with the naming; every single piece I saw during the short minutes the models walked down the runway was deserving of the classification.

A tall woman came out of the back of the stage and began walking down the runway like those before her. The only difference was that the other model was only wearing maybe 2 or 3 pieces of jewelry, while this one looked like she was wearing a net. A net of glittering material that made her sparkle more than all those models before combined. Her arms swayed as she walked, and they were adorned by bands of gold inlaid with gems of all colors.

"Damn! Those must have cost millions!" Sarah exclaimed as the model reached the end of the runway and the camera roamed all over her body, showcasing what she was wearing for everyone to see. What I thought was a net was indeed a net; only it was encrusted by gems of all kinds, reflecting the light and making her shine like an ethereal being, casting light upon the darkness of the world.

The model turned around and walked back to the middle of the stage, and suddenly, the host came up and joined her there.

"There you have it, folks! This year's best in show!" He announced as applause exploded at the venue. He then called back all of the previous models who walked for the last feature. One by one, they all came back out to line up along the runway, waving to the audience and the cameras flashing all around them, all clamoring to get the best shot they could.

After the applause died down, the host thanked everyone who was part of the production, from the models to the guests. Then he thanked Celestial Creations for their participation, and then he invited the president of the company to join him on the stage.

Applause started once again as the host called his name, a name that halted all of my thoughts. name I have not thought of in years. Someone I used to think of a lot but gradually faded from my mind.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Let's all give a round of applause to the visionary behind all of these exquisite designs! Let's welcome on stage for the first time the president of Celestial Creations!" He paused to look at the back of the stage, and everyone on stage followed suit.

"Percy Jackson!"

"No way!" "Holy shit!" "What the fuck!"

Sarah, Mary, and I exclaimed as the name was announced.

"What's going on?" Camille asked, the only one of us who didn't know who Percy is. She turned to us one by one, looking for answers, but we were all glued to the screen, looking at the boy—no, he's a man now. The camera moved to the back of the stage and focused on a man that walked out. On his arm was a gorgeous woman who I found to be very familiar.

But my eyes were trained on the man, following him as he walked down the runway with a grace I never knew a man could have. His presence overshadowed those of the nearly naked models surrounding him, all of them clapping and looking at him with adoration and awe. I noticed some of the women on that stage to be sporting blushes on their faces, and I couldn't blame them.

"Wow! He's changed!" Mary said as she also was transfixed on the scene before us. I nodded; how could I not when Percy looked like an ancient god walking down that runway?

Tall, muscular, and fit. The confidence he was exuding could be felt even through the TV. He reached the center of the runway and joined the host, and he stood there with a disarming smile, and it was like he was born to be there. Like the world itself owed him its admiration and worship.

"I can't believe that's him!" I muttered, and finally, Camille had had enough of being ignored and grabbed Mary's arm and shook it. "What are you guys talking about?"

"We know him!" Camille answered before I took over.

"Percy, that man, we were classmates before," I said, still staring at the man on the TV as he waved his hands at the audience. "When was this?" she asked, turning back to the TV. "We were in the 6th grade." Percy on the TV was bowing now, and the host handed him a microphone and thanked him again for his company's participation.

"Thank you! I am honored to be a part of this event! It's the first time for us in Celestial Creations to be present on such a huge stage, and I have to say, I think I could get used to being on stage more!" He and the host shared a laugh while all the women on the stage smiled at him.

After another round of applause, Percy, the woman he came up with, and the models all went back and exited the stage while the host closed the event. While music was playing on the TV, Camille muted the TV and turned back to us. "Okay! Now spill! What was with your reaction to him?"

"We were just surprised to see him, that's all!" Sarah explained, but I knew that was not all there was to it. I debated telling the truth when Camille demanded more. She was always like this. Sniffing gossip like a hound. I sighed and resigned myself to telling her the story. "Okay, fine! There is a history there, but it's not like what you're imagining," I said, and Mary commented immediately. "Not entirely." I glared at her, and she giggled in response.

"Like we said, we were classmates back in 6th grade, and he was only with us for the year, and then he transferred," I started. "He was this scrawny boy who's always in trouble. He already had a reputation for getting into trouble in his past schools and getting kicked out," Sarah added. "He was friends with this disabled guy that was older than us but was in our grade." I paused and looked to Camille; she was listening and waiting for us to continue.

"I guess I found it weird at the time, but I wasn't kind to him and his friend." I gave her a rueful smile before continuing. "I kind of bullied him and his friend for almost the entire year." I saw her eyes widen at my confession. "You did?" Camille was looking at me like she was just getting to know me and not someone who she has known for years now. "Yeah, I was young and stupid," I admitted.

"That's not really the reason why, though," Sarah interjected, taking a sip of her wine. "Huh?" Camille turned to her. "What I mean is that Nancy here had a crush on him, and she didn't know how to act towards him, so she ended up bullying him to get his attention." She said smirking, and I just rolled my eyes, not denying it.

"Wow! Nancy, I didn't know you had such a past!" Camille teased. I shrugged. It was the truth anyway. "It was a long time ago," I said. "And I never even thought of Percy until now; I was just shocked to see him so successful now," I added, nodding at the TV, which is showing an advert for his company. We all turned to see the model being rained on by gems while twirling.

"That's the same woman he came out with!" Sarah said, ever sharp-eyed. She reached for her phone and started fiddling with it. After a few seconds, she started talking to all of us. "Her name is Piper Mclean, daughter of Tristan Mclean," she started, pointing to the model Percy was with on the stage. "According to this, she is Percy's fiancée and part owner of Celestial Creations!"

"Wow! Percy really hit the jackpot there!" Mary exclaimed before grinning at me, and I knew she was going to make a joke on my behalf. "Too bad you bullied him; he seems to be a great guy!" I pushed her with my foot, and she just laughed. She knew I wasn't that kind of woman. I'd rather make my own way than rely on a man. Though I don't think Piper was one of those women either.

"It also says here that Piper has known Percy since she was 15 and that they've been engaged for almost 2 years now and that they have been dating for longer," Sarah said, still glued to her phone. I snatched it up and threw it on the corner table beside the couch.

"Alright, that's enough digging into their lives!" I said. "It doesn't matter now how Percy's life is going, and we don't have to know everything that happened to him since the end of 6th grade!" Mary nodded and lifted her glass for a toast. "Amen, sister! That's how mature people act!"

Camille followed suit. "I'd drink to that!" lifting her own glass. Sarah and I did as well, and we clinked our drinks before downing them.

"Maybe we can go to that store of theirs tomorrow and ask if Percy is there. Maybe he can give us a discount?" Sarah suddenly said, making all of us look at her. "What?" She looked so innocent asking that with wide eyes. Then she burst out laughing, with the rest of us following suit.

The room was again filled with laughter from my group of friends, friends I cherish above all else. I glanced at the TV, which was showing a different show now, and all thought of Percy went out the window. I was happy for him, but it has been years, and he no longer occupies much of my mind like he did when we were younger.