Reunion Weekend

Reunion #1:
Mama Liu and I visited the Yu household Friday night. They're apparently distant relatives. We used to live across the street when I was in elementary school. The grandchildren and I were friends and played together, although they called me aunt because my father called their grandfather older brother. Anywho, I hadn't seen them since I was in high school so it was nice to see them. They were happy that I worked for the government and said I should stay there forever. We talked about politics; I informed them that Obama was not Muslim or a terrorist because his middle name is Hussein. They said I was a communist. It was a fun conversation. Then, it got uncomfortable because the following happened:

Adult 1: So, you should be getting married soon.
Me: (awkwardly smile) No, I'm too young.
Adult 2: You need to find someone rich. That's all that matters. You need to get married because your mom has suffered too much.
Adult 3: Yeah, you have to get married to make your mom happy.
Adult 1: Just find someone who is capable of taking care of you.
Adult 2: No, money's all that matters.
Adult 3: Just find someone at work. I'm sure there are lots of good men at your work. Yeah, just snatch one of them. You know, you have to plan it out. You can't just wait for men to come to you. You have to go hunting. (He actually said the word "hunting". I think I cringed.)
(variation of the above comments were repeated. Meanwhile, I'm trying to be polite. I don't say anything. I'm pretty sure my awkward smile has disappeared.
...
Then, I finally explode.)
Me: I'M NOT GETTING MARRIED.

Luckily, one of the adults started laughing and joked around that I should then find someone for his daughters. I glanced over at my mom and she looked sad. I felt bad for her. I wish I could have been a good daughter in that moment and just played along although I was so disgusted inside.

Reunion #2/Lake Elsinore Moment of the Weekend:
On my way to meet Mon for breakfast, this car next to me starts honking. I look over and it's Gil, whom I have also not seen since high school. I guess that's the city's charm. You never know who you'll run into.

Gil and I used to work together at the perfume store. I remember I enjoyed our closing times the best. We would turn the music up, dance, windex the glass counters and talk about what was going on in our lives. To see him again was a wonderful serendipitous moment.

Reunion #3:
Mon and I went over to Natasha’s St. Patrick’s Day party Saturday night since we were in the area. Natasha was one of our high school friends. She was always a fun, sassy and outgoing party girl. She never had any problems telling people off with a simple “uh-no”. She still is that exuberant girl. It was amazing and kind of comforting to see how she was exactly the same. Her rambunctious laugh is so contagious. It was nice to meet up with her and see that she’s happy.

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It’s interesting reconnecting with people from the past. It can conjure up insecurities, memories, an old self.