Reminiscing

Brandon looked up from his menu with a smile when he heard the sound of someone sitting in the chair across from him, delighted to see Susan after so many years. They had ran into each other by complete coincidence a few days prior in the park - both happening to be out for a morning jog going in opposite directions - but had had limited time to really catch up. They had exchanged numbers quickly, however, and had been in contact, trying to set a date for when they could sit down and chat for a while. It had taken a few days, but they managed to find a solid couple of hours that they could spend just relaxing and talking.

They had been best friends in high school. They had met in their ninth grade math class - Susan was new to the district, having just moved, and Brandon was a bullied nerd with no friends. It put them in a similar boat, and while at first that was all they bonded over, in time they found they had more in common than they thought they had. By sophomore year, rumors flew by everyday about how they were dating, and they heard no end of stories about how they would sneak off together after classes or school to do all sorts of things.

At first it had bothered them, and hearing the rumors made them blush and fidget, which only made the rumors harder to avoid. They were never romantically involved - they actually talked about it frequently thanks to the rumors, and while they thoroughly enjoyed spending time together and talking or playing games, they simply couldn't fathom the thought of actually being in a relationship. They were good friends, and they both felt that that was all they would be. They never could quite put a finger on why that was.

Unfortunately, their dreams and aspirations sent them in different directions when it came to college. At first they tried to keep in touch, talking online or on the phone nearly every day. But as the work loads for their classes increased, they found it difficult to find time for each other. By the time they graduated, they had lost contact entirely.

But they had taught each other many things, and they had given each other confidence in who they were. As they moved forward, they were able to make other friends, other connections, and find their places wherever they went.

Seeing each other again, unexpected as it may have been, was an unmissable opportunity, however. They had known each other for so long, and they had given each other so much, a chance to reminisce if nothing else was extremely welcome. To talk about the old days, and catch up on where they had come in life and where they were going. To try and fit each other back into their lives. To give themselves an extra leg to stand on, that they knew would be able to support them.

They set to talking immediately. The smiles on their faces were bright. It was like not a moment had passed since last they spoke. They were still the best of friends.