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A short story about missing an ex-friend

The fairy lights glared, lining the trampoline net. Screams and giggles echoed into the street as I sat on the grass. I gazed in pure admiration at Dante. I platonically stared at him as he bounced up and down on the trampoline, carefully tackling the kids. They all laughed and shouted with joy. Even at that time I knew it was special. I knew that one day I would look back at this moment and miss it dearly. Only I didn’t think I’d miss it a mere ten months later. 

 

It was the fairy lights that hung from the stage protruding out of a small shack that reminded me of that night. I was brought to this new year’s party by my mum, thinking I’d be more “out there” if I came. To no one's surprise, I was sitting in the corner being anti-social. Every now and then a group of kids, no older than ten, would run past. I could hear the self appointed leader tell everybody the rules of their game. I couldn’t help but laugh as they all trotted off in a pack to start their fun. I think a lot of those kids were at that party on that night. It was a house warming party, I was the only friend he invited. It was just us, babysitting the younger kids while their parents drank and mingled. I was his little sister’s favourite. She would cling onto my arm and refuse to let go. That was how I felt now. I felt like clinging onto his arm and never letting go, preventing him from ever leaving me.

 

I’m pretty sure I was wearing the same shoes as that night too. Green converse, with tears along the canvas material. Scribbled all over with the pen that Dante used in english class. I’ve had these shoes since we met. I remember coming to school with them, brand new, not a scratch. I talked on and on about not touching them or stepping on them. And then, while I was distracted in class, Dante drew little stars on the white parts. I was absolutely furious. The fact that he had ADHD did not let me forgive him for zoning out and doing that. I didn’t talk to him for three days. I wish I could go back and forgive him sooner. I would have if I knew eventually we wouldn’t be friends anymore.

 

I listened to the bush band playing on the small stage and surveyed the audience around me. My eyes stopped on a woman up the front. She looked so familiar. Her hair was brown and pulled back into a low ponytail. She was filming the band with one hand, a beer in the other. I blinked and realised. Katie. Dante’s mum’s ex. I remember a conversation we had at that party.




It was late after the housewarming, most people had left, and I was waiting to be picked up. 

Dante had gone to the bathroom, leaving me alone with Katie. She was very clearly intoxicated. I was always slightly scared of drunk people, so I was very nervous.

 

“So, youse are dating right?” she assumed.

 

“No, we’re just friends,” I corrected.

 

“Oh right, sure love, just like his mum and me,” she chuckled.

 

“No, really we are just friends,” I clarify again. 

 

“Really?” she couldn’t process this information sober. “But he talks about you all the time.”

 

“....Well we are best friends.”

 

“Sure yeah love,” she chuckled, “I’d bet fifty bucks that this time next year, youse are dat-” her prediction was interrupted by her throwing up. That was my queue to go find Dante.



A cool, sharp wind blew down my neck, sending shivers through my whole body. The night was ending and there was only 3 minutes until the new year. I checked my phone for a distraction, opening snapchat. I pressed on Dante’s story, an image of him and Lisa popped up. They’re heads rested on eachother, they were smiling wide. “Turn your phone off!” my subconscious screamed. I stuffed my phone in my pocket and put my full attention on the band. I was stupid for dwelling on the past, it was a waste of my time. The new year countdown started.

“TEN”

 I couldn’t help but think about it.

“NINE”

How could everything change so drastically in ten months?

“EIGHT”

Just breathe.

“SEVEN”

You’re overreacting.

“SIX”

You only knew him for two years.

“FIVE”

I wonder if his sister ever asks about me?

“FOUR”

I can’t help but cry

“THREE”

Wow, what a great start to the year.

“TWO”

Crying at the end of 2023.

“ONE”

Crying at the start of 2024.

 

Thanks for reading

idkbro
idkbroPosted 06-01-2024 10:33 PM

Comments

 
moss-ari
moss-ariPosted 10-01-2024 09:27 AM

That was such a captivating read @idkbro , I especially loved the thought process between the numbers during the new year countdown. 

Writing is such a great way to get feelings out, sharing your experience as well is awesome cause I can relate to missing an ex-bestfriend too. 

Please keep it up, you have some great skills im sure people would love to keep reading!

 
Orchid_Mallard
Orchid_MallardPosted 09-01-2024 09:22 PM

Hey there idkbro!

Wow! This is a really good short novel/one shot you got there. But I do hope that you are feeling a bit better after writing and publishing your work.


 
Carnation_Snail
Carnation_SnailPosted 08-01-2024 06:28 PM

Hi there, 

 

I just wanted to say what an incredible short story you have written, it is very clear you are a very talented writer. 

 

How are you feeling today? 💛

 
 
idkbro
idkbroPosted 08-01-2024 10:04 PM

Thank you so much! it means alot to hear positive feedback.

 

I'm pretty great today because I'm in a musical and we are rehearsing alot, and I absolutely love my theatre friends. Thank you for asking 💛

 
Rara
RaraPosted 08-01-2024 12:13 PM

Hi @idkbro

Thank you for sharing your short story, it can be a great way to express and process your emotions. It must have been a difficult experience. 

I hope you are doing well and surrounded by love and support

 
ayrc_1904
ayrc_1904Posted 07-01-2024 03:29 PM

Hi @idkbro !

 

This was such an interesting read! Thank you for sharing your writing with us, especially as you have mentioned that it comes from your real experiences and life story. Storytelling, poetry, and writing in general is such a great way to express and process how we are feeling.

 

Having people we held close move out of our lives can be a lot to go through. I'm sorry to hear that you went through such a difficult experience. The end of 2023 and the start of 2024 sounded like an emotional time for you. Thank you again for sharing your story. 

 

I hope you are well, and if you need us we are here for you. ❤️

 
Lemon_Dolphin
Lemon_DolphinPosted 07-01-2024 12:05 AM

Wow, that is so good. I really enjoyed it.

Did you make it mostly real events, because I was writing about a similar experience but I didn't know how much to keep the same? I just changed the names and a few small details.

Sorry to hear you had to go through all that.

 
 
idkbro
idkbroPosted 07-01-2024 07:24 AM

Thank you so much! 

Yeah I only changed the names and a few little things. If the real "Dante" read this he might know it was about him but oh well. Writing from experience is easier for me so that's how it is I guess.

I really apprecieate you reading this :))

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