Short Stories

A New Old Friend

*My friend and I saw this video on Instagram where a girl asked an author to write a story about the video. I decided to take the challenge and write about it, so here we go.*

ETHAN

I take a deep breath and follow my mom onto their porch. It's been ten years since we moved away, and yet it also feels like yesterday. I remember when Alyssa and I would play in their backyard as our moms would talk about adult things. We made many memories together as kids. I wonder why things have to get complicated and awkward as we grow.

The front door opens, and my mom squeals as she hugs her best friend. After their hug, they look at me, and I give Alyssa's mom a small wave. "Oh, Ethan. You're all grown up!" She steps out and gives me a hug. "Come inside, come inside!" She says after stepping back. She leads the way into the house I still remember pretty well. A few things have changed since we moved, but it's the same white, cozy home.

"Alyssa! Guess who's here?" Her mom calls out. Alyssa's younger twin siblings run down the stairs and tackle me with a hug. "Ethan! We remember you!" They exclaim. I laugh and give them both a hug. "You boys are like grown men! You're almost taller than I am." They both nod and smile. "And you look like a real businessman already." One of them says with a proud smile. "Thanks," I reply.

Alyssa walks down the stairs, and I try not to make a visible reaction. She's obviously taller than she was ten years ago, and she's also so beautiful. She gives me a nod, not smiling the way she used to. She seems older, sadder.

"You remember Ethan, don't you?" Her mom asks. "You two used to do everything together." Her brothers smile and tease, "Like you two were married or something." Alyssa rolls her eyes, and I look away. Am I feeling awkward because I somehow expected us to be so easily connected the way we were when we were kids?

I look back but see that she's no longer on the stairs. "Sorry, Ethan. She's under a lot of stress and pressure being a medical student," Her mother explains. I nod and smile. "It's okay. We may have time to catch up since I've transferred to her university for my last year. It was an unexpected decision, but when God makes a way that's very clear, you might as well follow." The moms smile proudly and start talking about the whole thing, my mom giving her all the details.

The boys show me to the living room, where we play a few games and catch up. Eventually, dinner time comes, and everyone sits at the table. The parents sit on the other side of the table while the twins and I sit on the other end. Alyssa's the last one to sit at the table, and I don't know if it's possible, but she looks much more tired.

As dinner goes on, I try to relax and be casual. It's just really hard with her sitting right beside me. I want to ask her if there's any way I can help or if there's anything we can talk about to et her mind off things. But I end up staying quiet, following the flow of conversation that the twins lead.

When the night ends, I feel something inside my heart, something stirring for Alyssa. I hope I have more opportunities to talk to her and maybe even help her out. She used to be so happy and light-filled. As we say goodbye, I look at her one last time, and she puts on a smile.

ALYSSA

The first week of the semester has started, and I'm already overwhelmed. No one told us that we'd be bombarded with so much at the beginning of senior year. I can't wait to graduate from college.

"Hey, what's up?" My best friend walks up to me with her bright eyes and encouraging smile. I shrug. "Nothing much. Homework, clinical, and a new old friend." She raises her eyebrows. "A new old friend? What's that supposed to mean?" We walk through the hallways, and I explain last night's surprise. Her eyes widen at the mention of Ethan. "The Ethan? The neighbor Ethan who you did everything with before you met me?" I roll my eyes. "Yeah, yeah. That Ethan."