Six Friends

I was angry with my 15-year-old daughter Hayley because I had seen several pictures with her on Facebook, and she was drunk there, and hugging a guy who definitely seemed to be much older than she. I was angry with myself that I had let her go this party, but I also was somewhat thankful to her.

I must admit I don't like the Internet very much, and I can't call myself a constant Facebook user. I would even say I was a rare guest there, I hadn't seen my page for months. But my wife is keen on such social sites as Facebook, and it was her who told me to log in and look at the photos on Hayley's timeline. Thanks to that I found out that my old friend, Diego, who I hadn't seen for almost 20 years, sent me a friend request and left a message. I wrote a reply, and then I looked at those pictures of Hayley and came to her room. I sat on the bed near her.

“Explain yourself.”

“Dad, I wasn't drunk as mom told you. We were just having a lot of fun there.”

“Okay, let's pretend I believe you weren't so drunk. But what will you say about the guy on the pictures with you? He must be at least ten years older. What was he doing at a teenagers' party? And why he hugged you?”

“I don't know him. He's a friend of Madison. I don't even know his name. Madison brought a camera and took pictures of everyone there. She asked us to get closer to each other because we didn't fit the frame, and he hugged me.”

Hayley stopped talking. I kept silence. In a while she told,

“Seriously, there is nothing to worry about. I don't drink alcohol, and I don't have a boyfriend. If he appears, you'll be the first to know about it. I didn't want you to be upset because of me, sorry.”

“Then why you posted these pictures to Facebook?”

“I didn't post them! Haven't you seen the name of the sender?”

“No, I didn't pay attention to it.”

“It wasn't me! It was Madison!”

“Wait, which Madison are you talking of? That Madison who began dating your childhood friend Kyle to make you angry only because you didn't congratulate her on her birthday? That Madison who copied your answers for the test and then complained to the teacher you had the right answers on your phone? It was good the teacher took care of it and understood it was impossible or you would have to write that test again.”

“Yes, it was that Madison.”

“And you still party with her? After everything she'd done to you?” I exclaimed.

“Well, she doesn't date Kyle anymore. And she apologized for that case with the test.”

“But now she posted these pictures to Facebook without your permission, right?”

“Yeah. I even didn't know she'd done it until mom noticed them. I have to accept Madison the way she is. But for her I don't have other friends.”

“You don't have to accept anyone you don't really like. Madison is not your friend, she's using you.”

“You mean it's better to be alone?”

“If your friends aren't true friends, yes, it is.”

“Okay, I have to agree with you, Madison is not a true friend for me. But how am I supposed to understand if someone is my true friend?”

“You'll feel it. True friendship is about helping and supporting each other, being honest and keeping common secrets. A true friend wouldn't complain about you or post your pictures to Facebook without asking.”

“Do you have such friends?”

“Yes. I have 5 amazing friends.”

“But I've never seen any of your friends!”

“Frankly speaking, I haven't met them for a long time, for almost 20 years.”

“20 years? Well, maybe, they are not your friends anymore.”

“Oh, darling. True friendship is an unbreakable thing. It doesn't matter for how much time you haven't seen your friends. 10, 20, 30, 50, even 100 years – and they still will be your friends. Surely, if they live for 100 years. And you are lucky because you can witness true friendship exists.”

“How?”

“I'll show you. One of my old friends, Diego, found me on Facebook and invited to a meeting. I was the last one to read his message and reply ‘I'll come’. All of us, six best friends, will be there. We'll meet on next weekend, and I'd like to take you there. What do you think?”

“I'll go with you.”

“Okay.”

I was going out of Hayley's room but she stopped me with a question.

“And you won't punish me for those pictures?”

“I totally forgot it. You won't attend any party until the meeting with my friends. After that you will decide whether to party with Madison again.”

“What a terrible punishment!” Hayley smiled. “I wasn't going to any party in the nearest time anyway.”

On that day we didn't talk more about my friends, but two days later Hayley came to me when I was watching TV and asked,

“Tell me about your friends.”

When I looked at her she added,

“I'll come to the meeting with you and see 5 adult people who are strangers to me. You know everything about them, but I don't even know their names.”

“I got you.”

I turned off TV and began telling my story.

“As I already told you there were 6 of us: Tom, Diego, Tina, Sharon, Jason, and I, Sam. We were young, cheerful, and ambitious and felt like the whole world was open for us.

Tom studied at the same university as me, but at another faculty. He was going to become an engineer. He was a nice guy, honest, open-minded and very easy to talk to. His parents had a farm and lived far from the university. They hardly could pay for Tom's study that's why Tom had to work a lot. He used to work at the university's laboratory, and they decreased the sum he had to pay. At nights he worked at different clubs as a barman that's why he didn't party often. But when he did it together with Diego they rocked.

Diego was Tom's best friend. I mean we all were good friends, but Diego and Tom were the closest friends for each other. It's difficult to say what they had in common because Diego was absolutely crazy. He quarreled with his parents and came here from Mexico to start a new life. He had only his passport and a block of cigarettes. But he found a job of a driver soon and began saving money for his own business. He wasn't good at it because he liked to party a lot and often changed his girlfriends. Diego was a bit haughty, but kind and funny; he liked making practical jokes and eating ice-cream.

The victim of Diego's jokes often turned to be Sharon. She always went mad because of it. Sharon was a stylish and beautiful brunette just like the ones on magazines' covers. She could have become a model, but chose to be an actress like her mother. Actually, her mother had earned a lot of money and offered Sharon to live on them, but Sharon decided to make her own money. She was an obstinate, resolute and fearless girl.

Sharon's best friend was Tina, an immigrant from Lithuania. She was modest but purposeful. She won a scholarship and entered university to become a lawyer. Tina and Sharon were different, but I had never seen girls who could be such good friends as they were. They always helped and defended each other. Sharon took Tina's side when Tina was too shy to stand for something, and Tina helped Sharon to look into a new acting contract. Tina always kept her promises and respected others' points of view.

And, finally, Jason. Jason dreamed to be a police officer like his father. Jason wasn't very talkative, and firstly we thought his father perished or something like that because he didn't speak much about him. But later Jason told us his father left them to marry other woman. Jason didn't like to talk of himself; he preferred to listen to us. But there was one topic which could make him talk for hours. It was weapons, he admired it a lot. Jason looked dull, but we knew he was very emotional inside. One day we learned by chance he was writing poems.

Here it is. This is what my friends were like.”

“According to your story they were very different. I don't get what you all had in common,” Hayley said.

“Did I forget to tell? Seems so. Although we were not similar to one another, we were addicted to one game, billiards. We met for the first time when playing it. Billiards united us, but later we noticed we were more than just hobby sharers. We were like a family.”

“Cool!”

Hayley left. I went to the kitchen to cook something for dinner. In a couple of minutes Hayley appeared there and asked,

“So, if you were such good friends, why you haven't met for years?”

I sighed.

“Life is complicated. Diego had to leave for Mexico because of some problems in his family. A bit later Sharon got a good offer from Hollywood and went there. She promised to come back after shooting was over, but then she got another offer and stayed there. Jason was found by his father, and he moved to him to other state. There were left Tom, Tina and I. At that time I got married, and your mother wished to live in suburbs, so we moved here. Tom had my phone number, he called me sometimes, and I also called him. Soon I learned from him that Tina's brother from Lithuania immigrated to Canada. Tina went to visit him, and stayed there as they launched a small business. Tom was left alone. We were calling each other for several years, but one day I dialed his number and heard this number didn't exist anymore. I suppose he also moved somewhere.”

“What a pity! You must be missing them so much.”

“I do sometimes. But I always knew I got true friends. I'm happier than most people around who only pretend they have friends. But if something happens to them they are usually left alone without any help because those friends were fake like your so-called 'friend' Madison.”

On the next week my daughter Hayley finally met my friends. We all met at a pizzeria. I introduced my friends to Hayley, and introduced her to them. We were eating and talking. Everyone changed a lot during these 20 years.

Most of all I was surprised by Jason. He became the head of Drug Enforcement Department, married for a second time and seemed to be a brand new Jason. He talked a lot, was active and emotional. There was left only his favorite topic from old Jason, weapons.

Tina told she returned from Canada in a couple of years because the business she had started with her brother wasn't a success. Tina found a job as a lawyer, got married and had two children.

Diego surprised all of us. We didn't think he would ever have his own family, but he married his childhood girlfriend from Mexico, and they had five children. They used to live in Mexico, but a couple of months ago Diego's family moved here. As he used to dream he had a business connected with car sales.

Sharon had to give up her career as an actress because her rich boyfriend didn't like it. They got married but divorced in some time. Sharon tried to return to her old profession, but it wasn't easy, so she became a scenario. She used to be alone for a long time, and then she adopted a girl from Africa.

Tom moved to suburbs not far from me. Unfortunately, he lost my phone number while transporting all stuff that's why he couldn't call. He used to work as an engineer, later he acquired a profession of a computer technician. Tom with two his colleagues organized a firm repairing computers. He got married only four years ago to a woman who already had two own children and one adopted.

I had to tell about my life too. I told how I got married and moved to suburbs, how I replaced a job of a journalist with a position of an English teacher at school and that Hayley was my only daughter. By the way, she had a lot of fun among my friends. I knew she liked them, and they also liked her.

After pizzeria we went to play billiards. My girl turned to be a good player. Together with her we won against Tom and Sharon. We drank a bit. Everyone would have to drive home, that's why we didn't drink more. Even Diego who used to drive drunk in the past didn't exceed permitted amount.

We spent a great time together. At the end we shared with one another our phone numbers and agreed to meet at least two times a year, on Christmas Day and Independence Day.

On the way home Hayley said,

“I've never seen you so happy, dad.”

“Me too,” I smiled. “Where did you learn to play billiards?”

“Well… Madison's friend, that guy from the pictures on Facebook, works at a bar with billiards. The bar opens in the evening and works all night. But that guy lets us in after school when there's no one inside. I went to play billiards with Madison for many times.”

“I don't like it. Don't go with Madison anymore. Who knows what for this man lets you in.”

“You're saying I won't play billiards?”

“I didn't say that. You'll go with me in the evening. You're good, but there are some tricks I need to teach you. Maybe, we'll even buy a billiard table one day and put in the sitting room. Deal?”

“Deal!” Hayley merrily replied.

I was happy she met my friends and saw there can be other relationships between people than her friendship with Madison.

I must admit Hayley changed a lot after the meeting with my friends. She didn't party with Madison and paid more attention to other classmates. As I promised I took her to the bar to play billiards with me. The wife was against it, but Hayley and I didn't listen to her.

Diego invited all friends with their families to his house for Christmas. He had a large house with a spacious sitting room and a children room with a playground in it. We were glad to know his family. His wife Angelica was a pleasant woman; she smiled all the time but looked a bit disheveled. I thought it was because of small children in the house: their youngest son Peter was 4, his sisters Amelia and Bianca were 7 and 11. Two eldest children, Dominic and Carlos, were 16 and 18. Hayley at once found a common language with them and with Tina's 16 year old son Robin. Even my wife who didn't like crowded and noisy places looked satisfied. All dishes were delicious. Diego told us Angelica was a hereditary cook and worked as a head-cook in a Mexican restaurant. My wife asked her for some good recipes, and they discussed it for long. On the whole, we all loved Christmas at Diego's. Tina said she would like to see everyone at her home on Christmas next year.

About two months later Sharon called me and asked for a meeting, added it was important. When I arrived all my friends, but for Diego, were already there. I looked at their faces and asked,

“What happened?”

“Diego needs our help,” Sharon answered. “He would never ask for it that's why he didn't come today but I'm sure he needs us. His son Carlos was taken as a hostage two weeks ago.”

“Why you didn't tell us earlier?” Tom asked.

“I didn't know. Diego wouldn't probably tell us about it even if we asked, but Angelica called me today in the morning. She cried and asked for help.”

“They should call police,” Jason said.

“They can't. If they call Carlos will be killed. They want a huge ransom. Diego is trying to find the money,” Sharon explained.

“I got it,” Jason replied. “What do we know about the kidnappers?”

“They said Carlos owes them much money. He took drugs from them and didn't pay. They gave Diego 5 days to find the money.”

“When did they call and how often they do it?”

“For the first time they called last week, scared Angelica and didn't ask for anything. Two days later they called again and named the sum they want. Since then they call every day, let Diego talk to his son for a minute and remind about money.”

“Do you know where he was kidnapped?”

“At school.”

“I have a plan,” Jason said. “If we all work together we'll help Diego. Firstly, we need to know more about the kidnappers. Sam, can you talk to Carlos's classmates?”

“Sure, I'll talk to them,” I replied.

“I can talk to Diego,” Tina offered.

“It's a good idea. He should accept our help as he is the main part of the plan. We gonna need a lot of fake money. Tom, I'm sure you can handle it. Just make copies on your computer. Sharon will work with you. Everyone including me has a lot to do. Let's get started.”

We all immediately left and began doing our tasks. I talked to the schoolmates of Carlos and successfully found two witnesses. I told Jason all I had heard from them. He unofficially involved his friends among colleagues. Tina talked to Diego, and he accepted Jason's plan. Tom and Sharon made tons of fake money.

According to the plan of Jason Diego met the kidnappers and gave them the bag with the fake money. After Diego got back his son and went away from there, Jason with his colleagues caught the kidnappers. Fortunately, Carlos stayed alive after this incident, but his condition was bad because he was kept in a damp basement. Diego brought him to the hospital. During two weeks we all visited Carlos and supported Diego. I often took Hayley with me when going to the hospital because she wanted to visit Carlos too. Carlos apologized to his father and promised he would never get involved in drugs again.

When Independence Day came Tom, Diego, Sharon, Tina, Jason and I met at my place. My house wasn't enough to hold my five friends with their families, that's why we celebrated in the backyard which was pretty big. It was a great party with many hotdogs and much popcorn, music of our youth, sweet memories, the feeling of freedom and with the billiards I actually bought as I had promised Hayley.

Next morning after the party Hayley came to talk to me.

“Morning, dad.”

“Morning.”

“You know after the incident with Carlos I saw what true friends are like. All of the people I used to call my friends wouldn't help me if I needed them. Before I didn't believe friends can remain friends if they don't meet for 20 years. But recently I have understood a lot. And my opinion about friendship is different now.”

“I'm happy you got everything,” I smiled.

“I guess I already have two true friends.”

“Even two? Are they from your school?”

“No. The first one is you, dad.”

I was surprised to hear that from my girl. But it was a big pleasure for me to know she considered me her friend.

“Who's the second?” I asked.

“Robin.”

“Robin? Tina's son?”

“Yes.”

“When did you two manage to become friends?”

“When we used to visit Carlos in the hospital. It turned out we have much in common. And he is definitely not such a friend who may complain about me or date my old acquaintances. What do you think?”

“I don't know. I can't say anything now. We'll see what will come out of this friendship.”

“Ok. May I go with him to movie today?”

“I can't forbid it; you behaved well for a long time. But I guess I won't be able to drive you to the city, I have some things to do today.”

“It's fine. Robin will pick me up and bring home after the movie.”

“Alright then.”

I don't know whether Hayley's friendship with Robin will last for long. But I exactly know what I wish for my girl. I wish her to have such friends as I've got. I want somebody to support her in a difficult time and be by her side when she needs it. And even if her friends aren't near on some reasons she'll feel their presence, because true friendship doesn’t have any boundaries.

Title: Six Friends

Genre: Short Story

Age Range: 15-65

Word Count: 3508

Author Name: Tatiana Shevtsova

My bio: A university graduate from Minsk, Belarus. Tatiana has been writing poems and short stories since childhood, with some of them winning local writing competitions. She is currently employed in other sphere, but dreams of a day when she can dedicate her whole life to writing. 

Why my project is a good fit: It's a sincere and kind story about true friendship that can touch people's hearts.