An Invitation

„I’m actually surprised to see you. Especially going there.” he knew about my issue from almost the beginning.

„Like I want to.” I rolled my eyes.

„So, what brings you here?”

„Collecting a passport.”

„A passport? You’re going somewhere?”

„For now I only have plans. I wanted at first to do it online, but, of course, it wasn’t possible at that time. So I went in person to the branch. I explained why I came. And I’ve been told that I’ll have to go to Canterbury in person anyway as even the passport application I filled goes there. It couldn’t come to this branch as it needs to be collected by me.” I made a quick pause and sighed. „And here I am. I don’t even know if I’ll make it on time to take it today.”

„It should be open till 5pm, so don’t worry. We will be there in no time.”

„Mhm.”

After few seconds of awkward silence, he spoke up.

“So, how’s life? You’re still editing?”

“Yeah, it’s my job right now. I have few regulars, so my income is kinda steady and not that bad. I can pay bills without a problem, buy food and still quite the sum is left. I can’t complain.” I looked at him and asked, “How about you? Working at your father’s place?”.

“I was about to, but, during my last year of uni I got an life-changing offer I couldn’t really refuse to. I think I’m already set for life with that.”

„Hey, that’s really great!”

„Yeah... But I have a lot of responsibilities as well.”

„I believe so... Do you mind telling me what you exactly do?”

„Erm... I’m something of Head of Logistics Assistant for a known national company. I don’t remember the exact name of the position.”

My eyes became of £2 coin size. „Bruh, that is huge! Congrats, seriously!”

„Nah, it’s not.”

„From when you’re that modest?”

„From birth?”

„You think that I’ll believe that?”

He smirked. He was always a smartypants, same as had an attitude, but he seemed to be more tamed comparing to what he used to be.

„I hoped so.”

„Then you’re in the wrong.”

„Shaaaaaame.”

„Anyway, good that you’re doing good.”

He didn’t say much anything than „Mhm". He used to be more talkative. Did adulthood hit him that hard? I wonder.

„Yet, it’s quite unusual to see you quiet.” I added.

He had a quick look on me and answered „Am I?”.

„That’s what I think. I may be wrong though.”

„...Different stuff has happened over the years. Maybe that’s why.”

‘Life doesn’t spare anyone, huh?’ I thought. ‘Guess karma got him this time.’

„What happened? If you don’t mind telling me of course.” I asked.

„Well... You know, stress, expectations...” he hesitated at this point, but he continued. “Also I tasted my own medicine.”

“Oh...” I knew what it meant, but I wasn’t really sure how to respond to that.

“It’s fine.”

After that an awkward silence filled the car. I still didn’t know what should I say. What’s more, we were getting closer to the city. We could already see outskirts and...

This feeling came back. Almost immediately I could feel the anxiety and my throat getting tightened.

“It still get you that hard?”

“Yeah...”

The silence continued, but, not for long.

“Deb?” he used to call me that way. “How long are you planning to stay here?”

“I don’t know, why are you asking?”

“I’m actually going for a party tonight. Nothing crazy, just some friends, friends’ friends, friends’ friends’ friends... You know what I mean. Fancy going?”

That was so out of nowhere that the only thing I could say was “Eee...”.

“I know you were up to something else, but I thought it won’t hurt to ask. From what I know you can collect the passport after Christmas as well, so... Unless you don’t want to go, then nevermind the idea.”

“Umm... I don’t know... You surprised me with that to be honest, so...”

“I know it came out of nowhere, it just came to my mind. I just thought it would be cool if we could just sit down or something and talk, since I don’t know if there will be any other chance to do that. But I don’t want to enforce it on you or anything.”

“I know, I know! It’s just...”

That was very bizarre. At least I knew why he was dressed a bit “better”.

I’m not really into parties, unless there are people I know, then I can go. Here, most likely I’ll only know Gilbert from all of the people there, which is not really inviting. I bet I’ll feel like a fifth wheel. He did mention that there will be friends’ friends, friends’ friends’ friends etc. which already gave me a vision of big party, which is also a no-no. Still, something’s telling me there is something behind this invitation. I think he could invite me for a coffee or anything any other day while I’m here. But it may be just me and my imagination and he really just want to talk.

Also, I’m only here to deal with stuff and never, hopefully, back to this place again. That is the only reason I’m here. Seeing familiar face after few years is nice, but I don’t want to have a reason to come back here. Admittedly my parents moved to Canterbury some time ago, but we can still meet up in grandparents’ place, so at least that much.

“I don’t want to rush you, but in like 2-3 minutes there’s a junction we need to take to go to the restaurant where party’s held. So, I need to know what to do.”

Yet, I’m between these two choices and can’t make up my mind.