I’m Someone Else

Much to Aaron’s surprise, Thomas actually came to the gathering. And he smells like sweat. You’re embarrassing us and disgusting everyone else.

“You can’t say that, Aaron.” Howard thought it was discourteous of Aaron. It’s just the smell of sweat. Just close your nose to it, bud.

“You should have called us after you retired from the military. We’re your friends.” Howard sat down beside Thomas and wrapped an arm around him. He didn’t seem to be averse to Thomas at all. In fact, he was friendly.

“I lost your numbers,” Thomas said awkwardly. Eight years in the military almost made society forget about him.

Howard was Thomas’ best friend back in high school. They snuck out of school one weekend to get some alcohol, but they drank a bit too much, so they came back to the dorms holding each other.

And then Thomas realized something. Oh, so Sean and William reserved a spot in the hotel where my high school friends are having a gathering? That’s a coincidence.

“Here. Jot down my number.”

Howard and Thomas exchanged numbers. Though years had passed, Howard would still think of his best friend, and he respected his decision of giving up on his studies to join the military. Only a real man can do that. He’s serving the nation. And I only befriend real men.

Aaron said, “Our classmates are here, so I’ll be going now.” He said see you later and left them.

should go too, Thomas. Our friends miss you. You always come up in our conversations.” He pulled Thomas

You go. I’ll

his head. After what Izzy said to him, his eyes were opened to reality. Their friendship during their teenage

to Thomas on WhatsApp, and he knew what his friend was worried about. “Anyone who badmouths you will have to

his highschool friends, only

a while,

before they could go over. Thomas looked around and thought to himself, Never realized we had a lot of hotties in

after you came back. And you feel

himself. If he just went to college like the rest of us, his life would have been better

turn anyone into crud.” Izzy shot Thomas a venomous glare.

He wanted to remind everyone that Thomas’ ex cheated on him. “Don’t blame her though. She’s just trying to find better prospects, and you

Just

for me. I’ll make you a workshop chief. Seven hundred dollars a

to poach our talents? He’s our president’s designated driver. Take him away, and we might come after you. Besides, he’s not skilled at all, and you want him to be a chief? He’s going to ruin your business, you fool,” Izzy

words. Hey, I’m just trying

the hell are you talking about?” Howard snarled. “That’s

job, but it’s not Thomas’ fault. You said it loud and clear that your president picked him, and