Andrew and Jeremy – Friends Forever
Jeremy was deep in discussion with his colleagues in his office when his phone buzzed on the desk. He nearly dismissed the call but saw the name of his old school friend flash across the screen.
“Excuse me,” he said to his coworkers, stepping out into the hallway with the phone pressed to his ear.
“Hello?” he answered cautiously.
Back in school, he’d had a friend named Andrew—but so much time had passed. Jeremy couldn’t even remember the last time they’d spoken, let alone how Andrew still had his number after all these years.
“Jeremy? Is that really you? It’s me, Andrew. I was sure you’d have changed your number by now—never thought you’d pick up,” came the cheerful voice on the other end.
“Andrew. How are you?” Jeremy replied mechanically, still processing the surprise. But Andrew didn’t seem to notice his flat tone.
“Brilliant! Listen, I’m in London—just popped in for a bit. I know it’s the middle of the workday, but… any chance we could meet? Been ages, hasn’t it? Who knows when we’ll get another chance.”
Jeremy hesitated, then softened. “I’ve got a meeting in an hour, but after that—where are you? Blimey, it’s good to hear your voice.”
“Right outside King’s Cross Station. Just standing by the entrance.”
“Don’t move. I’ll find you,” Jeremy said before slipping back into the office.
He sat through the meeting, his mind elsewhere. Fifteen years. Fifteen years since they’d last seen each other—since he’d left their hometown for university and never looked back.
Pulling up to the station, Jeremy parked his sleek BMW and scanned the crowds. The place was always teeming with people.
“Jeremy!” A grinning man approached—one he barely recognized at first. They stood for a moment, sizing each other up, exchanging a firm handshake before falling into an unspoken embrace.
“Jeremy…”
“Andrew…”
“Can’t believe my eyes,” Andrew said, clapping him on the back. “Look at you, all polished and important. Knew you’d go far. Bloody noisy here, though. Fancy a cuppa somewhere?”
Jeremy nodded. “Jump in. There’s a decent café nearby. Business in London?”
“Brought my mother-in-law in for surgery. Hip’s gone, can barely walk. NHS waiting list was a nightmare. Wait—this is *your* motor?” Andrew gaped at the luxury SUV.
Jeremy smirked, pleased. “Hop in.”
Andrew whistled as they merged into traffic. Minutes later, they slipped into a quiet café, dimly lit even in daylight. A welcome respite from the station’s bustle.
“Finally, we can talk,” Jeremy said as they settled in. But before they could begin, a waitress appeared.
“Black coffee for me, and for my friend—” Jeremy glanced at Andrew.
“Same,” Andrew cut in.
“—a full English, coffee, and a slice of Victoria sponge,” Jeremy finished.
The waitress left.
“Don’t look at me like that. You’ve still got a train ride ahead—bet you skipped breakfast.”
“Spot on,” Andrew admitted. “Took hours to get Mum to the hospital… But I’ll pay my own way.”
Jeremy waved him off.
“I mean it—we’re managing. The surgery’s covered. Just… wanted to see you. Called on a whim—never thought you’d answer.”
“I get it. So, how’s life? Married?”
“Two kids—Tom’s eleven, and little Emily’s seven, just finishing Year 2. Took over my father-in-law’s garage after he passed. Rebuilt an old Mini from scratch—runs like a dream now. Wait till Sophie hears I saw you—she won’t believe it.”
“Sophie?” Jeremy raised an eyebrow. “Hold on—you married *Sophie*?”
“Remember her? Used to follow you around school like a lost puppy.” Andrew chuckled. “We used to bolt the second the bell rang to avoid her. Thing is… I fancied her even then. Never let on, did I? When you left, she was gutted—wanted to chase you to London, but her mum wouldn’t hear of it. We got together after. Funny how life works. My one victory over you.” He grinned, then nodded at Jeremy’s wedding ring. “And you?”
“Married. No kids yet.”
“Where d’you work, then?”
“Head of sales at a firm in the City.”
Andrew whistled. “London life, flash car… You’ve done all right for yourself.”
Jeremy smiled faintly.
“Remember that time we bunked off school to go fishing? Or when we tried to run away to Scotland? Nearly got our hides tanned.”
“We nearly burned down the garden shed, too,” Jeremy added.
Andrew’s smile faded slightly. “Always knew you’d go far.”
“Don’t envy me,” Jeremy said.
“Not much, anyway. Nah, I’ve no complaints. That old Mini’s my pride, and Sophie—she’s a saint. Kids are everything. Truth is, life’s been good to me. But you? Big job, posh car, London postcode… You happy?”
Jeremy hesitated. “Dunno. Never thought about it. What’s your point?”
“Come off it. We’re from different worlds now. Look at you—suit, watch… Don’t even know what to say to you anymore.”
“Don’t be daft. I’m chuffed to see you,” Jeremy insisted.
“Chuffed? Then why’d you vanish for fifteen years?” Andrew’s tone sharpened, just a touch.
“You didn’t call either,” Jeremy countered. The air between them shifted.
“Too proud, the both of us,” Andrew muttered. “Ah, forget it. You’ve done well for yourself—earned every bit of it.”
“I have,” Jeremy agreed.
“Wife at least pretty?” Andrew lightened the mood.
Jeremy thought of Elaine—sleek, manicured, always dressed to impress—and nodded. “Yeah.”
The food arrived, steaming and fragrant. Andrew dug in with gusto while Jeremy sipped his coffee, studying his friend. The worn denim, the frayed cuffs of his shirt, the hint of grey threading through his curls. Suddenly, Jeremy felt awkward in his tailored suit, his expensive watch glinting under the café lights.
“If you ever need help,” he began, setting down his cup, “just say the word.”
Andrew paused, fork mid-air. “Offering me money, are you?”
“What’s wrong with that?”
Andrew set his cutlery down, eyes cool. “You’ve turned into a proper London snob. Offering cash like I’m some charity case. Thought I’d see my old mate today—not some bloke throwing his wallet around.”
Jeremy flinched.
“Don’t you miss home? Brought your mum down here, I know. But ever just… go back? Walk the old streets, see the lads, breathe proper air? Not this filthy London smog.” He leaned in. “Come visit. Seriously. We’ll fish, have a barbecue, knock back a few. Bring the missus. Sophie won’t mind—she’s stuck with me.” His grin returned—the same old Andrew, just a bit weathered.
Jeremy exhaled. “Maybe I will.”
Plates cleared, coffees drained, stories exchanged. A lull settled.
“Sorry—dragged you out of work,” Andrew said guiltily.
“Don’t be. It’s been good.” Jeremy hesitated. “Life here—it’s not living, really. Just… running. Before you know it, you’re left behind. Got so caught up, I forgot. You said you’re happy—and I believe you. I spent years climbing, proving myself. Got everything I thought I wanted. But the last time I was *truly* happy? Back there, in that other life. Thought money, cars, London—that was happiness. Turns out I’m still scrambling. That bench—our names still there?”
Andrew smiled. “Outside the school? Course. They paint over it every year, but it never fades.”
Jeremy checked his watch reflexively.
“Best get back, eh?” Andrew stood. “Sophie’ll wonder where I’ve got to.”
The bill came. Jeremy saw Andrew’s face tighten at the total but said nothing—no need to shame him further.
Back at the station, they lingered in the car. Promises to meet again, half-hearted but hopeful. Andrew waved as he walked away, shoulders slightly hunched under the weight of his bag.
Jeremy watched until he disappeared into the crowd.
—
That evening, Jeremy poured himself a whisky and stood at the floor-to-ceiling window of his flat. London sprawled before him—alive with headlights and neon. He was part of this machine now.
He thought of Elaine—how they’d met, back whenThey never did visit Andrew, though Jeremy often thought of him, sitting by that old bench with their carved names, wondering if some bonds truly last forever.
