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Old Friends

From the moment we became friends, we were old friends. We had known each other in passing, then, a random encounter, a chance to talk, and we were old friends.

We remained old friends after the time that ended that night, when we both stood talking for hours, each waiting for the moment neither would allow, just because it would have been wrong. That time ended that night  because we knew we could not resist again. Or would not. So we stayed away, but stayed old friends.

We spoke on the phone recently, for three hours, longer than we have spoken in total in the four years since that night. It didn't take a minute to know that we were still old friends, it didn't take a second. We already knew.

We spoke briefly about that time (but not about that night). Able to look at it from here, we could talk about then. Then, we had talked about music, kids, other of our many common interests. Now, we talked about then, and about what we couldn't talk about then. Not because it wouldn't be wrong now. Because it doesn't matter. That was then.

We joked about how we might have been soulmates. We agreed that it could have been perfect. I gave her insight into then and now. She gave me insight into here and there. We talked about how things fit together, and why they didn't. We both knew when it was time to go. We didn't make plans to speak again. We just know we will.
  

13 comments:

Cayman said...

This seems to be a comforting encounter to me, the reader. It's a good reminder of my own similar such encounters. Thanks for the nostalgia.

Unknown said...

I so relate to this. Here now, today and then.

Anonymous said...

This is superb on several levels

Anonymous said...

I have been there, Legacy. I just haven't had that recent phone converstation yet, but I look forward to it.

xxtruthheardxx said...

WoW!!! That was amazing. So sad it had to end. I'm hoping that I can write half as good as that one day. WoW!!!

Kelly said...

Yep, there are those who will remain forever friends untouched by miles or time. And those we see everyday that are out of sight, out of mind.
Nicely written.

Purple Ink said...

Hi.. Love this one... I do believe that old friends of opposite sex either end up enemies or lovers. Its so sad to let go of that person knowing that he/she understands you and believes in you... Nahh... I'm just getting sentimental.. Have a nice day!

evertsen said...

A really nicely written piece. I was prompted to read this (not that it was your intention court interest) from comments in the coffee shop. There you say how this piece, initially, didn't quite meet up with your expectations for it. It's a funny old business, writing! Great use of show, imo, with intrigue and sentiment in heapfuls in this worthy piece. Thanks for the read.

Iron Criterion said...

Clever man, this perfectly describes the sentiment which I am feeling as this present time.

DanWins said...

Makes life interesting when you find that new friend that is actually an old friend you just met. And Ohhhhh so deep down you know no matter what you will always be friends. Those are the rare ones we all look for.

Bruce Coltin said...

You do have a touch of poetry in your prose, but I suspect you already know that. A nice piece of writing.

Beans said...

Very nice. I am impressed, I am a fan of poetry, and I must say is very well written. It is not forced writing like I have seen many do. Very good piece.

The Beans said...

Yes. A true friendship lasts for a lifetime. Barb.