A figure similar in size to Adam rushed towards him, while Adam also sped up towards him, making sure to control his speed, and as they reached each other shared a massive bear hug.

“Adam, it’s been so long, is that really you” stated Cole as he looked straight into Adam’s eyes that were now red.

​​

Cole after staring at the man, that entered arm in arm with Sarah, for a few seconds only just noticed that it was his missing best friend who he recognised through the similar features and dark hair.

Seeing him staring at his eyes and how he was now, Adam had only one thing to say.

“I’ve been through a lot” Adam directly told him to avoid any questions.

“Enough about the past, we can talk later and should enjoy ourselves now” announced Cole who seemed to be the one who arranged the reunion and was the centre of attention along with Emma.

Adam was overjoyed by seeing his best friend after so long who seemed to be doing well and couldn’t help but have a wide smile as Cole began to feel up his arms.

“You disappear for three years and come back as a beast. Were you in the gym all that time” joked Cole, who had a very confident, talkative and jestful nature.

Now a handsome man that none of them recognised had entered with the pretty Sarah and there was a mixed atmosphere within the room.

“Not only that, but you also bagged Sarah who us also a beauty just like my Emma” whispered Cole as he nudged Adam with a cheeky expression.

“It’s not what you think. We can talk about what has happened later. For now, let’s get this reunion started” refuted Adam who was getting slightly annoyed at people continuously misjudging the relationship between him and Sarah.

“Everyone gather around for a toast” called out Cole as all the youths began to circle around him and waiters began to give out non-alcoholic beverages to the youths.

“Tonight we will toast for Adam who has returned to us after leaving school a few years back” announced Cole as all the youths began to cheer and gossip between themselves, unsure of who he was and began to speculate between themselves.

Almost 3 years of being missing after his abrupt leaving was enough for Adam to be completely forgotten.

He felt slightly disheartened that nobody remembered him, but seeing that his closest friends did, he was still happy.

“Should we leave this boring reunion and we can go talk between ourselves” suggested Cole who regretted setting up the reunion before they all graduated from high school and only hung out with his girlfriend, Emma, after Adam and Sarah left.

“Sure why not” accepted Adam, who also didn’t like being in such a loud and crowded hall and would prefer to catch up with his friend.

While the food began being served and everybody began to eat, Cole sneakily left dragging Adam, Emma and Sarah along with him as they strolled down the long corridor towards the exit.

Sarah and Emma were conversing between themselves giddily as they both had wide smiles reuniting with their friends after a long time.

While Cole put his arm over Adam and had a wide smile.

“Oh, how much I missed your annoying nature” stated Adam sarcastically.

“How could you bully your bro after not seeing him for so long” pouted Cole pretending to cry.

“So bro, where have you been all this time,” asked Cole directly, losing the immaturity and becoming serious.

From his expression, it was obvious that Adam’s abrupt disappearance had hurt his feelings and Adam could tell he didn’t know whether to be angry with him or forgive him and he knew it depended on his answer.

Seeing his worried and confused expression, Adam felt very guilty, but at the time he was depressed and would have merely been extra weight to his friends and would have become a burden on them with the situation he was in.

“Let’s get out of here first and we can talk about the past few years” mumbled Adam who had an expression filled with sadness, as he thought about the situation his aunt was currently in and how he was merely a few weeks ago when he couldn’t even afford to eat.

“Don’t worry about it bro, I will help you out” declared Cole jokingly as he puffed out his chest.

But behind his external jesting demeanour he was very serious and Cole and Adam’s friendship ran deep to the point of brotherhood and were together from when they were in kindergarten and only separated when Adam disappeared.

As they were reaching the exit there was a frontal office where there was a large reception fitted with furniture painted gold along with the theme of the entire restaurant.

“I’ll cover all the costs of private room 9” stated Cole to the receptionists who gave him a simple nod as if it was a usual occurrence, as Cole and Adam left huddled together with the beauties Sarah and Emma following closely behind.

Emma didn’t seem to be shocked by what she just saw but Adam and Sarah were baffled by what they had just seen.

“Big bro has some money now,” Cole said with a cheeky smile as the four of them left the restaurant laughing and enjoying each other’s company.

As soon as they left, the chauffeur noticing Cole rushed away and in less than a minute returned with a luxurious black rolls royce that had completely tinted windows.

The chauffeur parked in front of them and left the car as he passed Cole the keys respectfully and scurried away.

Cole got into the driver seat and Emma got into the back, while Sarah and Adam stood there surprised and confused by the expensive and luxurious car before them that seemed to be owned by their friend.

“Are you going to get in or just stand there”