Hey love, Ive got to tell you about this reunion I went to it was a proper blast from the past. So Robert Hughes was heading to the old schoolmates gettogether. He hadnt seen anyone from his secondary school for thirty years. After leaving school hed packed his bags straight for university in another city, first hitting the campus, then landing a job.
A few years on, he wanted to earn more, so he set up his own company. Its had its highs and lows, but he always felt a tug at his heart for the lads hed left behind. Whenever he had a spare minute hed scroll through their pictures on social media and post a few of his own.
There was one person he was especially keen to spot Emily Clarke. Hed had a crush on her back in sixth form, but she never gave him the time of day. He was the quiet, bookish type, and she was into the popular crowd. The last time he tried to win her over he showed up with a bunch of flowers, but she hopped on the back of Jack Lawsons motorbike, tossed the bouquet aside and roared off, kicking up a cloud of dust. He never approached her again and drove off into the distance, wishing he could have asked her to ride along, to help her out, but he never did.
Robert didnt have many close mates at school he spent most of his time hitting the books. He only kept a handful of friends whod join him for extra maths sessions and helped each other prep for the Alevels.
On the day of the reunion he was in a cracking mood, having brought a little present for each old classmate nothing missed. They all settled into a cosy café, laughing and swapping stories about the old days. Robert kept glancing over at Emily, almost studying her. She sat at the other end, scrolling on her phone, looking as distant as ever. Turns out, after school shed married Jack, but theyd long since moved out of the same flat. Robert learned she was now a single mum, looking after a sick little boy.
He thought maybe a chat would clear the air, but she snapped at him straight away.
Do you even know what its like living in a proper house while were just scraping by? Ive seen your fancy home, your wife never works, shes just off to the hair salon all the time. Youve got a staff you never show in your photos. My kids are studying abroad, Im stuck with a ill child. What are we even talking about? You wouldnt understand.
Emily, am I to blame for your troubles? Robert asked, trying to stay calm.
In this country theres never enough money for sick kids, yet people like you sit on piles of cash and act greedy! she shot back.
Roberts blood boiled; he didnt like the subject being dragged into his face. He had something to say.
How many sick children have you actually helped?
Ive got a sick one myself! And I do send a text now and then with a bit of help.
And I regularly donate big sums to charities, just not shouting about it. So whos really helping more?
Its easy for you, you dont lose a penny dropping an extra hundred grand. My help counts more because I literally give from my own mouth. You know how I make money? I hop on two doubledecker buses every morning and earn a few bob!
A few folks in the café whispered support for Emily, the rest just stared.
When it was time to leave, Robert placed the little gifts on the table and asked the waiter to slip an envelope over to Emily. He walked out thinking about how theyd all had the same chances the same talent in the class. Hed chosen study over a pint in the back garden, over a quick smoke behind the corner, over latenight discos. Sure, hed still hit a few gigs, but hed chased the university he was passionate about, not the local vocational college. Hed taken a risk, left his comfort zone, and built his own business.
Hed stumbled, learned a lot, faced setbacks and losses. It wasnt his fault that they ended up living the way they do now, pointing fingers at his wealth. He didnt steal anyones money; he earned it.
How many of us know people like Emily and the other mates of Roberts who love counting other folks cash? Some were lucky enough to be born into welloff families and get a good education, but there are plenty of stories of kids from modest backgrounds, with parents who never went to school, whove made it on their own. Everythings in our own hands, and we each pick our own path.
Anyway, thats the whole saga just thought youd get a kick out of it. Catch you later!
