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I'm Not That Guy Anymore - @Studio30Plus Writing Prompt


He was early. He sat, ordered a draft and took a sip. His mind drifted back to those carefree days of their youth. They grew up together. And did what little boys did. They joined Cubs, each earning every badge there was. They played Little League. Best friends on the same team. Pitcher and Catcher. They destroyed the opposition. He smiled to himself over memories of Grade school together. They were a couple of holy terrors, inseparable and always getting into trouble.

But they had lost touch, thought Bill. Stephen and his family had moved away to California, half a world away from Jersey. It might as well have been the moon. Sure they had written each other. But it seems each letter from Stephen got shorter until finally they had stopped altogether. But he couldn't blame him, thought Bill. "I was no Hemingway myself."

And then, out of the blue, after all these years, a letter from Stephen. He was coming to town on business and thought it'd be great to meet up and catch up on all that had transpired since high school. He suggested this pub, where, underage and using false ID they used to sip an illicit pint or two.

So Bill waited gazing out the window for Stephen to arrive. A shadow passed over him. Thinking it was the waiter he looked up to order another beer but it was a woman. A strikingly beautiful woman. Yet there was something oddly familiar about her although Bill just couldn't place it.

"Bill?" she inquired. And then it hit home. "Stephen?" he gasped. "It's Stephanie now" she whispered. "I'm not that guy anymore."

Comments

Jayne said…
Wow! That was a surprise, but totally believable. What an interesting use of the prompt and an excellent story.
nonamedufus said…
I find I often write with "expect the unexpected" in mind. Glad you enjoyed it, Jayne. Thanks.
ReformingGeek said…
Hee Hee. It's gonna be an interesting visit.
Kir said…
I really loved this. It's such a cliche to say I never saw it coming but then you think of the prompt and it's such a good obvious story to tell. Plus you gave it a humanness that pulled at my heart. Very nice work.
nonamedufus said…
Hey, sometimes things change. I wonder if they'll go bowling.
nonamedufus said…
Thanks, Kir. You always have the best comments. GFlad you liked it.
nonamedufus said…
Maybe I'm wired a little differently but I saw this prompt and knew I had my ending. Then I worked back from there.
Jayne said…
Doesn't matter how you get there. It's all good. :)
Ashley Kagaoan said…
What a surprise!
TMW Hickman said…
Uh...was not expecting that! Well played.
Katy B. said…
I love it - good for Stephanie!
Tara R. said…
Did not see that coming, great ending. Perfect use of the prompt.
I was busy identifying with the loss of contact between friends (I grew up a military brat) and wasn't really expecting that one. Surprise! Nice take on the prompt.
nonamedufus said…
That's what I was going for.
nonamedufus said…
Thank you ma'am.
nonamedufus said…
Right. It's a real twist on "you haven't changed a bit".
nonamedufus said…
Ha, ha, I sucked you in, then. great.

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