Novel & Cerita Friend Hanging Out

in bold black letters over a dirty yellow awning. There are people coming in and out of the area. So it must be the hangout spot for the university crown. My eyes land over the store window that holds a fluorescent sign advertising a free plate of fries, a drink, and a large slice of pizza. There are high wooden stools and tables littered with beer bottles, shot glasses and college kids drinking, playing pool, and just having fun. We hang out for a while and listen to a procession of people sing Karaoke on a makeshift wooden stage near the bar. Right now, two drunk blondes are singing a country song about messing up some guy’s car with a Louisville slugger because he cheated.

It’s Sunday, meaning the boys and I hang out at home watching NHL replays, drinking some beer and eating some pizza. A lot of it. We are 5 growing men. We go through one each easy. We’re on the second game of the day. We never agree on movies or shows. So the ice hockey is a save bet to watch. Dillon sits on the floor in front of our long grey couch, Miles is in the corner looking uninterested. Cole is sitting next to me and Austen is asleep on the other side of me.

As soon as I went out again I heard loud laughter and it looked like someone was still speaking out loud too, from somewhere. "Where are you guys?" I said to myself and then I looked to my left where the garden is since I remember Miss Hazel said earlier they were in the garden. And she was right, the Forgers and their friends were there. The Forgers got a lot of friends I must say, it's a mix of men and women gathering together and having fun. Some laugh at the same time and some laugh in chorus. It looks like someone is telling a joke, as they sit on the large round wooden table, lots of food and a few bottles I also saw on the table. It looks like there are alcohol and soft drinks and oth

"Yeah, but isn't that suspicious? He still hangs out with Terrell and their little group, yet he's being nice? I mean, he must have some sort of ulterior motive right?" "I don't know, I think we may have been too judgmental...." Leona said as she took a sip of her apple juice. Khloe followed her gaze as they watched Jaiden and his friends play basketball. They had decided to eat lunch outside today, and it was the perfect weather for it too. "I can't believe they even play during lunch. Aren't they hungry?" Khloe muttered, taking a bite of her Turkey sandwich. "Are you worried about them?" Leona asked in surprise, and Khloe almost started choking.

Liam flipped a patty with exaggerated flair and yelled, “You’ll regret insulting a man with control of the meat!” Ryans nearly choked laughing. “Please never say that sentence again.” Again, we all burst into laughter. Soon, we spread out on the grass near the benches. There was the plates of food, cans of soda, and the general chaos that came with putting young and women in one place. Ethan showed up halfway through the hangout and was dressed in his usual “I don’t care but actually I care a lot” outfit — black T-shirt, joggers, and a frown.

And they're hugging eachother. I never saw this one coming.

Later That Evening Max gently brushes his knuckles against my arm and asks, "Are you sure you're okay with us just hanging out here again? I had plans to make a reservation at a nice place, but I got caught up visiting Riley, and by the time I was heading back, it was too late."

Snacks were laid out, blankets and pillows were gathered, and laughter echoed as the girls prepared for a night filled with camaraderie and shared memories. The doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of Stephanie and Amanda. The atmosphere buzzed with enthusiasm as the group of friends reunited for an unplanned sleepover. Throughout the night, the living room echoed with laughter, whispered secrets, and the comfort of shared stories. Madeline, surrounded by friends and family, felt a sense of belonging that served as a gentle reminder that, even in the midst of life's complexities, these moments of connection were the threads that binded them together forever.

I grin and say, "Well can I hang out here with Cassy for the day, my mom was going to pick me up this evening after her appointment?" Frank, with apologetic eyes, says, "I'm sorry, Cassy and her mom left 15 minutes ago for an all day shopping trip." He must have seen the dejected look on my face because he says, "Come on in anyways I have someone I want you to meet." I walk in carrying my pom poms, and there stands this guy, mid to upper 30's, dirty blonde scraggy hair, dark tan, very toned, has the surfer look.

I do hope that the communication with everyone won’t change. There are several of our friends who didn’t join our bonding. They lose their interest in our friendship, I guess? All of us are busy but we can spare time for everyone so hangouts are still possible. I don’t know if this will continue until college. Everyone in our group has their own priorities and I know it. We understand it. But sometimes, their excuses aren’t valid. I don’t want to discuss it furthermore because I might say a word that might offend them. Since tomorrow is get together, I am here on the market buying some snacks and foods that we will be going to eat.