Friends Hang Out Without Me Novels & Stories

I ate my lunch alone, but before I left, I realized something—the Glass brothers, Dustin, and Trevor weren’t here either, they didn’t come to have lunch. It wasn’t weird, it’s not every time they eat lunch at the cafeteria but it was weird that I couldn’t find Elodie or Poppy. It must mean something. They were together. But why? Hanging out? They have gotten close these days, I must say. Jealousy stung deep. If they were truly hanging out, I wouldn't want them to invite me because it would be awkward, so I guess I understand that part, but at least Poppy could call me back or reply to my texts.

Stacey “Yeah, see you soon,” I hung up and then heaved a happy sigh, a broad smile lining my face. It was so nice hanging out with Freya. I haven’t had a friend in a long time… I actually have friends, but we aren’t close or do stuff together. Just normal ‘view each other’s few online pictures’ kind of friends. We don’t talk, but if we meet in public, we exchange pleasantries and go our separate ways.

He laughs slightly. “Does that happen often? You trying to escape and people annoying you?” Anais asks. “Yes, if it isn’t my brother, it is my mum. If not her, then my brother's wife, my little sister. Work, everything. So, nights out sat without family drama doesn’t happen often.” Anais nods. She wouldn’t know. She never had that issue. “So, why are all your friends falling over enjoying themselves, and you’re well, sober?” She laughs slightly. She saw them when she looked.

He spoke with authority, never showing a hint of vulnerability. I could hardly remember the last time Mason and I had shared a meal together. Ironically, this was the first time he'd ever tried to stop me from walking away. However, I no longer needed him to stay. When I wasn't working, I spent time with my colleagues, enjoying my freedom and living on my own terms. One evening, in the middle of dinner, a message from Jackson popped up on my phone. "Mom, Dad's not home again. Ms. Cunningham's cooking is awful. Can I come over?"

The camaraderie grew stronger with every round, forging connections and creating memories that would outlast the night. As the group moved on to the next game, the atmosphere became more lively, and the energy in the room surged. Everyone was eager to see what secrets would be unearthed during the game of Never Have I Ever. The players gathered in a circle, each holding their drink, ready to confess their deepest, darkest secrets. But something caught my attention: Tyler and Miles are nowhere to be found. I shrugged, getting rid of the thought.

Maybe because my luggage was still there, they hadn’t realized anything was wrong yet. They acted completely normal. Mom sent a message in the family group chat. [Freya, where did you go? Are you coming home for lunch? I made ribs for you.] No one replied. She sent another message. [Are you still angry? We’re family. There’s nothing we can’t get past.] When she still received no reply, she finally called me. I didn’t answer. Mom started panicking and began calling everyone who knew me. However, after calling around, she still found nothing.

Was Dominic trying to insert me into a family gathering, or was he referring to his friends? “Intimate, how?” “Well, we invite our mother every year—who never shows up. Then there’s Nathan, Katherine and me. We don’t have any relatives in town, so it’ll be very small.” “Huh,” so it wouldn’t be different from our usual hangouts. If I pretended it wasn’t one of my dreaded holidays, I could possibly be able to go through with it with no mishaps or panic attacks. But now I wondered if I was ready to try it.

The frat members like to see them. Tonight was our end-of-semester bash, and despite Hana having already left for home, Aidan and the others hadn’t appeared. Only Harris and I seemed concerned by this. The rest of the guys were partying like normal. Between wondering where Aidan was and that Pam should’ve boarded her plane home, I wasn’t in a partying mood. I twitched when someone touched my arm, distracting me from looking outside at the heavy snowfall. “What are you doing over here?” A blonde asked. “Watching the snow? Maybe you’d like some company. I like watching the snow, too.”

Red is shaking his head. "He's busy. I understand him, don't think too much," I smiled at her. "It hasn't been that long since college starts, but he's nowhere to be found. He seldom joins us." Red commented. I nodded in agreement, feeling a bit sad that Felix was missing out on spending time with our group. "I know, it's tough. But we have to be understanding and supportive of each other during this time," I said, hoping that things would get better soon.

"It'll have to be after eight; there are family obligations I have to take care of first. Maybe we can grab dinner and drinks and make a night of it?" I pull Franco into my arms again. I've missed his friendship this past year. It's not the same with him gone. There aren't many people I can be honest with. Franco is one of the few. Even though I'm surrounded by family, friends, and my father's men, life at the compound is lonely.