Some people are always negative; it's more like there is no time in their lives when they see positivity in things or people, even when they are in the midst of positive people, they try to stand out and be that which they are known for. Hanging around people with such energy will only leave you feeling you are not doing enough or you are lagging behind and you need to do more, whereas you have given it your all, and at this point is where depression starts to creep in. Jude, my high school classmate and a friend for a period of time, was one of those that radiate very bad energy, and he is never remorseful when he does.
A few months after high school, everyone traveled and scattered all around the country; some even traveled out of the country, some traveled to further their education in college, some went in search of jobs, and some enlisted to join the army. We spent months without seeing each other, only communicating over the phone, and then a little reunion was organized for those who were close and could attend. Since I was close and Emmanuel, who enlisted to join the army, was close as well, we planned to attend the reunion together so we could get to see each other again since it was an opportunity to do so since no one knows when next such an opportunity would pop up again.
I looked forward to the reunion and was filled with excitement. I would get to see my classmates I had not seen in a year and a few months. I missed everything, both the good and bad times we had in school. I missed everything. Time flies, and I was at my school's gate after a year and some months. We chose the school hall for the event, and Emmanuel was just dropped off by a taxi.
"My bro." I said as we shook hands and hugged each other tightly, he has been my friend since childhood, and I never believed a time would come where we would go months without seeing each other.
"You are adding weight, and I cannot believe it. You, this slim boy, but you keep complaining about how college is stressing you, but you are adding weight." Emmanuel said as we kept laughing at teasing each other.
"You are also adding weight; the army is not as stressful as you claim." I responded.
While we were still outside exchanging pleasantries with other classmates, Jude arrived in a taxi too and acted like he had a plan. Before the taxi even stopped, he had sprinted out of the taxi and in our direction, but because of how much bad energy he radiates, I did not like that he was coming towards us, and my countenance changed immediately, hoping that maybe he would understand, read the room, and try not to be negative for once, but I was completely wrong; he would always be that which he is known for.
"Hey Kachi and Emmanuel, it has been a while, but I see nothing happened to your friendship." Jude said the moment he got to us, "Kachi, you look great. I can tell your dress is not as cheap as that of those that joined the army for peanuts." Jude added,
I could feel myself boiling from within when I felt Emmanuel's hand on my shoulder telling me to keep it cool. "I did not join the army for the money; I joined because I want to serve my country and not be a coward like you." Emmanuel responded with a tone showing he is also angry but trying not to call attention.
"Well, maybe you should have gone further to college like your friend Kachi, and that way you would get enlisted into the army as a commissioned officer, and that way you would make some money for yourself while serving the country you love so much." Jude responded.
"Do you have to be this negative and give off this sour grapes attitude of yours all the time?" I asked, giving Jude a stare.
"He did not even change after all these months." Emmanuel added
"I am only saying the..." Jude was still trying to prove himself right when Amina, who was watching everything, cut in.
"That's why you don't have any friends, and trust me, you will be alone throughout this reunion because no one will want to be with someone who will make them feel so little of themselves. Emmanuel, Kachi, let's go inside and leave that pained soul alone." Amina said as she held Emmanuel and me by the hands, leading us away from him.
