Salubrious part 31

Charlie had about an hour before they were going to meet for their anniversary. They had a reservation at 6:30 and then they planned to see a movie.

He had realized through the last few days, that his friendship with Pim had been lost in the heavy relationship fog that made up Allan and Charlie’s life together.

He gave Pim a call.

Immediately, he answered.

“Oh hey, Charlie!”

“Heya, bud. How’s everything?”

“Um, fine. I wanted to wish you a very happy anniversary, Charlie. I texted you earlier. And I texted Allan.”

Charlie sighed. “Shit, man, I’m sorry. I definitely wanted to text you back. It’s been a busy day. I wanted to catch up either way that’s why I called. Is this a good time?”

“Sure it is.”

“Oh, well, it’s been a while since we hung out. Are you busy next weekend? We can do something. Chill.”

“I think that should be okay. Um, Charlie, I need to tell you something. You remember that girl, Katrina? The one with the pink hair?”

Charlie nodded to himself. “Yeah. The one we all saw at the bar. I kinda figured…” he stopped himself talking as Pim started explaining.

“Well, I know I’ve been a bit dodgy lately. Sorry about that. But, this girl and I have been chatting it up for awhile now, and… well, I think it’s very focused. Like, we’re. We’re …”

“You’re dating her aren’t you! Hot damn Pim I knew it!”

Pim laughed. “Yes.”

“Damn Pim I’m so proud. You got yourself a girl!”

Pim laughed more freely. “I thought you’d be mad at me for not hanging out as much.”

“Allan and I were just chatting about that girl, dude. He said he thought you must’ve started dating and he was right. Damn he is smart.”

Pim sighed. “Yeah, Allan is so smart. Well, Katrina and I have been going steady, well, for about a week now. But, I wanted to tell you in person. Sorry for bungling it all up. You mean so, so much to me, Charlie. You know that I would’ve loved to hang with you more lately. I promise that we will.”

Charlie felt a slight relief hit as he heard Pim talking normally. “You’re always gonna be my best friend. No matter what. You know that.”

“Aww. That’s so sweet, Charlie. Are you and Allan going out someplace super fancy and romantical?”

Charlie laughed. “I suppose. I’m thinking of asking him to move in with me. So, what else is happening?”

Pim screamed, making Charlie put the phone away from his ear.

“Damn, dude. You killed my ear drum. It’s not busted, it’s eviscerated.”

Pim laughed and screamed at the same time.

Charlie laughed finally.

“Uh, dude, Pim? Can we talk now?”

“Words aren’t needed anymore Charlie. This is beyond words!”

“I think I prefer words.”

“We can talk at work! Our friendship is stronger than words.”

“Oh Pim if you weren’t dating a woman every other season I’d think you were definitely fruity. Not that there is anything wrong with that…”

Pim chuckled. “I just love all people so effing much and making them smile is all.”

“That didn’t even clarify anything, dude, if anything it just raised more questions,” Charlie said seriously. “So, did you make it official today?”

“Yes. We did actually. Allan also guessed through messenger and I told him I was going steady with her. He seemed unsurprised, hehe.”

“Yeah that guy is always on the ball. I tell him that too and he doesn’t think I’m being serious but it’s so true.” Charlie sighed. “What if we, like all four of us did a double date? Like maybe in a few weeks, or something.”

“Whoa that’s such a brilliant idea. I love it.”

“Allan was kinda thinking you were planning a surprise anniversary party for us, hah. I was like, no, he’s trying to score with that pink haired chick, haha.”

Pim scoffed. “Oh that kooky Allan. I wish I would have gotten my stuff together then I could’ve made you two the most epic party! I feel awful.”

“No, don’t feel awful, man. You really are a great guy. I’m glad you’re happy.”

“Ah, Charlie, she’s so pretty and sweet and funny and just gorgeous and I love her smile and her eyes, they are like a perfect combination of blue and green and I think she’s ambitious too, like she’s been in medical school for about seven years now and..”

Charlie sighed, hearing his friend keep talking about his new girlfriend for about five minutes straight with a little smile.

They talk a bit longer about movies, the ongoing war and how everything is getting worse for the wear.

“The boss is so weird sometimes. It feels like he has a split personality or something.”

“I know like he is so happy go lucky one minute then he’s growling and screaming like the Green Goblin,” Charlie agreed. “He’s funny as shit though.”

“Yeah maybe he should be seen by a psychiatrist or something. That’s worrisome.”

“Eh, he’s fine. I think people like that have been surviving so long without intervention because they know how to do what’s necessary to make it work.”

“I mean, that’s probably true but also it’s also true that some people just need help. Charlie, I hope that our friendship group, like the dynamics don’t drastically change now that I have a girlfriend.”

“I wouldn’t worry. That shit is not going to happen to us. Our bond is bonded in like, blood. Blood brotherhood. Or some cool shit like that. Like you see in anime, or something like that.”

“But Charlie you don’t watch anime.”

“We’re like those roses that get no sunlight, no fertilizer, limited water and no love, yet we grow the brightest and the most beautiful, you know? Only no homo, dude. Climbing the goddamn metal fence with ferocity and determination and pure strength of soul. Ya feel me, bro?”

Pim laughed softly. “Yeah I feel you bro.”

“Oh shit. Pim I gotta go. It’s been a full hour. I can’t be late. I need to get changed into my suit, damnit. Good thing I have it in the car. Talk to you soon! Shit,” Charlie cursed. “Siri, nearest place with a clean bathroom that’s not a gas station!”

“Okay, love you!” Pim exclaimed.

“Uh, you too!”