A certain person from my past recently “friended” me on Facebook. This came after a steady stream of Southwest High (Fort Worth) alumnus had been contacting me, and it had actually been a pleasant experience — catching up, reminiscing, whatnot.
But this person came along and posed a challenge. Gee, the last thing I remember about them was how, sprinkled throughout high school, they taunted me and threatened to beat me up.
It’s really hilarious now. If it had come to blows, I would’ve been okay, maybe got roughed up a bit, but probably dealt equal damage to my adversary. I wasn’t scared of this person, more like just annoyed. The thing was, I couldn’t figure out why he didn’t like me. It was a bit like the cantina scene in Star Wars, only Obi Wan wasn’t there to slice this person’s arm off.
We had been friends in middle school, up until about seventh grade, when he quit skateboarding and became “preppy,” ditching me and other friends. And for what, I’m not exactly sure.
But those were the days of defined interests and cliques. Yeah, they still exist today, but I guess we’ve all grown up.
Still, this person’s sudden emergence on Facebook posed a dilemma for me. I don’t wish evil upon too many people, but still, I wasn’t quite sure friend + this person went together very well.
In the end, I accepted, and will treat this “friendship” as a possible means of healing that past rift. I don’t expect miracles. But maybe he’ll prod through my Facebook profile and realize I’m not that big an asshole. Maybe he’s calmed his shit down.
Believe in redemption.










