The Reunion - Part I
It had been a long time since he'd spoken to any of them.
Not because he didn't want to, but because things were different now. Things were different for all of them. He hadn't gone back to the town of South Park in almost a whole year and that was only to visit his family for Christmas. When he looked back on his life, he'd never have thought his life would have turned out like this. That his life would so good, yet so empty. What he'd accomplished in life hadn't equated to what he'd lost. There had been days where he couldn't quite put his finger on why he wasn't happy. These constant wave of emotions would flood over him and he would often sit at the end of his bed, his head in his hands and drown in his own self pity.
It wasn't like he didn't have any money or that he didn't have a job and it wasn't as if he had no friends either. He had it all. He had everything he could ever want. He was in orbit of his dream career, so there was no reason for him to feel the way he had been ever since he left home.
But as he sat, scrolling through old photos and messages that he hadn't done so in years, the realization start to creep from the back of his mind. He started to realize that there was something that was missing in his life. He knew exactly what he missed!
He knew what he wanted.
He knew what would make him happy again.
His friends.
Not his current friends as they were all in their own bubble contained with nothing but self-obsession and a deluded reality. It wasn't the life he'd have chosen if he knew things would turn out like this.
As he scrolled through the messages from his old phone, he immediately stopped and read a name that he knew far too well.
Fatass
He tapped the name, which opened up a series of messages that dated from over 5 years ago. He scrolled through the back and forth messages and smiled softly to himself.
You: WATCH YOUR FUCKING BACK FATASS
Fatass: wat
Fatass: no stan its not how it looks
You: SLEEP WITH ONE EYE OPEN.
Fatass: r u challenging me marsh
You: no, I'm promising you that you will pay for what you've done
You: ur a fucking cunt
You: and I'm coming to get you
Fatass: oh come on it was just a rumour
You: JUST A FUCKING RUMOUR
You: A RUMOUR THAT MAKES YOUR PARENTS THINK YOU BEAT UP WOMEN AND GET YOU KICKED OUT OF THE HOUSE FOR A DAY BECAUSE THEY DONT FUCKNIF LSITEN, YOU BASTARD
You: AND NOT TO MENTION I HAVE ABOUT 90 BRUISES ON MY BODY
Fatass: do u some need time out
You: FUCK THIS, IM COMING TO YOUR HOUSE RIGHT NOW
Fatass: wat
Fatass: dude no
Fatass: ok il tell everyone i made it up
You: no.
You: I'm going to do something which will break you
Fatass: ..
Fatass: do wat
You: I'm breaking your xbox
Fatass: dude no
Fatass: the kike broke mine last year, i cant afford a new one
You: I don't give a shit
Fatass: I HAVE A GUN
You: good
Fatass: FUCK OFF STAN
Fatass: hey stan
Fatass: stan
Fatass: stan?
Fatass: ..
Fatass: shit
The distant memory suddenly became very real to him. It was as if he was right there, outside Cartman's house, hurling abuse, threats and a clear explanation of how he was going to break the brunette's Xbox.
"Just calm down will you, Stan?! Honestly, it was just a little joke, there's no need to escalate things!"
Stan kicked the front door as hard as he could before shouting back up to Cartman from the bedroom window. "CALM DOWN? Are you fucking serious? You know EXACTLY what you've done, so stop being a pussy and come down here so I can kick your ass!"
"Don't you think you're being a bit over dramatic here?"
"Oh, I'll give you fucking dramatic." Stan muttered under his breath before lifting up his top, exposing his slightly tanned stomach. "You see this?" He pointed to a large bruise that sunk itself into his left rib cage. "You did this!"
Cartman blinked and lacked any kind of sympathy a normal person would have. "Not my fault you can't defend yourself. And hey - don't blame someone else's actions on me, dude. That's pretty low."
Stan couldn't contain the anger that raged inside him. Nobody could talk sense to the brunette, because in Cartman's eyes, he was always right and Stan new this very well. Which meant there was only one way he could get his point across and make his friend feel as though he was being punished. And that was to break his things.
Stan threw one last blow to the door before it swung open, leaving both, Stan and Cartman stunned that he actually had the strength to knock down a door.
I wonder if he ever told his mom it was me that knocked the door down. Stan thought to himself as he scrolled up even further.
You: Where are you?
You: omg seriously hurry up
You: If you don't answer, we are just gonna leave
You: your choice
Fatass: fuck sake, hang on
You: ?
Fatass: u kno how hard it is to text when the teacher is lecturing u on y u didnt turn up for detention?
You: We've been waiting 20 mins now and we're all fucking hungry
You: Thanks to you making us skip lunch
Fatass: pls enlighten me how that was my fault?
You: you snitched on us
Fatass: wheres the proof?
You: Don't act dumb, we all kno it was you
Fatass: look i did if 4 ur own good
You: no, you did it because you didn't want to stay in detention all by yourself for an hour
Fatass: um excuse me
Fatass: i can categorically tell u that your accusation is 100% entirely tru
You: you coming then or what?
Fatass: 2 secs
Fatass: be out now
Stan shook his head as he remembered the vivid memory. He vaguely recalled that weekend being Kyle's birthday where they hired an apartment in Denver for a few days and got the most drunk Stan had ever been in his entire life. It was also the most fun he'd ever had, but most importantly, it was the pinnacle of Stan's youth. It was were these memories of him being with his friends was what he missed most of all.
He scrolled up a little further.
Fatass: she's a fuckin bitch
Fatass: biggest fuckin cunt walking
Fatass: ur better off
You: Thanks
Fatass: trust me marsh
Fatass: she aint worth shit
You: lol
You: I'll see you guys soon. need space
Fatass: yh okay
Fatass: at starks pond if u change ur mind
This was one of the rare times Cartman had shown his support for his friends. It didn't happen often, but it was there. Realistically, even though he was a complete asshole, the three of them knew Cartman cared. Even if it was in his own weird way. When it came down to it, you could trust Cartman. Not with your homework, or with an unimportant secret. But with the more serious matters. Whenever the four of them got into any trouble, they could trust one another to keep it between them. It was an unspoken rule to trust each other with their lives, but it was something Stan would carry to the grave. Even now he would risk his life for them. Even for Cartman.
With that being said, Stan backed out of the inbox and tapped onto another. How could he ever forget his favourite blonde friend.
Kenny.
Ken: hey cutie, what's crackalackin xx
You: dude, I literally just said goodbye to you
Ken: listen, i'm a sad lonely single boi
Ken: and there's only one place in this town where i know i can have a good time
Ken: so i'll ask again
Ken: hey cutie, what's crackalackin xx
You: Loooool
You: Well I'm just about to shower so
Ken: now thats what i'm talking about
Ken: pic? it's for science promise
You: Sent a a photo
Ken: DAAYYUMMMM BOIIIIII
Ken: GET ME SOME OF THAT FINE AZZ
You: I never knew a picture of my foot could have this kind of effect on you, kenny
Ken: hey
Ken: any hole's a goal, kno what im saying
Ken: lmao but anyway, there's a reason why i texted
Ken: forgot to tell you something
You: What is it
Ken: call me after ur shower, I'll tell you then
You: Kk brb
Ken: enjoy ;)
Kenny always fooled around with everyone. It made Kenny who he was. An incredibly friendly guy, with a good heart, a humorous attitude and a carefree outlook on life. Stan envied him as they were polar opposites in some ways. Stan was always worrying about something, whether it was a deadline, his girlfriend, money or even what other people thought of him. There was always something lurking in the back of his mind that caused an overwhelming sense of anxiety. Where as for Kenny, he couldn't give a shit about anything. He lived in the moment and it was a trait that Stan wish he inherited. Unfortunately for him, not everything was as easy as playing football.
Ken: stan, you awake ?
Ken: stan
Ken: hellooo
You: Jesus christ it's 4am dude
Ken: i know
Ken: idk where else to turn
You: If this is about the porn thing again, idk what to suggest
You: you got some weird fetishes dude
Ken: what?
Ken: no, it's nothing like that
You: You ok?
Ken: yah
Ken: well no
Ken: i'm in a bit of trouble
You: Kenny...
Ken: listen, i promise it wasn't my fault this time
Ken: my parents
Ken: i've had to take the blame
Ken: stan, i can't have karen in care again
Ken: look, i can pay you back by next week
Ken: i've got a good stash coming monday
You: It's okay, Kenny
Ken: and i know i'll be able to sell it
You: Look, it's honestly okay
You: Just tell me how much you need and when you need it by
Ken: two hundred by morning
You: Jesus, they want it that quick?
Ken: i've tried so hard
Ken: they just wont go until my parents cough up
Ken: and how can they cough up when they got fuck all?
You: I'll be there in the morning
You: don't worry, I got you
Ken: thanks, stan
Ken: i'm sorry for waking you up, i really am
You: You owe me one
Stan pulled away from his phone for a brief moment, the memory very faint in his mind. There had been so many times Kenny had gotten into trouble and ended up being desperate for money that Stan had lost count. But no matter how steep the debt was, Stan would try his best to help his friend out. Kyle and Cartman would too, but Stan was much more reliable and never seemed to judge or lecture Kenny when he was down on money. Kyle and Cartman would constantly remind Kenny how much his parents needed to stop relying on him for money when it came to their debts. Stan understood that this approach never worked for Kenny and this was one thing they both had in common. They were family men. And no matter how much their parents or siblings annoyed or agitated them, they would always be there to support them. Stan helped his family more financially and Kenny helped is family more emotionally.
Stan's thumb flipped up and down the screen until he found something that really grabbed his attention.
Ken: HAPPPPPYEEEE NEWWW YEARRRRRRRR WWOOOOOOOOOOO XXX
Ken: LOVV U STANNY BOYY 33333
You: i'M RttHT NEX TOU YOU LOOL
Stan chuckled as he read their many drunk messages to each other. For some reason, even if Kenny was right next to him, he would always get a text off him when he was drunk. Stan would also do the same. It was as if they had a mutual agreement with each other to always send a drunk text message, no matter the circumstance. It was normally for a good reason, but there were a few that didn't always end well, as Stan found out after he scrolled up a bit more.
You: kennu
You: eveThing is SHIT
You: Why hav i gotta be thw 1 t feel like thsi
You: i v HAD ENOUHGH
Ken: dude, are you drunk?
You: NO
You: maybe
Ken: seriously stan, you said you were going to stop drinking alone at night
You: fuck OFF i do what i wnt retard
Ken: ?
Ken: quit being an asshole
Ken: doesn't look good on you
You: and how woud u knoa
Ken: because you're a right fucking twat when you're like this
You: well then fuc k off then!
You: im a waste oF space anyway ill just disappear
You: fuck off outa of my like FOREVRE
Ken: look, i'm on my way
Ken: i've had enough of you doing this to yourself
Ken: we all have
You: GET LOST
The thought of insulting Kenny like he had on occasions like these, made him cringe. It was embarrassing to know that, when on his own, he was a depressing drunk. Stan had tried to control this over the years, but the only option to stop this was to cut out the drink completely. He wasn't an alcoholic, but he acted like one when he was alone. That's not to say Stan wouldn't have a few drinks when he was with a crowd. His attitude was much different when he was around people... most of the time.
Scrolling up a little further, Stan came across a very young photo of him and Kenny together. The blonde had his tongue sticking out whilst Stan's grin held nothing but pure innocence and happiness. The picture had been sent by Kenny, along with a message.
Ken: Sent a photo
Ken: dude, you remember this? LOL, ngl we were some handsome young chaps. then puberty happened. shame for you
Ken: just kidding, sex on legs
You: Omfggg
You: how old were we there?
You: Dude, your hair looooool
Ken: 13 i think
Ken: ikr, it was so blond back then
You: Was that at my moms BBQ?
Ken: yes sir
Ken: i still got that orange jacket somewhere
You: No way
Ken: yah, doesn't fit anymore though
You: Obviously
Stan hovered his thumb over the picture and held down for two seconds before saving the file into his phone. He wanted to print the picture off and hang it up somewhere. He didn't want to lose a memory like this.
He came out of the inbox and glanced at the contact below. It was next on the list, though it should have been the first to click on. He couldn't forget his best friend. The one person that had been with him from the absolute beginning. It was almost as if it was too painful to click the inbox as he knew what the last ever message read. He couldn't forget it. It was the message that broke everything. The message that ended almost 20 years of friendship. The message that made him regret everything he'd ever done. It was a message filled him with utter sadness.
He scrolled up to the beginning, where the problems started occurring. It dated 6 years ago. That was the last ever message sent to him. To Kyle. To his best friend. Reading down, Stan began to feel a huge weight of guilt piling on his shoulders. He couldn't believe what he had thrown away.
Kyle.
6 years ago
You: LOOOL KYLE DID YOU SEE THAT
Kyle: LMAO
Kyle: He doesn't think its us
Kyle: I feel so bad
You: trolling butters is so fking funny on gta
Kyle: I know. He thought his mic was on mute hahaha
You: So embarrassing of his mom yelling at him to do the laundry
You: shit had my dying
Kyle: Me too
Kyle: Funny as fuck
You: You home?
Kyle: Yeah, why?
You: fancy going iHop?
Kyle: Hell yeah
You: 2 mins, be ready
You: You think Cartman will bail after the exam?
Kyle: Naw, if anyone's gonna bail, it's gonna be you hahaha
You: I would never
You: Known you guys too long to bail
You: I'm institutionalised at this point
Kyle: Lmao shut up
Kyle: How's revision going?
You: Eughhhghghh
You: wanna revise for me?
Kyle: Lol. You ready for the final?
You: Am I fuck
Kyle: You'll be okay :)
You: Yea, you say that NOW
You: i'm gonna fail
Kyle: CONGRATS ON PASSING
Kyle: See, I said you would!
Stan: omg thanks
Stan: I did way better than expected lol
Stan: How did you do?
Kyle: Passed, obviously
Stan: well duh
Stan: I meant what did you get
Kyle: A+
Stan: I mean, was I really expecting anything less than that
Kyle: Lol. Celebrate?
Stan: YES
Stan: i'll call the guys
5 years ago
Kyle: Wanna hang out tonight?
You: Shit, I can't!
You: training again, i almost forgot
Kyle: Oh, okay. No worries
You: tomorrow?
Kyle: I can't, I've got work
Kyle: I'm free Sunday though if you are?
Kyle: You didn't get back to me. I'm free tomorrow if you wanna hang
You: Omg sorry
You: sure, I'll come round tomorrow
Kyle: Yo, got time to talk?
You: Fuck sorry, was busy all day yesterday
You: What's up?
Kyle: Don't worry
You: Happy birthday! Really sorry I couldn't make it today, but I'll see you this weekend :)
Kyle: Thanks. See you soon
Kyle: I've got the day off tomorrow. You free?
Kyle: Kenny and Cartman are too.
You: Sorry, I've been really busy lately. I've got work tonight and then I'm up early tomorrow to gym
You: down training ground in the evening, i don't think i'll have time
Kyle: Okay, keeping your body in shape is definitely more important.
You: I know, i honestly cba, but its gotta be done
You: i'll find time, don't worry
You: Will call you tomorrow
Kyle: Just seen a house that's been vandalized by toilet paper
Kyle: Reminds me of when we were kids, haha.
Kyle: When are you free next?
Kyle: You there?
Kyle: Stan?
Kyle: Kenny told me you were moving? Why haven't you told me?
Kyle: I didn't know you were leaving
You: I'm really sorry, he wasn't supposed to tell you
Kyle: So you could leave me in the dark?
Kyle: After everything, I would have thought I'd be the first you'd tell
You: I know, I really should have told you first
You: It's just, Ken came round and read my emails on my laptop
You: I told him not to tell anyone
Kyle: Wait
Kyle: The fuck?
Kyle: You told Cartman before me?!
Kyle: Of all fucking people?
You: What?
You: No, I haven't even seen
You: wait
Kyle: Cartman just sent me a text telling me he knows
Kyle: I actually can't fucking believe you.
You: no wtf? Kenny must have told him
You: Kyle, you know I wouldn't have told him before you
Kyle: I don't even know anymore
You: let me come round and explain
Kyle: Oh, so now you want to come round?
You: What do you mean?
Kyle: You've been fucking ghosting my messages. You're always "busy" and never want to meet up
Kyle: But now you're in the wrong, you've been caught out and all of sudden want to come round and "explain?"
Kyle: Fucking off with that shit.
Kyle: Never thought I'd ever say this, but Cartman's been more company than you, and that's saying something.
You: omg
You: Please let me come round
You: I'll tell you everything
You: I honestly didn't mean for things to be like that
You: kyle?
Kyle: Whatever, fine.
You: 2 mins
Kyle: How's the packing coming along?
You: Almost done
You: ready for tomorrow
Kyle: You ready to leave this place yet?
You: deffo. can't wait to get out of here
You: Can't believe its finally happening
Kyle: Yeah.
Kyle: You and me both
You: you ok?
Kyle: Yeah.
Kyle: I'm happy for you
You: i'm glad
You: I'll come round tomorrow morning to say goodbye
Kyle: When will I be able to see you next?
You: I'll come back next month, don't worry!
Kyle: That a promise?
You: I promise :)
Kyle: Okay, dude. See you tomorrow!
Kyle: You enjoying the city life?
You: looool, it's awesome
You: you'd love it here
Kyle: You'll have to send me a postcard
Kyle: Got time to Skype?
You: tonight, i'll call you
You: Sorry about that, my connection isn't very good
You: we'll have to try again tomorrow or something
Kyle: Okay.
Kyle: You ready?
You: for what?
Kyle: You said we were gonna Skype.
You: oh shit yeah
You: ready
You: Dude, idk what's wrong
You: my connection is just so bad right now, I need to get it fixed
Kyle: It's fine.
Kyle: I just wanted to ask you something that's all
You: you can ask me now?
Kyle: When are you coming back? You said you'd be back in a month and it's past that now
You: Omfg
You: i really wanted to come back. i've just been so busy lately and not only that, but it's a long drive
Kyle: But you promised?
You: i know
You: i'll definitely be back in time for Christmas though
You: i'm just so busy
Kyle: So you keep saying.
Kyle: Always busy.
You: I can't help it?
Kyle: It's always someone else's fault though, isn't it?
You: What do you expect me to do? Come back and forth between work and home all the time? Fuck no, you know how long that is to drive?
You: You wanna pay for the gas bill?
Kyle: Are you fucking kidding me? You're acting as if you're on a low income wage
Kyle: Fuck off with that shit
Kyle: Family and friends shouldn't have a cost
You: the fuck does that mean?
Kyle: It means the world doesn't revolve around you, dumbass!
Kyle: You've been so selfish this past year and I don't know why
You: It's my life, do you really expect me to carry on working part time at the gym and stay living with my parents for the rest of my life?
Kyle: Oh please, your life IS a gym
Kyle: You are literally so fucking stupid sometimes
You: and what's that supposed to mean?
Kyle: It means exactly what it says? You're fucking deluded.
Kyle: You've been stuck in this bubble of yours for the past, god knows how many months
Kyle: You barely answer our calls or messages
Kyle: And by that, I mean, Cartman, Kenny and I
Kyle: Yeah, they aren't stupid as well. They've seen a change in you too. It's not just me.
You: Oh yeah? Been talking trash behind my back too?
You: What have they said then
Kyle: They think the same as me! You've pushed us all away and only care about yourself
Kyle: You've been a selfish prick
Kyle: You don't care about our problems, in fact, you've never even asked how I've been
Kyle: Kenny misses you like fuck. Hell, even Ike misses you. Your fucking parents keep asking me about you
Kyle: But of course, I don't have a fucking clue, so I have to keep making up these bullshit excuses about how great you life is going and how you've made loads of new friends and how successful their fucking Stanny is!
Kyle: Which, by the way, is more than likely true
Kyle: Judging by your Instagram page
You: where has all this come from?
Kyle: It's like you've forgotten us.
Kyle: Cartman's stopped caring by now. I don't blame him. He was right all along
You: The fuck?
You: right about what?
Kyle: Why do you care?
You: You're right
You: I don't
You: you're a fucking snake Kyle
Kyle: I'm not a snake, I've just had enough of you acting like a complete fucking asshole!
You: Why didn't you just tell me this sooner instead of talking shit behind my back?
Kyle: The fuck is wrong with you
Kyle: You've seriously changed
Kyle: This isn't the Stan I know
You: well this isn't the fucking Kyle I know, how about that?
You: you're always fucking loading me with messages
You: Learn to give someone space, fucking idiot
Kyle: You've got to be kidding me
Kyle: THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS DO
Kyle: THEY MAKE SURE YOU'RE OKAY
Kyle: THEY KEEP IN TOUCH
Kyle: YOU'RE SO FUCKING DENSE
You: Fuck off, I don't need you anymore
You: waste of time
Kyle: Wow
Kyle: You really think so?
You: Yes
Kyle: Like always Stan. It's your choice. You really want me to stop bothering you?
You: I want you to fuck off out of my life for good
You: I actually hate you, just delete my number
Kyle: You do realize that when this happens, there's no turning back, right?
Kyle: Because I've had enough of this now. I can't keep doing it
You: Like I said, delete my fucking number, asshole
And that was the last time Stan had ever spoken to him. He clenched the phone in his palm and frowned. I was such an asshole. He thought to himself. Kyle was absolutely right. Why didn't I see it before?
The inner sadness crept from the inside of his mind as he began to feel incredibly sorry for himself. He couldn't understand why he had acted like this. Was it down to adulthood? Was it down to wanting to start fresh? Was it down to believing in a better life? Or was it down to pure selfishness? Whatever the reason, there wasn't one moment where Stan had thought of the impact his choices and actions would have on the people he loved and cared for.
He wanted to make things right. If only... he had seen it sooner. If only he had seen the pain he had caused. But was it too late to say sorry? Would his friends accept his apology after all these years? No doubt Kenny will as he had a heart of gold and would grasp Stan with all hands and feet if he came back. Kyle and Cartman on the other-hand. Now they were two very stubborn people. It was hard to judge whether or not they'd want to speak to Stan ever again. Especially after what he'd done to them.
It was worth a shot. Stan just hoped they'd recognise the genuine guilt he felt.
There was only one problem though. He didn't have any of their phone numbers, assuming they all had new phones. So instead, he decided to hop onto his laptop and sign into Facebook. This was the only way it would work and he hoped to God, that it would.
As soon as he typed the letter K, Kyle Broflovski's name automatically popped up, followed by Kenny McCormick. It was nice to know that even though he wasn't friends with either of them on Facebook anymore, their names were still the first to appear on the screen.
Adding all of them into a group chat, Stan contemplated hard on what his first message should be.
You: Eric, Kenny, Kyle
I know what you're all thinking. Oh look, it's that douchebag! What a fucking surpr... backspace, backspace, backspace.
Hi guys, I know I've been a huge assho... backspace, backspace, backspace.
It's Stan... backspace, backspace.
What's u... backspace, backspace.
Hey.. backspace.
Stan shook his head in anger. No! Come on, there must be something I can say that doesn't sound completely retarded. He argued. He didn't want to come across as arrogant, but then again, he didn't want to be seen as a whining little bitch. Which was ironic actually, because he usually portrayed both of those traits. There were so many things he wanted to say to them. He wanted to apologise. He wanted to tell them that he missed them. He wanted them to know that he made a huge mistake and regretted leaving the way he did. He really wanted to see them again.
He thought about it for a few minutes. As stupid as it sounded, he needed time to reflect on the whole situation. Something he hadn't properly done before. As the time went by, he came to the conclusion that he just needed to be himself. And he firmly believed this would be the only way his friends would ever forgive him. Well, so he hoped.
He clicked the send button more quickly than he should have.
You: Kyle, Kenny, Cartman.
My best friends.
It's been a long time. I just wanted to tell you all something I should have said a long time ago, but never had the wake up call until now.
When I look back on things, I've come to terms with how disgusting it was to treat you all the way I did and I can't believe I could have ever acted that way. I've wasted so much time dwelling on the things that don't even matter and I should have realized that what I had in front of me was the one thing that made me happy. And that is you guys. I threw it all away for some job I don't even like. For some place I can never call home. For assholes I associate with as "friends".
I really wish things were different. I almost hate myself for what I've done.
Actually, I take that back. I DO hate myself for what I've done.
Look, as cringey as this sounds, you don't have to reply to this as I'm sure you all have lives of your own now. Shit, I don't even remember the last time I came on Facebook. Just looking at old photos and videos really makes me regret the times I took for granted. And for that, I'm sorry. I hope you can all forgive me if not now, then someday.
Stan Marsh.
Pending...
Sent.
Delivered.
Thanks for reading! It's been a long time! Believe it or not, I've had this written out for over a year now, and I've had conflicting thoughts about whether or not I should post it. It's completely different to the rest of the series, but I thought it would make things more interesting.
I have Part II mostly written out, so that will be coming shortly - if anyone is interested !
Merry Christmas guys!