I won't name any names, but here's the best way I can tell the tale without breaking any NDAs (ha).
There was a guy I knew from the sixth form college I went to. Not on a buddy basis. Just cordial and friendly with. We weren't in any classes together, but he was acquainted with some of the people I knew.
Also included in the story is a girl who was in one of my lessons. Just like with the lad I've already introduced, I would say we were 'okay' with each other but I wouldn't go so far as to say we were 'friends'.
However, I'd say this girl and myself became more friendly with each other a couple of years later because we ended up at the same university and on the same course. We'd travel to and from the campus by train every now and again.
At this point, the bloke from the sixth form hasn't been seen by yours truly since I left.
On one of our journeys home, my friend was talking about people we once knew from the sixth form. The guy's name was brought up and she didn't have anything nice to say about him. As I didn't know the bloke well enough, I just let her rant and add something along the lines of 'I don't know him that well' or whatever. I just didn't say anything negative or positive about him.
Anyway, our train reached its destination and we all stood up to get off. My friend and I turned around and realised the guy had been sitting in one of the seats immediately behind us.
He acknowledged us with a 'Hi'. He didn't let on he had heard what had been said about him, but he must have. There's no doubt in my mind he had. He has a distinct name as well.
I was in the clear, though. I hadn't said anything bad. My friend? Well - could you imagine the hole she must have felt she had fallen into?
I would love to go back in time and see our faces at the realisation. I repeat - what are the odds of that?!
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