Chapter 26- Old faces and new places

"It's been forever!" Tommy exclaimed with a grin, "How the heck did you even recognize me? It's nice to see ya Justin."

"Never forget a face." Justin said with a grin back, "What're you doing in this neck of the woods?"

"Oh… I just moved here." Tommy said, omitting the part about unwillingly moving out and all that.

"Oh cool. I live just around the corner, grabbing some milk and stuff." Justin said gesturing in the direction of where his house was.

"Ahh, I'm on the way to the shops to. No idea where they are but I was just exploring."

"Oh I'll show you. Exploring is definitely more fun with people you know. I can show you the local park and all that if you want?" Justin asked, wanting to make sure that that was okay.

"Oh um, maybe save the park for another day. I saw the corner store while I was walking along but you said there's an actual supermarket?" Tommy asked, kinda just wanting a little bit of a chill day.

"Oh that's cool. Yeah we have a kind of village complex with some shops, some fast food and of course Coles." Justin rambled as they walked, saying how they had a pharmacy and a doctor's clinic and stuff there, as well as a dentist.

Tommy listened to his childhood friend talk, still surprised that the other had recognized him after so long, considering that they'd met as toddlers and hadn't seen each other much since then.

"Oh hey, remember when you got put in timeout for ages and didn't crack, I remember thinking you were the coolest kid back then." Justin said with a chuckle as they reached the village.

"That was a wild time." Tommy said with a chuckle before asking, "Wanna get some food and hang out for a bit?"

"Sorry man but I do need to get home. My mum needs milk for my little sister." Justin admits with a frown, "Definitely another time though."

"That's all good. Thanks for your help. It was nice seeing you again." Tommy said with a smile before asking, "Hey we should keep in contact. Can I grab your number?"

Justin smiled, "Sure bro, I'll just put it in your phone if you want?" He said.

"Sounds good to me." Tommy said and pulled his phone out, opening a new contact and handing it to Justin.

Justin put his phone number in and then handed it back. "Okay. Text me. Gotta jet." Justin said before going to grab groceries.

"See ya." Tommy said with a smile and sat down to find his wallet and decide what he wanted. "I have enough for some basic toiletries and food for a few lunches and dinners then I can figure out what dad said about bank account and stuff." He mumbled to himself before going down to grab a few bits and pieces from the store. Once he was done scanning everything he pulled out his wallet and with the last of his pocket money paid for his food and stuff.

With a sigh he started to walk back to his apartment. Deciding to text Chuckie as he walked.

To Chuckie
Hey. Idk if Dil told you but… I have my own apartment now cause of mum.

Tommy walked past the corner store, liking that everything was quite central to his building. By the time he was back there he'd received another text from Chuckie.

From Chuckie
I'm so sorry your mum kicked you out, you're dad is amazing though. I'm just happy that you're all right.

Tommy smiled and opened the door, locking it behind him as he walked in, going to the kitchen and putting the shopping on the bench he smiled at the note and bank card his dad had left on the bench and chuckled, "Whoops. Forgot to come in here this morning." He mumbled as he opened the note.

Dearest Tommy,
Please take care of yourself, remember that you have so many people that love you.
Here's your bankcard, all set up and stuff. Pins on the paper underneath. Be responsible with this.
See you soon son.
Love dad.

Tommy smiled happily and put away the shopping while reading over the bank letter and then setting up the online banking app on his phone before replying to Chuckie.

To Chuckie
Thanks babe. I love you. You should come visit. Bring Dil? I want you two to be the first to see this place.

From Chukie
That sounds good Tommy, how does tonight sound? Dil's at the twins cause… your mum sent your dad over to get him, I'm sure you can guess her reasoning and Dil said that he wanted to hang out with them instead of heading home just yet. So I'll send him a text, apparently he's just hanging out with Lil cause Phil is still being an idiot.

To Chuckie
That sounds amazing. Thank you. Just let me know. I hope Dil is doing okay.