Several months after the incident with the gangs, Alfred was driving back to his house from work. It was just after six in the afternoon when he pulled into his lot. He hopped out of his car, then looked at it sadly. The one earthly possession that he wanted to gain was a mint, black 1967 Chevy Impala, but he hadn't found one within his price range. He was willing to buy a slightly banged up one and fix it, but none had been put up to sell in recent years.

Alfred turned and walked up to his house, opening the mailbox and pulling out a small pile of envelopes. He went straight inside and sat at his kitchen table to look at them. He flicked through them with an inner monologue that sounded something like, "Bill...bill...Ian's check...bill...insurance check...Social Service's check...bill...oh, what's this?" He picked up the strange envelope and studied it.

It was a pale green envelope, addressed from an apartment complex in Britain. There was no name on the outside of the envelope, but he recognized it from the summers that those special envelopes had come to his house regularly every Wednesday as his best friend was on vacation. He tore into it, his heart beating fast with anticipation. Alfred's eyes slid down the letter to rest on those two words; Arthur Kirkland, that mattered to him so much more than he was willing to admit.

June 11

Dear Alfred,

I know it's been almost a year since we've spoken, and I'm sorry for that, but it was necessary. In this letter, I'll try to explain why I left, and why I'm writing now of all times.

I got a full scholarship to a university in Britain, and decided to take it. I never told you, but I've always dreamed of being a teacher, so this was my chance. If I had told you beforehand, you may have said something to discourage me from going, and all it would have taken was an, "I'll miss you." I was afraid that I didn't have the will power to leave you, my best friend, behind, so I didn't tell you. If I had contacted you at all this year, I probably would have left at the drop of a hat, so I didn't.

I'm so incredibly sorry for this. I must sound like I've giving you excuses, but I couldn't let myself throw my education away.

A few months ago, I met Yao by chance in a coffee shop. He told me everything that happened after I left. I made him promise not to tell you where I was, or that I met you, so don't blame him. It's bugged me for months, so I've decided to ask if I can stay with you, at home, this summer. It'd be nice to catch up and hang out again.

If you don't want to, or if you're still angry with me, call the number at the bottom. Please let me see you again, Alfy.

With Love,

Arthur Kirkland

Alfred's heart was racing with those feelings he'd tried to hard to suppress since he'd met the grumpy little Brit. He was nervous, but he picked up the phone and dialed the number quickly, his fingers shaking slightly. After a few rings, that familiar voice answered.

"'Ello?"

"Arthur?" He croaked.

"Yes, who is this?" His friend replied curiously.

"How could you forget my voice? I would've thought you'd remember my voice, Iggy, but apparently you're too busy to think about your old friend," Alfred teased, letting his excitement course through him.

"Oh my god! Alfred? Is that really you?" Arthur questioned, his voice sounding relieved and ecstatic.

"Of course man, didja really think I wouldn't call?"

"I thought you'd be very cross with me..." the British man choked out, tears were probably stinging his eyes.

"Why would I be? You're my best friend!"

"But I left without a word and betrayed you and the heroes and I-"

"If you'd said anything, I would've stopped you. I missed you a lot, but you were right not to contact me. Until now, that is. You've got to come home to visit!"

"I can come? Even after..."

"Don't start with that again. Of course you can! I missed you dude, and I wanna see you again."

"But-"

"How come you wanna back out now, huh? Do you not wanna see me?"

"I just can't believe you're forgiving me," Arthur said shakily, tears probably clouding his vision and drenching his cheeks.

"When's the next flight out?"

"Ummm...Three hours from now, looks like. But-"

"Take that! I'll meet you at the airport. Chill, dude, I want you here ASAP."

"O-okay then, Goodbye, you git."

"Great, seeya tonight!" Alfred said, hanging up.