Payback

"Chris," My mum said, seemingly out of nowhere, "It's been a while, hasn't it."

I turned to look, and while I likely should have been surprised or shocked, I really just felt like slinking away somewhere so I didn't have to deal with what was no doubt about to happen.

"Ah, Andrea, it's good to see you! I've been meaning to get in touch," the man said, smiling so wide his cool blue eyes crinkled at the corners.

"Oh, not a problem, not a problem at all," My mum said with an easy laugh, "I suppose these days everyone's busy, aren't they? Is your son around?"

Chris looked around, "He was thirsty, so I'm holding out space in the queue while he… Oh look, there he is now."

Chris was the father of Micheal… and with a drink in one hand, one of my biggest bullies had shown up out of nowhere.

He looked surprised for a moment, as if he hadn't expected me to show up at the market of all places, but that surprise gave way to a sly smile, "Hi Tristan."