The Value of a Number

Chapter 4 The Apology

Four was in shock. How could this be?! To change was one thing, but to let friends go because of you making the wrong decision? Ouch! Four looked at Flower with wide eyes.

"I don't want to lose friends. I just want to have friends.", Four said, sadly. "I know, but it is true. Instead of forcing people to be your friends, you must let them make that decision for themselves.", said Flower. "I should know because when I started to change and become good, many of the others refused to have anything to do with me. I wanted them to come back and I pleaded with them. But, at the same time, I knew that I had no choice or say in the matter. Especially, since I deliberately burned bridges.", she explained.

Four looked at her and sighed. "I guess you are right. I just don't want to have the pain of losing friends.", he said. Flower looked at him and gave a knowing look. "You are afraid of losing X as a friend, huh?", she asked.

It was true! Four was very afraid of losing X. After all, X was always Four's true and close friend. Even when the show split, X never voluntarily left him. He only left because Four made him go. But, he came back and was happy to be back. Since that day, Four made a vow to never let X go again.

But, now, that vow may be in danger of being broken, a fear that haunted Four more than he cared to admit. Even to himself.

"I don't want to lose X. He is my best friend. And I did apologize to everyone for my mistakes.", Four said.

"But, did you ever apologize to X, himself?", asked Flower.

Four was taken aback once again. "I don't know if I did.", he confessed.

Things were definitely not going the way Four wanted. But, Four knew that if he wanted to really be good, he would have to go and make things right and accept the results. Whatever would happen, he would have to let it happen.

"OK, thanks, Flower. I will go now, because there is something I have to do."

And with that Four had left. Flower watched as Four walked away, a forlorn look on her face appeared. "Good luck, Four.", she said, softly.

*****************

Four arrived at his and X's house. It was a small, yet cozy place to live. Four and X were roommates. But, they did not mind it. If anything, they liked living together in the same place.

Four arrived and looked around for X. "Buddy, I'm home.", he announced. "I am in the living room.", X replied, loudly. Four made his way to the living room and found X sitting on the couch watching TV.

"Hey, buddy, can I talk to you for a minute, I have something that I need to say.", Four asked. "Oh, yes, Four, of course.", X replied.

X turned down the TV and looked over to Four.

Four took a deep breath. He knew this was going to be hard and Four did not want to cry or even make a scene. But, he knew he had to get this done and make his feelings known.

"X, I just wanted to let you know that you are an amazing friend and I am so thankful that you always stuck by me even when I was nothing but horrible and mean to you." There was a pause. "I feel so guilty for how I have treated you and hurting you. Insulting you, screeching you, harming you, and even tearing off your leg!", Four mentioned.

Four had to pause. He was struggling not to cry or even go into hysterics. He took a deep breath before continuing.

"I guess what I am trying to say is..., I am sorry for everything. Thank you for being such a good friend."

There was long moment of silence. X looked at Four with a surprised yet touched look. Four looked away and wanted nothing more than just to run and never look back! Maybe he should have! Maybe he made a mistake, what if X hated him more?!

Four was about to get up and run, but suddenly, he was tackled into a great, big hug. A hug so tight and comforting, that Four was stunned but... happy and protected even.

"Oh, Four, thank you!!!!! I forgive you, Four!!! I forgive you!! You are an amazing friend!!!! I am so happy!!!! Thank you, Four!!!!", X said as happy tears and sobs flooded his face.

"Oh my, numbers, X!!!! I am so sorry, I did not mean to make you cry! I...", Four was suddenly cut off.

"Nooooooo!!!!!!! I am OK, don't worry. Oh, thank you, Four, thank you!", X said over and over as he tightened his hug around Four even more.

X wiped his face and nose on his sleeve, giving out loud sniffles as he broke away from the hug. Four awkwardly looked at X, wanting to help. Four saw a box of tissues on the table and pulled one out. "Here you go, buddy", said Four. X took it and blew his nose in a loud and sloppy manner. "Thank you, Four, I feel better now.", X replied as he threw the tissue away in the trash can. Four smiled and patted X's head.

"You are a good friend, Four. I forgive you!", said X.

"Thank you, X. Thank you for everything.", Four replied.

Four was so happy and relieved. He was making things right. And he was happy that he didn't lose his friend in the process.

His best friend.