by Gary Hemming

Created on: August 27, 2007

Safe at Home

As he walked through the impassable sea of paparazzi, an unnoticeable smirk crossed his lips. The flash from the camera bulbs blinded and overwhelmed him like the unmerciful waves of a typhoon. Questions pelted him seemingly from out of nowhere, "What's this about? Can you shed some light on the current situation? ; Will this affect your status? ". Even with all the attention and people trying to grab a piece of him, A.J. just politely stepped through the crowd waving and occasionally shaking the hand of an acquaintance who acted as if they were long lost relatives.

After negotiating the shark infested hall, he knocked lightly on the door and it opened to reveal a salt and peppered haired man who was displaying a disappointed look on his aged face.

"You're late?!" declared the man trying to restrain a laugh behind his ever-growing smile.

"What can I say have you seen the traffic out there? "As he pointed to the never-ending hall of reporters, the door closed and the two men embraced in a hug and exchanged hellos.

"Good to see ya A.J. Long time no speak."

"Yeah how was the trip Teddy?"

"You know been in one private jet been in them all" responded Teddy. At that, they both busted out in laughter that seemed to last forever.

A.J. was torn at the sight of his old buddy. On the one hand, it was good to be in the company of a true friend but at the same time, his pal looked as if he hadn't slept in days. His clothes were wrinkled, there were bags under his eyes and the look on his face said, "At any moment I am gonna collapse".

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