PROFESSIONAL FRIENDSHIPS

‘‘F--k my wallet isn’t in my bag!”

‘‘When was the last time you used it?” I respond.

“I must have left it in the bathroom in f---ing Cambridge.”

We had been driving all day, Wellington to Auckland. Hayley had driven the whole way, because I don’t know how to drive. I provided the games and entertainment, which I nailed. Turn each town name we drive through into a charming pun. Examples: Taupo: Too poor to stay here. Taihape: Ti’m happy about that. Cambridge: We Came, We Saw, We Bridged. They weren’t great.*

Hayley cancels all her cards. I’m impressed by her initiative, but still quite scared of her temper. I feebly respond, “I can buy you the McChicken if you like.” Then she brakes, punching the car’s steering wheel. The horn goes off at some passing youths, who get a fright. I’ve never seen a friend lose their shit like that. I’m speechless. “Sorry,” she replies. “I’m angry, but also would love a McChicken, thank you.”

We wait for our burgers in silence, reflecting on what we both exposed of ourselves in the car. I decide to make one last desperate attempt to find her wallet. Hayley enjoyed her McChicken.

I found it instantly, not really hiding under anything either, just sitting there in clear sight on the backseat. It’s like she never really looked for it.

That car punch was a defining moment for Hayley and me. We blossomed to a place I never thought I could get to with a friend, showing sides of ourselves we swore we would never show anyone. I could trust her with anything now. She has seen my fear, and I have seen her fury. I guess in the end we did came, we did saw and we did bridge … boy did we bridge.

*Nope, still quite bad.