A few minutes later, I join Henry and Chris at the pub. They're at the bar drinking two pints and hearing them laughing so loudly makes me realize it's not their first. They're not heavy drinkers but they do like their pints. There are many people tonight and it's hard to sneak up to the bar.

Henry is the oldest of the gang. He's 29. He's shorter than me (well, I'm very tall... 6'2'' to be precise). His red curly hair is very long and he attached them in a low ponytail. He has piercing green eyes. He has some Irish roots. He's engaged to Suzanna, a Spanish trader working at the City. They own a flat in that area, bigger than mine. They have two kids together. Two boys, Jake and Miller. I don't particularly like children but theirs are adorable. They even call me "Uncle Hero" which was weird at first.

Chris, on the other hand, is single. He's 25 and prefers hookups than relationships. He just wants to enjoy life and I can't blame him. His family migrated from Kenya thirty years ago. His curly black hair and blue eyes attract girl like butterflies  to light. I enjoy some aspects of both their lives. One day, I'd like to have someone to share the silliest things just to hear her laugh. But, right now I'm more like Chris : enjoying what life can offer me, from watching a football game with my mates to finding comfort in a lady's arms for the night.

I sit next to Henry. As I predicted, they already had more than one pint and they're talking about football. Henry is a Manchester United fan whereas Chris loves the Arsenal club. So it's always heated between them when talking about that sport. I'm more of a Arsenal guy myself but I'd rather not be a part of their debate.

When they notice my presence, they stop their discussion. Henry gives me a friendly pat on the back and greets me with a smile.

- Hey, man. Didn't think you'd show up tonight, he said.

- Well, I thought I could use a drink and I need your advice on something, I replied while doing a fistbump with Chris.

My friends frown. Usually, I'm quite secretive and I'm not the kind of person asking for help. I think it's the first time since I met them that I ask  something like that. They're surprised but urge me to go on with my request.

- Well, I just got a mail from this guy... Gibson something and... there was a script for a movie. I guess it's for a movie, I don't know but... maybe it's for TV... anyway, I was wondering if I should... I mean... this life is over for me and...

I'm very nervous and I don't understand why. The words hardly come out of my mouth. I'm babbling and nothing makes sense. Chris and Henry are staring at me.

- What do you want exactly, Hero ? Chris asked.

- I - I don't know what I'm supposed to do here, I sighed. If I go back to Hollywood, they would only see what I did and not who I am now. My life here is less complicated. And I don't need complicated.

- I guess you just answered your own question, Henry said while taking a sip of his beer.

- Yeah. I won't read it. It's gonna be a waste of time anyway, I added.

I'm trying to convince myself that it's the best thing to do. Chris and Henry shared a collusive look before refocusing attention on me.

- Maybe, you should read it, Chris spoke. And see what the man has to say. I think it's worth the shot.

I'm looking at my friends with perplexity. 

- Why ? Henry asked. I'm sure Hero here is perfectly happy with his lifestyle. He has a honest job and gets to hang out with his mates...

- I wouldn't say perf... I murmured, but Henry interrupts me.

- ... what more could he ask for ?

I know what they are doing. They're trying to make me feel bad about myself to read that bloody script.

I look at them, feeling offended.

- My life may not be what I wanted in the first place but it's not that bad, I defended myself.

- You know you're only punishing yourself by denying yourself the right to be happy. You know you like acting and the life that goes with it. I mean, if I were you, I would...

- But you're not ! I yelled. I came here because I thought you could help me. I don't need a lecture, especially from you two.

Chris and Henry frown again, but this time perplexity has given way to annoyance.

- Really ? And what do you mean by that ?

- I mean you don't know anything about my life and you're in no position to lecture me. Who the hell do you think you are ?

I'm outraged by Henry's behavior. He gets up to and I do the same. We are facing each other now.

- How dare you talk to me like that, you little spoiled brat ? You're blaming us because we just told you exactly what you wanted to hear but... you don't have the balls to make a decision.  You're just a scared little boy, Hero. You don't want to face the consequences of your actions. That's why you came back here. To hide.  And hide yourseld under those horrible long hair...

Chris tries to intervene.

- Come on, guys... he whispered while looking around us.

I realize people are staring at us. I'm very angry with Henry but I don't want to make a scene in front of everyone. I just stare at him furiously before snickering.

- Well, thank you for your help, I said with a voice full of irony.

I get out of the pub. The rain is pouring hard but I don't give a damn. I just wanna go home and forget everything that happened today...

******