That's what friends are for?

Scenario:

Eric and Steve have been dating for almost 8 months. Eric has been away in the air force for the past 4. They let him out, and he was due back this week. Carl and Brent are best friends with Eric and Steve. Eric and Steve tell Carl and Brent that Eric is coming back in town on Thursday. Every person in the world, except Carl and Brent, knew Eric was coming back on Tuesday. Why weren't carl and Brent told this news? No one knows. it doesn't make any sense. The kicker of the story is this: Brent leaves town Friday. Brent came up with an idea that Eric and Steve should be notified that he was leaving today. Both were text messaged. Eric called back, still pretending he was in Texas in the Air Force. He made no effort whatsoever to come and wish Brent off, or even say goodbye. KNOWING he was here in Chicago. Steve never called or text messaged back. Gary, a friend in Kansas City, was kept up to par with everything that was going on. He thinks it's bullshit too. Gary knew Eric was back in town, and doesn't understand why Carl or Brent was notified. Brent is hell-bent on never talking to Eric or Steve again. Their friendship is over in his eyes.

Wow. It's wonderful when you find out how really valued you are to your friends.