AHall80: That’s good.

RubyMars: I thought so.

AHall80: Yeah

RubyMars: Have you heard anything else about Scotland or Florida?

AHall80: No

RubyMars: Are you sure you’re okay?

AHall80: I’m fine.

AHall80: I gotta go. I’ll write you soon.

RubyMars: Okay.

RubyMars: I’m here if you need to talk about anything.

AHall80: I know. Bye.

RubyMars: Bye, Ruron.

Chapter 12

May

May 16, 2009

AHall80: Hi

RubyMars: Hey.

AHall80: You good?

RubyMars: Yes. You?

AHall80: Yeah

AHall80: How’s the job hunt going?

RubyMars: Fine. I got more commission work.

AHall80: Ice-skating costumes?

RubyMars: Yes and some dog clothes.

RubyMars: Thank you for asking.

AHall80: What’s wrong?

RubyMars: Nothing.

AHall80: Something’s wrong. What is it?

RubyMars: Nothing.

RubyMars: Everything is fine.

AHall80: Ruby

RubyMars: Aaron.

AHall80: Ruby

RubyMars: Aaron.

RubyMars: I’m fine.

AHall80: I can tell something is wrong.

AHall80: You’re barely responding AHall80: And when you are it’s not like you

RubyMars: ….

AHall80: …

AHall80: What is it?

RubyMars: Nothing.

AHall80: Would you tell me?

RubyMars: I’m just trying not to say anything that’s going to piss you off.

AHall80: Piss me off?

RubyMars: Yes.

AHall80: What are you talking about?

RubyMars: You were being all weird on our last IMs and you didn’t write me back for almost two weeks. I e-mailed you twice and nothing. You were pissed off. I don’t have to see your face to know. You aren’t the only one who can tell when something is up.

AHall80: I wasn’t pissed RubyMars: You’re going to insist you weren’t pissed at something?

AHall80: ….

RubyMars: Was it something with your ex?

AHall80: No. Not at all.

RubyMars: …

RubyMars: Okay, fine.

RubyMars: If something was bothering you that has nothing to do with me, that’s okay. You can talk to me about it if you want to, you know. But you were being weird and you know it.

AHall80: I wasn’t being weird.

RubyMars: Whatever you say.

RubyMars: You only disappeared for two weeks for no reason. I watched the news. I know there wasn’t a reason for a blackout. I was worried something had happened to you.

RubyMars: We’re friends. You don’t owe me anything. All I wanted was to not do whatever it was that I said or did last time.

AHall80: You didn’t do anything, RC

RubyMars: ….

AHall80: Serious RubyMars: All right.

RubyMars: I missed talking to you.

RubyMars: That’s all.

AHall80: I was busy

RubyMars: Okay.

AHall80: I missed talking to you too, all right?

RubyMars: Okay.

AHall80: …

RubyMars: …

AHall80: I’m leaving pretty soon from the looks of it, but I’ll make sure to try and let you know before we ship out so you don’t worry.

RubyMars: Okay.

AHall80: …

RubyMars: Be safe.

Ahall80: You too. Bye, Rubes.

RubyMars: Bye.

May 21, 2009

AHall80: Hey

RubyMars: Hi.

AHall80: You still mad at me?

RubyMars: I was never mad at you.

AHall80: I was never mad at you either RubyMars: Okay.

AHall80: Serious RubyMars: Are you sure?

RubyMars: I know I’m always complaining about people being mean to me, but I can handle the truth.

AHall80: Yes I’m sure

RubyMars: Okay then.

AHall80: For real?

RubyMars: What?

AHall80: That’s all you need and you’re like “okay”?

RubyMars: ….

RubyMars: Yeah. Why wouldn’t I? You’re not lying to me, are you?

RubyMars: I already asked you a bunch of times if anything was wrong, you had your chance.

AHall80: No

RubyMars: Okay.

RubyMars: That’s what I figured. If you were upset about me doing something, I’d hope you would tell me. If there’s something you want to talk about, you can tell me anything too.

AHall80: Yeah

AHall80: I know

RubyMars: Then we’re good.

RubyMars: I didn’t mean to flip out on you last time. I’m sorry.

AHall80: You didn’t flip out

AHall80: Much

RubyMars: :) RubyMars: We’re all right then?

AHall80: Yeah

AHall80: I’ve had a lot on my mind lately. I didn’t mean to put anything on you. Sorry for scaring you. I hadn’t thought about it.

RubyMars: I get it. I’m sure you do. It’s okay.

RubyMars: How’s everything?

AHall80: Good. Ready to get the hell out of here

RubyMars: I bet.

AHall80: Hey, what’s happened with your sister?

RubyMars: Nothing at first, but her coach called my mom a few days ago and said that one of the younger skaters told her that they’d seen Jasmine at the rink busting her butt, trying to do some jumps before people started showing up. It’s too early to say victory, but I think it’s a good sign. Yesterday I heard her running on the treadmill in the garage.