RubyMars: It was like another person was using my mouth to talk to her, Aaron. I’ve never talked to my sister like that. I don’t think I’ve ever talked to anyone like that.

AHall80: For real?

RubyMars: For real. She got so pissed after the shock wore off. She said I don’t understand what she goes through and how her life isn’t as easy as everyone thinks it is. I don’t think her life is easy. I know how hard she works. So then we started arguing about that.

RubyMars: Then, I told her she needed to quit acting like a brat and either get back on the ice or not so Mom wouldn’t keep paying for her coach if she didn’t have to. I know I got to her because all she did was look at me and storm out.

RubyMars: I feel bad for saying all that, but not really.

RubyMars: My stomach hurt and I sweated a whole bunch the entire time. That was the meanest thing I’ve ever done.

AHall80: That wasn’t mean. That was tough love. She needed to hear it from somebody.

RubyMars: Thank you for telling me that. I still feel bad.

AHall80: Don’t.

AHall80: I’m proud of you. That took guts.

RubyMars: It did.

RubyMars: :) AHall80: When I first started getting promoted, it was hard for me to be tough on these guys that I’d known who weren’t moving up. I didn’t know how to treat them or act because I didn’t want to step on their toes. At the end of the day, you know you got to get things done even if you’re pissing somebody off. You just figure it out with time. Sometimes you have to stop and finally make your point… like you did with your aunt.

RubyMars: What you’re trying to say is that you’re bossy now?

AHall80: I’m used to people listening to me.

RubyMars: That sounds about right. :) AHall80: ….

RubyMars: Have you always been bossy?

AHall80: When I know what I want and think I can do it better than someone else.

RubyMars: I’ll take that as a yes.

RubyMars: I’m not. We balance each other out. It isn’t a bad thing.

AHall80: You’re bossy when you want to be.

RubyMars: Sometimes, but it’s rare.

AHall80: Sure

RubyMars: Like you said, when I know what I want.

AHall80: And in the middle of the night when you’re in a mood.

RubyMars: I don’t know what you’re talking about.

AHall80: Sure

RubyMars: ….

RubyMars: I’m logging off now.

AHall80: Lol

RubyMars: How was your day? What’d you do?

AHall80: Got picked up early for the tour. We stopped in a town called Dunkeld, I think it was called, stopped in an old pine forest, walked around a loch… that’s what they call a lake… with some old castle in the middle of it. Checked out Loch Ness, and we’re staying in this town called Ullapool for two nights.

RubyMars: You went to Loch Ness????

AHall80: Yeah, the water is so dark, it looks like coffee.

RubyMars: Jealous.

AHall80: You’d love it.

RubyMars: :) Now you have to live your life for me too, mister.

RubyMars: I wouldn’t be doing my own thing if it wasn’t for you, so I’m doing my part living my life for you too.

AHall80: :]

RubyMars: Thank you for being such a good friend to me.

AHall80: :]

RubyMars: You there?

AHall80: Yeah

AHall80: I’m taking pictures while I’m here. I’ll send them to you when I can.

RubyMars: Deal.

AHall80: Gonna hit the sack., We’re getting picked up at 8.

AHall80: Night, Ru.

RubyMars: Goodnight, have fun.

June 21st

2:57 p.m.

AHall80: Hey

RubyMars: Hey.

RubyMars: How was your day?

AHall80: All right. Saw some castle ruins and checked out a bay and a village.

RubyMars: Was it pretty?

AHall80: Yeah

AHall80: Just got back from dinner.

RubyMars: Was it good?

AHall80: Yeah, Des and Ian stayed at a pub by the hotel. I wasn’t in the mood to drink.

AHall80: I’d rather be in my room

RubyMars: Are you okay?

AHall80: Just got a lot on my mind lately.

RubyMars: You know you can always talk to me about anything.

AHall80: I know, Ru

AHall80: Being in the van all day here just gave me a lot of time to think about things AHall80: I’ll sort it out.

RubyMars: Yes you will.

RubyMars: Everything will work out.

AHall80: :]

AHall80: I’m going to hit the sack.

AHall80: Have a good rest of your day, Ruron.

RubyMars: Night, stalker.

June 23rd

12:11 p.m.

AHall80: Hey

RubyMars: Hi.

RubyMars: How’s the vacay going?

AHall80: :]

AHall80: Good

AHall80: The hotel we’re staying at doesn’t have Wi-Fi. We’re eating dinner right now

AHall80: This town is called Portree RubyMars: Eat your dinner then.

RubyMars: Wait, how are you messaging me?

AHall80: Eating as I type

AHall80: Borrowed Des phone. He’s using mine to call his girl. I got an international plan for calls before I left.

RubyMars: To call all your girlfriends while you’re over there?