April 2, 2009

AHall80: Hey

RubyMars: Hey yourself.

AHall80: How was your bday?

RubyMars: Great. Everyone came over and we went out to eat. The restaurant brought me out a slice of cake and sang happy birthday while I stared at each of my family members, cursing them out in my head for doing that to me.

AHall80: They do that to you every year?

RubyMars: No. They know I hate it, so they switch it up. I never know when they’ll do it and when they won’t, because if they always did, I’d stop going out to dinner on that day.

AHall80: Poor Ruby

RubyMars: Poor me. :)

RubyMars: It was a good day.

AHall80: Did you get any presents?

RubyMars: Yes. :) Let’s see, my mom and #4 got me clothes and a season 1 DVD of Buffy the Vampire Slayer with the cover signed. My dad sent me a gift certificate for an airline to buy a flight out to visit him. My oldest brother, Seb, gave me $50. Jonathan gave me $50 too and a gift card for makeup. His boyfriend gave me a really pretty scarf that I’m scared to wear because I’m pretty sure it cost two hundred dollars. Tali, my older sister, gave me $50 and a gift card to this fabric store, and my little sister gave me some really neat custom business cards. And my friends just gave me random things like bags of Fritos, some DVDs and gift cards. It was great.

AHall80: Happy to hear that

AHall80: Doing okay?

RubyMars: Yeah, I’m really good. You?

AHall80: Really good? What’d you do today?

AHall80: I’m all right.

RubyMars: I worked on a bunch of bandanas, almost finished up some details on my sister’s new dress. I’m going to kickboxing later. How was your day?

AHall80: Same old shit every day. :] The days feel even longer knowing I’m leaving soon.

AHall80: Is kickboxing a monthly membership?

RubyMars: I bet.

RubyMars: No. It was cheaper to buy a year pass for X amount of classes.

AHall80: You don’t care if I give some of the soldiers staying here the books you sent me? Not all of them, just some.

RubyMars: Of course not. They were a gift… and they were all used copies. Do whatever you want.

AHall80: That’s what I thought, just wanted to check. I need something to read on the flight back in case I don’t fall asleep.

RubyMars: I bet you’ll be asleep in the first twenty minutes.

AHall80: Not betting against you lol

RubyMars: Are you dead set on having pizza first thing you can when you get back?

AHall80: Pizza and a beer.

AHall80: A real beer.

RubyMars: I forgot they don’t have real beer over there… and you did mention having a beer before.

AHall80: Yeah. They have the nonalcoholic stuff, but no. Some guys get it when they’re desperate, but I’d rather not waste my money. That and cigarettes are what everybody starts missing the most over here.

RubyMars: You never told me, do you smoke?

AHall80: Nah

AHall80: Not really. Sometimes if I’m really stressed.

RubyMars: Have you smoked that cigar someone gave you?

AHall80: Not yet. Saving it for the day I leave

AHall80: What happened with that guy you went on a date with?

RubyMars: He’s been texting me. He asked when we could go out again.

AHall80: What did you say?

RubyMars: I said maybe soon. I like him, but… I don’t know. I feel like I should like him more. Our texts are still awkward, and I feel like maybe they shouldn’t be that way. I don’t know.

AHall80: Awkward how?

RubyMars: Like neither one of us knows what to talk to each other about.

AHall80: Oh

RubyMars: Is that normal?

AHall80: I guess.

AHall80: I only texted my girl if I had something to tell her.

RubyMars: That’s romantic.

AHall80: I know, that’s why I’m single.

RubyMars: I meant it as a joke, I’m sorry.

AHall80: I know you did. It’s fine.

AHall80: It is what it is.

RubyMars: :)

RubyMars: Anywho, I keep thinking if I’m not crazy about him by now, it’s a waste of both of our times. Do you know what I mean? My mom says she knew the same day she met my dad, she knew she was crazy about him.

RubyMars: Not that they stayed together, but you know what I mean.

RubyMars: She said the same thing about every man she’s been married to. You either hit it off or you don’t, even if it isn’t romantic.

RubyMars: I’ve hit it off with each of my best friends from the start.

AHall80: Huh

AHall80: I never thought about it like that. You got a point. I guess you should know there’s something special there.

RubyMars: My sister is telling me I’m making things up in my head and expecting too much.

AHall80: What does she think you’re expecting?

RubyMars: Someone perfect.

AHall80: That doesn’t exist.

RubyMars: I know it doesn’t. I’m not. I just figure I should feel something more than a little bit of weird friendship, but I just feel… I don’t know. Not enough. Like I don’t miss him if I don’t hear from him. I don’t go out of my way to text him. I don’t find myself telling him things. I don’t sit around thinking about him.

AHall80: I don’t think I’ve ever met anybody who I was crazy about first thing, Rube. Least not as more than a friend.

RubyMars: Never?

AHall80: Nah.

AHall80: But you should wait. I’m not saying it doesn’t happen, I just haven’t experienced it.

RubyMars: Maybe I should give him another shot.

AHall80: Or not

RubyMars: ….

RubyMars: You think I shouldn’t bother then?

AHall80: I’m thinking about it, and I think you got it right the first time. It’s basically wasting your time and their time if you aren’t interested like that. There has to be at least a little something there if you want it to last longer than a day.

AHall80: I wish I’d known that. It would’ve saved me a lot of crazy girlfriends.

RubyMars: Lessons with Ruby at 1 p.m. central time. Stay tuned.

AHall80: No

RubyMars: :)

AHall80: What happened with your dating profile?

RubyMars: I haven’t finished it yet. I keep putting it off and haven’t felt like doing it. I might get back to it soon. I have more important things to worry about than dating.

RubyMars: If you say something again about me going to church or volunteering at a dog shelter….

AHall80: I’m not.

RubyMars: You were thinking about it, weren’t you?

AHall80: Maybe :]

RubyMars: Are you going to join a church when you decide to start dating again?

AHall80: …

RubyMars: ….

AHall80: Bye

RubyMars: Lol, that’s what I thought.

AHall80: I’m going to volunteer at a shelter.

RubyMars: You’re a freaking liar.

AHall80: :]

AHall80: Nah, I’m good, for real. I’ve had enough drama and bullshit for the rest of my life.

RubyMars: You’re over your ex though, right?

AHall80: Yeah I haven’t thought about her since the last time I msged you about her.

AHall80: I gotta go. Message you soon?

RubyMars: That works for me. Be careful.

AHall80: You too. Bye, Ru

* * *

April 6, 2009

AHall80: Hey you

RubyMars: Hey stalker

RubyMars: How are you doing?

AHall80: All right. You?

RubyMars: Good. :)

AHall80: I started packing today. I wanted to figure out what else I’m going to leave here.

AHall80: It’s too soon, but it isn’t like I have anything better to do.

RubyMars: What are you considering?

AHall80: Some books, cards, my shower bag.

AHall80: My worst underwear

RubyMars: Would anyone want your old undies?

AHall80: Not willingly

RubyMars: Lol, did you take a lot with you?

AHall80: Yeah

AHall80: Learned my lesson the hard way that it’s better to have too many than not enough.

RubyMars: Might as well leave the ones with skid marks while you’re at it too.

AHall80: Skid marks??

RubyMars: Are you crying or am I the only one?

AHall80: You’re the only one.

AHall80: I can promise you there’s 0 skid marks on my underwear.

RubyMars: Zero, really?

AHall80: Maybe not 0… maybe 2.

RubyMars: That sounds more like it.

RubyMars: Lol

RubyMars: How did we even get to this point?

AHall80: You telling me about peeing in public

RubyMars: ….

AHall80: You talk about skid marks with all your friends?

RubyMars: Only with the ones I like the best. :)

AHall80: Lucky me. :]

AHall80: I had a few old whities that aren’t so white anymore.

RubyMars: They’re brown now?

AHall80: ….

AHall80: Yeah, but not for the reason you think. They’re dirty because I don’t get to shower every day. I know better than to buy white ones.

RubyMars: Eww. Yeah, leave those.

RubyMars: Do you have to do anything right before you leave?

AHall80: Nah, not usually. Our replacements will start showing up soon, and then it’ll just be us sitting around, waiting for our turn to fly out.

RubyMars: I want to ask how long your flight is, but maybe you can tell me afterward.

AHall80: Yeah. If I disappear randomly, it’s because I’m gone, but I’ll try to let you know so you aren’t expecting the worst.

RubyMars: You’ll let me know at least when you get back to base? Just so I know you’re okay?

RubyMars: You don’t have to or anything.

AHall80: Yeah, but we still have time till then

AHall80: I’ll tell you

RubyMars: What are you doing after you get there?

AHall80: I got about a week of reintegration before I get 30 days of leave. I left my truck with Max, so I’m going to fly to Louisiana, then go to Scotland for a week, then Florida another week and back home for a couple days before I drive back to base.

RubyMars: I’m so happy for you going to Scotland. I think you’re going to have a great time with your friends. I’ll live through you.

AHall80: :]

AHall80: We got the beach house situation sorted too.

RubyMars: Where are you staying? South Florida?

AHall80: Nah. We just want to fish and stuff. We’re staying at a place in this town called San Blas.

RubyMars: I’ve never heard of it.

AHall80: I’ve been there a few times

AHall80: I gotta go, but I’ll msg you soon.

RubyMars: Okay, bye!

* * *

April 9, 2009

AHall80: Hey

RubyMars: Hey. How are you?

AHall80: Just got an e-mail from my brother that’s stressing me out

RubyMars: Everything okay?

AHall80: Some asshole was picking on my sister and she hadn’t told anyone

RubyMars: Picking on her how?

AHall80: He works for my dad. From what my brother knew, he’d been coming on to my sister… touching her even though he knew she doesn’t like to be touched

AHall80: I’m shaking from how fucking pissed I am

AHall80: I’m all the way over here and I can’t do anything, you know

RubyMars: This is going to sound stupid and presumptuous, but I’m getting pissed off and she isn’t related to me. How did he find out?

AHall80: My dad was looking through security film after someone fell and saw it. He asked my sister about it and she admitted he’d been doing it for a while. It wasn’t anything… inappropriate because he’d be dead by now if that was the case, just her arms and shoulders, stuff like that. Not a big deal for most people, but it is for her. I’ve gotten two hugs from her her whole life. She doesn’t… know how to react to people… what to say, how to interact, so she gets pretty quiet and doesn’t make eye contact… that kind of thing.

AHall80: That’s my little sister, Ruby.

AHall80: I’m shaking

AHall80: I can barely type

RubyMars: If that was my little sister, I’d feel the same way.

RubyMars: What did your dad or brother do?

AHall80: He fired him, but that doesn’t change much. Everyone knows she’s autistic and this asshole took advantage of her.

AHall80: I’m sorry

RubyMars: For what?

RubyMars: What can I do?

RubyMars: I’ve been taking kickboxing for almost a year now. I know how to booby trap an airbag, you know.

RubyMars: You tell me and I’ll do it.

RubyMars: No one will ever know it was me.

RubyMars: Strangers on a train, Ruby and Aaron style.

RubyMars: Are you there?

AHall80: Yeah, I’m here

AHall80: Just busy

AHall80: Shaking my head

AHall80: How you can make me laugh even when I want to kill someone is beyond me

AHall80: Thank you

RubyMars: :) I wasn’t trying to make light of the situation, just offering up my limited skill set for revenge since it couldn’t come back to me.

AHall80: I know you weren’t, Rubes, but thank you

AHall80: For real

AHall80: “limited skill set”

RubyMars: :)

RubyMars: I stole part of it from a movie I watched a few months ago.

RubyMars: Joking aside, is there anything I can do? I really will booby trap an airbag. You can look up a video on how to do anything nowadays. I’ll do it for you. Because if that was Jazz, I’d kill someone.

AHall80: Thanks, but I already feel better. I don’t need you getting into trouble for me.

RubyMars: I wouldn’t get in trouble because no one would find out.

AHall80: ….

RubyMars: I really am sorry, stalker. Between my brothers, my sisters, and me, I’m confident we can do just about anything. You don’t mess with someone’s family. They’d help.

AHall80: :] I’ll tell you if I think of anything.

RubyMars: Don’t forget I took aikido for a while.

RubyMars: I said that to make you laugh.

AHall80: You did.

AHall80: I need to go, but I’ll msg you soon.

AHall80: Thanks, Rubes

RubyMars: You’re welcome.

RubyMars: You’re a good brother for being upset.

AHall80: I could be a better one.

AHall80: :] bye

RubyMars: Bye

April 11, 2009

AHall80: Hey

RubyMars: Hey.

AHall80: We had another blackout.

RubyMars: I figured. You okay?

AHall80: Tired and the days are too long

RubyMars: Just think, in four weeks you’ll be touring Scotland and it’s going to be great. In five weeks, you’ll be lying out on a beach somewhere.

AHall80: That’s why my days are seeming longer I bet

AHall80: I’m ready to get the hell out of here. I keep thinking about that. I try not to because you never know what’ll happen in an hour, but it’s the only thing getting me through the days.

RubyMars: I get it.

RubyMars: Want a distraction?

AHall80: Yes

RubyMars: I got asked out on a date.

AHall80: With the 21-year-old?

RubyMars: No, with my brother’s friend.

AHall80: ….

AHall80: The one who led you on?

RubyMars: No. Not that one. My marine brother’s friend. My brother suggested it.

AHall80: Your brother was okay with it?

RubyMars: Yeah. I’ve known that guy for a while. They were roommates before he moved in with his boyfriend. He’s nice.

AHall80: You said the other guy was nice

RubyMars: I think you’re nice, too.

AHall80: You know what I mean

RubyMars: I do. But this guy really is nice. Like you. He was always pretty sweet to me but never said or did anything about it. I was over at my brother’s place for his boyfriend’s birthday and that guy asked me out.

RubyMars: He’s really hot and that makes me nervous, but if I wait around to meet someone who doesn’t make me feel awkward, I’m going to be in adult diapers.

RubyMars: I don’t know why I told you he’s hot. I’m sorry. Like you care or want to hear that.

AHall80: You can tell me whatever

AHall80: Where’s he taking you?

RubyMars: I don’t know. He said he’d call me on Thursday so we can go out Friday.

AHall80: Why is he waiting to call you all week?

RubyMars: ….

RubyMars: He’s going on dates with other people, isn’t he?

AHall80: I don’t know, but…

RubyMars: It’s fine. I don’t have any expectations. It’s not like I’m in love with him or anything. I’m just trying to get out there and get some experience.

AHall80: I shouldn’t have said that, Ruby. I’m sorry. Maybe he’s busy.

RubyMars: Maybe.

AHall80: Look, I got to go, but I’m sorry for saying that.

RubyMars: You didn’t do anything. It’s okay. Be safe.

April 18, 2009

AHall80: Hey

RubyMars: Hey stalker.

AHall80: How was your date?

RubyMars: Awful.

AHall80: Awful how?

AHall80: Did he do something?

RubyMars: No. He brought up the other guy.

AHall80: The one who led you on?

RubyMars: Yes. We were in the middle of eating at this place that was way too fancy and made me uncomfortable when he said, “I was waiting to ask you out.” No biggie, right? I said, “Really?” He goes, “Yes. I wanted to give you some time to get over Hunter.”

RubyMars: I wanted to throw up, Aaron. I lost my appetite, and I don’t ever lose my appetite unless I’m dying from pneumonia.

AHall80: Hunter is the guy?

RubyMars: Yes.

AHall80: Shit

RubyMars: Yeah. My thoughts exactly.

RubyMars: Everyone knew! Everyone!

RubyMars: It was one thing to know my family was aware of it, but for my brother’s friends to know too… I’m such an idiot. I could tell he knew I wanted to throw up because he immediately started backpedaling. I told him it was fine, but I wasn’t fine. I was mad at myself.

RubyMars: I’m so stupid.

AHall80: You didn’t do anything wrong.

RubyMars: I did. I could’ve handled that different. I could’ve gotten over him years ago and moved on with my life, but no… not me.

RubyMars: I’m an idiot.

AHall80: You’re not an idiot

AHall80: Everyone has liked someone who didn’t like them back at some point, Ruby.

AHall80: You know that. Everybody.

RubyMars: But not for years like a complete moron.

RubyMars: I…

RubyMars: UGH

RubyMars: Here was this guy who liked me and I had no idea because I’d been goo goo gaa gaa for someone who wasn’t interested in me for half my life like a jackass.

AHall80: You’re not a jackass.

AHall80: You like this guy?

RubyMars: I wouldn’t say I “like” him. I’ve never really thought about it much. He’s nice and he’s not hard to look at.

RubyMars: I tried not to act different the rest of the date, but I know he could tell I was pissed off and embarrassed.

AHall80: You didn’t do anything wrong, remember that.

RubyMars: I’ll try…

RubyMars: Still. Did everyone in the entire world know I was hung up on him? I wanted to crawl into a hole of pathetic and never come out.

AHall80: You aren’t pathetic.

AHall80: You’re over him now and you can move on, right?

RubyMars: Right.

AHall80: Chill.

RubyMars: Easier said than done. I never really thought I was this prideful, but I guess I am.

AHall80: You’re good. It’s one guy.

AHall80: Relax

RubyMars: Fine.

AHall80: I thought your sister was the sore loser in the family?

RubyMars: Har har har

RubyMars: I don’t want to talk about it anymore.

RubyMars: Anyway, how are you?

AHall80: Fine

AHall80: I’m dropping it too

AHall80: The stress is high. Everyone’s itching to get out of here. Same old shit.

RubyMars: :)

RubyMars: That’s better than crazy stuff happening, right?

AHall80: Yes and no.

AHall80: I don’t need to be complaining.

RubyMars: I’ll change the subject.

RubyMars: Have you heard anything else about your sister and that piece of crap?

AHall80: My dad e-mailed me and said Paige is fine and acting more like herself than she had been. He said he hadn’t noticed she’d been acting strange until now that she’s not.

AHall80: Knowing my dad, he feels like he failed her, but he won’t say anything about it.

RubyMars: I’m sorry, Aaron.

RubyMars: If there’s something I can do or say, tell me.

AHall80: I will.

AHall80: Tell me something

AHall80: Anything

RubyMars: That’s not broad. :)

RubyMars: I gave my sister her dress.

AHall80: Send a picture.

AHall80: What’d she say or do?

RubyMars: I took it to her room when we were home alone and gave it to her. She stared at it for a long time, and I really thought she was going to cry, but then she hugged me and told me thank you.

RubyMars: Today I walked by her room and found her sitting on the edge of her bed, kind of staring off into space. Hopefully she’s thinking about going to skate, but who knows.

RubyMars: I’ll send you a picture right now. I think it’s my best one yet.

RubyMars: But…

RubyMars: I don’t know if she’ll actually fit into it if she tries putting it on. I used her measurements from when she was training regularly.

AHall80: Maybe it’ll motivate her to get back into it.

AHall80: Wow. I just opened the attachment. Did you do a rainbow pattern?

RubyMars: Yes :). I thought about doing more of a red theme, like a phoenix coming back from its ashes, but the rainbow just popped out at me. It’s not as depressing either. She lost, she didn’t die. I wanted it to look like she was rising up, or evolving. Like it’s more about living your life than death.

RubyMars: I don’t know if that makes sense, but… maybe I overthought it.

AHall80: I get it. A phoenix is more about the rebirth. You were thinking more of the life afterward.

RubyMars: Yes! Exactly!

AHall80: I can see the little wing-like things you did. Wow. Really, Ruby. Wow.

AHall80: If she doesn’t wear that, you should give it to someone who will. That doesn’t deserve to go into a closet.

RubyMars: Thank you.

AHall80: Have you heard from that guy?

RubyMars: Which one?

RubyMars: ^^ the first and only time I’ve ever sounded like a player.

AHall80: The younger one

RubyMars: He sent me a message a few weeks ago, but I’d already kind of snuck in that I didn’t want to waste his time anymore.

AHall80: Good girl

RubyMars: :)

AHall80: I need to go. I’ll msg you soon.

RubyMars: Okay. Bye bye. Be safe.

AHall80: You too, RC.

* * *

April 21, 2009

AHall80: Tell me something good that happened to you.

RubyMars: Hello to you.

RubyMars: I quit my job today.

AHall80: ….

AHall80: For real?

RubyMars: For real.

AHall80: What happened?

RubyMars: I snapped. I went into the shop to talk to my aunt about a change she wanted to make to a dress, and she started saying some really mean things to me…. I stood there wanting to cry. I didn’t, which I deserve an award for, but I wanted to. Then she said something about how she could find someone as good as me for less money and it got me thinking about you, and I just told her I quit.

AHall80: What did she say?

RubyMars: She said I was lucky I was related to her or she would’ve fired me a long time ago, how my work was substandard, that my family had babied me for too long, and that I wasn’t sixteen anymore and I needed to grow up… just a bunch of crap.

AHall80: ….

RubyMars: No one has ever talked to me like that before. It really hurt my feelings.

RubyMars: I probably sound like a baby saying that, but who cares. I don’t want to lie to you and make it seem like I laughed in her face or anything. I wish I would have.

AHall80: You don’t sound like a baby, Rubes. Your aunt sounds like a witch, and I don’t mean that with a W. She sounds like an unhappy person.

RubyMars: She is mean and unhappy. Her husband cheats on her all the time. I feel bad for her, but I don’t get why she takes it out on me and everyone else.

AHall80: Cheating on her or not, that pisses me off.

AHall80: A lot

AHall80: You quit for sure?

RubyMars: Yeah. My hands started getting sweaty and I wanted to throw up and my heart started beating really fast, but I quit. That’s how I told her, “I quit.”

RubyMars: Part of me regrets not making more of a spectacle of it. Like flicking her off or saying something really good like “You’ll never find someone better than me” or “You’ll regret this” or shoving a mannequin over when I walked out.

RubyMars: Oh well.

RubyMars: I’m trying to make a joke about this so I don’t throw up.

RubyMars: It’s not helping that much.

AHall80: Oh Ruby.

AHall80: I’m laughing at you and I feel for you at the same time.

AHall80: Don’t throw up.

RubyMars: I don’t have a job anymore, Aaron.

AHall80: You have a job. Your stuff you do on your own.

AHall80: You had to quit. You know that.

RubyMars: I know.

AHall80: You couldn’t work there forever. You didn’t even like making those dresses, did you?

RubyMars: No…

AHall80: And she paid you shitty, didn’t she?

RubyMars: Yes…

AHall80: Then what’s the problem?

RubyMars: I’m just scared. I’ve never not had a job, and now in less than two months, I’ve lost both of them.

RubyMars: I’m going to throw up. I really am.

AHall80: You’re not going to throw up.

AHall80: Breathe.

AHall80: You’ve got it. You’re going to be fine.

AHall80: I got to say I’m really damn proud of you for quitting.

RubyMars: :)

RubyMars: Now you make me want to cry in a different way.

RubyMars: Thank you for saying that.

AHall80: It isn’t like I’m not telling you the truth.

AHall80: I’m sure it’s scary as hell to quit.

RubyMars: It really is.

RubyMars: I think I might have to go break into #4’s liquor stash to calm down. My heart is still racing.

AHall80: ….

RubyMars: Not like that. It isn’t palpitations.

AHall80: You sure?

AHall80: Be serious.

RubyMars: I’m sure. I’m sorry for saying it like that. Don’t worry. I’m okay.

AHall80: ….

RubyMars: Really.

AHall80: I need to go, but I’m real proud of you, Ruby. Don’t be scared. You did the right thing. You’ll figure everything out. Maybe it’s time you focused on doing your own thing full time.

RubyMars: Maybe. :)

AHall80: Don’t go running out getting the first job that pops up either if you freak out more later.

RubyMars: It scares me how well you’ve gotten to know me.

AHall80: Heh

AHall80: I gotta go. You’ll be good.

AHall80: Talk soon. Bye.

RubyMars: Bye you.

April 23, 2009

AHall80: So?

RubyMars: You’re getting straight to the point lately.

RubyMars: I want to ask what, but I know what you’re asking already.

AHall80: ?

RubyMars: I haven’t gotten another job.

AHall80: Good.

RubyMars: :)

RubyMars: I told my mom what happened and she lost it. I haven’t seen her face get that red since she ripped her pants getting out of the car.

RubyMars: She grabbed the phone, ready to call my aunt and rip her one for the ages, but I stopped her. I told her to let it go and that I’d handled it. She looked so impressed. She hugged me.

AHall80: She should. I don’t know anybody that’s quit their job just like that.

RubyMars: ….

RubyMars: You haven’t?

AHall80: No. Who quits their job without having another one lined up?

RubyMars: You’re not joking.

AHall80: I’m not joking.

AHall80: :] You did the right thing.

RubyMars: I’m going to pretend you didn’t just tell me that, but thank you again.

RubyMars: All I knew was that I didn’t want to keep getting chewed out. I was tired of my stomach hurting every time she would call or text me.

AHall80: You’ve got this.

RubyMars: I’ve got this.

RubyMars: Maybe if I say it enough I’ll start believing it.

AHall80: Lol

AHall80: You’ve got this.

RubyMars: :)

RubyMars: How are things over there?

AHall80: Fine. We got Ax’s paperwork together. I already know who I’m leaving things with. My bag is packed. I’m ready to go.

RubyMars: I’m so happy for you.

AHall80: Me too. Ready to go to Scotland too. Max sent me some itinerary stuff through the mail I’ve been looking through.

RubyMars: What’s on the list?

AHall80: Edinburgh, some small towns, a castle, three days in Skye.

RubyMars: What’s Skye?

AHall80: An island. Look it up right now. They film movies there.

RubyMars: Okay hold on.

AHall80: Are you looking?

RubyMars: I shouldn’t have looked. I’m so jealous it’s a sin. Now I need to get a job so I can save money to go one day.

AHall80: I can find out if there’s room for you to come.

RubyMars: No money, remember?

RubyMars: :) Thanks anyway. I’ll make it someday.

AHall80: I’m sorry, Ruby.

RubyMars: For what? You deserve a vacation. I don’t want to take the excitement away from you.

AHall80: You’re not. I know you didn’t mean it that way.

AHall80: I just remembered you were supposed to go see your dad this month.

RubyMars: Something came up with his stepkids. The good thing is the gift card he gave me is enough to cover a round trip ticket, so I can go whenever. Maybe July.

RubyMars: It worked out anyway. I shouldn’t be spending that money right now.

RubyMars: My mom and #4 are going to Hawaii. Have you been there?

AHall80: Hawaii? No. Want to though.

AHall80: Can’t really handle the big tourist places anymore. Too many people, too much noise… nah.

RubyMars: I get it. My brother is the same way. There are a lot of places to go that aren’t theme parks and tourist traps.

AHall80: You’re right.

AHall80: I need to go, but I’ll msg you soon.

RubyMars: Okay. Be safe.

AHall80: You too. Bye, RC

April 25, 2009

AHall80: Hey Rubes

RubyMars: Hey.

RubyMars: Everything good?

AHall80: For the most part.

RubyMars: Bad day?

AHall80: It hasn’t been the best.

RubyMars: I’m sorry.

RubyMars: Anything I can do?

AHall80: Take my mind off it?

RubyMars: Okay.

RubyMars: Let me think. Nothing stupid has happened to me lately, or anyone I know…

AHall80: You were going to tell me about how your mom taught you how to ride a bike a long time ago.

RubyMars: I forgot about that! Okay. I’ll tell you.

RubyMars: It isn’t a long story.

RubyMars: It’s kind of stupid, actually. I don’t know why I was even going to tell you about it.

AHall80: Tell me anyway

RubyMars: You’re sure?

AHall80: Tell me.

RubyMars: Okay.

RubyMars: Remember how I told you she’s always talked a bunch of crap to us but won’t let other people do that? Keep that in mind.

RubyMars: I was probably like 6 and my dad had been on my case about taking my training wheels off for a long time (they were still together back then.) But my dad has always been the softie of the two, and every time he failed with me learning, when the bike would tip over or if I’d crash into something, etc., he would drop it and put the wheels back on. No biggie, right?

RubyMars: My mom finally got tired of me not learning and came outside one day after I’d fallen while I was telling my dad I didn’t want to try again… pretty sure I was crying. Anywho, she comes up to us, points at me, and says “Get on the bike. I’m going to teach you since somebody can’t.” So I get on the bike, because by that age, I already know not to mess around with my mom. She holds the back of the seat while I get on and gives me some instructions… the same thing my dad would say every time. Balance, keep your hands on the handles, that type of thing.

RubyMars: Before she starts walking the bike and me forward, she leans into my ear and says “If you don’t do this right the first time, Rubella, you’re on bathroom and kitchen cleanup for the next month, okay, honey? You can do it. I believe in you.”

RubyMars: Yeah, I learned how to ride that freaking bike that time LOL.

AHall80: That’s not at all what I thought was going to do down.

RubyMars: She did the same thing to Jazz when it was time. I heard her. You’ve never seen two little five-year-old’s legs pump pedals that fast in your life.

RubyMars: When it was time for me to learn how to drive, I begged my older sister to teach me instead of my mom because I was worried about what kind of threats she’d make me live with once she got tired of my BS.

AHall80: LOL

AHall80: My dad taught me how to drive

RubyMars: How’d that go?

AHall80: Fine. I’m a good driver.

RubyMars: That’s not cocky at all.

AHall80: I am. It’s the truth.

RubyMars: So modest. What kind of car did you learn on?

AHall80: His white sedan. He’s always had white cars. Says they don’t get as hot as black cars do.

RubyMars: My mom says the same thing!

AHall80: :]

AHall80: How old were you?

RubyMars: 17. I had to have a job first to pay my insurance. You?

AHall80: Got my permit at 15 and was driving at 16.

RubyMars: Show off.

AHall80: It seems like forever ago. Sometimes I can’t believe I’m going to be 30. I still think I’m 16 or 18 most of the time.

RubyMars: I know. I can’t believe I’ve been out of high school almost 7 years already. Like what have I done with my life since then? You know?

AHall80: Me too.

AHall80: I never knew what I was going to do, but it wasn’t being in the military.

AHall80: Still don’t know what I want to do.

RubyMars: You still have your whole life ahead of you. You can do whatever you want with it. You’re smart, responsible, and you have a good head on your shoulders.

AHall80: I don’t know about all that.

RubyMars: It’s true. I wouldn’t say that if it wasn’t.

RubyMars: I read somewhere you’re your happiest in your thirties anyway.

AHall80: For real?

RubyMars: Yeah, I guess by that point you know who you are better and have more of your life on track by then.

RubyMars: If that’s the case, I have six years to get my crap together, lol. I’m going to need every minute.

AHall80: You’ll figure it out.

RubyMars: Everything can always be worse. That’s what I tell myself when I’m not crying into a gallon of Blue Bell.

AHall80: What’s Blue Bell?

RubyMars: …

RubyMars: You’re joking.

AHall80: No what is it?

RubyMars: ….

AHall80: Yes, I’m joking. They have it in Louisiana.

RubyMars: Bless your heart, I was about to have to try and figure out how to freeze-dry ice cream to send it to you across the world.

AHall80: LOL

AHall80: You’re something else

RubyMars: :) I’ve been told I’m very loveable.

AHall80: Who said that? Your mom?

RubyMars: ……….

AHall80: ………

RubyMars: ……..

AHall80: :]

RubyMars: I take back that one time I called you nice.

AHall80: LOL

AHall80: I thought we were friends?

RubyMars: You’re basically my closest friend now.

RubyMars: I don’t know why I just told you that. No pressure. I don’t mean it to be weird. I have other friends too. It’s just different with you.

RubyMars: I like you more than just about everyone else I know. You get me.

RubyMars: I keep making it worse.

RubyMars: I’m going to stop typing now.

AHall80: I get what you mean. You’re pretty much my closest friend too

RubyMars: :)

AHall80: You can start typing again

RubyMars: I’m worried I’ll say something I’ll regret.

AHall80: Like what?

RubyMars: I don’t know. Something I’ll regret.

AHall80: Like?

RubyMars: I’m not digging this hole of shame any deeper, lol.

AHall80: You already dug one deep hole, what’s another one?

RubyMars: You stepped in human crap too!

AHall80: I was talking about the peeing in public, Ruby

RubyMars: Oh.

RubyMars: About that

RubyMars: Lol

AHall80: Yeah, about that

AHall80: :]

RubyMars: I’ll own it.

AHall80: I gotta go, but I’ll message you soon.

RubyMars: Okay, bye and be safe.

AHall80: You too

April 26, 2009

AHall80: Hey

RubyMars: Hey.

AHall80: Peanut butter or jelly?

RubyMars: Is this a trick question?

AHall80: No.

RubyMars: Jelly.

AHall80: Thank God

AHall80: Just listened to five people argue peanut butter over jelly for the last hour at dinner. I was too tired to tell them they were all out of their minds.

RubyMars: You’re Team Jelly too?

AHall80: All the way

RubyMars: Good. I wouldn’t have wanted to stop being your friend over something stupid like liking peanut butter more, but I would’ve looked back on our friendship fondly.

AHall80: Heh

AHall80: Aaron and Ruby RIP 2008-2009

RubyMars: There are tears in my eyes

RubyMars: “Ruron Forever”

AHall80: Ruron? Ruby+Aaron? That’s clever.

RubyMars: It’s our ship name

AHall80: Like a battleship?

RubyMars: You poor, sweet, innocent child

RubyMars: Ship. Shipping. I ship ______.

AHall80: I don’t know what you’re talking about

RubyMars: Today is the day our friendship dies.

RubyMars: You’ve never heard that term before?

AHall80: No

AHall80: For real.

AHall80: “Today is the day our friendship dies”

AHall80: Ruby….

RubyMars: I’ll forgive you then. I forget the dork doesn’t run strong in you.

RubyMars: Shipping is… “relationSHIP” like, liking two characters and thinking they should be in a relationship together in a fandom.

RubyMars: Do you know what a fandom is?

AHall80: I know what a fandom is.

RubyMars: Okay. You watched Buffy. Remember Angel? The vampire? Buffy + Angel = Bangel.

AHall80: Got it.

AHall80: I liked the other guy more

RubyMars: ……

RubyMars: Spike?

AHall80: Yeah

RubyMars: Marry me.

RubyMars: I think I might love you.

AHall80: Lol

AHall80: OK

RubyMars: I’m not even joking. Marry me. The offer stands.

RubyMars: Kidding, I am joking. :)

RubyMars: How much of the show did you watch…?

AHall80: ……

AHall80: 7 seasons?

RubyMars: There was only 7 seasons.

RubyMars: Aaron

RubyMars: That’s tears in my eyes twice today

AHall80: Max sent me tapes of every season about 4 or 5 years ago when I was deployed. He watched it too, but he’ll never admit it

RubyMars: I take back what I said. Today is the day our friendship turned into a forever thing lol

AHall80: :]

AHall80: Works for me

RubyMars: Good lol.

AHall80: I gotta go, but I’ll msg you soon, Ruron

RubyMars: Okay, bye, Ruron.

April 28, 2009

AHall80: You ever feel like beating the shit out of someone?

RubyMars: Hello to you

RubyMars: Only once or twice.

RubyMars: Why?

AHall80: Who?

AHall80: Just some new guy that’s driving me up the wall. He’s so damn naïve and stupid.

RubyMars: Who did I want to beat up?

RubyMars: I’m sorry. Did you get into a fight with him?

AHall80: Yeah

AHall80: I didn’t, but I wanted to. I know he’s a dumbass private who hasn’t seen or done anything before, and I know he doesn’t know anything… but it’s hard to keep my mouth closed when he’s rattling nonsense out of his mouth.

RubyMars: I wanted to beat up this girl in high school who used to talk about me behind my back. I also wanted to beat the crap out of the random stranger who hit my car in the parking lot a year ago. That’s all.

RubyMars: Those kind of people are the worst.

AHall80: Somebody bullied you in high school?

RubyMars: I wouldn’t call it bullying. All she ever did was make stupid comments under her breath when I could hear her. It only upset me the first ten times she did it.

AHall80: Did you do anything to make her stop?

RubyMars: No.

AHall80: …….

RubyMars: I told you it didn’t bother me so much. She was just a hateful person in general. No biggie. But for a while, I did want to kick her ass if I could have.

RubyMars: She had these giant boobs, and one time she must have bent over and the whole shebang came out of her bra because her nipple was really obviously out of her bra. You could see it. I saw it and didn’t tell her anything.

RubyMars: I also saw her boyfriend back then cheating on her when I went to the movies and never said anything either.

RubyMars: I feel guilty thinking about it now.

RubyMars: I’m stealing the conversation with my random crap. I’m sorry. Tell me about the idiot private.

AHall80: No, you’re not. I’m not even that pissed off about him anymore.

AHall80: Do you know what happened to her?

RubyMars: The mean girl?

AHall80: Yeah

RubyMars: No. Now I want to look her up, lol.

RubyMars: Have you ever beat up anyone?

AHall80: Beat up? No. Gotten into a fight? Yeah

RubyMars: Over what?

AHall80: Nothing. Just drunk and dumb in high school.

RubyMars: Lame. I wanted something juicy.

AHall80: Heh no. Nothing like that.

RubyMars: Not even over one of your million girlfriends?

AHall80: I didn’t have a million

AHall80: And hell no. Not ever over a girl.

RubyMars: Only 999,999 girlfriends

AHall80: …….

AHall80: Bye

RubyMars: :)

RubyMars: You’re still here.

AHall80: 20 something max. Most of them were girls I dated for a month.

RubyMars: Mister Commitment right here.

AHall80: …….

AHall80: Swear on my life, I’ve lost so much face with other soldiers since I started e-mailing and IMing you, I don’t know if I’ll ever recover it. People can’t take me seriously when I laugh out loud at you.

RubyMars: First world problems.

AHall80: Damn it, Ruby

RubyMars: Lol

RubyMars: I respect you, if that means anything.

RubyMars: Mostly.

AHall80: “Mostly”

AHall80: BYE

RubyMars: :) :) :)

AHall80: Moving on, you doing okay?

RubyMars: Yes. You?

AHall80: Yeah, I’m all right.

AHall80: I heard this joke that made me think of you

RubyMars: Share it.

AHall80: What do cows like to read?

RubyMars: There are already tears in my eyes

AHall80: Cattle logs

RubyMars: You are a treasure I will value every day for the rest of my life.

AHall80: :] I knew you’d like it. I had to tell you.

AHall80: I gotta go, but I’ll write you soon, RC

RubyMars: Bye, Ruron

RubyMars: Be safe.

April 30, 2009

AHall80: Hey

RubyMars: Hey you.

AHall80: What are you up to?

RubyMars: Nothing. On the couch, eating my troubles away while I watch TV.

AHall80: Want me to let you go?

RubyMars: No.

AHall80: What are you watching?

AHall80: Someone put on the first X-Men movie today and I thought of you

RubyMars: I feel so pleased with myself.

RubyMars: I’m watching a Project Runway marathon…

AHall80: What’s that?

RubyMars: A show about designers competing to kick off their careers.

AHall80: I should’ve known that. :]

RubyMars: I’m on my second cup of Ramen. I thought of you.

AHall80: LOL.

AHall80: It’s good. I don’t eat it when I’m not here, but I get used to it.

RubyMars: Guess what?

AHall80: What?

RubyMars: I went on another date yesterday.

AHall80: With?

RubyMars: My brother’s friend.

RubyMars: Not the one you don’t like, the one who didn’t lead me on.

AHall80: I thought he pissed you off?

RubyMars: He did, but he called and asked if I wanted to go to a special exhibit at the science museum. I was going to tell him no because of what happened last time, but not going because I was embarrassed about what happened... I figured you would tell me to go too.

AHall80: Yeah

RubyMars: So I went. It was nice.

AHall80: He didn’t try to come on to you?

RubyMars: He kissed me.

RubyMars: That was all. It was nice.

RubyMars: Are you there?

AHall80: Yeah

RubyMars: Everything okay?

AHall80: Yeah

AHall80: Are you going to see him again?

RubyMars: He invited me to go to the movies with him tomorrow. They have a morning showing at a theater that serves pancakes.

AHall80: You’re going to wake up early?

RubyMars: Yes. You’re not the first person to ask that. :)

AHall80: OK

RubyMars: I think it’ll be fun as long as I don’t fall asleep during the movie.

AHall80: Don’t do that.

RubyMars: I won’t. I hope.

RubyMars: He really is nice. He wouldn’t do anything to me.

AHall80: If you say so

RubyMars: I told you I’ve known him for years. He’s good people.

AHall80: OK

RubyMars: …

RubyMars: Are you okay?

AHall80: Yeah

RubyMars: Was today a bad day?

RubyMars: Want me to let you go?

AHall80: No.

AHall80: Nah, it’s ok

RubyMars: Okay.

RubyMars: Good.

RubyMars: I sold a bunch of bandanas to this dog groomer my sister knows through her job.

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.