"Alright Travis. I can do this…it's just a text…just a text."
Travis paced across his room, phone in hand, trying to prepare himself for texting Mary for her address. Chris sat on Travis's bed, sighing. "Dude, you're just texting a girl who is EXPECTING a text from you. You're not texting the President asking for permission to marry one of his daughters."
"It sure feels like it…I just don't know what to do here. I haven't really texted a girl I liked before."
"What about Laura? You texted her all the time."
"That's a different case. We were friends since childhood, so it was already natural to text her. It was…what happened later that changed that."
"Yeah, true. Anyways, you better hurry up and text her. If not, I'll have to take the phone from you and text her myself. 'This is Travis, requesting to know the address of the most beautiful woman in the world.' Yeah, that should work."
"You do that, I'll make sure to bury you deep in the forest so no one can find you."
"Then text her before you have to murder me."
Travis took a deep breath and tapped on the contact info. "Hello Mary, this is Travis. What's your address?"
Travis tapped on the screen, hitting the wrong letters constantly. Chris sighed. "I'm just glad you're not a part of the bomb squad. You would probably choose the wrong wire when you're like this."
"That's because I'm trying to text the girl I like, unlike Mr. Womanizer over there."
"Hey, I just consider myself tasting the many fine fish in the sea. When I find the perfect fish, I'll be sure to settle down. Until then, the sea has a lot more to offer me."
Travis shook his head. "Just wait. That fish might have already passed by because you've been too busy sampling."
Chris rolled his eyes. "Just finish your text lover boy."
Travis sighed and continued the text. After a minute, Travis lifted his arm, pressed send, and collapsed on the ground. "That was tougher than it looks."
Chris stood over him. "You seriously collapsed?"
"What can I say, it's just—"
*Bzz Bzz*
Travis raised his phone and saw it was from Mary. "948 Bridle Court. What time works for you?"
"Hey Chris…what time would work for me tomorrow?"
"What am I? Your secretary? Should I go make you a pot of coffee and get the financial reports done as well?"
Travis laughed. "I wouldn't mind some coffee…"
"…I demand to be paid for this…"
Travis smirked. "Not a chance." Looking at his phone, Travis typed, "Any time is good for me."
Sending the text, he looked at Chris. "So, what should we do today?"
"Well, there is a perfectly good game system sitting right there, calling our names."
*Bzz Bzz*
Travis looked at his phone. "How about noon then? You could eat lunch here before we study. My mom makes the best food."
"I guess I just got a free meal tomorrow too."
"Huh?"
"Mary wants me to come over and eat lunch with her before I tutor her."
Chris raised his eyebrows. "Oh?" Smiling wide, Chris leaned closer to Travis. "So, is it a date then?"
"N-no! Her mom will be there according to her. I'm just there to tutor her."
"You mean you won't try to have small talk with her? Just be all business the entire time you're there?"
"Um…"
"Exactly. Your first date!" Chris faked wiped away tears. "I always knew this day would come. My little Travis is finally growing up."
"Shut up."
Travis responded saying that was a good time. "So, want to get online then?"
"And crush some noobs? I'm all for it."
After a few matches, Chris and Travis walked down the stairs into the kitchen. Jennifer was already in the kitchen preparing a light snack. "So you two finally managed to drag yourself off your games?"
Travis sighed. "We've only played a couple of matches. Haven't played much today."
"Oh? Why's—"
*Bzz Bzz*
Travis pulled out his phone, smiled, and began to shoot off a response. Jennifer looked at Chris then back at Travis. "Well, Chris is here right in front of me, so there's no way it could be him. Mom?"
Travis rolled his eyes. "No, not Mom."
"Aunt Susan?"
"Nooo."
Jennifer scratched her head. "That can't be right. Unless…you're texting that Mary girl."
Travis rolled his eyes and shook his head. "No comment."
"So you ARE texting her huh? Maybe I should speak with her on Monday to let her know what you like and dislike. I gotta be a good future sister in law."
"Please don't." Travis opened the fridge, grabbed two cans of soda, and tossed one can to Chris. Grabbing a large bag of chips, Travis started leaving the kitchen. "Maybe I should tell Jerry about your crush on him."
Jennifer shook her head. "Just wait, your big sister has ways of finding things out."
"Torture has been outlawed you know…for quite a long time too."
"Like I need to resort to torture."
Travis sighed and walked out of the kitchen, Chris following right behind him.
Meanwhile, Mary had just finished unpacking. "There, everything is just the way I want it now."
*Bzz Bzz* Mary looked at her phone, smiled, and texted a reply. Grabbing two large boxes, she carried them downstairs and set them near the front door. Turning back, Mary entered the living room and sat down on the couch. Mary's mother exited her bedroom, carrying a small baby with her. "Ah, Mary, you finally escaped from your room."
Marry smiled. "Yeah, I managed to finish unpacking. I am officially all set."
The baby started making gurgly noises. "How has he been?"
"Good. He's been active today though."
Mary giggled. "He's just trying to get his exercise in. Oh, by the way, what are you making for lunch tomorrow?"
"Grilled cheese sandwiches and homemade soup. Why?"
"Would you be willing to make one more serving than usual?"
"Why? Bringing someone over?"
"Yeah. I need help in history, and Travis is good at history."
Mary's mom grinned. "Oh? So it's a guy? You wouldn't perhaps be interested in him."
Mary blushed and looked away. "What makes you think that?"
"Mother's intuition. I'm surprised though that you're already willing to let another guy in after that…"
"Mom, I'd rather not talk about it."
"Fair enough. I'll be sure to make another serving for this Travis."
"Thanks Mom!"
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