AHall80: Yeah
AHall80: Mostly AHall80: My first two tours, not really, but I’ve gotten better. When we get back, we have to go through reintegration and they take it seriously. We have to take a class on identifying signs of depression and PTSD. I’m lucky and haven’t had either happen yet. Worst thing for me is big crowds. I can’t handle them anymore. Loud noises don’t do me any good either.
RubyMars: Who really likes being squished in with a ton of people willingly anyway?
AHall80: :]
RubyMars: Are you doing anything tomorrow?
AHall80: My brother was asking if I wanted to go to NOLA with him for a couple days.
AHall80: It isn’t mardi gras, so I should be good to not step in any shit.
RubyMars: You think you’re so funny, don’t you?
AHall80: Are you laughing?
RubyMars: No
AHall80: Liar.
RubyMars: BYE
June 16th
2:21 p.m.
AHall80: Hey
RubyMars: Hey you
AHall80: Sorry I went MIA
RubyMars: It’s okay. I assumed you were busy.
AHall80: I went to Max’s parents’ lake house. Didn’t realize there was no service until I got there.
RubyMars: I thought you were going to go to New Orleans and not step in crap with your brother?
AHall80: I like my brother, but two days with him? Nah.
RubyMars: Did you have fun at the lake house at least?
AHall80: It was nice, quiet and there was AC. It was good.
RubyMars: It’s the little things in life. :) AHall80: Now I’m rushing to get my stuff together for my trip.
RubyMars: Did you end up buying boots?
AHall80: I did, so did Des. Max didn’t. Don’t know about everyone else.
RubyMars: ….
AHall80: I know. When he starts complaining, I get to say I told you so.
RubyMars: Lol. Yeah you do.
RubyMars: Hopefully the weather is great the entire time you’re there, but… :) AHall80: If I don’t talk to you before I leave in two days, I’ll e-mail you when I can.
RubyMars: Okay. Have fun!
RubyMars: Enjoy your vacation for the both of us.
AHall80: I will. :]
AHall80: Bye, RC.
12:33 a.m.
AHall80: Hey
RubyMars: Hey.
RubyMars: What are you doing awake?
AHall80: I’m pissed RubyMars: Want to talk about it?
AHall80: There’s nothing to talk about.
AHall80: I’m sorry AHall80: You didn’t do anything.
AHall80: Max’s sister broke her arm and her friend broke her leg.
RubyMars: Max’s sister’s friend…
AHall80: They were both going to Scotland with us as a graduation present.
RubyMars: When did it happen? We just talked like 6 hours ago.
AHall80: An hour after I messaged you.
RubyMars: Oh crap. Are they all right?
AHall80: They’re alive and fine besides the broken elbow and leg…
RubyMars: What happened?
AHall80: Someone T-boned them in a car wreck.
RubyMars: That’s terrible.
RubyMars: Wait
RubyMars: Does that mean they can’t go?
AHall80: Yeah
AHall80: That’s why I’m so….
AHall80: The friend can’t walk, and they said Max’s sister might need surgery. If she doesn’t go, Max won’t either.
AHall80: I know it’s selfish to be so mad about some girl breaking her leg and Max’s little sister, who I’ve known forever, getting hurt on accident, but I’m not happy.
RubyMars: Maybe it’s a little selfish but you’re entitled to feel that way. You deserve your vacation.
RubyMars: I’m sorry, Aaron. That really sucks.
RubyMars: Your other friends are still going with you, right? Either way, plenty of people travel alone. I have a friend my age who’s always going places by herself and she’s five foot four, maybe one forty, not a big, strapping soldier like you.
AHall80: :]
AHall80: I’ll msg you later. I got a pounding headache.
RubyMars: Okay. Hope you feel better. Sorry about everything.
1:45 a.m.
AHall80: I’m not really pissed RubyMars: Of course you’re not.
RubyMars: And you’re still awake.
AHall80: ….
AHall80: Can’t sleep.
AHall80: I’m disappointed. There’s worst shit in the world than not being able to go on vacation.
AHall80: You’d figure I’d be used to things not working out.
RubyMars: There’s nothing wrong with being disappointed. I’d be disappointed too.
RubyMars: I’d probably cry.
RubyMars: Okay, that last comment of yours makes me want to cry.
RubyMars: You can still go on vacation though, even if Max doesn’t.
AHall80: :]
AHall80: Don’t cry. I’m feeling sorry for myself and not handling this like I should. It’s a sorry-ass excuse, but I’m tired.
AHall80: What are you doing?
RubyMars: Watching TV
RubyMars: Eating donuts.
RubyMars: It’s been a long day.
AHall80: You too?
AHall80: Bad day?
RubyMars: No. Not really. I went to my brother’s place to pick up my mom’s carpet cleaner earlier for her and his best friend was there.
AHall80: The asshole you were hung up on?
RubyMars: That one. I hadn’t seen him in a while, and I guess you must have planted some bugs in my head because I saw him and just got pissed off.
AHall80: At him or yourself?
RubyMars: Both. Mostly him. It’s your fault. All I can think now is that he was the older one and he should’ve let me off the hook instead of letting me… forget it. It’s over. It’s stupid to be mad about it.
AHall80: No it’s not.
RubyMars: :) AHall80: It isn’t. He was a dick. You have a reason to be mad at him for leading you on. How much older is he?
RubyMars: 6 years RubyMars: He’s the same age as you I guess.
AHall80: Maybe, but I grew up by the time I was 22
AHall80: For the most part
AHall80: Did you say anything to him?
RubyMars: Only hi. I was too busy going back and forth between calling myself an idiot and calling him an idiot in my head, and trying to count all the things about him I don’t like.
AHall80: He’s got a lazy eye or something?
RubyMars: Lol, no. His clothes are too tight. There’s that.
AHall80: You don’t want to date anybody who wears clothes tighter than yours.
RubyMars: I know!
RubyMars: His hair is too long too. :) And he has crappy taste in movies.
AHall80: :]
RubyMars: I got out of there as quick as I could. My brother texted me while I was driving home asking what had been my deal. I told him I was fine, but I’m still a little mad just thinking about it all.
RubyMars: Now I’m really ready to move on with my life. I’ve wasted enough time being dumb over people who don’t deserve my time.
AHall80: That’s what I said.
RubyMars: …you also told me to go to church to find a boyfriend, lol.
AHall80: I don’t get what your deal with that is. It could work.
RubyMars: In your dreams.
RubyMars: Then there was you telling me to volunteer at a shelter.
AHall80: Heh
AHall80: Good thing you ignored me
RubyMars: You made me feel better, thank you.
AHall80: I owe you, stalker girl.
RubyMars: I’m keeping tabs, don’t worry.
RubyMars: We can be here for each other.
AHall80: :]
AHall80: Gotta go. Msg you soon.
12:02 p.m.
AHall80: You there?
RubyMars: Yeah, hey.
RubyMars: I just woke up a little while ago.
RubyMars: So…
AHall80: ?
RubyMars: Did you hear anything else about Max or his sister?
AHall80: No.
RubyMars: No you didn’t hear anything about either of them or no he isn’t going?
AHall80: No I haven’t heard anything about her or from him.
RubyMars: :( I’m sorry AHall80: Not your fault RubyMars: I told you, you can go by yourself if Des and the other guy flake. Scottish people are supposed to be really friendly. I’m sure Max wouldn’t want you to not go because he can’t.
AHall80: That’s what I heard.
AHall80: You’d be surprised. He’s petty.
RubyMars: Go anyway.
RubyMars: Have you gone to see your dad?
RubyMars: Why don’t you ask your brother or your sister to go? I’m not sure if that’s possible since it’s so last minute….
AHall80: I did go see them, but no. We don’t get along that well.
RubyMars: I see.
AHall80: It was good seeing them. I told them I’d come by again when I get back.
RubyMars: I’ve got my fingers crossed for you. You’ll figure something out.
AHall80: :]
AHall80: Msg you soon