The next message I click on is in the middle of the list, but the subject is intriguing.
Message received
Subject: Not a party
Not a party, but I found a two-for-one deal on a cookie decorating event in Liberty Station for December eighth. You in?
Mateo Reyes
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Laughing into my coffee, I roll my eyes playfully even thoughMateocan’t see it, then toggle to the next message.
Message received
Subject: Holiday SOS
Holly? It’s me, Axel. I’m being forced to attend my family's annual ugly sweater-themed pie baking competition and pre-Christmas dinner. Would you—and I ask this on my knees begging at your feet—please go shopping with me to find the ugliest matching sweaters we can find and go with me to what is sure to be the biggest shitshow that will haunt your holidays until the end of time?
What’s a guy gotta do for you to say yes?
I’ll grovel. I’m pretty good at it.
Signed,
Your favorite stranger ever, Axel Harris
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Axel seems fun, although I have to say, I’m not a fan of his name. That’s not really a prerequisite or anything, though. I’m just doing this to pass the time and not be alone for the entire holiday season. Taking another drink of my coffee, I’m about to go into the next message when a brand new one pops up, so I click it instead.
Message received
Subject: Quick question: Angel or Star
Which goes on top of the Christmas tree?
-Tristian
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There’s a little green dot by his profile picture, indicating that he’s still online. When I visit his profile, the image of a man in a backward hat wearing a huge smile on his face as he stands in front of a lake greets me. He’s cute in that All-American boy sort of way.
Going back to the message, I reply.
Subject: Quick question: Angel or Star
Angel.
-Holly
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Message received
Subject: Quick question: Angel or Star
Right answer. Next question.
