Live Alaska

3. Messages from the Stranger

Xyla

She had just sat down in her apartment with her noodles and vegetables when her phone chimed with an incoming message. Jenna had finally gone across the hall to her own apartment an hour ago after driving her insane with her excitement over her first date. It wasn’t that she wasn’t excited about it, but she couldn’t see how it would work. Thankfully, it was a Friday night, and she was ready to wrap herself up in a blanket with a good book.

She pulled her phone out of her pocket and glanced down, expecting to see another outfit idea from Jenna for a date that was not even arranged yet. But it was a message from the stranger, who didn’t even give her his name.

I found a hotel room! He added a picture of an expensive looking hotel room.

She wasn’t sure what to answer to that, so she sent a smiling emoji in reply when she remembered how adorably happy he was to get her number. She couldn’t just leave him hanging. Though she wasn’t sure what would happen when he had to go home eventually. She assumed he didn’t live close with him having to get a hotel room.

A moment later, another message came through while she was chewing on her mouth full of noodles.

I just realized I didn’t give you my name. I was so excited to get you to agree to a date. I’m Leeson Silvertip and that coffee and cookie was amazing. Thank you.

You’re welcome, and it’s nice to meet you. She typed back, at least she could type messages to him. That had to count for something.

So please tell me your interests so I can plan a first date that would make you agree to a second. His message came about half a minute later.

Wow, he was really open about his intentions. It was refreshing to see when everyone was playing mind games, from what she knew of her extensive knowledge of Jenna’s dating life, through which she lived vicariously.

I tend to do things that don’t take too much effort, since my lungs are not healthy. So movies, reading, small potted gardening. She decided to play open cards from the start, so he knew what he was getting into. A selective mute with breathing problems.

I’m sorry to hear about your lungs. I could always give you a piggyback ride if we go hiking.

You mean, just load me on your back like a backpack?

You’re certainly not much bigger than a backpack. He replied with a winking emoji.

He did not just make fun of her size!

Says the giant. She typed back with a little giggle.

I’ll be your giant.

Xyla felt her face flush with embarrassment. He was actually flirting with her! Most guys they met would rather choose Jenna when faced with them, and the rest would choose Jenna when they found out about her selective mutism. This was so new to her.

You should get a shower before you catch a cold. I bet you’re soaking to the skin.

Want to check? He asked with a winking emoji, and she felt her face flush again. Man, this guy was really laying it on thick.

If you send me a nude I’m saying good night. She warned, wondering if he’s one of those that would send nudes and expect them in return.

If you want nudes, you have to come and take them yourself, Sweetheart. We could make a whole night of it, pizza in bed, movies, nudes, making out…

Wow, he wasn’t wasting any time! So, she replied with just that.

Only for you, Xyla. I have a feeling you’re my date with destiny. The daisy cookie told me that.

Wow, this guy went straight from flirting to talk of destiny! She wasn’t sure what to make of him.

You flirt HARD. She sent in answer with a little giggle, wondering what he would answer in return.

Is it working? I’m not sure if I’m doing it right, I’m using this AI thing on my phone to help.

His answer had her burst out laughing. He really thought she would fall for that? But before she could answer, he sent her a picture; it was a screenshot of him asking how to flirt with a girl. Xyla couldn’t stop her blush and giggle.

He was so adorable, showing her that he was just as unsure of himself as she was. But then she had to tease him a little. What is your AI’s name? Maybe it should get the date since it’s doing all this work?

He sent her another picture of him telling the AI that he didn’t need anything else for the night, causing her to giggle again. He was so sweet she couldn’t believe that he really was single. There had to be something wrong with him.

I bet you’re married or something; you can’t be this handsome and sweet and still be single. She answered; the fact that she could talk so openly with him through messages and felt so comfortable doing it was new to her.

I am not married, and I am chronically single. I can be grouchy though. Usually this time of the year, actually. But when I commit, my partner is the only one that matters, no other will get close to me.

She wasn’t sure what to make of his statement about commitment. You don’t sound grouchy.

I can’t be with such amazing company.

Are you using AI to flirt again?

No, this is me telling you that I really enjoy talking to you. I’ve been standing half dressed in the bathroom because I don’t want to miss out on your message.

Awww! Why was she meeting such a cute guy when she had already got a death sentence from her doctor? It was just her luck that she would meet someone who seemed so sincere when it could never last.

Take a shower while I finish my instant noodles, and then we can both get comfortable?

You’re eating instant noodles?

Well, I’m not good at cooking for one.

I’d love to make you dinner sometime…would you be open to me cooking for you?

I’ll tell you after you shower and I finish my noodles.

Fine! She could actually hear the pout in that message, and she couldn’t help the small smile while she ate the rest of her dinner. She knew it wasn’t the healthiest dinner, but what was it going to do: kill her?

That thought sobered her; she would have to tell him the truth before he got too invested. She didn’t want to break his heart and he deserved a fair warning for what he was letting himself in for. She was just sad that he would probably disappear after her confession.

Who wanted doom and gloom before a first date? Especially with a girl with selective mutism. But she couldn’t be selfish; he deserved to know the whole truth; she wasn’t going to hurt such a sweet guy.

But at the same time, she was so excited to talk to him after dinner; she actually rushed through her meal and then washed her one dish and snuggled up in her blanket, waiting for his next message.