Chapter Text
To: Mom
January 29, 09:18 PM
Sorry for leaving so fast after dinner…
I just didn’t want to argue anymore.
I am sorry too.
I am just a little worried about you.
Why?
Don’t take this the wrong way, honey.
But sometimes your dad and I feel like you don’t have a lot of friends to really talk to.
I have friends!
I talk to Hayden!
I know Hayden is your friend, but he is also your teammate. It could be difficult to really confide in him.
I have Rose!
Sweetie, she is your ex-girlfriend, not to mention a movie star who is halfway across the country all the time.
People can be friends with their ex-girlfriend, it doesn’t mean anything.
Okay, but would you consider it?
Actually, I wanted to talk about this at dinner, but I found something that you might be interested in.
What?
Well, I did some research on adults making new friends…
Mom.
I don’t need your help making friends.
Just hear me out?
Fine.
It’s a website and they have this buddy system. You sign up, and they pair you up with someone that’s a similar age, and you can just talk. It’s mutual benefit, you can support each other and build social connections. Seems very legit!
You need to sign up to make friends?
That sounds really embarrassing…
Well, the other person would have to sign up too, so it’s not like you would be the only one!
So, I get paired with another pathetic person with no friends.
Sounds awesome.
Don’t be so negative, Shane.
You could really benefit from talking to someone. You’re always so busy and I worry sometimes that you can’t talk to people about it.
I talk to you and dad!
Not about personal stuff you don’t.
Sorry…
It’s okay, we’re your parents, we don’t need to know everything that is going on in your personal life. But we just want you to be happy.
Fine. I’ll do it.
Great! Because I already signed you up.
Mom!
I will send you the details over later, but I am pretty sure they will contact you once they have found a match!
Can I still say no?
Too late!
Your dad and I love you and we will see you next weekend 💗
Yeah, love you too.
Seen
To: Buddy Networking System
January 31, 03:15 PM
Congratulations!
We have found you a match.
If you consent to sharing your contact information with the other individual, please respond ‘CONFIRM’ to this message. You will also receive the contact information of this individual in return.
CONFIRM
617-xxx-xxxx
Happy texting!
To: Unknown Number
January 31, 03:52 PM
Hello
04:07 PM
We got paired up I think?
05:11 PM
The buddy network website?
You are reading but not answering
February 1, 09:44 AM
Sorry
Must be wrong number
10:22 AM
You have the right number.
Sorry.
Hi.
You were not replying
Were you scared?
I am not scared.
I just didn’t know if I really wanted to do this.
Do what?
Talk to someone?
You signed up for the website, I am pretty sure
Actually, my mom signed me up.
Oh
This must be a wrong match
What?
I was supposed to match with someone my age, not 12 year old boy who listens to his mom
Fuck off.
At least I didn’t sign myself up, because I didn’t have any friends.
No, your mom signed you up because SHE thought you didn’t have any friends
Is maybe worse
If you’re always like this, I am starting to see why you don’t have any friends.
Ouch
You really hurt me
Oh
Sorry…
I guess that was a little mean.
Was joke
If you did not want this why did you text back
I don’t know.
You seemed pretty insistent, I guess.
Ah, my charming personality won you over
If you think six texts showed your personality, then sure.
Wow, you are really fun
Thank you?
Was also joke
If you are not 12 how old are you
25
Same as me
You are a man?
Yes
Really good match then
I am also a man
I think those were the basic requirements.
You are saying we are a match, because we have more in common?
Yes.
It would make no sense if you had to fill out an entire questionnaire, just for them to only use gender and age.
We should find out why we are a match then, yes?
Sure.
You are very enthusiastic
Not really.
Okay
If you don’t want to do this you can say it
I will leave you alone
Fine.
I don’t want to do this.
02:23 PM
Sorry.
I was an asshole before.
I guess it was because I realized my mom was right and I really don’t have that many friends?
So, if you still want to do this I will try.
If you don’t that is also okay.
I would understand if you didn’t want to text me back anymore?
Maybe you could ask them to pair you up with someone else?
I don’t know if it works that way, but you could try.
Also, I don’t even know your name.
Which makes sense, because we are strangers.
And now I am texting you this much and you are not responding…
Just forget it.
Sorry again.
Calm down
You are having panic attack
It is okay
I will still talk to you
You will?
Yes
Only I can not tell you my name
Because I am a very famous person
But you can put me in your phone as Lily
Oh.
Then you can put me in your phone as Jane.
I am also a high-profile person.
See?
This is why we are a match maybe
Maybe.
It is very nice to meet you, Jane
Nice to meet you too, Lily.
Can I ask what made you sign up?
A friend
She told me I should talk to someone, but I didn’t want to talk to therapist
That makes sense.
Is she your girlfriend?
Ah, no
No girlfriend
Me neither.
I had a girlfriend, but we broke up a month or so ago.
Sorry.
You didn’t ask.
No is okay
Good to know
Why did you break up?
Just not compatible, I guess?
You guess
Yeah.
Can we talk about something else?
Yes
Do you have a job?
Oh.
I can’t really talk about that either.
Being high-profile and everything.
You think you are so famous I will immediately know who you are?
Kind of?
Arrogant
I’m not arrogant.
Hmm
What do you do?
Can’t tell you
I am also too famous
This will get us nowhere.
I will tell you this
I am an athlete
The best in my sport
Oh, cool!
I am an athlete too.
Also one of the best.
One of the best?
Or the best?
There are some other good athletes as well!
I don’t want to say that I am the best.
But you think you are
I try to be.
Humble
I thought I was arrogant?
I was wrong
I have the feeling you don’t say that often.
Took a screenshot of that just to be safe. 😊
You have jokes now!
Very funny, ‘Jane’
Thank you, ‘Lily’.
Shit, I have to go.
Talk to you later?
If you will answer my texts this time
Then yes
Fuck you.
If you want to be friends, maybe you should be nicer to me
It would help if you weren't an asshole to me first.
Oh, is my fault now?
Yes.
I will respond to your texts, don’t worry.
Okay
I really have to go.
Duty calls!
Bye
To: Lily
February 2, 07:00 AM
Good morning!
Are you free to talk?
08:14 AM
I am assuming you like to sleep in?
Maybe we can talk later?
09:20 AM
Good morning
Why are you up so early?
Hi!
I was not up early, maybe you are just late.
What are you talking about Jane
It is 9 in the morning
This is still early
No, it’s not?
I have been awake for more than four hours.
That can not be true
Since 5?
Yeah!
I like to set my alarm early, so I can go for a run in the morning.
You know, before I have to go to work.
But you are an athlete?
You will workout at work too?
Yeah, but that is a different kind of workout.
You understand, you are an athlete too.
Eh no, I do not understand this
I do not go for a run in the morning when I will also run at work later
Are you a track athlete?
Wait sorry, I shouldn’t ask.
No you should not
But I am not track athlete
Oh okay, I just assumed since you said you would run at work…
You know, never mind.
Are you doing anything today?
Yes
I have practice later
But right now I am tired because I just got out of bed and now I am texting a man who likes to torture himself and set his alarm at 5 in the morning
I did not wake you up, did I?
I’m sorry if I did…
Do not worry
You did not wake me up
And you do not need to say sorry
I like texting you
You do?
Yes
Is what this is for, yes?
Yeah.
I thought maybe you would get sick of me.
Not yet
I will let you know if it happens
You’re an asshole.
And you are also still talking to me
Yeah.
Maybe I was lonelier than I thought?
Yes
Me too
Do you want to talk about that?
Maybe later
Oh.
I need to get ready for work
I have a long day
But we can talk tonight
Okay?
Yes, okay.
I will text you then?
Or I will text you
We will see
Good luck at work today
You too!
08:17 PM
Done with work yet?
08:35 PM
Did you change your mind about talking tonight?
08:48 PM
It’s okay if you did.
Stop worrying so much
I just got off work and I needed to shower
Now I can talk
Sorry, I guess I am a little unsure sometimes.
You do not need to say sorry
If I say I can talk tonight, I will talk tonight, okay?
Okay.
Good
Did you have fun today?
It’s work.
Work can be fun, no?
Sometimes.
I like it, otherwise I wouldn’t be doing it of course.
But sometimes I just feel a little out of place.
That is why you get lonely?
I think so.
What about you?
Why do you get lonely?
I am not from here
Sometimes I do not get the people here
I kind of gathered that.
That you’re not from here I mean.
Where are you from?
Russia
I have one friend from Russia
She is my best friend
Is she the one that said you should do this buddy system?
Yes
I have more friends
But they are more…
Superficial?
Yes
Exactly
I can see how that can get lonely.
It might be a bit the same for me, a lot of my work friends are not really my friends outside of work.
I have one friend I don’t know from work, but she is also my ex-girlfriend.
You are friends with your ex?
It’s not that weird.
I did not say it was weird
Me and my best friend also used to fuck sometimes
*My best friend and I
You don’t do that anymore?
Oh, you are grammar police now
And no
Why not?
We are better as friends
Was not romantic
That was the same with my ex-girlfriend and me.
Another thing in common
Seems like they got the match right, huh?
Very right
Next thing you are going to tell me you also like smoking
What?
Ew, I don’t.
Ah, so not a really good match
You do smoke?
You shouldn’t! You’re an athlete!
Maybe for my sport it doesn’t matter
I’m pretty sure it does.
Maybe I am a professional smoker
That is not a thing.
Oh, it is not?
Fuck off.
To think we were having such a good conversation before.
That was a good conversation for you?
Yes?
It wasn’t for you?
Sorry.
No, it was
Should not have said that
Sorry
If I can’t say sorry, you can’t either.
But you say sorry about things you should not be sorry for
I say something rude, I can say sorry
Fine.
I think it is because I am Russian
Sometimes in English I can sound rude
So, it’s your lack of grammar that makes you an asshole?
Exactly!
Wow, that’s bullshit.
Oh, you know how it is to be Russian now?
No.
But I speak another language and I can manage to not be an asshole in that one.
Prove it
What?
Say something in the other language
I can’t speak over text.
How do you know I will not just use Google Translate?
You are a good boy
You won’t use that
Va te faire foutre.
See, you are also an asshole in your second language!
You tricked me into that.
I said prove you are NOT an asshole
How did I trick you?
Shut up.
You know I am right
You’re not.
Okay
Do you have plans for tonight?
What?
It’s 10 PM, what plans would I have?
You are not going out with friends?
I have work tomorrow.
You can still go out
I am going to sleep.
So early?
Boring
It’s not boring to not have a hangover at work.
Are you going out?
Hmm maybe
Maybe I will just watch a movie
What kind of movies do you like?
Action movies
Sometimes romantic movies
Really?
Yes really
You do not like them?
Not really I guess.
Oh, I see
You hate love
What?
I do not hate love!
I just don’t watch a lot of movies!
Okay
I’m not lying.
I did not say you were
I do not hate love.
I believe you
It doesn’t feel like you do.
You can go to sleep and I will watch a very romantic movie
Movie you would not understand
Because you hate love
I do not!
😂
You’re an asshole.
You are too easy to rile up
Enjoy your movie.
Goodnight.
Goodnight Jane 😘
To: Lily
February 3, 11:13 AM
It’s almost noon!
Still morning
No goodmorning for me?
Goodmorning.
Thank you, Jane
How was your movie?
Eh, boring
Like texting you
Wow, thanks.
You are welcome
What are you doing today?
11:21 AM
Jane
Sorry, I thought texting me was boring.
Was a joke
Fine.
I have work today, but tonight I’m free.
Doing anything fun?
Sometimes the guys want to go out, but I don’t really drink and it’s not as fun when you’re around drunk guys sober.
You do not drink?
I don’t like it much. And it messes with my diet, so…
Why do you need a diet
I’m an athlete.
You don’t have a diet?
Do not need it
Does not matter what I eat when I workout so much
Must be nice.
I like to use food to get in optimal shape, I want to be the best I can, you know?
I understand
You do? Most people just make fun of me for my diet.
I will still make fun of you
But I also get it
Thank you?
Sometimes it’s hard to keep going, there are so many carbs in everything.
You do not eat carbs?
I take it back
I do not understand
Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it!
And I eat some carbs.
I will never try it
Try my diet sometime, see how much better you’ll get.
I do not need to get better
I am already the best
Who’s arrogant now?
Is not arrogance
Just facts
Sure.
Are you doing anything today?
Going out with a friend for dinner
Maybe drinks after
Fun!
She would like you I think
Is this the friend you’ve talked about before?
Yes
Cool.
Have fun!
I will
06:54 PM
Thinking of you when I eat this salad
Fuck off.
And there is barely anything there, it’s mostly just greasy stuff.
Yes
Thank god
You should really keep track of what you put into your body.
Okay mom
Ew.
Don’t call me your mom.
I’m just saying, you’re an athlete, you should watch what you eat.
It is one burger
For now, but if you keep going like this…
It is the weekend!
Not yet, it’s Friday.
I am never texting you about food again
This would be much better.
That is your food?
Looks boring
It’s really good actually!
Sure
It really is.
I will eat extra greasy food for you
Please don’t.
Already am
Don’t blame me when you’re too fat to even run anymore.
Easy
I do not run
How are you an athlete?
Talent
Sure.
Enjoy your night.
I will be going to bed early.
Boring
Responsible*
Okay
We will drink for you
I feel like you just want an excuse to drink and eat more.
Ding ding
Jane has figured it out!!
Fuck you.
😘
February 4, 08:21 AM
Goodmorning!
Had a fun night?
11:30 AM
I’m guessing you had a long night?
I already went for a run, made breakfast, read a book, called my parents, and now I am making lunch.
There are so many things you can do in the morning if you get up on time!
You should really consider that.
13:07 PM
Ugh
Stop waking me up with your cheery voice
You can’t even hear me.
I know you are cheery
Are you hungover?
No
Are you lying?
Yes
I can send you a smoothie recipe if you want? It’s supposed to help with hangovers.
I am not making a smoothie
I am in bed
Still? If you’re not careful, you’ll get a really messed up sleep schedule.
Oh really
Yes. I can send you some articles about it if you’re interested?
Not now
Yeah, okay, maybe later?
Maybe
Is that code for ‘no’?
Yes
Oh.
Sorry, am I annoying you?
People have told me I can be a little overbearing sometimes.
Who told you this?
Just people. It doesn’t matter.
No
Okay.
I mean no
You are not overbearing
Oh.
You think it is annoying to care about people?
To care about what they do to their bodies?
If you put it like that, I guess not?
Good
You can tell me every day if you want to
I do not mind
Really?
Then maybe I will send you those articles after all.
You could really benefit from talking a look at those!
Okay
You can send them
Awesome!
I’ll do more research and then get back to you?
You do not need to spend your time doing research for me
I don’t mind, I like learning more about these kinds of things.
Of course you do
Is that bad?
No
Not bad at all
Okay?
You should eat some eggs, that is supposed to help with a hangover too. I’ll send you everything later!
Eggs
Okay
03:14 PM
Check out this Google Drive
This has everything I have so far!
This is many articles
I told you I had multiple?
Is it too much?
No
Thank you
You’re welcome!
Seen
To: Lily
February 5, 02:55 PM
The goodest girl 😍😍
04:13 PM
Is that your dog?
Sorry for replying so late, I was with my parents.
No
I volunteer at the shelter sometimes
Oh. She’s cute though!
Very cute
You like dogs?
Yes
More than people sometimes
I get that.
You do?
Yeah, people can be difficult.
Dogs are simple
Why have you not adopted her from the shelter?
Not enough time
I travel a lot
Would not want her to be alone all the time
Oh.
That sucks.
Yes
When I am older I will adopt a dog
Aren’t you already 25?
Are you saying I am old?
What? No!
I am 25, why would I say that about myself?
When is your birthday
May 10th, yours?
June 15
You are very old
Only two months older than you?
Yes
Like I said
Very old
Asshole.
I do not want to leave
You’re still there?
Yes
Wow, you really like dogs, huh?
I do not ever want to leave
I feel so sad leaving them behind
I'm sure they’re grateful you came.
I bet they had fun!
We did have fun
Thank you
Do you go to the shelter a lot?
Whenever I can
On Sundays
I do not have a lot of free time unfortunately
Oh, I’m sorry.
At least you get to go sometimes, right?
Dogs appreciate that.
Oh how do you know?
Are you a dog?
Fuck you, you know what I mean.
Yes
They are always very happy to see me
Now I’m getting kind of jealous, the dogs look really cute…
I don’t actually want a pet, the hair would get everywhere, but…
You could volunteer at a shelter
Take dogs with you on your run
Maybe not early morning run
Oh.
I mostly go on runs in the morning.
But I’ll think about it.
You will love it
To: Lily
February 7, 07:30 AM
Goodmorning
Goodmorning!
What are you doing up so early?
I read your articles
Wait, really?
I didn’t think you’d actually do that!
Yes
Was very boring
Almost fell asleep
Better read them again before bed, haha.
Hmm
Maybe I will
So what are you going to do with your very long day?
Watch a game with friends I think
What kind of game?
Hockey
You like to watch hockey?
Sometimes, yes
Me too.
What is your favorite team?
Probably Boston
Are you serious?
Yes
Why?
I am a Montreal fan.
Okay
Bye
I have to support the team from my city!
Yes
Same
You live in Boston?
I didn’t know this buddy thing was international. I thought it was only Canada?
No not international
North America I think
I guess that makes sense.
I can't believe you support Boston though.
I can not believe you support bad team like Montreal
Fuck you, they’re doing pretty good.
In your dreams maybe
Boston lost their last two games!
Yes and Montreal will lose their next two games
What is your point?
You know what, I am not discussing this with you.
Fine
What are you going to do today?
I have a day off, so I don’t know yet.
I can get a bit restless when I have nothing to do.
Do you not have hobbies
I have hobbies!
Like what
I read.
What kind of books
…For work.
You need to find something else to do
Like what?
You want me to tell you what to do?
Yes.
You like to be told what to do? 😉
Shut up.
I don’t think is what you want
I’m not talking to you anymore.
I thought these ‘buddies’ were supposed to be nice.
Maybe I will ask for someone else.
I do not think you will
You know nothing.
Okay
Have a fun boring day 😘🥰
To: Lily
February 8, 04:29 PM
I am bored
Okay?
You can entertain me
I don’t know what you want me to do?
Tell me more about your diet
Very sad
No good food
Ha. Ha. Very funny.
And it’s not sad, it’s healthy.
Whatever you say
Okay, bye.
Wait staayy
Only if you stop being an asshole.
😥
Sorry
I will behave
Good.
Tell me funny fact about you
It’s fun fact.
Yes that
Tell me
Ehm, I don’t really know.
You go first?
Okay
I once fought a bear when I was in Russia
No way.
Is truth
You can't fight a bear and still be alive afterwards!
I can
Your turn
I don’t believe you.
But fine.
I’m part Asian.
???
What?
This is not fun fact
Is just fact
A fact you didn’t know yet!
I think you can do better
Like
I once had sex with twins
At the same time??
Yes?
That’s gross.
Is fun
It’s weird.
Do not worry, they did not do anything with each other
Only with me
It’s still weird.
Pfff
Whatever
You go
I don’t think you and I have the same idea of what a fun fact is.
Does not matter
Okay.
One time I did an underwear shoot and the photographer forgot to take photos, because he was ‘too distracted by how hot I was’.
You do underwear shoots?
Yes?
I told you I was a high-profile athlete.
Kind of comes with the job 😊
Fuck
Really?
You don’t believe me?
No
I think you should send me pictures as proof
I’m not sending a picture of myself!
Also, if I ever send a picture, the first one is not going to be one of me in my underwear.
😥
Too bad
Wait, if you want to see underwear pics, does that mean you like men?
And women
Is that a problem?
What?
No!
Not at all.
I guess I’m just surprised?
Most athletes are straight, I think.
Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me.
You are very easy to talk to
Oh.
That is a compliment
I know. Just..
Thank you.
You are welcome
Now it is your turn again
I was the last person to say a fun fact!
Eh no
I told you I was bisexual
Now is your turn
I don’t think I have much more.
I’m just not that fun, I guess.
You are fun
You constantly say I’m boring!
Yes
Is a joke!
You have heard of jokes?
So you don’t actually think I’m boring?
I do think you are boring
But is not
Eh
An insult?
Yes
Is not an insult
Boring is good
Dependable?
Oh.
I guess it is.
I do not know many people who are dependable
So is good
I’m glad I can be that for you.
Yes
Me too
I need to go
Oh, okay.
Talk to you later?
Okay
To: Lily
February 9, 07:10 PM
Ugh, today SUCKED.
Somehow everything went wrong and my teammates were on me for no reason at all.
Okay
Eh, okay?
Sorry that I wanted to talk about my shitty day with you, I kind of thought that is what this whole thing is about?
Maybe I do not want to hear about your shitty day
Have you thought about that?
Wow.
Did I do something wrong?
Not everything is about you
Jeez, I’ll leave you alone.
Seen
To: Hayden
February 10, 08:44 PM
Hey, you okay man?
You seemed kind of off today
I’m fine.
Did something happen with Lily?
What?
No!
How do you even know about Lily?
You’re always texting her dude, not exactly subtle 😂
Nothing is going on.
If you don’t want to talk about it, that’s fine
But you know you can, right?
I already said nothing is going on.
But thanks.
You’re welcome!
Want to come to dinner next week?
The kids have been asking for their uncle
Couldn’t say no to them!
Great!
We’ll talk about it tomorrow?
Yes Hayd, we’ll talk.
Try to get that fucking stick out of your ass before then, huh? 😂
Swear jar!
And I do not have a stick up my ass.
There’s no swear jar in texting
Isn’t there?
Fuck you dude
I’m telling Jackie.
Please don’t 🙏🏼
To: Lily
February 13, 20:17 PM
Sorry
For what?
You don’t owe me anything.
I do want to listen to you talk about your shitty days
Didn’t seem like it a few days ago…
Let me explain?
Okay, go ahead.
20:25 PM
You know, for explaining something you have to actually say something.
Sorry
This is hard to talk about
I have bad days
Oh.
I think maybe I am like my mother sometimes
Like your mother how?
She was depressed
Oh.
Was?
Yes
She is dead
Oh, I’m so sorry…
You do not have to be sorry
Unless you are the one who killed her 🙄
Lily…
Are you really trying to joke right now?
Sorry
I am trying to say I was having a bad day
Then you texted me
You could have told me, you know?
When I get like that I do not want to talk
I do not want to do anything
I’m sorry…
I’m glad you told me now, for whatever it’s worth.
Are you mad at me?
No!
Of course not.
I could never be mad at you for something like this!
Okay
I was a little angry when you reacted like that, sure.
But you really thought I would be angry even after you explained why?
I don’t know
Well, I’m not angry.
Okay
Are you okay right now?
Better
Do you really think you could be depressed?
Maybe
This is why I signed up for buddy program
My best friend was worried about this
She knows my mama killed herself
What?
I’m so sorry…
I don’t know what to say…
You do not have to say anything
How old were you?
Twelve
I found her
Oh my god, I am so sorry.
Yes you have said that
Do you want to talk about her?
You want me to?
Only if you want to.
Maybe another time
You can always talk to me, I would love to hear more about her.
Thank you
I am going to sleep now
Do you want to talk tomorrow?
You still want to?
Yeah? I was hoping that was clear when I said you can always talk to me?
Okay
I want to
Good.
Goodnight Lily.
Goodnight Jane
To: Lily
February 14, 12:15 PM
I’m so embarrassed.
I didn’t even realize it was Valentine’s day today…
No hot date for you?
No, you?
No
I do not go out on valentines
Too many desperate single people
Wow, what a problem to have.
Yes is a big problem
They keep flirting with me
Sounds tough.
Oh, Mr. underwear model does not have people flirting with him?
I don’t know.
I don’t really notice, I guess.
Maybe that is why she broke up with you
She did not break up with me, it was mutual.
Sure
It was!
Anyway, when was your last girlfriend?
Eh never
Have you ever had a boyfriend?
No
I am Russian
Oh. Fuck.
Yes
Fuck
But I have never been dumped by someone
You're making fun of ME when YOU have never had a girlfriend??
What, how many have you had
Two.
Oh wow, so many
I know when you're being sarcastic, you know.
Do you?
You're an asshole.
No wonder you have never had a girlfriend.
Or boyfriend.
Double the possibilities and you haven't had either, who's pathetic now!
Oh, you are being funny?
No.
So you are not laughing right now?
No.
I know you are lying
There's no way you could know that!
I know you
How long has it been, two weeks?
Holy shit, has it only been two weeks?
It feels like I've known you forever..
Yes
That is how I know you were lying
....
I was right wasn't I?
Yes.
This doesn't prove anything.
Proves that I know you
Will you stop if I admit it?
Maybe
Okay yes, I was lying, yes you know me. Good?
I am very happy right now
You're smug is what you are.
I do not know this word
Look in the dictionary, it's right next to your name.
Funny again!
Maybe you should go out
Have all the girls laughing around you
Maybe I don't want that.
What do you mean
Never mind..
Okay?
I have to go, I just remembered I have to do something.
Do what?
Work stuff.
Boring
Yeah.
You should go out, maybe you'll finally find yourself a girlfriend.
Maybe I will
February 15, 11:39 AM
How was work yesterday?
I didn’t have work yesterday?
You said you had to do work stuff
Oh.
Yeah, it was fine.
Did you go out?
Why?
You want to hear exciting sex story?
No, I don’t.
Forget it.
Okay?
Something wrong?
No.
Okay sure
February 16, 08:00 AM
You are done being weird?
I am not being weird.
News to me
I just don’t want to talk about girlfriends.
You were fine talking about it at first
Yeah, and now I’m not.
Can you leave it alone?
Fine
Doing anything fun today?
Not really.
Okay
To: Lily
February 17, 03:40 PM
I took your advice.
You went to a shelter?
Yeah, since it’s my day off, I thought I might do my run later.
I asked them if I could walk one of the dogs, and they were more than happy to let me.
Do you think anyone has ever stolen one of the dogs?
It seems very trusting to just let people walk away with them.
It is a shelter
They want people to keep the dogs
Yeah, but not like this?
No, I do not think they want you to run away with the dog
Right. So it’s kind of weird?
Maybe you look like someone you can trust
I guess…
What are you thinking
I don’t know, I’ve never been told I look trustworthy.
Maybe I should ask them about this.
Yes maybe you should
Are you having fun?
Yeah!
The dog is really sweet actually.
What is his name?
Milo, I think.
You don’t know?
I was not really paying attention to the name.
More freaking out about walking the dog…
Does he not have a name tag?
Oh, good thinking! Wait a second.
He does. His name is Milo. I was right 😊
Wow, impressive
Fuck off.
You know, this is kind of therapeutic, I understand why you like volunteering at the shelter so much.
You are welcome
Okay, I’m going to go on with my run, I just wanted to let you know.
Talk to you later?
Yes
Have fun
I will 😊
07:13 PM
Dinner
Gross.
Who are you with?
Teammate
Fun, I think?
Yes
Very good food too
You should eat something else with that.
And why does your teammate have two cokes? That can’t be healthy.
Is only the cokes that are not healthy?
No, all of it is gross.
But that is not going to stop you from eating it, unfortunately.
No
Yeah, I thought so.
I’m going to fuel my body with a very healthy, tasty dinner now.
Oh I am so jealous
Ha.
Jane please give me your dinner instead
Funny.
Hmm, this burger is really good…
Stop.
Are YOU getting jealous
Never.
Hmm okay
Bye.
😂
To: Lily
February 18, 11:43 PM
Can I ask you something?
Wow late
Shouldn’t you be sleeping?
Can you not right now?
Sorry
You can ask me
My teammates say I am too uptight, that I should ‘cut loose’ more.
Do you think I should?
I can not answer this for you
Why not?
What do you think?
What?
Do you think you should cut loose?
Maybe.
I mean, I don’t go out much. I don’t drink. I have a strict diet. I practice a lot. I read books about my work. I go for runs.
And do you like doing those things?
Yes. I like the routine.
Do you like ‘cutting loose’?
I don’t really know what it would mean, you know?
But I don’t like to disturb my routine, that’s for sure.
Okay, then don’t
That’s it?
Yes
You don’t like doing something else, you do not have to do it
I don’t know. I think they got in my head a little and now I am freaking out.
Why do your teammates care so much about your life?
They think I don’t have enough fun.
Okay
Let them think you do not have fun
You think I am boring too.
Not like that
Tell me about the things you do
Not the routine
But what you think is fun about the things you do
I don’t know.
You do
I will help
Why do you like staying in instead of going out
I like the quiet. It’s calming. Clubs are always so loud and there are so many people. I get stressed.
Okay, so you like quiet
Nothing wrong with that
Why do you like running?
I like that it clears my head.
Also, I sometimes make it a challenge, to see how fast I can go and for how long.
I try to beat my own records.
Okay, so you like a challenge
Yeah.
Are you competitive?
Very.
Me too
Is fun, right?
Yeah, I guess so.
What do you like about your diet?
That it makes me stay healthy?
Not that
Something else
Okay.
I like trying out new recipes, I guess? See if I can use the same ingredients to create something completely different.
So you cook
I try to.
Cooking is hobby
Is fun, no?
I think it’s fun, but…
I don’t know, it’s also boring maybe?
No not boring
You think is fun, it is fun
Your teammates don’t need to think it is fun, you are the one doing it
Yeah.
Okay what else
Your books
Tell me about them
I have read a lot of books.
What do you like about them
I like finding out about new things. And new tricks to help me get better at my job. There are a lot of new things to learn about the history of it too.
And I like trying out the things I’ve read. Take it from the paper and put it to use in real life.
It can be hard, but it’s so gratifying when it actually works. Sometimes it takes longer and sometimes I have to do more research to make it work, but when it does?
There is no feeling like it.
Sorry, I will stop talking.
You do not have to apologize for liking something, okay?
Okay
All these things are fun for you, right?
Yeah.
Okay, so keep doing these things if you want to
I am not saying you can not go out with your friends
If you want to you can
But if you do not WANT to go you do not have to go
Do what you like to do
And do not apologize for that
Okay…
Thank you.
This really helped.
Talk to me, yes?
If you feel like this again
Or if you want to tell me about your boring books
I will listen
Even though you DO think they are boring?
Yes
I like boring
Now go to sleep
Is very late for you
Fuck you.
Goodnight.
Goodnight Jane 😘
February 19, 09:13 PM
Staying in to read a boring book.
Fun?
Yes 😊
Good
To: Lily
February 20, 08:05 PM
What are you doing right now?
Is that a cigarette?
You really shouldn’t smoke.
I don’t know how you eat like this and smoke and can still be a professional athlete.
Is secret
It’s very weird.
Oh, I am weird?
Yes.
You are boring
Wow, good comeback.
You said you like boring, remember?
I have not said such a thing
Yeah okay, you’re not fooling me 😂
Maybe you are the asshole
Saying I am weird
Very mean
Sorry.
You do not mean that
I could mean it!
But you don’t
Yeah, I don’t.
See
Asshole
You’re still the asshole.
Pff
Enjoy your run
I am going to drink vodka
Beautiful girl on my arm
Wow, I am so jealous.
Oh, being sarcastic now
You should be jealous
Sure.
Enjoy your night 😂
I will
To: Lily
February 21, 05:23 PM
I saw a woman today
She made me think about my mama
Will you tell me about her?
She was very beautiful
I look like her a bit
Also beautiful?
Yes
But also we have the same hair
Same eyes maybe
That must be nice?
Sometimes yes
Sometimes it makes me miss her
Yeah, I get that.
She used to sing for me
Not good
But I loved it
And she was so funny
She used to call me solnyshko
What does that mean?
Sunshine
But for me SHE was sunshine
She took me everywhere
And we always played together
What kind of things did you do?
Mostly board games
Or puzzles
Sometimes I do puzzles to remember her
I am scared I will forget
I don’t think you could ever forget someone so important.
Maybe
She sounds like a really good mom.
She was
But she was so sad
And my father was so hard on her
He is not a very good man
And you know what happened
I’m sorry.
Me too
What was her name?
Irina
I miss her
I’m sure she would be very proud of you.
Thank you
Don’t thank me.
You’re welcome to tell me more about her if you want?
Not now I think
That’s fine too.
Thank you for listening
Always.
To: Lily
February 22, 07:00 AM
Morning workout.
10:14 AM
Finally awake?
Yes
Not everyone likes getting up in the middle of the night
I got up at 6 today, not the middle of the night.
And I thought you read the articles about changing your sleep schedule?
I tried
Did not like it
Too bad.
Your day would be way longer if you got up early.
If I stay up very late my day will also be long
….
February 23, 06:20 PM
Again?
This is so bad for you.
Is it?
Are you sending me these pics just so I get mad at you?
No
Lily.
😊
To: Lily
February 24, 06:49 PM
My Friday night.
Babysitting duties 😊
Delivered
February 25, 10:28 PM
Anything fun planned today?
Delivered
February 26, 07:11 PM
Dinner with my parents.
07:15 PM
No chirp about the fact that it’s pasta?
Delivered
February 27, 06:33 PM
Did you do anything fun this weekend?
No
Hi!
I haven’t heard from you in a couple of days, are you okay?
I am fine
You can tell me if you’re not, you know that?
I said I am fine
Oh.
Are you having one of those bad days?
I can leave you alone if you want? Or I can talk about my week? You don’t have to say anything back, you can just listen.
Or read, I guess, since this is a text obviously.
Just tell me?
You can talk
Okay!
I’ve had a pretty busy week actually. I had practice almost daily, which was tough and really tiring, but I really think my team and I are getting somewhere? I could see us clicking more and getting better, you know?
Oh, and I obviously went to dinner with my parents this weekend! Funny, I actually told them about you, I hope that is okay? And my mom was very excited, which makes sense, because she signed me up in the first place, but she was happy I got along with my ‘buddy’ so well. And they kind of want to meet you.
That makes three of us, haha.
So, there’s that.
One of my teammates and his wife had me over for dinner too. They left after dinner, left me alone to babysit. 😯 I am there quite a lot, actually. They have three kids and a fourth one on the way! It’s a full house and always chaos, but sometimes I like that. Kids are easier to understand, so that makes it easier somehow. I wish you could have seen me, the twins dressed me up really weird. Unfortunately, I don’t have pictures…
The twins are the oldest two kids, both girls. They are four years old already, time flies! And they have a one-year-old son (he is secretly my favorite, don’t tell the girls, they will kill me).
Pretty hectic week, huh?
Me after this long week.
You after listening to me ramble about my week.
Me (black dog) hugging you (white dog) if I was with you right now.
Okay, I will leave you alone now.
Thank you.
You’re welcome!
Anytime, okay?
Okay
Text me when you feel better!
Seen
To: Lily
March 3, 12:14 PM
You told your parents about me?
Hi!
Is that okay?
Don’t worry, I talked to them about the normal stuff, not the really personal things obviously! I don’t think I would want you to go around telling people all kinds of things about me either 😊
Just that you’re Russian and also an athlete.
I was not worried
Oh.
Good!
How are you feeling?
Better
Those dogs really helped
I know you love dogs, so I hoped that they might 😊
Would have been better if I saw pictures of you dressed up
Maybe next time.
You like kids?
Yes
I have a niece in Russia
How old is she?
Three
Very cute
I bet.
Do you see her often?
Only when I go to Russia, but that is not much
I miss her sometimes
Do you have more family there?
Yes
My father, stepmother and brother
Do you miss them?
No
Not really
Is that bad?
No, I don’t think so.
You have a good reason right?
Yes
Then that is all I need to know.
You are too nice to me
You are nice to me too.
Take that back
No.
You can be an asshole, but you are also very sweet.
Am not
Admit it.
No
Come on…
Fine
I can be nice
Good enough for me.
Wow
Thank you
If you keep thanking, it might get to my head.
For someone so boring you are very good at cheering me up
You didn’t have to say I was boring, you know?
Could have just given me a compliment..
Eh no
So you have to insult me before giving a compliment?
Yes
Okay, I take it back. You’re not nice.
Thank you
Getting to my heaaadd.
Who ever said you were not funny was lying
Who said that?
Me
Asshole.
😘