All of them looked down to see his texts, reading them at their own speed.

Friday, December 23th, 2023

Hey, sorry I ran off, did you two talk?

Kinda.

???

People came out and started seeing us.

We left, didn't want the a tent ton.

We talked a bit on the train.

I wouldn't mind being in a tent with you.

*Attention.

XD shush

I'd be okay with that too.

Um...are you mad at me?

For?

You know

The kiss.

My brain's just really tired.

Go rest. Tell your parents about the project when you get home.

Can't wait.

Videl's head bopped. "That was okay," leading him to sigh in relief.

"You should've asked her what they talked about," Dinedyi interjected, scrolling down.

Christmas Eve: Sunday, December 24th, 2023

Morning, Merry Christmas Eve. Got plans?

"Wait, she didn't respond?"

"Sometimes she forgets."

"Oh wait, she did respond. Why didn't you text her back?"

"It was like eleven in the night."

Happy Christmas Eve.

Sorry, I forgot to press send.

Christmas: Monday, December 25th, 2023

Merry Christmas, pelliroja!

Merry Christmas <3

Gonna do something fun?

Got any gifts?

No >:| They don't believe me.

Dinedyi leaned over to his face. "You tweet twice to make sure she gets back to you. Clever."

"Huh? I was just curious."

"Oh Silas, you're so naive," rubbing his head and tolerance for confusion as she continued.

Why didn't you show it to them?

I don't have it. Did I leave it at school?

Hold on.

He uploaded a picture of their project.

And another one with the camera turned and zoomed in on their names.

Go to Google Classroom and show her the grade.

Perfect, thanks, give me a minute.

About ten minutes later, a video came in. From afar, Camila had her laptop in her hand, showing her mother. The two of them began arguing and yelling at each other before Carlos came in.

"Wait, she's got three guys? Holy crap he's hot!"

Videl pinched D on the cheek. "That's clearly her dad, or uncle. Right?"

"Yeah."

"I mean if she hates her mom and wants a new one, I'm just saying a shovel to the head and a Bumble match later is all I need."

Silas took his phone back in disgust. "Hello, nine one one? I'd like to inform you about a future conspiracy to commit manslaughter."

"Hey!" She snatched it back.

"He is pretty cute," Kali added.

"And he's really nice from when we talked."

"You talked to her dad? He liked you?"

He nodded.

"Okay if he likes you of all people, then I definitely have a shot."

Even Tanya's face was filled with contempt. "That's not nice," letting the video continue. It looked like Carlos talked them down, pointing to the laptop. Cabello's face peered into it and Camila's face beamed with excitement. She ran back to the phone, blew a kiss, and whispered thank you, picking up the phone.

You're the best.

:) thanks, welc

Tanya saw the sides of his mouth rise.

"That's not too bad."

"Yeah, you don't really do that to just a friend."

"You think so?"

"You should've texted her back."

"I was busy, went with family for Christmas! I didn't get back until Friday!"

Wednesday, December 27th, 2023

Happy Boxing Day!

That's a thing X0? What do you do?

Hang out with your friends, eat leftovers, give each other boxes, going to pubs,

"Now I know you like her, no one gives a shit about Boxing Day in America."

Meanwhile Kali was punching the air, imitating boxing.

Genesis laughed. "We do make boxing jokes every now and then."

"Exactly. Usually I just make boxes or boxing jokes," showing them he sent her a video of two women boxing from a cartoon.

"Uh, you're so corny."

He scrolled down.

LOL

"She liked that?"

"D, your sense of humor is either really low or all over the place," showing her more.

Wanna see two boxes beat each other up?

:p Sure.

They saw a video of a particular squid watching tv, thinking there would be a boxing match only to watch a ring of actual boxes slamming into each other.

LOL I haven't seen that episode in so long.

Genesis and Tanya laughed too.

"Seriously?"

"Come on D, it's clever."

"I saw that babysitting with my cousin the other day."

"What show is that," Videl asked.

They all turned to her. "You've never seen Spongebob before?"

"I didn't get to watch it when I grew up. Silas, did you text her since?"

"She said she got sick cuz of her cousins who visited. She's said she's gotten better but hasn't shown up this week at all."

A text came in.

I think I'm feeling better now. I'll see you at school Monday?

"Text her back, right now!"

"Yeah yeah. Um, uh, I can't wait to see you again."

"Si, that is so boring! Gimme," snatching it. "Yeah, see you soon bae," adding the wink and kissing emoji.

"I am not sending her that! You know bae is danish for poop, right?"

Kali almost choked on her chips laughing while Genesis checked her phone. "Also means bye in Icelandic."

"No normal girl is going to know that!"

Tanya offered an idea. "Pretend you're speaking to her right now," pressing the microphone button.

"Hey Camila, glad you're feeling better. See you then, um, love you," breathing hard as the words popped up.

"That's all you need," pressing send against his wishes. They looked down from the vibration.

The heart emoji. Love you too.

"So she'll be back on Monday. You have to do something big! Did you get her a Christmas or New Year's Gift?"

He blanked out, dragging the no from his mouth.

"Dude, get one!"

"Wanna help me rob a bank? Mom's still working on her GED."

"What's she into?"

"Well," thinking about it. "I wanted to make art like she does but I'm nowhere as good. And she likes Sephora." He gasped. "That's it! Is anyone at Brains Blossoms good at art?"

"There's Montgomery in the other group."

"Anyone gets at least three hundred dollars over a week from their dad and can spare me a hundred?"

No one in his group said anything but Dinedyi groaned, pulling out five hundred dollar bills.

"I was saving it from my part time later, but two hundred's still enough."

"D, thank you so much, I could kiss you right now! "

"Um, get this gift over with so she could kiss you instead."

"I'll try," getting worrisome. "But going forward, how do I not make her feel weird about her being stuck between us?"

"Be yourself. That's why she likes you. So keep doing what you're doing. She'll love your gift."

He nodded, set out to make this gift.