Miles Apart

Sent: Day 3, The Month of Running

Folder: Inbox

Subject: It’s been

Message: approximately 1 day, 3 hours and 5 minutes since we last talked. Well, more or less anyway. Math has never been my forte. Anyway, how are you? Maraqua seems like a million miles away from here.

How is the scenery? Do you feel weird living underwater? I mean, I know your new home is like an average Neopian home- not like a mini-Maraqua like one, but what happens once you step outside? Do you feel floaty? I know you’re not that fond of water, but, well, make the most out of it.

Anyway, neomail me back! I miss talking to you. :)

***

From: Saige the Shoyru

Sent: Day 4, The Month of Running

Folder: Inbox

Subject: Re: It’s been

Message: I’m sorry that I wasn’t able to neomail you back yesterday. We’ve been busy unpacking our things. You know how Sarah is, right? Well, she unpacked her stuff, all the right. But I guess someone forgot to mention that after unpacking, you are supposed to put them in their proper places- not leave them on the floor. My poor mazzew tripped on her marbles.

The scenery’s fine. The water’s clear, and things like that. My parents take pictures every chance they get, but what’s the use? It’s not like we’re having a vacation- this is our new home. Oh well, they’ll get bored sooner or later.

I’m not fond of water at all, but what can I do? I just have to live with it I guess. It could have been better if you’re here with me, though. Feel free to visit anytime- like now. I could use another ally against Sarah- she’s been driving me crazy. ;)

***

From: Kasey the Kacheek

Sent: Day 4, The Month of Running

Folder: Inbox

Subject: Re: It’s been

Message: That’s Sarah all right. I remember the time when I tripped on her skateboard and I- never mind. I do not want to bring that up again. I hope your mazzew’s okay, though.

Be sure to send some snapshots to me, since I’m sure that I won’t get bored, being away from large bodies of water.

Anyway, did you meet new friends there? I know it’s only been a couple of days but I’ve heard that Maraqua’s a pretty friendly community. You’re friendly, they’re friendly, I’m sure you all will get along just fine!

***

From: Saige the Shoyru

Sent: Day 7, The month of Running

Folder: Inbox

Subject: I’m sorry

Message: for my late reply. Yes, I’ve been busy these past few days. Like you said, the natives here are nice and welcoming. I’ve already met a few people- like Chloe the Maraquan Cybunny, Astrid the starry Aisha, and Dani the royal Draik. Chloe and Astrid are okay, but I don’t like Dani that much- she’s a little too bossy for my taste, though I can tell that she’s one of the most popular here. Chloe and Astrid pretty much worships her, from what I can see.

You know how we both can’t stand people like Dani, but Maraqua’s smaller than Neopia Central, and everyone knows one another. I’d try your advice- you know, try to put myself in her shoes, but I’ll probably be disgusted with myself. Lol.

Anyway, how are you guys? Is Lena still Chia-hungry? From what I read in her neomail, she still can’t stop thinking about Chias. I guess instead of the lupe treats making her bored with Chias, the plan backfired. She once said, and I quote, “I wonder, does the old Chia near our house taste like chocolate? Yum, yum.”

~*~

     After a few of weeks of neomailing each other back and forth, Kasey noticed that Saige’s neomails became shorter and shorter, as if she replied in a hurry, and sometime, it would take Saige a longer time to reply.

     Her last few neomails consisted of four short sentences, and from what Kasey had gathered from Saige’s short replies, she became close friends with Dani and her group- much to her surprise. Saige did not make secret the fact that she did not like Dani’s 'I am better than you and thus you should obey me' attitude.

     After a short while, though, Saige’s usually snide remarks became praises. Her neomails all contained ‘unbelievable’ facts about Dani, like that fact that “her favorite color is magenta”. What was unbelievable about that, Kasey didn’t know.

     At first, Kasey wanted to warn her that Dani might have ulterior motives, but the more Saige’s replies contained Dani’s good traits and what they all did together- she realized that she simply couldn’t conclude anything about Dani. Saige’s first meeting with Dani was negative, but what if Dani made an immediate conclusion about her based on her clothing and way of speaking?

     She wanted to know the truth- was Dani really that bad, based on Saige’s first reaction- or was she really nice?

     Time to get to the bottom of it.

     Due to a lot of holidays, Kasey and her family was too busy to visit Saige’s new home.

     Now is a good time.

     First, she had to subtly suggest that to her parents.

~*~

     “Mom,” Kasey called sweetly.

     “Yes?” Kate asked warily, reading her daughter correctly. She knew Kasey well enough to know that when she spoke in that tone, she wanted something. Plus, her daughter must be plotting something.

     “Since we’ve all been so tired these past few weeks, why don’t we goandvisitSaigeandherfamily for a much needed vacation?”

     “Come again? Slower this time.”

     She repeated it, this time, saying it more slowly. And added a few more, “You’ve always wanted to go to the beach, and Kelly,” she said, referring to her younger sister, “collects shells, plus I didn’t see Saige in a long, long time. Can we please, please-”

     Kelly interrupted her daughter, shrugging, “Well, I don’t see why not. And it is vacation time. As long as everyone agrees to it, we can all leave in a week.”

     “Yes!” Kasey exclaimed jubilantly, informing the household of the plans.

~*~

From: Kasey the Kacheek

Sent: Day 3, The Month of Eating

Folder: Inbox

Subject: Great News!!

Message: We’ll be visiting Maraqua! See you in a few days!

~*~

     As soon as they arrived, Kasey immediately went to Saige’s house, bouncing all the way.

     “Saige!” Kasey greeted, hugging her. “Good to see you.” She couldn’t wait to tell her what’s happening in Neopia Central.

     “Kasey,” the Shoyru replied, hugging her back. “I’m sorry, but we planned on meeting in Dani’s house today.”

     Seeing Kasey’s crestfallen expression, she added, “But you’re welcome to come with us. I’m sure Dani and the rest wouldn’t mind.”

     “If you’re sure that I wouldn’t be a bother to them,” Kasey said hesitantly.

     Saige waved her reply off. “Of course you won’t be a bother. They would like to meet you. I told them all about- well, almost,” she added, grinning. “I didn’t tell them that you’re afraid of Chuckles.”

     Kasey glared at her friend. “I am not!”

     The Shoyru laughed, her orange tail twitching. “You can deny all you want, but we know what happened last summer.”

     Kasey waved a striped paw at her friend. “That is so cliché-ish.”

     “I know, right.” Saige laughed, and hugged her friend again. “I miss you and your sense of humor. I’m sure that the girls would love you.”

     “Let’s go then,” Kasey proclaimed. “Might as well get over it,” she thought to herself.

~*~

     Turns out that they did like her, and she liked them back, becoming fast friends. At first glance, Dani did seem spoiled, and she was, but from what Kasey learned, Dani did have a great sense of humor, along with Astrid and Chloe. It seems that they were probably popular because of their personality.

     “Well,” Dani said conversationally, “enjoying your stay so far?”

     “What’s not to enjoy?”

The End