An unexpected departure.

You wake up to your phone buzzing...

[9:12 AM] Laura: Ugh, you won't believe this... ‍ [9:12 AM] You: uhhh good morning to you too?

[9:13 AM] Laura: haha sorry! It’s just my cousin decided to elope, like, now

[9:13 AM] You: Ok, good for them I guess?

[9:13 AM] Laura: well the problem is her family is like, loaded, and they bought us all tickets out to Cabo for the destination wedding. Today. 😩

[9:13 AM] You: What! That's totally insane. Doesn't she know you just started college?

[9:14 AM] Laura: I know I know omg. This is so her. She's just loaded and thinks if she buys us all tickets we can't say no.

[9:14 AM] Laura: It would be major family drama to turn it down.

[9:14 AM] Laura: this is so stupid!

[9:15 AM] You: Wow, that's so sudden! Must be tough to have such a rough life, jetting off to Cabo and all 😜

[9:15 AM] Laura: Haha, very funny 😒 But seriously, this is mega inconvenient!

[9:16 AM] You: Well, I guess you gotta do what you gotta do. Just remember to send me some pics of your 'hardships' at the beach 😉

[9:18 AM] Laura: Oh, I will! But honestly, I'm pissed about how this messes with the start of the semester and everything... and things were just getting fun with us 😢

Your heart skips a beat.

[9:19 AM] You: Yeah, you said the show had to continue! Smuggle me along? I can fit in a suitcase.

[9:20 AM] Laura: "Hi mom, here's this boy I just met and got naked with twice." hahaha no way.

[9:20 AM] But that doesn't mean I can't make it easier on you... you're right, the show must go on…

Oh my god. This is serious. She's definitely into you. You stare at the pictures, flipping between them over and over.

[9:23 AM] You: omg. Wow, those pictures take my breath away! try not to have too much fun without me 😏

[9:24 AM] Laura: You. are. too. sweet. I'll do my best! Can't wait to see you again and tell you all about it. Don't worry, I'll keep you posted 💕 ok gotta catch a stupid flight!

[9:25 AM] You: try not to get too caught up in the family drama. 😊

[9:27 AM] Laura: I'm getting dressed... one more for you ❤️

You can't wipe the grin off your face as you imagine your next meeting. Or next text.

[9:23 AM] You: omg. try not to have too much fun without me 😏

[9:24 AM] Laura: I'll do my best! Can't wait to see you again and tell you all about it. Don't worry, I'll keep you posted 💕 ok gotta catch a stupid flight!

[9:25 AM] You: try not to get too caught up in the family drama. 😊

[9:27 AM] Laura: I'm getting dressed... one more for you ❤️

≋ ≋ ≋

[11:54 AM] Laura: why are planes always so cold...

[11:56 AM] You: I'd warm you up if I was there!

[11:57 AM] Laura: ugh I wish

[11:59 AM] Laura: ok we're taking off! Thankfully it's a quick flight.

≋ ≋ ≋

[4:37 PM] Laura: Made it to the resort, and I gotta admit, this is pretty nice...

[4:37 PM] Laura: So weird to be here so suddenly. Like usually you spend a while thinking about a trip, but now I'm just suddenly here. But it's already got me wondering if it's worth dealing with all these rich, entitled family members. 🙄

[4:39 PM] You: Wow, you look amazing, as always. Just keep saying "I'm in Cabo, I'm in Cabo, I'm in Cabo" and it will all be better.

[4:42 PM] Laura: Thanks, you're so sweet. Just having you to vent to helps a lot. I mean, it's a gorgeous resort and all, but my aunt is already throwing a fit about the flowers not being the exact shade she wanted. Who cares? We're in Cabo! 🤦

[4:44 PM] You: Sounds like they're missing the bigger picture.

[4:45 PM] Laura: yuuuuuuup that's them. Its like they can't even enjoy their money.

[4:46 PM] You: I believe in your ability to find a way to enjoy the experience and make the most of it while you're there. 😊

[4:46 PM] Laura: You're right, I'll try to focus on the positives and not let them get to me. And I'll send you more pics to share the experience with you so you get to enjoy at least a little too 😘

[4:55 PM] Laura: My mom got some good ones - and has no idea I'm sending them to a boy 🙈

[5:00 PM] You: god you're good looking...

[5:01 PM] Laura: 😊

≋ ≋ ≋

[11:35 PM] Laura: all cozy and ready for bed. Talk to you tomorrow! 💋

[11:37 PM] You: I'll dream of Cabo... goodnight!

≋ ≋ ≋

[10:10 AM] Laura: You won't believe the chaos here. The wedding planner is running around like a headless chicken, my cousin is having a meltdown, and my uncle just started arguing with the catering staff. Is all this really worth it for a destination wedding? 🤯

[10:12 AM] You: "It sounds like a lot to handle. Just take a deep breath and try not to get caught up in it. Remember, you're the calm in the storm. 😌. Cabo. Cabo.

[10:15 AM] Laura: Thanks, I needed that reminder. Cabo. 💕

[10:19 AM] You: I will say Cabo as many times as you want if you'll keep sending me pictures. You'll be back soon and we'll make up for lost time, I promise. 😁

[10:21 AM] Laura: I'm holding you to that! I can't wait to be back and tell you all about this insane week. Thanks for being there for me, even from a distance. It means a lot. 😊

[10:22 AM] Laura: Maybe you're good for more than just clothing optional adventures. 🤩

[10:23 AM] You: Oh yeah? I'll prove it to you 😁😁😁

[10:25 AM] You: 😁 seriously more pictures though 😁😁

≋ ≋ ≋

[8:05 PM] Laura: Back in the room! long day... despite all the craziness, I'm trying to keep up with my studies. Look at me, being all studious in the middle of paradise! 🤓

[8:06 PM] Laura: My family keeps making fun of me for texting someone...

[8:07 PM] You: I thought I was the nerd! 😄 Stay on top of it! Just don't forget to have some fun!

[8:09 PM] Laura: Haha, thanks. It's actually kind of nice to have this cozy room to escape to when I need a break from the madness. I just wish you were here to keep me company. 😔

[8:11 PM] You: I wish I could be there too. In the meantime, I'm here for you in spirit, and always just a text away. 😉

[8:13 PM] Laura: You're the best. Okay, enough distractions. Time to get back to this homework. But first, here's one more pic for you…

[8:15 PM] You: Good luck with your homework! You've got this. And remember, we're in this together, even if we're miles apart. 🌎❤️

[8:17 PM] Laura: Oooh, now I'm the nerd, and you're the cheesy one?

[8:19 PM] You: What, too much?

[8:20 PM] Laura: No its cute and I like it. I like you. Can't wait to see you soon! 💕 You earned one more pic

[8:22 PM] Laura: you know what... you deserve it. I haven't sent you anything even remotely bold today. Where are my manners?

[8:24 PM] You: holy shit! 🥵 now I can't focus, how dare you.

[8:25 PM] You: and yes that qualifies as bold.

[8:27 PM] Laura: 😇 goodnight handsome 💕

≋ ≋ ≋

[2:48 PM] Laura: Okay, so now I have to find a dress for the wedding. You're gonna help me choose, right?

[2:50 PM] You: Wow, holy shit! 😍 Of course I'll help you choose. But you're not supposed to upstage the bride, you know 😉

[2:51 PM] Laura: I know I know, no white allowed! It was cute and I wanted you to see. Alright, here's real options.

[2:53 PM] You: Those are both gorgeous! This is a tough choice. I like the black but maybe not for a wedding.. consider that for our next date? 😉

[2:54 PM] Laura: Haha, you're such a tease! But I like that idea. Now you have to find something classy for us to do to justify me wearing a dress next time. congrats on working yourself into a corner 😛

[2:55 PM] Laura: Some more options!

[3:04 PM] You: Ok, I officially believe not upstaging the bride is an impossible goal. How can I pick?!?!

[3:07 PM] Laura: You flatterer. Okay, one more option…

[3:10 PM] You: Holy shit. Yes that one. And no not for the wedding, for... other activities…

[3:12 PM] You: I'm seriously struggling to pick a favorite here, you look amazing in all of them! But if I had to choose... I'd say the green one. It's elegant and daring at the same time, just like you.

[3:14 PM] You: Also not so daring that your conservative parents will actually kill you. I need you to make it back safe!

[3:17 PM] Laura: Aww, you're too sweet. Green it is! And since you've been so helpful…

[3:20 PM] You: Wow, I'm speechless... 😳 I take it back, I pick THAT outfit for more adventures together.

[3:21 PM] You: I can't wait.

[3:23 PM] Laura: I can't wait either! You better be ready for when I get back. 😉 Now, I gotta get out of this dressing room before I get caught. TTYL! 💋