I am loving the excitement over this story already! ;)


Chapter 2:

Contact

Dear Tyler,

My name is Marie and we were matched together from the datematch website. I am not sure where to begin with this, but I am interested.

I have enclosed the link to my profile.

If you would like to chat sometime, feel free to email me back.

-Marie

Sent Dec 10, 2012 at 11:37 pm

Dear Marie,

I must admit that this is the first email or match that I have received. I checked your profile and saw that you're an art gallery owner. I find that very interesting as I collect art.

I have lived in Colorado Springs all of my life and I have a dog. He is a Siberian Husky and quite the rascal. I enjoy horses, too. Truthfully, I am not very good at dating, which is why I have succumbed to this dating page. How sad for a twenty-six year old, eh?

-Tyler

Sent Dec 11, 2012 at 9:00 pm

Dear Tyler,

I am laughing, but kindly as I am the same way when it comes to dating. I live alone in an apartment and am also from Colorado Springs.

I opened my art gallery two years ago and am surprised to find so many people interested in it.

I have cat, a very fat cat who is almost five. I call him fatty.

What sort of art are you interested in?

-Marie

Sent Dec 11, 2012 at 11:42 pm

Dear Tyler,

Fun? What is that? Ha! Kidding. Um, wow I don't really know. I work long hours. I enjoy going home to my parents to visit and my best friend and I will go out to eat or see a movie every now and then.

My life is too boring to be that of a twenty-three year old, sadly. I suppose I am looking for some fun, always.

What about you?

-Marie

Sent Dec 14, 2012 at 7:12 am

Dear Marie,

I too am too young to be this old. I don't get out much. I have friends, but they all still act a little too young for my taste being the same age as myself. Although, I do enjoy all things. If I had not become such a hermit, I would probably be more interesting.

Haha

-Tyler

Sent Dec 14, 2012 at 7:32 pm

Dear Tyler,

I find you interesting, so no worries there. I have spent my life alone when it comes to significant others... Something I aim to change.

-Marie

Sent Dec 15, 2012 at 8:00 pm

Dear Marie,

I want to apologize for my late response. I hope you did not give up on me! The last storm took out my Internet service and cell service at my house is very rare. I hope you have had a great week. Christmas is soon...

By the way, I find you interesting, too. :)

-Tyler

Sent Dec 18, 2012 at 12:00 am

Dear Tyler,

I stopped typing when a ping noise from my computer went off. I frowned then watched as a new window opened.

New instant message from Tyler. My stomach tightened.

Marie? -T

My heart stopped beating. I smiled widely at my laptop. I felt like a clown.

Yes. Hi, Tyler. -M

I typed quickly.

I saw that you were online. I hope this is all right. -T

Yes, of course. This is probably an easier way to communicate. -M

Faster, too. -T

I smiled wider and settled in my bed comfortably. I had my beer next to me and my laptop on my lap.

How was you day? -M

Great. I went hiking on Mount LeConte. -T

Do you do that often? -M

I try to. The dog loves it. I do, too, just not so much in the winter. Haha -T

Ah, yes. I saw the weather channel showing pictures of all the snow up there. -M

Yes. It explains my Internet issues...

What will you do this weekend? -T

I'll visit my parents tonight for dinner, then probably do some Christmas shopping tomorrow. The gallery is closed for a week due to the holiday. You? -M

That sounds nice. I will probably visit my parents on Christmas Eve and my buddies and their wives will come over Christmas Day. -T

He sounded so perfect to me. My broad smile was beginning to hurt my cheeks. I sat up to tie my long hair back in a ponytail then sipped my beer. I tried to picture him, but failed.

Sounds like a lovely Christmas to me. So... I must ask, if you don't mind. But what do you look like? -M

What do you think I look like? -T

My cheeks went red.

Honestly? I have no idea. -M

Haha. Well, I am curious about your appearance, too. Let's type it at the same time? -T

I took a deep breath and tried to think of a way to describe myself.

Ordinary. -M

Strange. -T

I laughed out loud.

Strange is better than ordinary. -M

Ordinary sounds more interesting that strange. -T

How so? -M

Maybe I'm sick of strange. I could use some ordinary in my life ;) -T

If I didn't know any better, I'd say Mr. Mason was flirting with me. I blushed.

Another ping went off.

Have you had many relationships? -M

I bit my lip in shame.

We're still being honest? -M

Of course. -T

Then no, I have not been in... Many. Or any much at all. -M

Why? -T

No one has ever cared enough or truly held my interest. -M

I see. -T

Until now that is. What about you? -M

Yes... I have had many, I suppose. I'm not exactly a slut, but I have dated around. I gave up about two years ago or so. -T

Bad relationship? -M

All bad. -T

I'm sorry. -M

Don't be. I am where I am because of it. And to go along with your compliment, I aim to change that. You make me smile. -T

My heart swelled. Never in my life had I had such an effect on someone before in the dating sense. And this was just an exchanging of words.

I haven't smiled like this in a long time. -M

I aim to please Miss Swan. -T

Your aim is dead on Mr. Mason. Sadly, I must go and get ready to leave for my parent's house. -M

:( May we talk again? -T

Please. Yes. I always have my iPhone with me and am able to get emails quicker that way. -M

Good to know. Enjoy your night. -T

You too! :) -M

I closed my computer and sighed happily. This new territory was becoming my favorite place to be. I could not wait to hear from Tyler again.