5. Leni, online
Ronnie Anne and I had a sensational afternoon. As my challenge was saying, we faced each other at all the Gus' Games and Grub slots. And guess who won? The Man with a Plan, no less.
Of course she was a formidable opponent: she beat me on half of all the matches we had. Not to mention that she does some finishing combos using Muscle Fish that I've had only seen on Internet videos. She is amazing.
More than amazing, she is pizza.
All that melting mozzarella, and the crunchy pepperoni bursting with flavor on my mouth, were only comparable to having her sitting in front of me, watching me with serenity as I sipped from my drink.
"What are you looking at, Lame-o?" She asked me with a big smile.
"I think you're looking at me, my friend".
"You wish".
My phone rang. Lori sent me some photos that Leni had taken long ago to choose the best. I liked them all, so I showed them to Ronnie.
"Well ... she's serious about becoming a fashion designer," was her opinion.
"It's something she has always wanted. So we'll help her to become famous. Which photo do you like best?"
"The one that sits at the entrance of a building. She looks very happy, and those shoes fit her. Her legs are pretty".
"Oh, that one! Did you know that she made that skirt herself to play with the shoes? She has talent for designing clothes".
My girlfriend returned the phone and said, Actually, It's not something that has to do with me. I'm not interested in girly things like fashion and nonsense".
"Even if you are a girl?"
That question made me deserve an ice cube thrown straight to the head.
After a pleasant dinner, and learning to keep certain comments, I returned home. I began to remember the photo session I did with Leni before leaving, especially how easy it was and how she is open to the camera.
And as if I had invoked it with the thought, she received me with a strong hug that almost pushed me to the ground.
"Linky! I have good news! Lori and I talked to Mom and Dad about our plan, and they liked it! They even say it would be nice to talk to someone from the mall to do the show there. Isn't that divine?"
"Of course, Leni, but I'd be more than happy if you let me breathe."
Dad was nearby, checking the photos of this afternoon's session on a laptop.
"Very nice pictures! That's my cute little princess! What I like the most is that you won't upload photos in a bathing suit. I don't think they're ... necessary at all!
"But I'll upload those too, Daddy. Linc and I will go to the beach tomorrow with Lori and Bobby to do a photo shoot there. I'll bring my three best bikini designs!"
Both Dad and I were in shock. In my case, I almost felt my jaw dropping to the ground.
"You didn't tell me any of that!" I protested.
"Uh... Surprise! She said, and smiled puling out of her tongue a little .
Lori peeked up the stairs.
"Oh... Leni? The site is ready. I think you should go up."
Leni had taken a couple of steps when she stopped. She turned and took my arm.
"What's wrong? I asked immediately.
"Come with me, lil bro. Pretty please! In case I have to make a decision".
Upon arrival, we saw that Lori and Lisa were checking Leni's website before uploading it. It included several photos that she had taken a few months ago, with different outfits and the same happiness on her face.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?", the designer girl told me.
"Yes. It's simple, but I think that's why your photos stand out so much. Although I think it deserves a better name than "Leni Loud's Page".
"But it's my page, and my name is Leni Loud! Don't you like my name ?", she replied with concern.
Lisa looked away for a second, then intervened: "I interpret what our brother wanted to imply is that the site needs a name that will facilitate the retention in the minds of Internet users".
"Just say you need a name with more punch", said the oldest of my sisters, raising her arms.
"It would be good if that name were your essence, Leni", I said, and I noticed her lost look. She looked like a frightened kitten.
"I would prefer one of my perfumes, not just an essence... Is it possible?"
I armed myself with patience. I tried to explain it in a way that she understood better. So I saw her ... And something in the sparkle on her eyes gave me the inspiration.
"You are a wonderful girl. We have to find a phrase that tells about your beauty and your kindness. And about your flirtatious eyes, your perfect smile, how well your hugs feel and your long, shiny blond hair... which looks like gold".
Leni took my hands. And she smiled, saying in a low voice, "Linky..."
"Excuse me for meddling", said a sudden voice that made us all jump, and of course it was Lucy, "but Lincoln's words touched my nonexistent heart. And they made me think of a title: Pure Gold.
That's how the website " " was born.
After a day, the site that Leni bought with her money had already several visits and a few comments. All positive. They came mostly from girls who admired my sister's style and wardrobe. She herself responded and thanked each one of the comments (it was me who corrected the writing).
At that time we didn't know, but there were three characters who were also interested in the content of the site: one lived far away, another lived closer than we wanted, and the third lived far, but close (you'll see why I say that) . And not all of them had good intentions.