June 10th 2016

Hello, my loves. Here's tonight's update for you! Skyping tomorrow.

Sarah, xx

~*~*~

"Hello, lover."

"Hello, fiancée."

"Yeah, about that..."

"You haven't changed your mind have you?"

"No! I was just going to ask whether or not you've told anyone about us being engaged."

"Oh. Well... no, I haven't. I'm sorry but that's been the last thing on my mind. But if you want, I'll start telling the whole world."

"I figured you hadn't. Look, don't tell anyone. At least, not for a while."

"How long is a while?"

"Maybe until I get back to London."

"Until October? You want me to lie to everyone until October?"

"Not lie. Omit."

"Whichever way you spin it, you're still asking me to keep it from the people that we love. Soph, I want to shout it from the rooftops."

"So do I. Now is not the time for that, though. You're going through a rough time and..."

"Are you regretting getting engaged?"

"No."

"It's ok to have doubts, you know."

"Except I'm not. I want to marry you and there's nothing you could do to change my mind about that. It's you that freaks out at every turn. As soon as things get good, you bail. Why is that?"

"Because... I'm not sure."

"Not sure? Not sure about why you freak out, or not sure about us?"

"The former."

"Oh, man, I started to panic there for a moment."

"I'm not changing my mind about marrying you, either. But going back to your question, I think I freak out because I'm scared that you're going to leave me."

"Have I given you any cause to think that I'm going to leave you?"

"No."

"Then why would you think that?"

"Because I'm a self-sabotaging prick that think he doesn't deserve a sarcastic, bi-lingual fireball like you."

"Hm, yeah, there's that, I guess."

"Hey! You're supposed to say, 'No, Daniel, you're not a self-sabotaging prick and you totally deserve a sarcastic, bilingual fireball like me.'"

"Am I?"

"Yes."

"Oh. Too bad for you, then. I have zero intention of ever saying those words to you."

"Pretty sure that's part of your role as my fiancée."

"Where in the Fiancée Manual does it say that?"

"Page three."

"Huh. Didn't read past the first page. It got boring."

"Glad to see that you're taking it all so seriously."

"I know, right?!"

"So, how is New York?"

"Still standing. Connie text me earlier to tell me that you're back."

"We got back early this afternoon. Samuel and I are staying in London until tomorrow and then we're going back to Amesbury. The funeral is next weekend. Are you... can you..."

"Of course, I'll be there."

"Thank you."

"Of course."

"No, I mean... I love you."

"I love you, too."

"..."

"So, where's Alfie? Who's been looking after him while you've been in Ibiza?"

"Connie. She's fallen in love with him. I think I'm losing him to her. Why is everyone trying to dognap our dog?"

"Because he's utterly adorable?"

"Obviously. You chose him, and you only choose the best. You chose me, after all."

"Oh, sweetheart, only you would be delusional enough to think that's why I chose you."

"Really? Then why exactly did you choose me?"

"Stockholm Syndrome."

"Stockholm Syndrome? Isn't that when you feel an emotional attachment to your captor?"

"Yep."

"I kidnapped you?"

"No, but you kept me hostage."

"Hostage?"

"For a hundred and sixty-two days and counting."

"You're counting?"

"Like you're not."

"I can give it to you in seconds if you really need."

"Nah, you're ok. Just the fact that you know is enough for me."

"That's romantic of you. But back to me keeping you hostage... I'm pretty sure that it's been you that's kept me hostage for thirteen million, nine hundred and ninety-six thousand, eight hundred seconds. Approximately."

"Dork."

"And yet, you want to marry me."

"Huh... you know how I said I wasn't having second thoughts?"

"Shut up."

"You love me."

"Unfortunately."

"Bitch."

"Haha... did you just call me a bitch?"

"Duh."

"Really, Soph?"

"Time constraints mean I had to blurt out the first comeback I had."

"Well, when you think of a better one, text it to me."

"Maybe. Maybe not."

"Bitch."

"But I'm your bitch."

"And I love you very, very much."

"Do you? Well, in that case, want to Skype tomorrow?"

"We can Skype?"

"Yes, we can."

"Finally!"

"Thought you might like that bit."

"Like?!"

"Love?"

"Absolutely. I miss you heaps already. I can't wait to see you."

"I thought you had my photo as your screensaver."

"Nope."

"Well, let's rectify the situation. I'll send you one now."

"Wait, before you do... what are you wearing?"

"Oh, for God's sake. You're incorrigible."

"What are you wearing? A white t-shirt?"

"Yep."

"Um... not to be rude, and I'll preface this by saying that you look utterly beautiful, but... why are you wearing an oversized white t-shirt?"

"Because I'm at home."

"Home? Why are you at home?"

"I'm sick?"

"Sick?"

"Cramps."

"Leg cramps?"

"Time of the month cramps."

"Ah. So, you're in bed?"

"Netflixing."

"Sounds like a plan."

"Totally."

"But you're ok, though? Do you have painkillers?"

"Why would I need painkillers?"

"Because you have period cramps? Don't they hurt like a bitch?"

"It's not that bad. I have a hot water bottle and chocolate. I'm all set."

"What are you watching on Netflix?"

"Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt."

"Never heard of it."

"You're missing out, my lover."

"Doubt it. Well, if you're binge-watching, I'll leave you to it."

"Usually, I'd be pretend sobbing and begging you not to hang up-"

"Usually? You hardly ever do that."

"As I was saying, before I was so rudely interrupted- I would love to stay on the line and talk to you, but I'm really getting into this show, so... I love you, this was a great chat, and I'll see you tomorrow when we Skype. Until then, think of me and smile."

"Um... ok?"

"Love you bye."

"Love you, bye?"

[Sophie disconnects call.]