Text Message Transcript

[10:02 AM]

Ethan: Hey! So, you’re coming home with me for Christmas, right? Mom’s already talking about making cookies for “the guest.” No way you’re staying alone over the holidays.

Jordan: Nah, I’m good, man. Thanks, though. Christmas isn’t really my thing, you know? I’ll just chill here. See?

Ethan: Not happening. You’re not spending Christmas alone. You’re coming with me. That’s final.

Jordan: Dude, you’re making this a way bigger deal than it is. It’s just one day.

Ethan: It’s Christmas. Family, food, cheesy holiday movies. You’ll love it. Trust me. Mom’s even excited. She’s got your room ready.

Jordan: What? My room? That’s weird. Why does it sound like I’m already booked?

Ethan: Because you are! It’s not weird. Mom loves hosting. Plus, she’s dying to meet you. It’s kinda cute how excited she is.

Jordan: She knows I’m your roommate, right? Why’s she so hyped to meet me?

Ethan: Because I told her how awesome you are. Obviously.

[10:27 AM]

Jordan: Still feels weird. Like, I’m crashing a family thing. What if they don’t like me?

Ethan: Not a chance. You’re funny, chill, great company. They’re gonna love you.

Jordan: You’re overselling it. Besides, I’m not exactly the family-gathering type.

Ethan: Stop. You’re perfect. And you need this. When’s the last time you had a real holiday?

Jordan: Don’t guilt-trip me.

Ethan: I’m not! I’m just saying, you deserve some Christmas magic.

Jordan: You’re relentless.

Ethan: I prefer persistent.

[11:12 AM]

Jordan: Okay, hypothetically—if I came, what should I wear?

Ethan: Anything festive. No ugly sweaters required, but Mom loves holiday vibes. Oh! Pack that red sweater you wore last week. You looked great in it.

Jordan: I don’t have a red sweater.

Ethan: Yeah, you do. You wore it when we grabbed coffee last Thursday. It looked cozy. Suited you.

Jordan: …Are you sure? I don’t remember that.

Ethan: Totally sure. Trust me.

Jordan: Weird.

[11:50 AM]

Jordan: Be honest—do I look different to you?

Ethan: Different how? You’re still you.

Jordan: I don’t know. I looked in the mirror, and something seems… off. My face feels softer? My hair looks longer?

Ethan: Send me a selfie.

Jordan: Fine, but don’t laugh if I’m losing it. I think I'm still changing i'll send 2

[Image sent]

Ethan: …You look great. What’s the problem?

Jordan: You don’t notice anything? Like, my face looks rounder, right? Hair.....longer????

Ethan: Nope. You look normal. Better than normal, honestly. Glowing. Are you trying a new moisturizer or something?

Jordan: No! This is weird.

Ethan: You’re overthinking. Relax. Maybe it’s just good lighting.

[12:15 PM]

Jordan: Ethan, my voice sounds weird.

Ethan: Weird how?

Jordan: Softer. Higher, maybe? Like, I heard it on a voicemail, and it didn’t sound like me.

Ethan: Maybe your throat’s dry. Drink some water. And stop freaking out. send me another selfie i'll check

Jordan: ok again I'll send two again I swear i'm changing fast I think I'm looking ...girly?

(image sent)

Jordan: I’m not freaking out! I’m… concerned. What if something’s happening to me? My hair seems....redder?

Ethan: The only thing happening is you procrastinating on packing. Get moving. You look great

Jordan: You’re impossible.

[12:45 PM]

Jordan: Ethan, this is getting out of hand. My jeans don’t fit right. They’re tight in weird places.

Ethan: Maybe you’ve been skipping leg day. Send me a pic.

Jordan: Why are you like this?

Ethan: Because I care. Now, selfie.

[Image sent]

Ethan: …Okay, you look amazing. What are you even worried about?

Jordan: Amazing? Ethan, my hips look… bigger. My waist is smaller. This is not normal.

Ethan: Bro. You’re imagining things. You look fine. Seriously.

Jordan: This is not fine.

[1:20 PM]

Jordan: Ethan. My hair. It’s past my shoulders now. It was barely to my ears this morning.

Ethan: What are you talking about? It’s always been like that.

Jordan: NO, IT HASN’T.

Ethan: Chill. Long hair suits you. Don’t overthink it.

Jordan: Ethan, my reflection is changing, and you’re acting like nothing’s wrong.

Ethan: Because there’s nothing to act like. You’re gorgeous. Always have been.

Jordan: …Gorgeous?

Ethan: Yeah. What, am I not allowed to compliment my best girlfriend? Geez.

[2:00 PM]

Jordan: Ethan, my clothes aren’t fitting. My shirt’s too tight. And my… chest. Ethan, I have curves now.

Ethan: So? Embrace it. You look amazing. Honestly, the red sweater’s gonna look even better now.

Jordan: I can’t wear that. What if your family notices? What if they think it’s weird?

Ethan: Weird? Why? You’re perfect. My family’s gonna love you.

Jordan: Ethan, stop saying that. This is too much.

Ethan: Jo, breathe. You’re fine. You’re more than fine. You’re coming with me, and it’s going to be the best Christmas ever.

Jordan: You sound so sure.

Ethan: I am. Trust me.

[3:30 PM]

Jordan: Ethan, my name’s showing as “Joanna” on my phone now. What is happening?

Ethan: What do you mean? You’ve always been Joanna.

Jordan: NO, I HAVEN’T.

Ethan: Uh, yeah, you have? Look, I think the stress is getting to you. Take a deep breath. You’re coming to Christmas, and you’re gonna rock that red sweater.

Joanna: …You’re impossible.

Ethan: And you’re adorable.

[4:15 PM]

Joanna: Fine. I’ll come. But Ethan, if your family thinks I’m weird or… doesn’t like me, I’m blaming you.

Ethan: Jo, they’re going to love you. They’ve been dying to meet you. Mom’s already calling you my Christmas miracle.

Joanna: Christmas miracle? Stop. I'm a mess....see?

Ethan: Can’t help it. You’re perfect.

Joanna: …You’re lucky I like you.

Ethan: Luckiest guy in the world. ❤️

Joanna: I’ll see you soon.

Ethan: Can’t wait, Jo. Let’s make this Christmas unforgettable.