JONEZEEEE: Maniac. the after-party drama. You need to fix this.
12/29/3781 - 6:03 PM
TheManiac: Fix what? The mess in the drama room? Not my fault Derek can't handle his energy drinks! XD
But seriously, what's the problem? Show was a hit, after-party was wild, mission accomplished!
12/23/3781 - 6:10 PM
JONEZEEEE: I'm talking about you repeatedly introducing Shirley as your girlfriend when she's NOT. And now she's so embarrassed she's skipping school! Plus Tim and Zenon and that whole disaster.
You started this mess and I think you need to help clean it up.
12/29/3781 - 6:17 PM
TheManiac: Whoa, slow down! Shirley's skipping school? Because of me?
And what do you mean she's not my girlfriend? We went for Galactic Floats, we hang out all the time, we had amazing chemistry in the show... I thought we were basically official? I mean, she never said we weren't...
As for Timmy and Zenon, that's not on me. She's been planning to kiss him for weeks. Everyone knew except him.
12/23/3781 - 6:23 PM
JONEZEEEE: Maniac, sharing a milkshake once doesn't make someone your girlfriend! Did you ever actually ASK her if she wanted to be your girlfriend?
And yes, she's skipping school because she was mortified by the whole situation. You put her in an impossible position in front of everyone.
12/29/3781 - 6:30 PM
TheManiac: Well... not in those exact words, no. But we've been flirting for months! I gave her that charm bracelet, I helped her with the bullies, I got the lead in the play and she was my co-star!
Wait, are you serious? She was actually upset about this? I thought she was just playing it cool in public...
12/23/3781 - 6:38 PM
JONEZEEEE: YES, I'm serious! Shirley was trying to tell you to stop the whole night, but you kept doing it anyway. And when Tim tried to stand up for her, it just made everything worse.
Maniac, not everyone operates the way you do. Just because you think something is happening doesn't mean it is. You need to actually TALK to people about this stuff, not just decide how things are and announce it to everyone.
12/29/3781 - 6:45 PM
TheManiac: ah gosh dang. I didn't realize. I thought she was just being shy.
Oh man. I really messed up, didn't I? I never meant to embarrass her. I actually really like Shirley - she's different from other girls. Smarter and more interesting.
I just thought. eh. I don't know what I thought.
12/23/3781 - 6:52 PM
JONEZEEEE: Look, I believe you didn't mean to hurt her. But you did. And now everything's a mess - Shirley's upset, Tim's humiliated, and the whole team is fractured right when we need to be unified.
If you really care about Shirley, you need to apologize. Not with some grand gesture or public announcement - just a sincere "I'm sorry" and then give her space.
12/29/3781 - 7:00 PM
TheManiac: You're right. I'll message her and apologize.
I'm not used to... messing up like this? Dad always says to act confident even when you're not, and people will believe you. I guess that doesn't work so well with actual relationships.
Should I apologize to Tim too? For the fight thing?
12/23/3781 - 7:08 PM
JONEZEEEE: That might be good advice for business, but terrible advice for friendships and relationships.
Yes, you should apologize to Tim too. But one thing at a time. Shirley first.
And Maniac? Just be honest. No charm, no jokes, no grand statements. Just tell the truth - that you misunderstood, you're sorry, and you'll do better.
12/29/3781 - 7:06 PM
TheManiac: I will. Thanks for being straight with me, Jonesey. Most people just let me get away with stuff because of my dad or whatever.
I really didn't mean to hurt anyone. Especially not Shirley.
I'll fix this. Somehow.
12/23/3781 - 7:21 PM
JONEZEEEE: That's all anyone can ask. We all mess up sometimes.
Good luck. And maybe wait until after winter break to talk to them in person. Give everyone some cooling-off time.
12/29/3781 - 7:25 PM
TheManiac: Yeah, that's probably smart. I'll send a simple apology now and then really talk to them when we're back.
Thanks, Jonesey. You're pretty wise. any chance you wanna get a galactic float with me?
12/23/3781 - 7:30 PM
JONEZEEEE: not a chance.
And you're welcome. That's what Time Cruisers do - we help each other navigate the timestream... and highschool, which is way more complicated.
12/29/3781 - 7:33 PM