Allie Watson

"He is cute," Nina says as she leans her head on Allie's shoulder and openly stares at Carriber's picture.

Allie had grinned broadly when she saw he actually agreed to send her a picture of himself. Her thoughts were very much occupied by Carriber as she stared at his photo.

He looks really cute with the sand coloured hair and pretty blue eyes. I wonder why he said he wasn't much of a looker? Well, he is. Wow, yellow looks absolutely gorgeous on him. He needs to wear it more...

Like that she continued to think about him.

Now, even Nina agrees he is cute.

"Aren't you going to write to him?" she asks.

Allie shakes her head. "No. Not now. I am going to post a letter about three days later. So that way, my letter will reach him exactly on his birthday. Isn't that awesome?"

Nina grins. "Totally."

Just then, Allie turns the ohotograph the other way and sees a note written in black ink.

Hope I get a picture from you too. Smiles!

Allie smiles and stuffs the photograph in the drawer next to her.

~*~

Dear Carriber,
HAPPY BIRHTDAY! I posted this late so this would exactly reach you on your birthday. Oh my god, I can't believe we've been sending each other letters for almost two months. Can you? But, really, happy birthday! Have a blast, by the way. Wish I could wish you personally, though. But - no worries! And, I like playing Call Of Duty. That's like the only game I play. And you're so cute! I love the photograph you have sent me! I have heard of Paper Towns, but never read it. I'm going to issue it tomorrow. Tell me how The Book Thief was after you read it. I really hope you like it. Once again, happy birthday and have a great year ahead.
Allie. (P.S. I really hope you like my gift. Yellow suits you.)

Allie packs the yellow t-shirt she got for Carriber into the packet and also sticks her photo to it.

Allie was basically make up free in that picture with a huge smile. It was taken about three months ago at a family lunch party. She wore a simple blue and white dress and flats.

After packing everything up, she gets up to go and post it to her pen pal.

When Allie comes back it is almost six. And when she sees Nina hanging out with her mum in the kitchen, she is surprised.

"Nina!"

Her best friend turns around and smiles. "Hey. Did you finish posting?"

Allie nods. Nina comes and gives her a hug and Allie's mother says, "Girls, why don't you go up? I'll call you both down, when the food's ready. And Nina darling, I think you should tell Allie you are sleeping over today."

"You are?!" Allie shrieks.

Nina gives her a sheepish grin and goes to Allie's room with Allie following her.

Allie, immedietly, shows Nina the picture of the shirt she brought for Carriber.

"Oh, I am sure he'll love it," Nina assures her.

"I hope so, Nina. I really, really hope so."