In Your Absence

by Spencer Roman
(He did the HTML for me. Feel free to do the same with yours if you have a specific look in mind. ~ Mandy)



June 23rd

Daniel ~

Hey, mate. Just wanted to say that I think this was a really good idea. Everyone needs a break every now and then – even us. Especially us. Sometimes it gets overwhelming, all the touring and performing. You know what I mean. I think this is really good for us, to take some time to be inspired individually. Plus, this e-mailing gives me a chance to brush up my farbluous typing skills. [um ... that should be ‘fabulous,' shouldn't it ...] We'll be able to bring new elements into our genius. Mwa ha ha ha ha.



June 25th

Darren ~

Hi. I'm glad you're appreciating the holiday. I was a little cynical about going to Florida at first, just because it's so cliché, you know, Disneyworld and all that. I thought, if I'm not happy there, where the hell will I be happy? But it's ok. The weather's been good. Sunny, warm. I've met lots of people. Definitely a good idea. I might even say it's farbluous.

~ Daniel


June 27th

Daniel ~

We haven't really been reduced to discussing the weather, have we? Come on, what have you been up to? California is also sunny and warm, in case you care, and I too have met lots of people. There's this amazing club a few blocks from the hotel, and the name escapes me, but it's really colourful. I'm having a blast.

~ Darren


June 30th

Darren ~

Ok no more weather. You haven't been drinking, have you? Good. I know I can trust you (and if not, at least I can make you feel guilty). I've been going to clubs too. Are you feeling inspired yet?

~ Daniel


July 2nd

Daniel ~

Don't be silly darling. I can have a perfectly good time without alcohol. I wonder if you can say the same ... ? The inspiration is flowing like wine.

~ Darren


July 3rd

Darren ~

‘Darling'?

~ Daniel


July 4th

Daniel ~

Do you prefer ‘pumpkin'? I could call you that, if you like ...

~ Darren


July 6th

Darren ~

Shut up, darling.

~ Daniel


July 9th

Daniel ~

Do you know how bizarre it is to receive an e-mail that says simply, "Shut up, darling?" I think we're wasting the technology. Why can't we just call each other like normal people?

~ Darren


July 12th

Darren ~

I told you, not calling is part of the idea. Minimum communication, within reason. Time apart. Separate inspiration. Not that I don't expect you to miss me. Heh heh. Don't tell me California's lost its appeal already!

~ Daniel


July 13th

Daniel ~

California's great. I've just been thinking a lot, going a little mad. Hard to explain. Just one phone call – I can't really justify it. I'd like to hear your voice. Tuesday. Whether you like it or not.

~ Darren


...


June 15th [Tuesday]

"Darren?"
"Hey, Dan."
"You okay?"
"Um. Yeah."
"I don't believe you."
"No, it's alright, I just miss you."
"That's sweet ... heh."
"... Do that again."
"What?"
"Laugh."
"Daz, *giggle* what are you on?"
"Sorry. I'm alright, really. What are you doing?"
"I thought you were going to ask what I was wearing ... *giggle*"
"Ha. Okay, what are you wearing?"
"Shut up. [pause] ... what are you wearing?"
"Um. Black jeans."
"That's all?"
"Yeah."
"Daz, put a shirt on."
"Why?"
"So I can tell you to take it off."

[One solid minute of giggling.]

"You're never so forward in person, Dan. Absence making your hear grow fonder?"
"My heart. Sure, that's what's growing fonder ..."
"Oh, you're awful."
"You started it, Pumpkin."

[More laughter.]

"Ah ... Look, Daz, I'm sorry to have to cut this short, but I have to go to this party ..."
"Party. Right. Okay, I'll see you soon, anyway."
"Yeah. Alright. See you."
"Bye. ... Love."

Click.


...


June 20th

"Dan!"
"Daz!"
"Hey ... good to see you again."
"Yes, you too. What are those papers?"
"Oh. Um, stuff I wrote. Come on in."
"Heh, I see you haven't unpacked yet."
"What are you talking about? This is as unpacked as I get."
"Ha. So let's see what you wrote."