Captured

Outside, Tim sent Jacky a WhatsApp message, asking if she had some time today. Jacky was Alison’s pen pal—the one she was currently living with—and surely she would let him take a photo. No one would ever notice that the photo was actually taken using his father's iBod.

Tim and Jacky met at Starbucks in the afternoon, where Tim treated her to an iced matcha latte. He explained that he wanted a photo of the "sexy" Alison so he could print it out and hang it in his room.

When Jacky remarked, "Good idea—that way there won't be any stains on them," he purposefully glossed over her comment, though his ears turned a deep red.

Jacky said she would take the photo and then let him know so he could come pick up the iBod. However, she questioned why he couldn't just have her send a photo from her phone; that seemed much easier. Fortunately, Tim was prepared for that question, claiming the device possessed the best camera on the market—the latest and greatest. Jacky responded with an understanding nod that essentially meant, "Poor crazy guy," before disappearing from the café with the iBod in hand.

Tim was now sitting on pins and needles. Tomorrow was Sunday, the day Alison was supposed to fly home. If this didn't work out today, it might never happen.

After an agonizing 67 minutes, Jacky messaged him. She said she had taken several photos and wanted to return the device to him. They arranged to meet once more at Starbucks. Tim wanted to buy her another treat, but Jacky laughed and declined; she was in a hurry to get home and get all dolled up for Saturday night.

Tim made his way home as quickly as possible with his "treasure." Once back home, he handed the iBod to his father, who took the device with a smirk, amused by his son's unprecedented eagerness.

"If only you were this eager at school..." he grinned.

Walter checked the captures, selected the most suitable one, and aimed the iBod.

With a 'fizz,' it happened. There stood Alison in a blue floral mini-dress and brown cowboy boots, causing Tim to let out a loud cheer of triumph.

The crazy plan had worked! At least, the first part of it.