Chapter "The First Message"
When I came home from school, I went straight to the couch and turned on the TV. “Modern Family” was on, and my eyelids felt heavier and heavier until I drifted off to sleep.
-
The ringtone of my phone pulled me back to reality. I glanced around – the sun had already set, and my parents weren’t home yet. The screen lit up again, demanding my attention. A message from an unknown number:
Un: Hey
Me: Who is this?
Un: Don’t worry about that ;) Are you alone right now?
Me: Seriously, if you don’t tell me who you are, I’ll just block you…
Un: It’s me, Mark. No need to freak out.
Me: Nice try. Do you really think I don’t have his number saved?
I sent the message and immediately blocked the number. I wasn’t in the mood for stupid games.
The doorbell rang at that very moment. I told myself it was a coincidence, but my heart wasn’t convinced.
I walked carefully to the window next to the door and pushed the curtains aside. Relief washed over me when I saw Mark standing on the porch.
“Hey, beautiful,” he said as I opened the door. A bright smile spread across his face.
“Hey, Prince Charming. What are you doing here? I thought you had practice for your big game tomorrow.”
He walked inside and cupped my cheeks with his hands. “As if that was going to keep me from seeing you…” His eyes drifted down to my lips before we leaned in for a kiss. I ran my fingers through his hair, savoring every second. Then, his phone started ringing. He pulled away immediately, reaching for it as if he’d been expecting an important call.
“Who is it?” I asked, curious. Mark hesitated, shaking his head.
“Oh, it’s nothing… just the coach.” He ran a hand through his hair—a habit I knew meant he was nervous. “I should probably head home. I need to rest before the game.”
“Yeah, of course.” I wasn’t sure what had gotten into him, but there was no point in pushing. Eventually, he’d tell me about it, I hoped.
He turned without a goodbye, leaving the door to snap shut behind him.
A few seconds later, I walked to the window and watched him curiously. Mark was talking on the phone, glancing around as if someone was following him. Why would he act so suspiciously if he was just talking to his coach? He was hiding something.
Upstairs, my phone lit up again:
Un: Hey
Me: Who are you?
Un: Do you really want to have this conversation all over again?
Me: But I blocked you…
Un: You blocked one number… What’s going on with your boyfriend? Why was he storming out of your house like that?
Me: How would you know? Are you watching me?
My heart pounded in my chest. I waited for minutes, but there was no reply. I stormed back downstairs and ripped open the front door. The street was empty.
-
It was the day of Mark’s big football match. To be honest, I didn’t know much about football, so I didn’t understand why this game was so important. Mark had said a lot of talent scouts would be there.
Aileen was waiting for me in the second row. She’d reserved two seats with a perfect view of the field. “Hey, sweetie, are you ready for Mark’s big game?”
“Of course, I am.” I showed her the sign I’d made the day before.
She smiled brightly. “Wow, that’s what I call a supportive girlfriend.”
“Always trying my best…”
But her smile faded. “Since the game hasn’t started yet, could I talk to you in private for a second?”
“Yes, of course. Is something wrong?” I placed my hand on her shoulder, worried.
But we didn’t get a chance to talk alone because Colin sat down beside us as if it were the most natural thing to do. “Hey girls,” he smirked.
“Colin, we need a minute alone.” Aileen and I stood up from our seats.
“But the game is about to start.” He was right. The players were walking onto the field. First came Mark and Noah as co-captains, followed by Travis, Cole, Joe, Liam, and a few guys I didn’t recognize.
“Can we talk later?” I whispered to Aileen.
“Yes, no problem.” She smiled, but I could tell something was truly bothering her.