Midnight Message

Chapter 17 - Getting ready and getting there

Gemma feels her phone vibrate inside her pocket. Instinctively she reaches for it. However, she stops mid action when she is met by her mum's disapproving look.

The Stantons, minus Zack who doesn't return from his footy camp until this afternoon, are sitting in church as they do every Sunday. Usually Gemma enjoys the peacefulness of the morning service, but today she is restless. Tonight is the night she will come face to face with Trent Caldwell.

When the morning service is over, Gemma says goodbye to her parents and walks out of the church with her younger sister.

Angie is going to spend the afternoon studying at a friend's house.

'See you tonight.' Angie says.

'Actually' Gemma answers quickly 'I won't be home tonight. I'm spending the night at Emily's house'

I've only just walked out the church door and I'm already lying. Gemma thinks guiltily. She tries to ignore the uneasy feeling in her stomach. I mean, technically I'm not lying. I am going to sleep over at Emily's house tonight.....

As far as Gemma's family were concerned, Gemma was going to see a movie with Emily this afternoon. Gemma had asked if she could stay at Emily's house after seeing the movie and her parents had happily agreed. If only they knew what we're really going to do tonight. Gemma thinks wryly.

'Ok. Have fun!' Angie says, before walking away from Gemma and in the direction of her friend's house.

Fun isn't the word I would use. Gemma thinks as she unlocks her car door and gets inside. Tonight is not about having fun. It's about destroying a bad boy's ego.

Before she turns the key in the ignition Gemma pulls her phone out of her pocket. 2 new messages.

The first one is from Emily.

Mission 'Get Gemma together with a Football Hottie' will commence at 19:00 hours. When can I expect you at mission central so I can begin preparations?

Gemma rolls her eyes.

I'm leaving church now. I'll be at your house in 10 mins.

Excellent. I shall brief you upon arrival.

Gemma shakes her head and does her best to wipe away the smile that has crept onto her face. Emily is way too excited about tonight.

Gemma touches her phone to reveal the second text that she had received during church. She isn't surprised to see that it is from Ego Boy.

So am I going to see you at the Mt View Hotel tonight? Or have you decided that being in the same room as me would be too much for you to handle?

Gemma clenches her teeth.

Get over yourself Trent Caldwell. Anyone with half a brain can see through your pathetic charm act.

Gemma throws her phone on the passenger seat and drives herself to Emily's house. When she arrives, she parks her car in the driveway, grabs her phone and walks to the front door. She knocks on the door to let her best friend know she's there. While she is waiting for Emily to open the door she looks at her phone and reads Trent's reply to her last message.

We'll see....

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Trent leans his back against the head board of the hotel bed. The smooth head board feels cool against his bare back. Lazily he scrolls through the many contacts in his phone until he finds the one he's looking for. He hits the call button. After 3 rings he hears the familiar voice of Ryan.