Broken Innocence

12. Just a joke

Reece and Mia had been getting closer than ever over the past week. The sun had made its appearance after weeks of bland weather and now the teens were settling into Summer.

Reece, Mia and Autumn were taking in the sun by the pool Roger had recently had re-done. Most likely to gain the attention of his secret little 24 year old but that's his business.

Autumn laid on her towel stretched out with a book, stealing a few glances once every so often at the brunette with her brother.

But of course, once again Mia had caught the eye of another Knight. And not the teenage boy you might think.

The brunette walks inside to grab a few drinks, what she didn't expect was the suited man in front of her as she closed the fridge.
"Jeez! Oh, sorry. Mr Knight, I wasn't aware you were here" the girl politely smiled.

"It's alright Amelia. You know, you and my son do seem rather close recently"
"We always have been" Mia answers
"Not like this. I am aware of what goes on in my children's lives Amelia. And yours"

Mia was slightly disturbed at Roger's peculiar efforts to start a conversation. They never had much to talk about before. Not just that, but Roger was acting really strange to Mia, he was smiling for once.

"Well, uh, I should get back to them" Mia smiles. Yet just as she turns to leave he grabs her wrist,
"Sit. There are things I'd like to discuss" Mia felt extremely uncomfortable but went to sit at the table anyway. Roger followed and sat himself down next to her.

"What is this about?"
"It must be hard for you and your mother. After your father left"
"We're doing just fine" she replies,
"Of course you are. You're a very pretty girl, Amelia. It would be a shame to waste that the way you do"
"Excuse me?"
"Like I said, I know what goes on in my children's lives. And I think of you as my daughter, of course. You've been so close to my children since you were children"
"Well I have a dad"
"Yes, yes" the man chuckles, "but do you know where he is?"

Mia was even more confused. Why was he asking these questions?
"I didn't think so" he continued after Mia's silence. "Just remember I know things, Amelia. I am a very resourceful man. And so if you need anything" his hand slowly rests on Mia's leg, just below where her skirt falls, "you know where I am"

Mia shoots up, and takes a few steps back quickly.
"I don't need or want your help. I'm fine on my own" she spits,
"Mia?" Reece's voice slightly startles the girl, she quickly turns to face him, "are you okay?"
"Yeah, of course. I got the drinks" she smiles and goes to pick up the bottles from the counter.

"Dad. I thought you were at a meeting all afternoon?"
"Ended early, son" Roger stands from the table and walks out into the hallway. Mia hands one of the bottles of water to Reece,
"What did he say to you?"
"Oh, nothing. Just about us getting closer and he 'knows what's going on in his kids lives'"

"Brilliant. He stalks us" Reece huffs
"Most likely, come on" Mia smiles and the two walk out.

Mia went straight into the water once they got out, hoping to wash away the awful touch of Roger's hand on her leg. She felt rather awkward about the situation, but didn't bother saying anything to Reece or Autumn.

...

Later that evening Mia was back at her own house. She walked into her room after showering and saw her phone light up from the bed.

Messages:
Unknown number
Your hair looks good wet Amelia

Mia had no idea who was messaging her, she quickly went over to her window and shut the curtains, was somebody watching her?

'Who the hell is this?'

She replied, and it didn't take long for a response.

You'll know soon enough. And you'll get what's coming to you. Remember Amelia, I'm always watching. Sweet dreams princess

The message did slightly scare the girl, yet she would never admit it. It's probably nothing. Just some freak playing a sick joke. I mean, her phone number is most likely written somewhere in the toilets or behind some wall around school.

It's nothing. Just a joke.