More Than Friends

Chapter 12: Unsettling Messages

Nicole stared at the message on her phone, her heart pounding in her chest. You don't know what you're getting into. The words sent a chill down her spine, and she couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that something wasn't right.

Who would send her a message like this? And why now? She quickly checked the number again—definitely not one she recognized. For a moment, she considered calling the number, but something stopped her. Instead, she blocked it and tossed her phone onto the bed, trying to shake off the creeping sense of dread.

But the feeling lingered.

She lay back down, trying to convince herself it was probably just some prank, someone messing with her. But as much as she wanted to believe that, she couldn't ignore the gnawing anxiety that had taken root.

Nicole knew one thing for sure—she needed to tell someone about this.

The Next Morning

Nicole walked into Tasha's apartment the next morning, her stomach still in knots from the message. She hadn't told Devin yet, not wanting to worry him until she knew what was going on. But Tasha? She'd know what to do.

"What's up, girl? You look like you seen a ghost," Tasha said as she opened the door and let Nicole in.

Nicole wasted no time. She pulled out her phone and showed Tasha the message. "This came last night, from some random number."

Tasha frowned as she read it, her expression growing serious. "Who do you think sent this?"

Nicole shook her head, her voice shaky. "I have no idea. I blocked the number, but it just...freaked me out. I don't know why anyone would send me something like that."

Tasha crossed her arms, thinking. "You think it has somethin' to do with Devin?"

Nicole bit her lip. "I don't know. I mean, maybe. He's been in my life for so long, and now with everything changing...I don't know if someone's trying to mess with me or him."

Tasha looked worried now. "Girl, you need to tell Devin about this. He needs to know."

Nicole hesitated. She didn't want to drag Devin into this if it was nothing, but she also didn't want to keep it from him. "Yeah...you're right. I'll tell him today."

Tasha nodded. "Good. And let me know if anything else happens. I don't like this."

Later That Day

Devin was waiting for her at their usual spot by the park, leaning against his car when Nicole pulled up. She hadn't told him about the message over the phone—she wanted to do it in person. As soon as she saw him, the same warmth she always felt returned, but it was overshadowed by the worry gnawing at her.

"Hey," Devin said, smiling as she approached. "You okay? You seemed kinda off earlier."

Nicole took a deep breath and pulled out her phone. "I got this last night," she said, showing him the message.

Devin's smile faded as he read it, his face hardening. "What the hell? Who sent this?"

"I don't know," Nicole replied, shaking her head. "It came from a random number. I blocked it, but it freaked me out."

Devin's jaw clenched, and she could see the tension in his shoulders. "This ain't a joke, Nic. You gotta take this seriously."

"I know," Nicole said softly. "But I don't even know where to start. It could be anyone."

Devin ran a hand over his head, clearly frustrated. "I don't like this. I don't like someone tryin' to scare you like this. We need to figure out who sent it."

Nicole nodded, but there was still a part of her that felt helpless. "I don't want you to get caught up in this, Dev. What if it's nothing?"

"It ain't nothing," Devin said firmly. "You don't mess with someone like that unless you're tryna send a message. We need to stay on guard."

Nicole could see the protective look in his eyes, and even though she was scared, there was a comfort in knowing Devin was by her side. Still, the uncertainty of the situation left her feeling vulnerable in a way she wasn't used to.

That Night

Nicole couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching her. She had been on edge ever since she told Devin about the message, her nerves frayed by the possibility that whoever sent it might still be out there, lurking.

She checked her phone again before going to bed. No new messages. No calls. But the unease stayed with her, like a shadow she couldn't escape.

As she lay down, her mind wandered back to Devin. She knew he was worried, but she also knew he wouldn't let anything happen to her. Still, the weight of his feelings for her hung over everything. Could she really take that step? Could she see him as more than just a friend now that everything had changed?

She closed her eyes, hoping sleep would come quickly, but instead, her phone buzzed again. Her heart jumped, and she grabbed it off the nightstand.

Another message. I warned you. You're not safe.

Nicole's breath caught in her throat as she stared at the screen. This wasn't a prank. Someone was targeting her, and she had no idea why.