Enigmatic Photographs (Deleting Soon!)

5 - The Man Has a Plan

5 - The Man Has a Plan

"Mom, dad! I'm home!" Riley yelled to her parents as she walked through the door. Matt had dropped her off, walked her to the door and awkwardly gave her a kiss. Riley noted that  - much like a gentleman - he'd waited for her to get in the house before giving her a wave and speeding off. 

"Dad's in his study reading. How was it, honey?" Riley's mom, Misty spoke from the kitchen. The smell of cookies wafted through the air, making Riley's stomach growl - albeit she'd just eaten dinner. Before she could respond, Trey's deep voice called out to her lowly. 

"Yeah, honey. How was it?" He stood, back against the wall, with his fists jammed deep into the pockets of his gray sweatpants. Riley could feel irritation creeping into her, slowly filling like a gauge. She really was trying to be patient with her best friend - for that reason alone - but he always made it seem like he was accusing her of something. It seemed as if he was always watching her movements, studying her with disgust. 

Riley sighed and took off her sweater. "It was great mom." She paused, wondering if she should tell her mother about the bizarre text message she'd gotten in the bathroom. She decided against it, and reminded herself that she needed to talk to Trey about that to make sure it was just him playing a stupid joke on her. "I had a good time...he's really sweet." 

Riley was sighing dreamily, thinking about how perfect the night had been. 

'Not that perfect.' Her subconscious mind reiterated simply. Riley simply shook it off, deciding to ignore herself - if that was even possible. 

'It's not possible, stupid. We share the same brain! Now stop ignoring this, it could be serious!' Riley tried despreately to avoid the thought completely, but failed. 

"What if it is serious? I could get kidnapped and....no." She said aloud to herself. "Don't think like that Riles. You've just been watching too many horror films is all..." 

"RILEY! Why are you ignoring me?!" Trey was standing in front of RIley, a small frown on his face. She hadn't noticed he'd walked in - let alone the known that he was talking to her. He took in her appearance and dropped his hands to her face, concern painting his face a worried complextion."RIles..? What happened? What did that-"

"Nothing, Trey.  I just...did you...text me...earlier?" Riley asked as her hands trembled slightly. He shook his head slowly. Riley thought he looked guily, but figured her mind was just playing tricks on her. "Oh...well nevermind then." Riley was confused. Who could've texted her? Her  mind whirrled and her heart lurched - almost painfully.

"No RIley, what happened?"Riley knew Trey would pry until he got some answers, so she sighed defeatedly and pulled out her phone, quickly scrolling through her text messages. When she saw the message, she shoved her phone into Trey's face, taking him by surprise. He read it, then re-read it, then re-read it again. 

Riley bit her nails in frustration. 

"Riley....who would mess with you like this?" Trey asked, looking utterly confused. Riley shrugged her shoulders and frowned. A great number of girls in her school didn't like her, true but most of those girls just stayed out of her way and she made sure to return the favor. Besides, this message was different from a joke. It was...possessive somehow; Riley could feel the emotions - anger, hate, betrayal, despair - all in that short text. 

That's what terrified her the most. 

How could a stranger - possibly a complete psycho - convey his or her feelings through such a short message? 

'Because he has strong feelings for you, RIley.' Her subconscious piped again. 

'It might not even be a he. Shut up, you know nothing.' Riley thought back angrily.