Midnight Message

Chapter 12 - Sleep with one eye open

After reading the twins a bedtime story and tucking them into bed, Gemma returns to the Lawson’s living room. She lifts her phone off the table and swipes her finger across the screen. Her screen now says 2 unread messages from Ego Boy. With a sigh, Gemma taps on the message icon and reads Trent’s messages. 

Here’s what I think babydoll. I think you’re all talk and no action.

You said you could kill me with your eyes closed. You’re nothing but words, sweetheart.

Gemma’s eyes narrow. Babydoll? Sweetheart. Argh. The sarcasm in Trent’s messages adds to Gemma’s anger. She pictures Trent Caldwell, cockily holding his phone in his hand. Arrogant jerk.

Gemma types a reply.

I’ll show you action Ego Boy. Just wait and see.

As soon as she hits send Gemma realises she’s played right into Trent’s hands. Sure enough, Gemma’s phone vibrates less than a minute later with a message from Trent.

That’s what I want to hear Gem. I’ll get my webcam ready so I can record the show!

Argh! Gemma is fuming. Disgusting perv. And he called me Gem! I told him not to call me that. Gemma reads over and over Trent’s last message, getting angrier every time she reads it.

She resists the urge to write an angry reply and forces herself to take a few deep breaths. Calm down Gemma. Don’t let him get to you. That’s just what he wants. You’re smarter than that. Don’t give him the pleasure of knowing that he’s having an effect on you.

Gemma runs her fingers through her long, light brown hair. She twists the end of her hair around her finger as she thinks.

Suddenly, she gets an idea. She sits up straight and searches for the perfect YouTube video. She knows the one she’s looking for. After a few clicks, she finds it. A smile plays on Gemma’s lips as she watches the video. Perfect.

She attaches the video to her message and hits send.

I’m not just talk. Here’s some action just for you ;)

Gemma leans back against the Lawson’s couch and thinks about the video she’s just sent to Trent. It begins with a close up of what appears to be a woman’s bottom, swaying in time to the seductive music in the background. As the camera moves back the viewer can see that the woman is wearing a very skimpy bikini. The woman, with her back to the camera, continues to move in time to the music. Occasionally, she runs her hands over her body and through her long, blond hair. Suddenly, the woman turns around so the viewer can see…..that it’s really a man. The music stops and the viewer gets a good look at the man who is wearing a cheap blond wig. The fact that the man has a large, dark beard and hair on his chest and stomach makes the image of him in a bikini look even more ridiculous. The man holds up a cardboard sign with the phrase ‘Gotcha. Get your head out of the gutter’. Then the video ends.

Gemma tries to imagine Trent’s reaction as he watches the video. I’d give anything to see his face right now!  

It’s almost 10 minutes before Gemma receives a reply from Trent.

Well played Gemma. I’m impressed.

Like I said, Ego Boy, sleep with one eye open.

Gemma smiles, satisfied. Finally, I actually beat him at his own game. Now I know how to deal with him. I can’t break down his ego with insults and angry comments. But I can outsmart him!

The sound of voices and a key turning in a door brings Gemma back to reality. Sounds like Tom’s home from work and Laura’s back from night school. Guiltily, she shoves her phone in her pocket and grabs her book off the coffee table.  

‘Reading as always’ says Tom Lawson as he walks into his living room where Gemma is sitting on his couch with her nose in a book. ‘How were the kids?’

‘Energetic as always.’ Gemma smiles. She closes her book and picks up her keys.

Laura Lawson pulls out some money from her bag and hands it to Gemma. ‘Thanks Gemma. They adore you.’

‘No problem at all.’ Gemma says.

The Lawsons walk her to their front door and wave goodbye.

Gemma walks home and quietly lets herself into her house. In the safety of her room she pulls out her phone again. Her heart is beating. She’s on a high after finally getting the better of Trent. He’s impressed? Good. Hopefully it takes his ego down a peg or two. Don’t mess with Gemma!

Still congratulating herself for her clever trick, Gemma climbs into bed. She is just about to turn off her bedside lamp when she sees her phone screen light up. A second later it vibrates against her bedside table. 1 new message from Ego Boy.

Curious to see how Trent replied to her last message, she clicks on his text.

Whatever you say, Gemma.

Gemma sighs. Looks like I still have some work to do.