Chapter 2

After standing in shock for a few minutes, I make my way over to my friends. "What was That about?" Sam asks, wiggling her eyebrows at me. "I have no idea. I was walking back to you guys and then I bumped into this man. He helped me up and wrote down his number, and then stuffed it in my bra."

"Ooh girl! Was he cute? What's his name?"

I give myself a mental smack on my head, realizing I forgot to ask. "Um I don't know. But this is totally not good. What about Mark?"

Jess and Claire exchange looks, yet again. What is with them?

"Well Bells, we think you deserve better than Mark. I mean, you've been with him for four years, but do you really feel in love?" Claire asks.

I sigh because I know I don't. But he's so sweet, and it feels wrong to be with any other person.

I shrug my shoulders. "I'm not going to call the number." I decide. "WHAT? No, you have to. Maybe this is the guy that will make you feel in love." Jess says.

Like she knows what love is. Ugh. I don't know what to do. "Let's just leave guys. Okay?"

They all have worried looks, but they agree and we walk back to the car. By this time, there's a cold evening air that sweeps through my hair. Sam drops me at my apartment, and the three of them go back on campus as they live in the dorms.

I slip off my clothing and change into my pajamas. I check my phone to see a text from Mark:

Hi Bella, I'm just checking on you. If you're asleep, goodnight, I love you.

I sigh and text him goodnight. Mark and I don't have nicknames for each other. Like some couples call each other 'baby', we don't do that. I guess it would be nice. Then my mind goes back to the run-in with that man at the mall. I rummage through my clothes left in a heap on the floor until I find the piece of paper that was stuck between my bra. I uncrumple it to see the man's number. If my parents ever find out about this call about to be made, my life is over.

My hand shakes as I dial the number. I wait anxiously for the phone to be answered. After four rings, someone picks up.

"Hello?" They answer, the voice husky. I clear my throat to help the nervousness. It doesn't.

"Um, this man told me to call this number, but I didn't quite get his name."

I hear a chuckle. "Oh, you're the girl aren't you? What's your name babe?"

"Um Bella." I squeak.

"That's pretty sexy."

I gasp, no man has ever said anything of mine is sexy.

"May I ask what your name is sir?"

"Sure, its Michael." Wow, I just love that name.

"Oh. Well was there something specific you wanted to talk to me about or.."

"Yeah. Where do you live?"

This conversation is getting odd. "Um, I don't feel comfortable telling you that sir." There's silence on the other line.

"I see. Don't worry, I can track the phone down. Sleep tight. See you in the morning Bella." He purrs my name and my spine tingles.

Then the line goes flat. I curl up on my bed, scared and anxious about what will come in the morning.