Wings and Waves

Chapter 9: Unwanted Message

Yvonne's POV

I stared at my phone, my thumb hovering over the screen as Louis’s name flashed again and again. My heart was pounding, but I forced myself to breathe. I wasn’t going to let him control me-not tonight, not ever again.

Mary plopped down next to me on the bed, her energy filling the room like a shot of espresso. “Well, if it isn’t the ghost of relationships past. What’s he want, a weather report? ‘Hey Yvonne, did you enjoy the rain I sent?’ Please.”

I snorted despite myself. Leave it to Mary to crack a joke when my nerves were shot.

Sofia, ever the worrier, perched on the edge of my desk chair, wringing her hands. “Mary, this isn’t funny. What if he’s outside? What if he’s watching the house right now?” Her eyes darted to the window as if Louis might materialize out of the shadows.

Mary just grinned and tossed a pillow in the air. “If he’s out there, I hope he brought an umbrella. I’d hate for his hair to get frizzy while I’m kicking his butt.”

I managed a weak laugh, the tension in my chest loosening just a bit. “You two are impossible,” I said, but I was grateful for both of them in that moment-Mary’s fire, Sofia’s gentle concern. They anchored me.

Sofia leaned in, her voice soft but insistent. “Yvonne, do you want to answer him? Or should we just… block and delete?”

I hesitated. “He says he just wants to make sure I got home safe. And… he wants to talk. He wants me to come back. Start over.”

Mary rolled her eyes so hard I thought they might get stuck. “Oh, sure. Because nothing says ‘fresh start’ like a surprise horror movie cameo. What’s next, he sends you flowers with a note that says ‘Sorry for being a nightmare’?”

Sofia bit her lip. “But… what if he’s really sorry this time? Maybe he’s changed?”

Mary shot her a look. “Sof, you’re sweet, but this isn’t a Disney movie. People like Louis don’t just wake up and decide to be Prince Charming.”

I let out a shaky breath. “He says he misses me. That he can’t stop thinking about me. That he’ll do anything to fix things.”

Mary hugged the pillow to her chest, her voice rising. “He can fix things by moving to Antarctica. Or Mars. Or anywhere that’s not within a thousand miles of you.”

Sofia’s eyes widened. “Mary! Be serious.”

“I am serious!” Mary said, but she winked at me. “If he shows up here, I’m calling the cops. Or my cousin Tony. He’s got a black belt and a bad attitude.”

I couldn’t help but smile, the first real one in days. “You two are ridiculous.”

Sofia reached over and squeezed my hand. “We just want you safe. That’s all.”

Mary nodded, her tone softening. “You deserve better, Yvonne. So much better. And you know what? I’ll be your bodyguard. I’ll even wear sunglasses indoors.”

I laughed, wiping my eyes. “Thank you. Both of you.”

Sofia glanced at the phone, then at me. “So… what are you going to do?”

I stared at the screen, my heart thudding. “I think I need to tell him it’s really over. For good. No more second chances.”

Mary pumped her fist in the air. “That’s my girl! Want me to type it? I’ll throw in some emojis for emphasis.”

I shook my head, smiling through my nerves. “I can do it. I have to do it.”

Sofia nodded, pride shining in her eyes. “We’re right here. Whatever you need.”

Mary grinned. “And if he tries anything, he’ll have to deal with us. And Tony. And maybe my grandma-she’s scarier than both of us.”

We all burst out laughing, the tension finally breaking. For a moment, I felt lighter, stronger, wrapped in the warmth of their loyalty.

I took a deep breath, opened Louis’s message, and began to type. But before I could hit send, another message popped up.

This isn’t over, Yvonne. I’ll be waiting.

The laughter died in my throat. My hands shook, but I lifted my chin. I wasn’t alone. Not anymore.

And whatever came next, I’d face it-with my friends beside me.

The screen went dark, but the cold dread didn’t leave me. Louis’s last message echoed in my mind: This isn’t over, Yvonne. I’ll be waiting.

I barely noticed Miri jump onto my lap, her soft weight grounding me. She looked up with those big green eyes, like she knew something was wrong but didn’t judge me for it. I stroked her fur absently, grateful for the simple comfort.

“Yvonne?” Mary’s voice cut through the silence as she flopped dramatically onto my bed, eyes blazing with fierce protectiveness. “That creep. I swear, if he shows up here, I’m turning into a one-woman army. And Miri’s my secret weapon.”

Sofia hovered by the door, biting her lip, clearly worried but trying to keep it together. “He really shouldn’t be texting you like that. It’s… it’s not normal.”

I swallowed hard, feeling my throat tighten. “I know. But what am I supposed to do? Just ignore it? Pretend it’s not terrifying?”

Mary scoffed, crossing her arms. “Ignore? No way. You block him, report him, and if he tries anything, I’m calling every authority I can think of. And dragging you out of here if I have to.”

Miri purred louder, as if agreeing with Mary’s battle plan.

Just then, my mom appeared in the doorway, worry etched deep into her face. “Yvonne, honey, I heard voices. Is everything alright? You look exhausted.”

I forced a smile, trying to keep my voice steady. “I’m okay, Mom. Just… dealing with some stuff.”

She stepped inside, sitting beside me on the bed, her hand warm on my shoulder. “You don’t have to face anything alone. We’re all here for you.”

Sofia nodded, stepping closer. “Whatever you need, Yvonne. We’ll help.”

Mary gave me a fierce look, then smiled softly. “And I’ll make sure no one messes with my best friend.”

I looked down at Miri, who had curled up in my lap, her tiny paws kneading the blanket. Somehow, seeing her so calm made me feel a little braver.

“I don’t want to be scared anymore,” I admitted quietly. “But I don’t know how to stop.”

My mom squeezed my shoulder. “One step at a time, sweetheart. We’ll figure it out together.”

Sofia smiled gently. “And we’ll be right here, every step of the way.”

Mary grinned, nudging me playfully. “Besides, you’ve got me and Miri-the ultimate tag team. No one’s getting past us.”

I laughed, the sound shaky but real. For the first time since Louis’s message, I felt a flicker of hope.

Whatever came next, I wasn’t alone.