Tie-Dye Beauty

Cryptic Messages

CHAPTER TWO:

I woke up in the worst mood I'd ever been in. It had been an agonizing weekend not knowing if anyone would take the bait. At the time it had made complete sense to me; find an older man and make him fall madly-in-love with me. Then nonchalantly ask him for the money I needed for my education. The education my grandfather wanted for me.

The plan was easy; a sexy picture, flirty conversation and a seductive cheeky kiss. I'd thought my plan would work, that it would be easy to find a lonely man who would want to talk to a pretty woman. What man could resist a pretty woman after all? Perhaps my desperation was noticeable. I shook my head as no-one could see my gold-digger intentions through the other side of the screen.

A loud growl left my mouth with irritation. My chances of leaving Chicago were completely ruined. I took a long pause to gather myself. I placed my belongings into my locker and closed the door with more force then it was needed. I hated my English class but if I didn't hurry I would be late. I was far too miserable to have to deal with the teacher for being late at this precise moment. I wish I didn't have to be here. But then again anywhere was better than being home. My parents were giving me murderous thoughts.

Without another choice, I walked down the hallway that would lead me to the classroom. When I arrived outside the doorway my eyes caught Paisley—my best friend. She was sitting in her usual spot at the back of the classroom. She was wearing a pink summer dress with a cute pair of white wedges. Her hair up into a ponytail and her makeup was done to perfection— which was no surprise. Paisley had always been one to look amazing. She was the polar opposite of me to the point I always wondered why we were even friends. She was a girly girl and I, on the other hand, wore black most days and enjoyed the dark side of life.

"Hartley," Paisley beamed at me as she saw me walking through the doorway. I headed to the spot next to her and sat down.

"Where is Mr. Rodriguez?" I asked her. Mr. Rodrigues was never one to be late, I was the one who was often late, but not today. That made me happy.

"He's running late." she shrugged, "So... what happened with the whole 'Cryptic message' profile?" Paisley looked at me waiting for an answer.

"It flopped." I placed my face on my hands embarrassed. I should've had listened to her and had never made the profile, to begin with. But then I never thought it was going to be a complete waste of my time.

"It's fine. I'm sure you will figure out another way to get the money." Paisley gently touched my arm and reassured me. Paisley was always good at comforting me.

"I really hope so, I don't want to miss out on Harvard." I openly told her. The University of Harvard had been my dream since I was a little girl. My grandfather had known this and had saved every penny he could for a long time. He wanted my dreams to come true. It killed me that I wouldn't be able to do so. That I would never be able to be the person he'd picture for me. I attempted to calm down before I cried.

"I should probably just delete the profile," I told Paisley as I pulled my cell phone out of my purse. I quickly opened the Cryptic Messages app and began to look for the 'delete profile button', as I searched around I noticed a number one in red in the message box. I couldn't believe someone had reached out to me.

Without hesitation, I pressed the button and the message opened. I looked at Paisley and back at the screen. Paisley moved her chair closer to me and soon I was reading the message.

Ace: Tie-Dye Beauty, I love your sense of humor. I too know how to tie my own shoes and enjoy the smell of coffee in the morning. You sound young, or maybe you are just young at heart? Still, you sound like a very interesting fun young woman. I was wondering if you would like to chat? I understand if you don't. I bet you have a lot of guys after you.

Until we talk again, Ace.

I quickly headed to his profile, but I was surprised when I didn't find a picture of him. I instead found a grey question mark on a white background. I wonder why he didn't have a picture of himself? Was he too ugly and didn't want anyone to see him? I rolled my eyes annoyed and headed to his about me. Yet, that was empty too. Who didn't have a picture or an about me? My hopes of this working out once again disappeared.

I couldn't understand why this man was trying to talk to me? He didn't have a picture to go with his profile and that seemed odd to me. I moved my finger to the delete button and pressed it. However, when it asked me if I was sure I decided to press cancel.

"Good morning everyone, sorry I'm late." Professor Rodriguez walked into the class and I quickly shut my phone not wanting the teacher to take it away. "Let's pick up where we left yesterday."

I took out my book and got my head back into my studies, after all, I still wanted to attend Harvard.

A/n: please comment