The Red String {The Prototype}

Chapter 5: The First Letter

* * *

Finally, all the pieces of the letter have been burned. I put out the fire and get ready for my date with Matthew. This letter was a prank. They justed wanted a reaction from me. Haha, they got one. Lingering in the back of my mind is a paranoid thought of someone watching me, sending me sick twisted love notes. I take a shower and change.

* * *

I take a look at myself in the mirror. My eyes are red and I just overall look dead. I'm wearing a red dress with a little lace at the bottom, a leather jacket, some black combat boots, a little locket with a picture of me, my mom, and my dad in it, and a small purse. I also curled the ends of my hair. I tried to look decent, but I can't. Suddenly the doorbell rings. 

Wait, what if it's Matthew? What if the person who's sending me letters is Matthew? Would he betray me like this? 

My heart pounds and I feel like it's coming up my throat. I run to the bathroom and throw up. Then I start coughing up blood. 

It hurts. It hurts so much. I feel like I can't breathe. 

Tears stream down my face. I take my phone out of my purse and text Matthew.

- - -

Me: Sry M need a min

Matthew: ofc Mi Tesoro

- - -

It couldn't be Matthew, he's so caring and nice. It wouldn't be him. I hope so at least...

When I stop coughing up blood I get up off the bathroom floor and I flush the toilet. I look at my reflection. I don't even know who I am anymore. I cup water in my hands and I splash it on my face. I brush my teeth and I go outside.

"Sorry M," I apologize to him and look around us making sure no one is watching.

"It's okay Mi Tesoro," Matthew says and smiles. I bring my attention to him and force a smile. We get into his car and I keep looking around us making sure no one is there. Matthew brings us to a restaurant. A waiter brings us to our table and I scan the room. Matthew furrows his eyebrows.

"S-sorry," I say shakily. He grins and takes my hand in his. I force another smile. Another waiter comes to our table and takes our order.

"Hello, I'll be your waiter tonight." The waiter says "What can I get for you, sir?"

"Your chef's special," Matthew replies "What would you like Mi Tesoro?"

"I'll take..." my voice trails off. Fuck I hate fancy-ass restaurant. They have weird-ass food. I just want normal shit.

"A salad," I finish. I don't even want to eat, but I don't want to tell Matthew, I don't want to ruin our date because of some silly little prank. I won't be able to hold anything down.

"Okay, an excellent choice, miss. I'll be out with your food shortly," The waiter says. When he leaves, he bows and walks away. Matthew and I talk, but I scan the room every 5 seconds, making me distant from the conversation.

"Elena!" Matthew says loudly. He snaps me out of my thoughts and my every-5-second-scans.

"S-sorry," I stutter again. Anger flashes in his eyes for a millisecond but it goes away quickly. He forces a smile and we eat in silence. I move my food every here and there.

"I'm sorry," Matthew says suddenly, breaking the silence. My eyes widen.

"Why are you saying sorry?" I say "I should... I'm sorry Matthew."

Matthew smiles. He takes my hand and squeezes it. Soon we leave and I take my salad to go.

* * *

"Bye M," I say and kiss Matthew's cheek.

"Bye Mi Teroso," Matthew replies. I walk into my house and lock the door. I make sure Matthew's gone before I close all the curtains and windows. I take another shower and change. I flop into my bed and I try to fall asleep. I twist and turn all night, getting no sleep. The letter's message replaying over and over in my head.

* * *

The next day I go to school and in English, we're doing a project.

"Your partners are Molly and Brittney, Noah and Matthew, Ryder and Elena..." Ms.Brook says, listing other people's name. I block out her voice. I look around for Ryder. I'm glad Ryder and I can hang out again. It's been a while. I scan the room.

Nope no weird-ass person watching me.

Ryder goes and sits next to me. A scent radiating from him. Axe cologne...