Page 20 of The Accidental Text

I pick up my phone to see that it’s from an unsaved number, but it’s one I know by heart.

I have exactly five phone numbers memorized: my dad’s, Chelsea’s, Devon’s, Hannah’s, and … my mom’s.

I let my phone see my face for recognition and then watch as it opens up. I click on my texting app and then click on the number.

(480)555-1058:Hi

I pull my face back, tucking my chin inward. This feels suspiciously like one of those messages you get on Facebook from a hacked account where they end up asking you for money. They always start with “Hi.”

Do I write back? What would I even say? Such a strange thing to text someone. Just one word.

My phone beeps in my hand and I look down at the screen.

(480)555-1058:Sorry. This is Chase.

Okay, so if this is a hacker, they know a lot. I take the bait, just in case.

Maggie:Hi, Chase.

I sit on the edge of my bed as the three dots appear, each dot changing from light gray to dark in subsequent order as he types his reply.

(480)555-1058:How are you?

How … am … I? Crap. He’s going to ask me for money, isn’t he? I’m such an idiot.

Maggie:I’m doing okay

I type out “Do you need anything?” but then realize that I was just opening the door perfectly. So I delete it.

The dots appear again. I stare at my screen, wondering when the words will appear. After a while of watching the dots going away and then reappearing again, I put my phone down and go to my bathroom to finish getting ready so I’m not late for work.

So strange, Chase texting me out of the blue. It could be a hacker. I haven’t really heard of that happening via text, butthese days with thousands of hackers on the internet, it wouldn’t surprise me.

Just as I’ve finished getting ready and am standing by my mom’s jewelry box, putting myknecklace on, I hear my phone beep again.

I walk over to the bed and pick it up.

(480)555-1058:I was just hoping you’re doing okay.

Okay. So maybenota hacker trying to steal my money.

I guess that’s kind of sweet. Still … a little creepy. But I did pour my heart out to this poor guy, unknowingly. I also complained about my period and went on and on about Dawson’s butt, so I’m the real creeper in this scenario.

Still, I suppose I can see why he’d wonder how I was feeling.

Maggie:I’m hanging in there.

This is my standard answer.I’m hanging in there. Sometimes it’s by a thick cord, and sometimes it’s by silly string. It just depends on the day. Or sometimes the moment.

(480)555-1058:Good

Maggie:Thanks for checking up on me.

(480)555-1058:I guess I was wondering how long that awful feel-like-you-can’t-get-a-good-breath part lasts.

I look at my phone, furrowing my brow. What’s he talking about?

Maggie:I’m … sorry?

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