Chapter 2: The Dark Web

The messages from Wildcard4U had become more frequent, and Lexie was starting to look forward to them. There was something about his voice in her inbox that was so different from the typical college student. His maturity, the way he carried himself through words, made Lexie feel like she was talking to someone more experienced, someone who knew how the world worked.

“Hey, Lexie,” the message read one day. “I know things have been crazy with practice, but I wanted to reach out again. I’m one of those season ticket holders at the games. I’ve seen you cheer a hundred times. You’re amazing.”

Lexie smiled at the message, the feeling of validation still fresh. It was a little strange that he was so much older—at least, he seemed that way—but he was friendly and supportive. He never made her feel judged. In fact, his words often comforted her in ways her friends and teammates couldn’t.

“You know, when I first saw you at the game, I thought you were out of my league,” he continued. “But I’ve watched you over the months, and you’re something special. I bet you don’t even know how beautiful you really are.”

The words washed over her like a warm tide, the familiarity of the praise making her feel safe, heard, and seen. She had grown accustomed to the attention that came with being a cheerleader, but this felt different. This was personal. This was a connection she didn’t get from her friends or Jake. She felt something tugging at her, a need for validation that she couldn’t ignore.

Lexie had always been careful, though. She knew the dangers of online interactions. Her parents, especially her dad, always warned her about the dangers of men who seemed too interested in her. But Wildcard4U was no stranger. He didn’t ask for her to meet him in person, didn’t try to get her to go somewhere alone. He was safe. He was just a fan. He wasn’t some predator lurking in the shadows.

After all, Lexie had learned to spot those types. She was a cheerleader, used to dealing with the occasional admirer. This man, he was different. Older. Established. He had to be in his forties, maybe fifty, judging by his tone. A season ticket holder who had been coming to games for years. He had no reason to lie.

“So tell me,” Wildcard4U continued, “what’s your secret, Lexie? How do you manage to stay so confident? I bet it’s not easy, is it?”

Lexie chewed on the thought for a moment. It wasn’t easy. There were days when she didn’t feel confident at all. But there was no way she could admit that to anyone, especially not Jake. She had to keep up the perfect cheerleader image, the one everyone admired and looked to for guidance.

“I guess I just ... try not to care what people think,” she replied.

It was a half-truth. She cared deeply, but she couldn’t let herself show it.

“You’re lucky,” Wildcard4U said, his words slow and deliberate. “Some of us have to learn that the hard way. Trust me, I know.”