Novel Palace
51
I woke up to the sunlight blocking my eye. Fuck it, where I laid was close to the window. Monday morning and all I could think of was to get ready for school. I got into the bathroom and kicked life into the shower. I poured some shampoo into my hands and washed my hair. I loved the floral scent of the shampoo, it made me smell so feminine.
When I finished bathing, I got dressed and was about to sneak out of the house. I couldn’t afford to wait for Xavier when he’s been acting strange. I’d rather walk to school than be stuck with him in his truck, wondering if I should ask him what was wrong with him.
I was about to open the door when my mother walked in from her room.
“Oh, mom.”
“Hi sweetheart, missed you.” She pulled me into a hug and brushed my hair with her fingers.
“You smell nice.”
“Thank you,” I smiled back. That was the perfect compliment to get on a Monday morning.
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“Where’s Xavier?”
Oh, Christ. I really hoped she didn’t ask.
“Uh, he’s still dressing. He’s going to take so long so I was about to head out. I don’t want to miss my first class so I’ll take the bus,” the moment I replied to her, my stare fell on what she was holding. It was a little package in a gift box.
“What’s that?” I asked raising my eyebrow.
“It’s a gift for you, Sweetie.” She saw the expression on my face and continued. “James had it delivered for you.”
“Well, I don’t need whatever it is.”
“You haven’t even seen what it is.”
“Exactly. I do not want to see or receive anything from James,” I replied politely. “Mom you know what? I’ll just catch a bus since Xavier isn’t ready. You can return the gift too, I don’t need it.”
She stood still, unable to argue with me. I walked out and she heaved a sigh.
The day had barely started but it was already filled with craps. The moment I stepped outside I saw Xavier leaning on his truck. He was dressed and looked like he was waiting for me. He wore a hoodie over his trousers and clutched a bag.
Mom caused this. If she didn’t keep me for some extra minutes, I would have been able to storm out with Xavier catching up with me.
I twirled and saw James at the other end coming down from his vehicle. This couldn’t be happening! Having to deal with this much when all I wanted to do was escape.
“Emily darling,” he waved and locked his door.
He took cautious steps forward and gave a quick smile that I ignored.
“What are you doing here?” I asked him.
“I came to say hi.”
“You called for the same thing last night,” I said in a belligerent manner.
“I know Emily. I brought you a gift.”
“I saw it and I don’t need it. I’ve asked my mom to return it to you, you should expect it back.”
“It’s parked over there,” he announced pointing to the direction where he parked a brand new Corolla.
“You got me a car?” I asked surprised.
“Yes, baby.”
“Well, I don’t need it either. I’m sure I told you that.”
He took steps forward and paused. “You did, I also know you’d reject it so I gave it to your mom instead,” he explained. “I’m also glad you want to wait before you collect it. I’m okay with that too.”
“I can’t believe this.”
“Your driving class starts today after school. I can come to pick you up or send a driver to-.”
“What’s this act for? You think I have no idea?” I huffed and a furrow appeared on his face.
He looked discombobulated but he understood what I was saying.
“Emily-” he tried saying but I interrupted him.
“No, tell me what the fuck you take me for. You think I have no idea that you’re doing all these to win me back?”
“Listen, James, you lost whatever right you had over me the moment you walked out. You can’t come from nowhere and impose your decisions on me.”
“Im not imposing decisions on you Emily. I just want to be here, in your life.”
“Fucking hell!” I held my head and took a deep breath to be able to reply to him.
“I don’t mean to sound hostile but I don’t give two fucks if I sound so. I know what you’re trying to do okay? And I’ll rather be an orphan than let you get me. I can’t be in your custody, quit the act already.”
“You can’t say that Emily.”
“Well, I already did. I’m not even joking, I’ll sleep on the streets if it means you don’t get to have me.”
“I’m sixteen for crying out loud and I have a life. I’m not six neither am I twelve.”
My mother was already standing close. She must have heard everything I said and I do not regret it because I’ve never meant anything more than this. I walked to my mother and grabbed the keys from her, she was still with the gift box the keys came in so I took that from her too. “Here,” I huffed throwing the keys at James.
“I don’t need it, take your gifts away!”
Gosh I hate all this crab! Why can’t I just be for once? Is this really how a teenager’s life should be?
Well, I can’t wait to be an adult and get pass all this. One thing is sure that I can’t let my kids suffer like this. Especially not having a hot stepbrother that would want to fuck you and dump you the next moment.
“Emily!” My mother called, I know she was obviously angry but I couldn’t care less.
I turned back to James and wore an angry look. “Shove your wealth in your ducking butt.”
“Emily don’t you dare-” My mother warned.
“I’ll happily be grounded, mom.”
With that, I angrily left and walked over to where Xavier stood. I know I said I wanted to use a bus to avoid Xavier but I can’t even walk this angry.
“Let’s go,” I said screaming.
Xavier frowned but didn’t say anything to me. He opened the door and lowered himself into the car.
My chest heaved with anger. I turned to look through the window and just fixed my gaze on nothing. I can’t compare conversations with James with being stuck with Xavier.
James makes me wish I own a pistol but Xavier doesn’t. I may have mixed feelings for Xavier but I’ve never thought of hurting him. I just wish I could slap and kiss him sometimes. It was toxic to think, but that explained our relationship better.
Xavier kept driving. I could feel he wanted to say something but didn’t know if he should. Well, he shouldn’t because I would likely jump out of the moving car than let him add to my injury.