Chapter 33 - The Accident

Leaving StoneTech's building on the sunny day, Xavier felt hunger from skipping breakfast. His morning had been filled with end-to-end meetings and calls, with no opportunity for a brief meal. Xavier had some spare time before his evening arrangements and was determined to have a satisfying lunch.

Sitting inside the driver's seat of his sleek Audi, Xavier thought about Isabella and the twins. The carefully selected presents were now in his car; he decided to take them with him in case he came across them. For now they are biding their time before he finds the perfect time to give them. He would try every way to close the gap that was in place between him and Isabella.

Distracted in thoughts, Xavier barely registered the drive to his favorite bistro Only when he arrived at a nearby gas station and noticed his low fuel level. At that moment, he caught sight of her.

Ava. Again.

She was standing by a familiar SUV, filling up the tank. And in the backseat, Xavier could barely make out two tiny figures of Skylar and Mickey. His eyes mood was up at the mere sight, making his heart beat fast.

Xavier calmed himself by taking a deep breath before approaching. He called out for Ava. "Ava," he called out, trying to keep his tone casual. "We've got to stop meeting like this."

Ava spun around, looking surprised. Her face had her signature smile. "Mr. Stone," she replied, arching an eyebrow. "I'm beginning to think you're following me." She joked.

Xavier chuckled, appreciating her quick wit his eyes shifted to the car where the twins were seated.

"Pure coincidence, I assure you. Though I have to admit, it's a pleasant one."

Ava followed his gaze, her expression softening slightly. "They've been talking about you, you know. The 'ice cream man', the traffic guy, mom's partner, that's what they call you."

Xavier's heart swelled at the news. "Mom's partner," that one suited him best.

He wanted to be Isabella's partner both at work and personally.

"Really?" he asked, unable to keep the hope from his voice. "I've been thinking about them too. Actually, I..." he trailed off, suddenly unsure.

Ava regarded him curiously. "You what, Mr. Stone?"

Xavier ran a hand through his hair, a nervous habit he'd never quite shaken. "I got them the gifts that you recommended yesterday," he admitted. "Nothing extravagant, just... I wanted to celebrate their recent achievements. The art show and science fair."

Surprise flashed across Ava's face, followed by a hint of approval. "That's... thoughtful of you," she said carefully. "Isabella's in Singapore for a meeting. She'll be back late tonight. I picked the kids up from school."

Xavier nodded, processing this information. "I see. Well, I wouldn't want to disturb you. Perhaps another time-"

But before he could finish, the car door flew open and Mickey tumbled out, his face lighting up with recognition. "Ice cream man!" he exclaimed, rushing over to Xavier. "Sky look it's mom's partner." He nudged his sister.

Xavier knelt down, meeting Mickey at eye level. "Hey there, buddy," he said warmly. "It's good to see you again."

Skylar peered out from the car, her initial shyness giving way to a small smile. "Hi," she said softly, waving.

Xavier's heart felt like it might burst. "Hi Skylar," he replied, waving back. "How are you both doing?"

As the twins began to chatter excitedly about their day, Xavier glanced at Ava, silently seeking permission. She hesitated for a moment before giving a small nod.

"Actually," Xavier said, addressing the twins, "I have something for you both. If it's okay with Ava, of course."

Ava considered for a moment before nodding again. "I think that would be alright. We've got some time before we need to head home."

Xavier beamed, quickly retrieving the gifts from his car. As he handed them over, he watched with bated breath as the twins tore into the wrapping paper.

Mickey's eyes widened as he uncovered the robot kits. "Wow!" he exclaimed, immediately starting to examine the boxes. "This is so cool! Look, Sky, I can build my own robot!"

Skylar gasped as she opened her art set, running her fingers over the pristine colored pencils and paints. "It's beautiful," she breathed, clutching the sketchbook to her chest.

Xavier felt a lump form in his throat, overwhelmed by their genuine joy. "I'm so glad you like them," he managed to say. "I heard about your art show and science fair. You should both be very proud."

As the twins continued to exclaim over their gifts, Skylar suddenly turned to Ava, tugging on her sleeve. "Aunt Ava," she whispered, though not quite quietly enough, "I need to pee."

Ava nodded, turning to Xavier. "Would you mind keeping an eye on Mickey for a moment while I take Skylar to the restroom?"

Xavier nodded eagerly, perhaps a bit too enthusiastically. "Of course, no problem at all."

As Ava led Skylar towards the station's convenience store, Xavier turned his attention back to Mickey, who was now animatedly explaining the intricacies of robot building.

"And then, once you've connected all the wires, you can program it to do all sorts of things!" Mickey exclaimed, his eyes shining with excitement.

Xavier listened intently, marveling at the boy's intelligence and enthusiasm. It reminded him so much of himself at that age, before the weight of expectation and family legacy had dampened his own love for invention.

"That's incredible, Mickey," Xavier said warmly. "You know, at StoneTech, we have a whole department dedicated to robotics. Maybe someday you could come see-" Xavier was cut off by a sudden commotion nearby.

It was an old pickup truck pulled into the station, making erratic swerves. The burly man, the driver, looked drunk, clearly intoxicated, with a scraggly beard.

Xavier moved to protect Mickey on instinct, but everything happened so fast.

The drunk man, attempting to reach for a fuel pump, lost his balance. He careened sideways, colliding hard with Mickey before Xavier could react.

Time seemed to slow as Xavier watched in horror. Mickey's small body crumpled under the impact, his head striking the concrete with a sickening thud.

"Mickey!" Xavier cried out, dropping to his knees beside the boy. Mickey lay motionless, a small trickle of blood forming at his temple.

The drunk man stumbled back, slurring out apologies and excuses. But Xavier barely heard him, his entire focus on the unconscious child before him.

"Someone call an ambulance!" he shouted, his voice raw with panic. With shaking hands, he gently cradled Mickey's head, terrified of causing further injury but equally afraid to leave him lying on the cold ground.

"Oh god," Xavier whispered, tears forming in his eyes. "Mickey, can you hear me? Please, buddy, open your eyes.

Many people surrounded him, Xavier looked for Ava and Skylar in the crowd but couldn't spot them, as their voices became background noise while he stared at Mickey's motionless body.

That was when, Xavier saw his carefully laid plans, all his hopes for redemption crumble to the ground.

None of the fragile trust he had established, nor the tentative connections he had formed, held any significance in light of this devastating accident.

More people gathered around, their voices were getting closer... More louder, but Xavier's thoughts were filled with horrifying scenarios.

As the place was crowded their voices filled the air, Xavier's mind raced with terrifying possibilities. How badly was Mickey hurt? What would Isabella say when she found out? Would she ever forgive him for letting this happen on his watch?

But beneath the fear and guilt, a fierce protectiveness surged through Xavier. This wasn't just about his redemption anymore. This was about Mickey - bright, curious, enthusiastic Mickey - who needed him now more than ever.

"Hold on, buddy," Xavier murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "Help is coming. I'm right here with you. I'm not going anywhere."

As paramedics rushed towards them and curious onlookers gathered, Xavier remained focused solely on Mickey.

No matter what followed, no matter the repercussions he may endure, he was certain of one thing: he would do whatever was necessary to rectify the situation.

Xavier remained still, grasping Mickey's hand, as the world became a confusing mix of sounds and motion. Just moments ago, the future was brimming with opportunity, but now it teetered precariously on the edge of fear.

What would happen next? How severely was Mickey injured? And how would this moment change the delicate dynamic between Xavier, Isabella, and the twins?

When the paramedics were done, they told him they needed to go to the hospital, but the ambulance was not there yet.

Xavier lifted Mickey from the ground, he was overcome with a sense of powerlessness. He could only pray for Mickey's well-being and wish he could somehow make things right.

"I can't wait... Where is the God damn ambulance!" He shouted seeing Mickey lose much blood.

He couldn't wait for Ava or the ambulance.

He picked Mickey and drove to the nearby hospital."Stay with me Buddy... Stay with me."