Chapter 21

Xavier's POV

“Why? Are you stalking me?” Natalie asked me. I stared at her in surprise.

“Of course not! Why would I? It just so happens that I meet you here.”

“Really?”

"Absolutely,” I answered.

“I don't believe you.” She muttered as she turned to her drink and was gently slurping it. I was tempted to almost do the same.

“Well, that's your problem,” I muttered. I heard her scoff. We continued with our drinks quietly, not talking to each other. I think it was better that way because I wasn't expecting to see her here. I glanced at her and on an impulse wanted to ask how her date with Xander went but decided otherwise because it might ruin the moment.

“Soo....” She began. “How's Xander?”

“He's good.” She nodded slightly before peering deeper into the store.

“There's an arcade game at that corner over there. Want to play?”

“Uh... Sure. "

“You have a penny?”

“A few coins.”

We walked over to the arcade, and she slotted a coin into it and soon the arcade popped to the life. It was just a regular game, nothing fancy, but she looked really good at it.

“You know how to play?” I asked.

“Don't know. We'll have to see, won't we?” she said while playing. She was really good; I'll have to admit. I don't think I'll be to manage to play like that even if it's just a simple game. Then I spotted the bracelet on her wrists.

“Pretty bracelet.” I complimented. She stopped and smiled, gently rubbing it.

“Thanks. Was my mom's.” She answered.

“Was?” I queried.

“She died. Out of cancer.” She spaced out, still concentrating on the game. I think she didn't want to look at me.

“I'm sorry. Didn't know.” I muttered sympathetically.

“It's okay. It's been long.”

“How long?” I found myself asking. She glanced at me. “When I was three.”

“I'm sorry.”

“Thank you. Your turn.” She said and stepped away from the arcade. I walked in and slotted my coin, making the game start all over again.

“What about you? When did you lose yours?” She asked. I paused a bit before replying.

“When I was ten... I guess. We had gone to the beach one summer and Xander strayed, got pulled into the sea. There was no lifeguard in sight, so she took matters into her own hands. Saved Xander but didn't get so lucky.” Then heaving a sigh, said the last bit.” She drowned.” With my voice coming out weak. I didn't hear anything for a while and when I looked at Natalie, she looked grief-stricken. I managed a small smile.

“I'm so sorry. That must've hurt a lot... I can't even begin to imagine.” She muttered, her voice coming out gently and full of empathy.

“It did. Dazed for the first few days of her death. One moment everything was fine and the next it just sizzled away. No time for goodbyes... I'm still in shock.” Then bent my head a little to hide my teary eyes, the game forgotten.

Until I felt a hand holding mine. I looked up, and it was Natalie. She was smiling ever so gently and it kind of gave me hope. This is a part of Natalie I'll never be able to see often.

“But you managed just fine. And even though everything still feels wrong now, you survived it without breaking down. That's all that's matters.”

“Thanks. It's been long since I've heard words like that.” I said sincerely. She was so close I and the most insane urge to kiss her there.

“Well, you have it now. And I admire that part of you.” She added. I widened my eyes.

“Is that a compliment?” I asked. She chuckled and hit me in the back. “Well, you can take it as one.”

“I will,” I promised.

“Finish up your game.” She muttered.

“Yeah, right?” I said and concentrated on it again. Soon I won.

“Yay. You won!” she squealed, clapping excitedly.

“I think I did.” I glanced at her and was going to ask if she wanted to go out again when her phone beeped.

“Sorry.” She muttered as she brought out her phone. Her expression was unreadable, so it was hard to know what was up. Then dropped her phone and glanced up at me.

“I have to go. Something came up and my brothers want to see me.” She said.

“Oh...” I trailed off, feeling disappointed. “then I have to release you. We'll talk later, won't we?” I asked.

“Sure..” she added, nodding.

“Thanks. For talking with me.”

“You're welcome. “Then moving backward, she added, “take care of yourself.” Before turning and walking away. I watched her leave and waited a while before leaving myself.

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Natalie's POV

I made sure I drove to a safe distance before stopping and catching my breath. Truth is, I lied. It wasn't my brothers that sent me a text, it was Xander. But there was no way I was going to say that to Xavier. It'll be like adding salt to his wounds.

I read the text again. Xander asked me to meet him up somewhere and from the looks of it, it seems am nearby already. I used the address he sent and found out the. It was a mall with lots of things and centers in it and Xander was already outside waiting for me. I parked my bicycle in a safe spot and walked towards him. He looked around and when he saw me, smiled. I smiled back.

“Hey.” I greeted.

“Hi.”

“Soo... You brought me to the mall.”

“Not just any, it has a lot of things that'll interest you.” He added, smirking.

“Bring it on,” I muttered, glaring playfully at him. He walked up to me.

“So, shall we start.?” He asked, stretching out his hand. I took it and dragged him with it.

“Yeah, where is the starting line?”

“Hey, wait up! “He called after me.

“You're the one who's delaying!” I shot back.

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Darren's POV

"That was incredible!” Mira exclaimed the moment we got out of the theatre. We just finished the movies, and Tina was feeling so proud of herself for being able to go. “I had fun, did you Tina?” she asked, glancing down at Tina.

“I sure did. It's my favorite!” Then Tina looked up at me. “Did you Darren?” With expectant.

“Yes I did” although I'll have to admit, I was paying more attention to Mira than the movie itself. She's really fun to be with.

“Now can we go home?” I asked.

“No!” Tina shot back.

"Why?” I groaned.

“Because I still want to spend some time outside. Maybe we can go to the amusement park?” She asked delightedly.

“Again? We'll go tomorrow.”

“No, today. Please brother Darren, please...” she begged, giving me her cutest puppy eyes. But I still wanted to resist.

“Mira? Help me beg Darren to let's go to the amusement park. I'm not tired yet.” She complained. Mira nodded and, clapping her hands together, pleaded alongside Tina.

“Please, Darren. Let's go to the amusement park. We don't want to go home yet.” She said, baby-like. I couldn't take anymore.

“You guys are so evil! How can you gang up on me like this? And you Mira, you dare gang up against me?” I taunted jokingly.

“Don't blame me, I don't want to go home yet.” I sighed.

“Okay fine. Let's go to the amusement park.” I muttered, frowning. Tina hugged me, squealing excitedly.

“Thanks.. I'll be waiting for you in the car!” She said and rushed ahead.

“Thanks. She looks excited,” Mira said.

“She sure is,” I answered. Right that instant, the wind blew, blowing her hair into her face. I reached out and tucked it behind her ear, brushing her skin in the process. It was silky smooth, I reveled at the touch.

“Guess we should start going now. Tina would be waiting for us.”

“Um, we should,” I answered.

She walked ahead while I trailed behind her.

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Natalie's POV

It was a mall, but it did have a lot of things that interested me, from the restaurant to the supermarket, to boutiques... Everything. But the one I especially took interest in was the gaming center. I spent a great deal of time there, trying out all the games.

“No, no, no! Don't die! “Xander exclaimed for the tenth time. I smiled smugly. “How did you learn like this?” Xander's asked, turning to me.

I shrugged. “Well, I have brothers,” I answered.

“I have to admit, they are pros.”

"Thanks,” I answered.

“You don't know how to play these things do you?” I asked.

“Well, I do. Just haven't played it for a while now,” he answered.

“Really? What have you been doing then?” I asked as I folded my hands.

“I don't know... Catching up on things I guess.” He answered, but I could feel it wasn't the entire reason, but I decided not to push it further. I didn't want the freezing up that occurred during the date.

“My throat's dry,” I spoke out. “Mind if we go get some ice cream?” He glanced at me.

“Um, sure.”

We left the gaming center to the ice cream stall nearby, where I ordered mine. I expected Xander to do the same thing, but he just stood there, lost in thought.

Okay... What's he thinking about now??

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Xander's POV

I wanted to, but I couldn't help it. My mind went replayed moments of Lucy and me going out for ice cream as well. Something contracted in my chest, making me feel guilty as if I had done something abominable. For God's sake, it's been two years. Why can't I get over her already??

“Xander? Are you listening to me?” Natalie's voice asked, jolting me out of my reverie.

“Huh? Sure.” I said as I placed my order. She looked at me quizzically before looking ahead of her. We had our ice cream and went to sit down, each of us focused on our bowl.

The atmosphere wasn't as lively as before, and I could tell it was my fault for zoning out like that.

“I'm sorry.” I blurted out.

“Sorry about what?” Natalie asked, ice cream in her mouth. I glanced at her and even though she looked pretty calm, I could tell she was disappointed.

“For blanking out like that. I didn't mean it.” I muttered. We were quiet for a while before she dropped her spoon and faced me.

“I don't know what going on in your head, but I can tell it's affecting the way I relate to you. And don't try to deny it, it was there on the date and it's here now. This unseen presence. I don't know how close I'll be able to get to you if it's still there.”

I sighed deeply. She was right. Damn right.

“And for the record, I like to compete with people, not ghosts and shadows, so whatever is going on in you, you have to figure it out.” She finalized and continued with her ice cream, acting as if nothing happened.

I drummed my hands on the table, taking in deep breaths... Why can't I still get Lucy out of my head!!

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(Evening time)

Mira's POV

Darren drove me home. After a long day at the amusement park, we were eventually able to drag Tina out of there. Right now she's asleep at the back, her breaths even and gentle. I smiled to myself. Today was way more fun than I expected it to be. I hope Darren has the same thoughts as well.

I glanced at him while he was concentrating on his driving. He looked devastatingly handsome, his shaggy bangs which were all over his cute face adding to the beauty. I resisted the urge to try to brush it back.

“Are you going to keep raping me with your eyes or are you going to tell me where your house is located between all of these?” He asked, glancing at me. I could see he was hiding a smirk. I gasped. How could he have found me out so easily?? I smiled and straightened up, then looking out the window pointed at my house that was slowly approaching.

“That one,” I confirmed. He looked out as well.

“this one. My, it's huge!” He said, surprised.

“Sh... You'll wake Tina up.”

“Sorry. This is your house?” He whispered.

I nodded. “Yes, it is. Now just drop me here and I'll take it from here.” I said as he arrived at my gate.

“I can't drive you in?”

“That won't be necessary.” He sighed and relaxed in his seat.

“Well, I guess it's good night then.”

“It is.” We glanced at each other and held gazes. I don't think I'm breathing anymore with all these butterflies in my tummy. Slowly, Darren leaned in, and just when our lips were about to make contact, Tina stirred.

“Darren? Are we home yet?” She asked sleepily. Darren stopped and sat back.

“No, we're not. You'll have to wait a bit.” He said, his voice throaty. I stifled a laugh.

“I have to go now. See you on Monday.” I said and without waiting, pushed the door open and walked out, hurrying to the gate. I think I heard Darren laugh. It made me blush even harder.

“Have a goodnight!” He called out.

“You too!” I said and walked inside my gate. My family would be waiting for me now.

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Natalie's POV

Xander walked me home. It was quiet and there wasn't much talking, but I think I liked it that way. Besides, Xander seemed to have a lot on his mind, and I didn't want to stress him out.

“Thanks for the outing. I enjoyed it.” I said after I got to my gate.

“You're welcome.” He answered.

“Have a goodnight,” I muttered and was about to enter through the gate when I stopped and turned, hugging him unexpectedly. He froze at first, but he slowly relaxed.

“I enjoyed it, seriously,” I said. He was stunned at first but slowly smiled.

“Thanks. Didn't think you would, considering the way I acted.”

“But I did, so don't go thinking otherwise... Bye.”

“Bye,” he muttered. I smiled and waved back at him, before entering through the gate.

I can't believe I just pulled that off. Hanging out with the same brothers on the same down and not freaking out.

Gosh, I am crazy.

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Darren's POV

I just tucked Tina Into bed and was on my way to my room. She was so exhausted she could scarcely keep her eyes open. Although I'm a bit disappointed that I didn't get to kiss Mira goodnight, I'm sure another opportunity will present itself one day and if it doesn't, I'll make one. Typical Darren.

I walked to my room and was about to get in when my dad called for me. I went downstairs to meet him.

“Good evening dad.” I greeted.

“Good evening, son. How was your outing with Tina?”

“Fun-filled. Why'd you call me?”

“Oh, nothing much. Just wanted to inform you that you'll be having a blind date tomorrow.” He said.

“Blind date? With who?” I asked, curious.

“That's why it's called a blind date. You're not supposed to know who till you get there. Go on and rest, you've had a long day.”

“Oh...” I trailed off. “Okay, Dad. Till tomorrow then.” I said and stood up, walking to my room.

Laying on my bed, I let out a sigh. A blind date, but with who. I possibly couldn't think of anyone now. I just got back.

Although it'll make a lot of sense if it was with Mira. I think I like her. With a half-smile on my face, I closed my eyes and fell asleep.