Chapter 24

Natalie's POV

Of all stories and incidents, people had ever told me, this was by far the worst. Xavier, sleeping with..... Nah, I refuse to think about it.

“Wait, a sec... You did WHAT!!?” I exclaimed suddenly when it finally registered. Xavier looked at me as if he was shocked at my reaction, staring at me intently.

“You didn't believe what I said, did you?” He asked slowly.

“It isn't true? Thank God!” I huffed a sigh of relief.

“No, it's true, but you still didn't believe it, did you?” He asked again. Okay, I'm beginning to get confused here.

“What do you mean?”

“Look, I know I told you that it appears that I might have slept with Xander's girlfriend, but I don't think that's what happened.”

“Then how do you explain the both of you being naked underneath the sheets?”

“That's the problem!! The fact that I can't explain it.” He huffed, clearly frustrated. I looked away, still thinking about what he said.

“The truth is, I don't remember what happened the night before. I've tried so many times, but I just can't. At first, I thought Lucy seduced me but after asking her she said she didn't.”

“Could she be denying it?” I asked.

“I don't know. After the scandal, she suddenly disappeared. No one knows where she went to.”

“What about Xander?”

“Well... He thinks I deliberately stole his girlfriend and the fact that I can't deny it just makes everything worse. I've said it countless of times, that's there's no such way I'll do something like that, but he... He never listens!!!”

I sighed, my head blank. We were quiet for a while until Xavier spoke up.

“You have to help me, Natalie. Help me make Xander see that's there's no way I could do such a thing.”

“Help you?” I whisper yelled. “And how am I supposed to do that? It's not like am an expert on these things?!”

“Like it or not, we've dragged you into this. And you're the only one who can help us out, at least the one who I think can.” He said staring at me, hoping I'll agree.

“True, I have been dragged into this. But I still don't think I can help you without making everything worse.” I said, trying to back out. Xavier nodded, but he wasn't ready to back out just yet. His next words gave me no choice but to help him.

“I know I shouldn't be coming concerned about this, hell I can deny this and pretend nothing ever happened and we'll both still be fighting, but I made a promise to mom that I'll take care of Xander just before she died. I can't do it if Xander hates me.”

I froze. Damn promises! He is concerned about getting back to his brother, and this has nothing to do with the bet. I inhaled and asked him one final question.

“This is more or less the reason you agreed to the bet, isn't it?”

“Hell, it is. He's the only one I have left. I lose him and I'll be blamed my entire life. I don't want that to happen.” He muttered concern and worry evident in his voice. I sighed.

“I'll try... See what I can do. But I'm not making any promises!” I warned. For the first time since the conversation started, he smiled, and it was genuine. It almost made me smile.

“Knowing you'll help will be good enough.”

“Well thank God.”

“Thank you, Natalie. You don't know what weight you've lifted off my shoulders.” He gestured, making me chuckle.

“I can guess... Wait, you're still the only one who calls me by the full name.” And I'm surprised I'm not angry with it. I pointed out. He shrugged.

“I guess I'm addicted to that, you won't blame me.” He said and smirked.

“Whatever... I'll be going now...” I muttered and was about to leave the top floor when he called me back.

“What?”

“Why don't I take you home... You know, since I'm the reason you'll be going home late tonight.”

“You want to take me home?” I repeated, to which he nodded.

“Sure, let's get going then,” I said and left the floor first, with Xavier behind me.

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“And we are here!.” I announced quietly when he parked at my house. He looked beyond me.

"Why are you looking like that?” I asked after a while, staring at him.

“Huh? Nothing. It's just that the last time I came here your brothers weren't home. It looks like they are now.” He said and glanced at me.. “and one of them is coming towards us...”

“What!? Oh shit....” I muttered as I tried to open the door and bolt out of his car, but it was too late. Someone was already in front of me, and it was Jace.

“Bushbaby gets a ride home from a boy? What the hell!” He said as he lowered himself to look at him. I tried to look neutral, but it wasn't quite working.

“Hi... didn't know you'll be back today,” I muttered. Xavier chuckled from behind, and I glared at him. He froze.

“Why? You wanted to hang out with your boyfriend??” He asked, raising his brows. I gasped, my cheeks turning pink.

“He's not my boyfriend!” I fiercely said. This time Xavier laughed out loud. How is even managing to be comfortable?? “Now if you'll excuse me, I'd like to go inside.”

“Nah... I don't believe you. Hey bro, you've kissed her goodnight?” Jace asked Xavier. Xavier looked stunned but quickly recovered.

“I have not, but we could do that now.” I heard him say, what the hell... He's even playing along!!

“don't worry, I'll look away,” Jace said and turned. Xavier looked at me and I hit him on the head, pushing the door and storming outside. I heard Jace say, “forgot to mention, she's pretty feisty...” But I couldn't catch Xavier's reply. My face became even redder, I can't believe I'm blushing! Xavier called out goodnight, but I didn't dare turn. It took me a while to get my rioting nerves back in control, and it wasn't long before Jace nudged me by the shoulders, winking at me.

“Hot guy, you got there. He's slick.”

“Jace!!”

“By the way, I'm telling dad....” He added as he walked inside the house.

“You're such a tattletale!” I yelled. He turned and smirked.

“Payback time.” He muttered before disappearing into the house. Oh, God... Why is today so cruddy??

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Xavier's POV

Boyfriend?? That's insane! Although I have to admit, I did feel good when he called me that. I rubbed the part that Natalie hit. Gosh! She's tough! Why would I even think of kissing her, anyway?? I must be stupid... Talking to her has a way of relieving my mood, too bad it won't last so long since I will be getting inside now. I parked my car and walked inside the house. No Xander nearby. At least that's a good thing... For now, I'll have to go look for him afterward.

I walked into my room and stood in front of the mirror, checking the part that Natalie hit. It was already swollen and looked pink. Guess I have to be careful with her from now onwards. She could kill me. Wanting to share the good news with someone, I decided to call up Darren. He didn't pick up at first, but after a while he did.

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Darren's POV

I was in my room and lost in thought when my phone began ringing. I picked it up and when I saw it was Xavier straightened up.

“Hey man, what's up?” I greeted.

“I'm good, what about you?”

"Never been better. So why the sudden call?”

“Well, I wanted to share the good news with you...” He began.

“What good news?” I asked, arching forward.

“I told Natalie the truth about what happened between me and Xander and she's decided to help, even though she hasn't promised yet.”

“She's decided to help? Wow, that's great news. I guess you're really lucky then. She doesn't help that easily.”

“I think just being honest did the trick.”

“I guess it did, but are you sure about this?”

“Sure about what?”

“Sure that you'll find an answer to all of this?”

“Well, I have to be positive, won't I?”

“Yeah, you'll have to be positive. Good luck man.”

“Thanks, I'll call you later....”

"I'll be expecting that.”

And with that, I hung up, sighing, and threw the phone on the bed. At least something good is cooking up for Xavier. Me? Not so sure. Now that I've unconsciously gotten myself tangled between Celine again, I need to find a way to figure myself out. And also my feelings for Mira. Because from the looks of things, my parents seem to be taking this stuff seriously... And that does not look good...

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Natalie's POV

Hey Xander, if you see this message, please let's meet at the basketball court.

Yours sincerely.

Natty.

And then I hit send. Everything Xavier told me was pretty much still disturbing, and I couldn't help but confirm.

“You should stop using your phone at the dinner table,” Greg complained. I huffed and put it in my jeans pockets.

"I'm done anyway, what's your problem?” I complained.

“Hey, don't snap at me, or I'll hit you right now.” He threatened made a face at him and continued eating. Then my phone buzzed and out of instinct picked it up. I heard Greg scoff and Jace muttered something like 'boyfriend's calling' well, whatever..... Xander had sent his reply, and he said he'll be there. I rushed the rest of my food and stood up from the dining table, planting a quick kiss on Maggie's cheeks.

“Thanks, Maggie. I'll be going out. “I informed them as I walked into the kitchen.

“Who are you going to see? The hot dude that brought you home? Is he your boyfriend?” Jace asked.

“What dude? “Greg asked Jace.

“That's Natalie over there, ask her.” Jace directed. I ignored them and wore my jacket.

“That dude you saw this evening is not my boyfriend. And his name is Xavier, you jerk. Besides, it's not him I'm going to meet, so put it down a notch.”

“Who are you going to see then?” Greg asked.

"His brother?”

Jace scoffed...

“you should seriously get yourself a boyfriend.....” he muttered. Maggie chuckled.

“And you, my dear brother, need to get yourself a girlfriend... Bye.” And with that, walked out of the house.

Jogging to the basketball court, I made it just in time. He was playing with the ball when I arrived.

"Hi, am I late?” I asked. Xander turned to look at me.

“No. Just arrived a while ago. Hello.” He said and went back to what he was doing, shooting the ball into the loop.

“So... why'd you call me here?” He asked after the ball had bounced to a safe distance, walking towards me.

"I wanted us to talk..” and after taking a deep breath, added. “Xavier told me.” Xander didn't look too surprised.

"Well, did he?” He asked unperturbed. This is going to be a lot harder than I thought it would.

“You don't think he would do it, do you?” I asked anyway.

“Why shouldn't I think he wouldn't? I saw him, there's no denying that fact.”

“That's true... But you still don't think there's another possibility, do you?”

“And what do you mean?”

“What if something else happened?... Or what if you made to believe that he'll do such a thing?... What if he was framed?” Xander sniggered, as if not believing what I was saying.

“And why would he be framed? Who would want to do that?

It was my turn to scoff. “Don't be so daft. You're the one with the girlfriend. Of course, there are people bound to be jealous of your relationship.” I stressed.

“I'm sorry, but I still don't get your point.”

“I just don't think Xavier will do such a thing to you, especially not deliberately.” Xander stopped and stared at me like he wasn't believing what I just uttered. I glared at him, raising my chin.

“What about Lucy? For all we know, she could have been the one who initiated it. Seduced him...” He cut me off.

“There's no way Lucy would do such a thing, okay?” He defended, raising his voice.

“Oh, now you're defending Lucy. I thought you don't like her anymore, or wait a minute, do you still like her?” I asked, raising my voice as well. Xander stopped for a while, then finally said something.

“Look, if you're here to sweet talk into believing that Xavier didn't do such a thing, I'll suggest you just leave.” He muttered quietly.

“Now am the one who leaves? You know that's just about perfect.”

“I didn't mean it that way.....”

“Then how the hell did you mean it!!!” I yelled, suddenly so angry. “Something goes wrong between you and your brother. I mention Lucy and you get all worked up. Tell me the hell what I'm supposed to think?”

Xander seemed taken aback at my outburst. I scoffed and breath out, trying to calm myself down.

“You know never thought I'd say this, but now that it has gotten to this level, I'd better just. I'm disappointed with you.” I muttered angrily.

“.....”

“I'm leaving now... Xavier's right, you never listen.” I added, before walking away.

“Natty, wait!”

“Don't talk to me!” I said back and, walking a safe distance, broke Into a run. Everything just feels stupid right about now.