Chapter 30 SLOANE
Chapter 30
SLOANE
“Earth to Sloane!” Isaac’s voice yanked me out of my thoughts. My eyes flickered over and over. Then I scanned the room. We were at Isaac’s house. We had an upcoming project and decided to practice at Isaac’s studio.
“Are you okay?” Daisy asked, her brows furrowed, eyes flickering as she scanned my face. Worry crept up her face.
I forced a smile and nodded, “Yes, I’m fine.” I lied.
I wasn't fine. I was anything but fine. Things have been awkward between Xaden and me since I left his room two nights ago. His mood changed right after I asked what he did to Jasper.
“Lies!” Rave fired, “How can you say you are fine with that, with that frustrated look on your face. You’ve been like that for the last two days. We’ve been patient with you, waiting for you to tell us what happened.”
I leaned back in fright, lips pouted.
“Rave is right,” Isaac muttered. “We have wanted to ask but… We wanted you to tell us yourself. Did something happen, Sloane?”
“Is it Jasper? Or Xaden?”
I sighed, “Both?”
“Huh?”
I told them what happened: how Jasper came into the room and spoke to his brother like an archenemy, and then what I asked Xaden and how everything went down from there.
“That was it?” Daisy asked.
I nodded, sighing. “I still don’t get why he is avoiding me,” I grunted, I could feel the frustration and anger flowing inside of me.
I am already calm and understanding by refusing to ask him why he left me five years ago. But how can he not tell me what happened between him and Jasper?
They used to be close, inseparable to the point that I was so jealous and ended up yelling at my mother for not giving me an older sibling.
It’s hard watching them like this but then he kicked me out of his room! That jerk!
“Sloane, he doesn't deserve you.” Daisy fired, “All he has done is hurt you, avoid you, keep things from you… I don’t like seeing you like this.”
“I agree with Diasy.” Rave muffled, “If anyone should be upset, it should be you and not him.”
She was right. They were both right. Xaden doesn't have the right to be mad at me right now. I should be the one upset. After all, whatever happened between them is the reason I have to sneak into his room.
But then I noticed Isaac was silent so I turned to him, “Why aren't you saying anything?” I muffled.
Silence. His eyes rolled between the girls and me. “Promise you won’t hate me.”
“If you are going to ask her to be understanding or shit like that, don’t bother, just swallow it.” Daisy fired.
He shook his head, “Not that.. I just… I have heard my brother mentioned how bad he felt for Xaden.” he said.
Huh?
“What are you talking about?” I turned to him.
“I don’t know. My brother doesn't talk about his friends but… he always said he felt bad for Xaden and wished he found happiness… it always sounded weird because whenever I saw Xaden he was always happy and lively.” he paused, “All I am saying is, five years is a long time, Sloane. A lot of things have changed. This person we are talking about single-handedly brought back his father’s company which was on the verge of bankruptcy—”
“What has that got to do with his feelings towards Sloane and his brother?” Daisy cut him off angrily. “Stop trying to justify his actions.”
“I am not trying to justify anything, I am just saying, before we judge him, shouldn't we try to understand how life has been for him in the last five years?”
“Isaac has a point. He probably was a kid when he took over the company and had to sacrifice a lot to get to where he is today.” Race added.
Daisy snapped, “Still! If he likes her, shouldn't he be making it up to her and explaining to her instead of shutting her out?” She was on her feet now. “And what do you mean he was a kid? He was twenty-five… he was an adult.
I sat there listening to both sides, not sure which to listen to.
“So because he was an adult, that means he should be able to handle everything? Do you even know the mental stress that comes with running a company? Not to mention bringing it back from the verge of bankruptcy? Also, his father died! He had to play the role of the man of the house, how can you just overlook that? Aren't you being just selfish and inconsiderate? If anything, Sloane should be worried about how he is still sane and help him find happiness again. And you keep talking about his feelings like he cheated on her or he is married to someone else…. This person we are talking about brought her into his personal space and even bought all she needed for her pottery practice, would he have done that if he didn't care about her feelings?”
“Why do you keep taking his side, Sloane is your friend not him!” Daisy was not backing out.
“That doesn't mean I should lie to her! And I am not taking his side, I am simply opening her eyes and mind to other perspectives.”
This is not going to end anytime soon.
“Both of you, please stop!” I fired.
Silence.
Daisy was glaring at Isaac, “I’m going out for air.”
“Daisy!” he called after her. “Why is she —”
“You know how she can be, just go after her.” Rave muffled, waving at him. Isaac dropped his apron and ran away, leaving Rage and me to ourselves.
“That was a lot… I can never get used to them arguing like that.” I exhaled.
She giggled, “Trust me, a little more and you’d get the hang of it.” “So tell me, did you pick anything from what they said?” she asked.
Of course I did.
Isaac was logical and Daisy was emotional. Both made a valid point… too many good points that I don’t even know what to do.
“Guys, come on in, lunch is ready!” Isaac’s mum called out.
Rave and I rushed over to the sink, washed our hands, and ran to the main house.
But as soon as I got to the door, I froze.
What is Xaden doing here?