Chapter 45

Tricia's POV

I bowed my head out of shame as my mum reprimanded me. After the most embarrassing moment of my life at the hospital, I was taken to the police station where I was put into a cell.

“How could you do this to your sister! What if she died??” my mum yelled at me, and I cringed.

“She's not my sister!” I shot back, tears filling and streaming out my eyes.

“Really? What is she then?? Your maid? For goodness’ sake Tricia, I warned you. Even if she doesn't see you like one, she's never done anything to hurt you. Her dad might not be much of a father to you, but he isn't much a father to his daughter as well. She lives miles away from him!”

I choked out, sobbing quietly.

“I just wanted something of my own. Something that I could point out as mine... And I didn't have any.” I blurted.

“And you have that.” My mom said gently. “If you were a little nicer, you'll know that you had that. You have friends, family... We might not be the one you've always wanted, but at least we are always there for you. But instead, you decided to push yourself to the extreme and now you've lost everything.” Sighing, she added. “Do you want to end up like your biological dad?”

I cried out loudly now. The memory of my biological dad was not a pretty one, he was a fraud....a terrible one at that. Mom found that out after she had gotten married to him. He died while trying to escape from the cops and since then we've been alone. That didn't matter at all because I still loved him until mom told me she had gotten engaged to Lucy's dad and they were planning to get married.

“He was going to end up in jail and look at where you are now.” She said, and I noticed her voice was quivering. She sighed softly again. “I was going to let you stay overnight and maybe get you released tomorrow but it looks like I need to give you time to think about your life decisions and where you want to end up, not to mention the explaining I have to do Lucy's dad when he finds out about the condition of his daughter.....” She trailed off. I looked at her and I saw the anguish in her eyes. It made me cry even more.

“I'm sorry Mom. I'm sorry. Please don't hate me.” I begged.

“I don't hate you... I'll never will, you just have to promise me this will never repeat itself.” She asked. I nodded vehemently. What a mess I've made of my life in my quest for revenge... It was all a waste of time.

“I promise,” I said.

“Good. The police officers here will keep watch over you and call me if you need anything. I have to go now. Take care of yourself.” She said and slowly stood up, walking out of the room. She stopped and turned to wave at me. I waved back and tried to smile. She nodded and left the room. Then bowed my head and continued crying. What the hell has gotten into me??

“Hey....” Someone called, and I looked up. It was Bella, and she looked nervous. “Do you mind if I stay with you for a while?”. She asked. She was the first person to ever visit ever since I had been locked up here. I was going to flare up and make her leave, but then I remembered what mom said. ' and you have that. If I were a little nicer, you'll know you have that.” She kept shuffling her feet and playing with her fingers. I shrugged.

“Sure, you can stay... As long as you're not planning to add salt to my wounds.” She smiled nervously and sat.

“No, I'm not. I just wanted to check up on you, see how you're faring... And maybe even apologize. I know, I should've warned you, but I didn't know what else to do....” I cut her off.

“You were looking out for me,” I said as I cleaned my tears.

“Yes..... And I didn't want you to hurt anyone else, most especially Lucy... She and her father are the reason you are living fine.” She completed.

“I know... And thank you.” I muttered sincerely.

“You're... You're not angry? With me?” She asked, bewildered.

“No, I'm not... Although it looks like, I might be here a while longer than I expected.” I said, and we chuckled.

“Still friends?” She asked hopefully.

“Still friends....” I said, and we smiled.

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(Two weeks later)

The visit to the hospital continued as much as Lucy and Xavier were still there. Lucy was getting better, and Ariana even showed her the video we recorded of Tricia being stamped out. She laughed till tears fell out of her eyes, even though she muttered later that she felt sorry for hearing where she was. Since the mess has been long cleared up and we had already found out who was responsible, Xander was slowly re-establishing the relationship he had with Lucy, who gladly accepted it. I, on the other hand, was getting closer with Xavier, and Darren and Mira were still being high school sweethearts. Ariana didn't have anyone to hold, but as always, she never minded it all.

Greg finally proposed to Maggie and of course, she said yes! We were all very excited for her and neither of us could stop each other from crashing the wedding the day it happened. Ariana almost ran off with some cute boy, but luckily we called her back. She stayed a few more weeks in New Orleans until it was time to go back to Middesville. We all walked her down to the train station and after taking a series of pictures sent her back to Middesville. Lucy eventually got better but sadly she couldn't stay in New Orleans. Her dad was scared that something might trigger her illness, so she had to go back to her aunt's place. Xander promised to keep in touch with her, though, so in the end, everyone was happy.

Right now am standing close to the window in my room, taking in the view of my city and smiling lazily to myself. The past months have been crazy, I'll have to admit, but everything was alright now. Today is the day Tricia will be released from detention and I'm seriously hoping she has thought things over because I honestly can't take any more drama. I've had one that could last an entire year.

My phone beeped, jolting me out of my reverie. I picked it up, and it was a message from Xavier. I unconsciously smiled as I opened it.

Xavier: Hey, you free? I'd like to see you. Meet me on the basketball court.

I grinned as I texted him back.

Natalie: Be there.

I wore my jacket and let my hair fall freely on my shoulders as I got out of my room, out of the house. Greg and Maggie had gone for their honeymoon. Leaving only Jace and me in the house, right now he was in the gym room doing God knows what.

“I'm out!” I called as I walked past the kitchen.

“Okay... Take care.” He answered. I shrugged and walked out of the house, closing the door behind me. Ignoring the stares of people, I bounced along till I got to the basketball court, where I met Xavier already waiting for me.

“Hey,” I called out when I got towards him. He turned and smiled.

“Hi.” He greeted. “How are you?”

“Never felt better... What about you? Your wound? And Xander?”

“It's completely healed now... Although the scars are still there.” He answered, “and Xander is fine too. Left him at home.”

“Okay....” I trailed off. “Why'd you call me out here?”

“He shrugged and rubbed the back of his neck.

“Why don't we talk about that while we are having a smoothie? I'm quite thirsty. “He said instead.

“Okay...” I grinned. Let's go then.” He smirked.

“You first....”

“Whatever....” I muttered and laughed. He did too.

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We sat under the cool shade of the fruit smoothie store while discussing trivial things. Our smoothies arrived, strawberries and bananas for me, pineapple and oranges for him and I immediately dug in. Just as I was about to crack from the unknown tension that seemed to surround us, he finally spoke up.

“I'm pretty sure you're wondering why I called you out here.” He stared staring directly at me.

“Of course I am,” I said and scoffed. Then leaned in. “What is it?” I asked, curious.

He chuckled a little before continuing. “First, I want to thank you. Seriously, I really can't thank you enough for everything, so once again, thank you.”

“You're welcome.” I put in.

“Secondly.....” He said, and I raised my brows. He stopped and stared at me quizzically before shrugging and continuing.

“Secondly..... I wanted to ask you to be my...” He trailed off, still staring at me.

“Be my what???”

“Seriously, this is harder than I thought it would be...” He muttered, but said it, anyway. “I wanted to ask you if you'd like to be my girlfriend.”

It felt like my brain exploded as I stared at him wide-eyed. Subconsciously, I'd like to think I was expecting this, which I was, but I wasn't expecting it to come out so outrightly!

“What?” I asked, dumbfounded. “You said what?” I repeated.

"Didn't you hear me the first time?” He shot back, amusement in his voice.

“Xavier, seriously!!” I whined.

“Now I have to repeat it. I asked you if you'd like to be my girlfriend.”

I sat back in my chair and sipped my smoothie, still mulling it over.

“So....” He drawled.

“Yes,” I said simply. It was his turn to ask, “what?”

“Yes... I said yes. Didn't you hear me? I fucking said yes! Yes! Yes!”

“No way!”

“Yes, way.”

“Wow... That was easier than I thought.” He muttered and looked at me, grinning happily. I grinned back at myself.

“Wait, a sec... I said yes. What's supposed to happen next?” I suddenly asked.

“I don't know... You tell me.” He said and leaned forward.

“Is this the time where newfound couples kiss?” I stupidly asked. He nodded all the same.

“I think it is.”

“Should we kiss?” I whispered.

“I think we should.” He whispered back. I smiled as I stood up and went over to the seat.

“What are you planning to do....” He didn't get to finish it as I sat on his lap. “Kissing you. “I replied and then slammed my lips with his. I could hear gasps around me, but I didn't care about that. When we finally pulled apart, Xavier looked stunned. I giggled as I turned to the people at the stall.

"Listen up people! This guy here is my boyfriend!” I said aloud.

“Hey! That's supposed to be my line!” Xavier protested.

“Too bad I stole it,” I replied.

Everyone in the stall clapped and cheered for us. Some even congratulated us. I smiled as I went back to my seat, feeling very accomplished.

“you're not even shy one bit.” He muttered.

“If you're looking for shyness, well guess what? You just checked on the wrong address.” I muttered and finished my smoothie. Xavier looked at me, stunned for a moment, before continuing with his drink.

I'm sure he must be thinking... What the hell did he get himself into?

We'll find out, won't we?