The Space Between

Chapter 16; The after effects

Xavier's head pounded with headache and his eyes burned as he looked at the papers. The after effects were playing hard on him specially the guilt of what he had done. He had lost control and he hated to loose control. He told his secretary to bring him coffee hoping it would help and some painkillers. He tried to busy himself in work. Turning the page, he was in the process of reading the document when his mother came walking in. Clearing her throat, she sat down at the sofa to show her presence. Rolling his eyes, he shifted his attention to his mother. Alan putting the tea down closed the door. That was when he finally spoke. "To what do I owe the pleasure mother?" He said standing up and moving to sit at the couch opposite from her. His mother, katherine spoke with a disapproving look. "I heard what happened yesterday from Amelia. Is that any way to treat a lady Xavier?". Xavier not having any time or energy for this decided to try and end the topic. He didn't even want to ask when and where they met since they were neighbours. "Mother. What happened was wrong and I regret it. Can I get back to work now?". But katherine was not having it. "Oh so you regret that and you don't regret wasting your time on an average Muslim girl" Xavier clenched his jaw and his hand formed into fist. His mother said the word 'Muslim' with a such a poisonous tone that it felt like a personal attack to Xavier. Still trying to keep a calm tone. He replied "Mother I would really appreciate it if you don't interfere in my private matters and avoid it like you had been doing for years now." He said standing up and taking one last look back before sitting he spoke. "Oh and that average Muslim girl. Her name is Sarah and I would choose her any day over all of those girls you like". Katherine stood up in anger and before moving out gave her final verdict.
"If you do anything to put a stain on our family's name neither would I tolerate you nor her". The door closed behind her loudly and he smashed the glass ornament on the floor. He couldn't understand how and why both the parents were suddenly so invested in his life affairs when in the past they had always betrayed him in the moments he needed them the most. He remembered one painful memory.

*Flashback starts*
Xavier lay crying on the floor. He felt his whole heart breaking with every breath he took. He screamed and shouted and smashed his whole room but there was no one to listen to his cries. He looked around himself to the broken mirrors and destructive room but he didn't feel like the storm inside him had calmed yet. His whole body shook and he felt himself grow weak with every passing limit. He jerked his head up when he heard the footsteps of someone in the hallway. His door was open so he was met with a sight of his mother. "Mother" he pleaded like a child looking broken and scared. His eyes red and teary begged the woman for some emotional support. She waited, standing and looking at him with an empty look in her eyes. "Mother" he called once again hoping she would listen but the moment he took a step forward the woman turned and walked away. Xavier felt he had been abandoned yet again. He felt the worst that he had ever felt. Yet no one came to help. The house just like the people residing in it was cold and empty. He felt a part of him dying that day. A part he buried with his brother's body.
*Flashback ends*

Xavier could only think of bad moments when it came to his family. The only good thing was his brother who was no more in this world. That is why, whenever now he talks to his parents he doesn't yearn for their love and understanding the same way. He only talks to them when necessary otherwise he always feels suffocated in their presence. If Ryder was abusive, katherine was no better. Emotionally distant and selfish to the core. She was not someone who deserved a right to be called a mother. Xavier shook his head coming back to his senses. He felt a sharp pain when he moved his neck but he focused back on his work. The day was long and many tasks were yet to be completed. As evening came, the most important task on his list was pushed up. He dialed Zender's number from his personal phone. Thinking this gesture might mean something to the other party. "Hello" The man spoke picking up after the third ring. "I see you haven't deleted my number yet" Xavier said going straight to the point and ditching all the formality. The man on the other side released a breath as if to calm himself down. "Apparently " his voice answered holding a tone of distaste. "I want to meet. I believe there is much that needs to be discussed ".
"I don't think so" came his curt reply. Xavier's jaw tightened as his eyes flashed in rage but he didn't loose his cool. He needed this man on his side so he knew he had to thread lightly. "I know about Veronica Neil ". Complete utter silence was heard after Xavier's sentence. Xavier grew a bit suspicious if Zender had stopped breathing. "I'll swing by your office" Zender spoke last cutting the call. Xavier smiled slightly. He knew that would shut him up. All he had to do now was wait. As he looked outside the large glass and into the night to the glowing lights he wondered what Sarah was doing right now. She had taken a sick leave from the office and he was worried. When he called her department, he got to know she had called in sick. Zender Creek entered the office and Xavier looked at him. He didn't stand to greet him rather he just gestured him to take a seat opposite from him as a way of showing who was the boss. "You knew all this time?" Zender asked, he looked really suprised but also relieved. "Do you think I would go into business with someone who I don't know everything about?" Xavier said raising an eyebrow. He put his elbows on the table and spoke. "I also know Francis has you by the roops because of this "
"How about this..." Xavier said standing up and making a drink for two. "You can help me take down Francis and our company does another profitable project together " This was a pretty generous deal considering Xavier avoided dealing in bad faith twice. Zender knew that too. He held the glass in front of Zender to take it. Zender thought about it, while at one side he was relieved it didn't mean he wasn't still mad. The absolute and utter absence of regret on Xavier's face angered him. The calm, the cold and the arrogance. He was totally free from feeling the responsibility of what he had done. All he wanted to hear was a decent apology. But here Xavier was trying to pack a deal. Zender looked at him then the glass. He stood up took the glass and put it back at the table. "Piss off" He said looking him dead in the eye and walking off.