The Space Between

Chapter 26; Hear me out

Sarah still wasn't sure of what she was doing but she had to. Besides, it wasn't as though she was doing anything indecent with the guy. That shushed her concious down for more than a few minutes. She was just going to talk to him. Xavier drove in silence. His eyes focused and his lips straight. He wasn't in the mood to talk much. His head pained just thinking about today and yesterday.
"I actually wanted to talk to you about something.."
Sarah started looking at him nervously when his forest green eyes gave her a sign to continue.
"I know it's not my place. And I hope you don't be mad but I heard tomorrow was Klaus's birthday and you didn't come to office. I just wanted to know if you were okay"
Xavier stopped the car hearing that and looked away. His jaw tightened as he debated on his head what to make of it.
Sarah's movements stopped thinking that this would be the part where he could tell her to stay away from his personal matters but when Xavier turned his head towards her. She saw unshed tears in his eyes and her heart broke. "It's been over 8 years and I still can't seem to accept that he is gone. Sometimes I can ignore it but other times, it just hurts too much.." Xavier didn't want to cry in front of her but he just couldn't help it. Her soft voice opened up the flow he was blocking. Sarah didn't say anything but just listened. Xavier was thankful. He didn't want everyone to tell him it was going to be okay over time because that wasn't the case for him. He just wanted someone to be there. He just wanted to know someone was there.
"Klaus, he was more than a brother to me. He was my teacher, my mentor and the one who really raised me. He always put my well being first. Always looked out for me even if it meant getting in trouble with father for that. He protected me when my own father hurted me. He was all I knew."
Xavier wiped the tears from the corner of his eyes and continued
"I just didn't think I could loose him like that and that too this early. Oh he was so ambitious Sarah you should have seen him. He had so many plans for this company. So many things he had yet to accomplishe that he never got to"
Xavier shook as the silent cries ripped from his whole body. Sarah's eyes also watered hearing the pain and longing in his voice. She wished nothing more in that moment to just embrace him and take his pain away. Xavier went on and on after that and Sarah all but listened. Her tears pouring out non stop with his. In between, she gave words of encouragement and support so that he could get everything out of his system. By the time, he had stopped talking. Xavier felt a lot lighter as if the whole weight had been lifted off his chest.
"Thank you so much for this " He said with a genuine smile and Sarah also smiled back warmly. She took this moment to say what she Intended to next
"Your welcome.."
"Xavier, hearing you speak has made me realise that the time has come for you to face your fears. I know that you think distracting yourself is going to work but it's not doing you any good nor helping you heal. I believe what you shared with me was no doubt hard to do. If you really care about me to trust me enough then please consider taking professional help"
Xavier didn't say anything to that just nodded smiling and Sarah didn't push any further. He had to make the ultimate decision anyways.

Ryder drank his fifth glass of alcohol. Not caring to see how much he has drank of see the time. He didn't care for that.
*flashback starts*
Ryder was just about to sit in his car when an excited klaus came to him. "Father. Can I please come along"
Ryder a bit surprised said nothing but just nodded and shut his door. Klaus came to sit beside him on the passenger seat. He knew that his father was going on a meeting. He wanted to tag along and learn since his interest was in the company. Ryder's lips twitched a bit but just not long enough to be noticed by anyone. He was glad his son willingly wanted to learn from him. They reached the office and Klaus sat through the whole meeting listening and noting down the points in his head that he did and did not agree on. When they came back to the car. Ryder asked him of his opinion to test him.
"What did you think about the idea Of changing our materials?"
"I thought that we are putting quantity over quality and it is going to ruin our company's name in the market. If one thing. Smith's Raise Is known for their remarkable quality and commitment to their customers. We can't disssapoint them by lessening our efforts just to gain more money "
Ryder was impressed. He had thought the same thing. The deal must benefit them momentarily but it would cost them a future of lose. The boy had potential. Ryder didn't say anything nor did his expression change from that of a rock but he patted Klaus's leg lightly. Klaus understood it. It was his way of telling him he was proud of him. The whole ride back Klaus couldn't wipe the smile off his face.
*flashback ends*

"You're drinking a lot today "
Katherine said coming in the study. Ryder didn't move nor did his posture change. He didn't look at her or he could have seen her dishevelled form. The makeup which was always on her face and covered all her imperfections was gone. Her wrinkles and lines of her face visible to naked eyes. Her hair was a mess and she looked like she had been crying hours to no end.
"Yesterday was Klaus's birthday " Ryder spoke
"I know..." She said her head hung low in shame. Ryder turned around. "The guilt is eating you up I see" He said unfazed and cold as ever.
Katherine's eyes watered "He was my son after all"
"Oh just drop the act. You never were a good mother to him anyways"
Ryder said moving out of the study not wanting to be in the presence of this insufferable woman he called his wife. Katherine fell on the floor with flowing tears. His words hitting her harder than his silence ever did.