The Space Between

Chapter 28; Need your light

Xavier fidgeted with his phone in his hands as he thought about calling Sarah. A little voice in his head snickered to see him nervous for this simple task when he had years of handling serious situations like a pro. For the past few days, he had thought a lot about it. About getting real help. He started to recognise that in his daily routine 5 out of the 10 times his mind was still plagued with nightmares. He also saw unhealthy pattern in his working style and realised that it had completely taken over his life. He couldn't remember the last time he had fun with his friends as a normal social being. Or if he had ever laughed with someone. And he realised he needed that. Though it was going to be torture for him to open up to or even walk up to someone who could read him out as words on the piece of paper, he knew that this little bit of discomfort was worth it if it meant he could finally have his piece of mind.
Releasing a final sigh, he dialed the woman's number. "Hello?"
Sarah spoke on the other end.
"Hey. Its me Xavier "
"Hi. How are you?" She spoke hesitantly. Still feeling as though speaking to her boss even though it was her day off from work. "I'm fine. I actually called you to say that I want to take your advice and seriously go see a doctor.."
"Oh my God that's great. I'm so glad I could be of big help. That is such a great step. I'm proud of you" Sarah said smiling from ear to ear and putting the dish down at the sink. She sat back down on the sofa. Just like that, her hesitancy was gone. She was genuinely happy for him. Xavier's checks flared same as a small child being praised and replied in a low voice. Clearing his throat. "Yeah I'm also glad.."
Comfortable silence fell between them and Xavier spoke again. "I know it's too much for me to ask but can you please be by my side while I go through this"
Sarah didn't reply instantly but said after a few seconds "I will be there for sure "
Xavier's smile widened and he thanked her for her support. Taking this as his cue to disconnect, he ended the call. Sarah chuckled as she saw the screen of her phone. This man was one in a million and he didn't even know it.

Xavier tried to calm the beat of his heart, still smiling widely. He had a good feeling about this. He was doing the right thing and it was about time that he moved past his fears. Xavier didn't listen to everyone normally and was skeptic most of the times but Sarah was genuine when she listened to him and gave that advice. That much he knew. The second person he intended to ring was Alan. But before he could, his father's name appeared on the screen. He rolled his eyes but attended the call nonetheless. As soon as his phone touched his ear, his father's displeased tone was heard.
"I see you have decided to pick sides.."
Xavier's eyebrows furrowed, pick sides? What was he talking about? He thought
"Father, what are you saying?"
"You thought attending a small party was more important than Ross's party it seems "
"Shit" Xavier cursed under his breath. He had totally forgotten about it. What was worse that it was on the same night of the office party. But why was his father calling about it now after three days? Xavier had a feeling he was about to bear the consequences for that mistake. He gulped
"Father, forgive me because it totally slipped my mind. I-"
"NONSENSE. YOU MADE THE CHOICE WHAT WAS MORE IS THAT YOU DARED TO WALK OUT WITH THAT MUSLIM GIRL "
Ryder shouted and Xavier flinched. Closing his eyes as if waiting for his father's hand to reach his cheek. He didn't speak.
"Now you listen to me here boy. In the next party organised by the Ross's. You will officially announce your engagement with Amelia and you will do so without causing any drama understood "
"Yes father" Xavier spoke automatically
"Good " Ryder said, ending the call.
Xavier looked at the phone. Why didn't he talk back? Why didn't he answer? He felt the same Xavier at that moment which he hated. His mind recalled one event.

*Flashback starts*
Scared little Xavier hid behind the wall as the open door of the study showed his brother on his knees while Ryder towered over him. "But father. Those boys were harassing Xavier I had to step in-"
"SILENCE"
"YOU DO NOT DO WHAT PUTS MY COMPANY'S REPUTATION IN LINE. UNDERSTOOD?"
"But father-"
"I. SAID. IS. IT. UNDERSTOOD? "
Ryder roared in anger while Klaus's head bowed down like an obedient child. "Stand up" Ryder commanded as he walked to close the door. He saw Xavier and Xavier could never forget those merciless eyes that stared back at him unfazed by his presence. Xavier ran away in fear as his face soaked with tears. He still remembered hearing the sound of his father's belt hitting his brother's body. He remembered trembling and not being able to eat for the next few weeks. Klaus would smile at his little brother telling him to not blame himself for his punishment. That he should have seen when the camera was out and the video was made. It replayed on the TV news as headlines. Though his father took it down with the help of his connections but people were still talking.  That day left a traumatic scar in Xavier's memory. Who knew it was just a start to many more.
*Flashback ends*