Beyond What Meets The Eye

Chapter Seven

The week went by like it usually did, with practice in the mornings and afternoons and work in the evenings. She hadn't seen Adrian since their run in at the coffee shop, she and Kamen continued their usual avoidance like they had before, and her dad didn't send another text. Granted, she hadn't bothered replying.

One thing that did stay consistent was Xavier. They talked everyday before class and he was always sure to give her a smile and wave when they passed each other in the halls.

Friday came and she found herself relieved that the week was over. Jayla had managed to convince Mira that Xavier had a thing for her and that their study session was probably Xavier's idea of a makeshift first date.

She wasn't exactly sure how accurate Jayla's assumption was, but part of her hoped she was right.

The place he'd picked out was quite cute, actually. It was a small, dainty cafe, with dim lights and a cozy atmosphere, reminding her a lot of the cafe she worked at.

Xavier had offered to drive them both, but she figured it probably wouldn't be the smartest idea to leave her car in the school parking lot.

They went ahead and ordered coffees before sitting down at a small table, spreading out their books in front of them.

"So, how are you adjusting to Hartsdale?" Mira asked, taking a sip from her caramel latte. It was good, but the one she made were better.

"It's been really good actually. There's a group of guys in my gym class that have kind of inducted me into their friend group so I've been hanging out with them a lot. Jared said I should try out for the lacrosse team but I'm still on the fence about it." He admitted.

"I'm glad you've made some friends, I'm sure it's hard being the new kid, especially second semester senior year." Mira exclaimed. He sighed, nodding his head.

"Yeah, as much as I hated a lot of my friends back at Catholic, I was still pretty hesitant to transfer just because everyone already knows each other and has their friend group, but I think it was the right decision." He smiled.

"Thats good," Mira agreed.

"So," he chirped, "shall we get started on your homework for the weekend?"

"Yes please," She replied, reaching towards her backpack to grab a pencil. They worked steadily through a hefty number of problems, Xavier once again baffling her with how good he was at math.

Nearly two hours had passed, the sun beginning to set outside by the time they finished.

"You don't cease to amaze me," Mira commented as she packed up her things, earning a low chuckle from Xavier.

"Yeah well I already took this class so the content is nothing new to me," he replied sheepishly. "Here I'll walk you to your car."

They made their way towards Mira's car near the edge of the lot, Xavier's hand slipping around her waist and pulling her away from the drivers side and against her passenger door, his spearmint breath hot against her face as he leaned in close.

Her heart hammered against her chest as she held her breath, face growing hot as the smell of his cologne filled the air around them. It was a distinct musty floral scent, one that was suddenly familiar to her. That's when she felt something cool pressed gently against her stomach.

"Why don't we go to your place?" He suggested, his dimpled smile sending chills down her spine. She let her eyes travel down to the black and brown pistol that pressed against her bare flesh. She froze, her breath catching.

"Xav-," she stuttered.

"Shhh, no talking, no screaming, you're going to do as I say or I'll plant this bullet where it hurts most," he hissed, his words venomous as the left his lips. Their eyes met, and any trace of the new kid she'd met just earlier this week was gone.