HAUNTINGLY | 18+

18 | Dinner

I couldn't tell if I was more excited about going to dinner with Xavier or finally leaving that house.

Definitely leaving the house.

As we drove through the city streets, my eyes were captivated by the vibrant world outside the car window.

I couldn't tear my gaze away from the passing scenery outside the car window. My eyes eagerly absorbed the sights of cozy houses, bustling restaurants, inviting cafes, and vibrant shops.

The sight of people relishing their lives in the company of others filled me with a bittersweet longing. Their genuine smiles and laughter painted a picture of blissful connections and cherished moments.

A twinge of ache tugged at my heart as I wished for the same sense of belonging and happiness.

Hopefully one day.

"So where are we going for dinner?" I asked, as I turned my head to look at Xavier.

He stole a quick glance at me before returning his focus to the road. "It's a small Italian restaurant that I would always go to with my parents," he responded.

My curiosity piqued and I couldn't help but wonder about his parents. This was the first time he had mentioned them.

I suddenly realized I knew nothing about Xavier.

"Do they still go to the restaurant?" I asked, hoping to learn more about his family.

I noticed Xavier's grip on the steering wheel tighten, his knuckles turning white.

"No." He responded, his voice carrying a hint of suppressed emotions.

"Why not?" I asked gently. I could sense a deeper pain behind his response.

Xavier turned his face towards me, his eyes devoid of emotion once again. "Because they're dead."

My eyes widened, and for a moment, the world seemed to pause. The weight of his words sank into the silence between us, leaving me momentarily breathless.

"I'm so sorry," I murmured softly, understanding the immense grief that comes with losing both parents.

His tone remained cold. "Why are you sorry? You're not the one who killed them."

My heart sank at the harshness of his words. "Th-they were killed?" I stammered, my voice barely audible.

"Yeah," he responded. "Don't ask any more questions about them."

I chose to remain silent. It occurred to me that he might still be struggling to cope with the loss of his parents, which could explain his distant behavior.

Despite my curiosity, I opted to withhold my questions, understanding that Xavier would share more when he felt comfortable.

For a few minutes, silence enveloped the car until I mustered the courage to break it.

"Why did you decide to ask me to dinner?" I asked softly, my gaze fixed on the side of his face.

"Since we're living together, I thought it could be a way for us to get to know each other better," he responded calmly.

I remained quiet for a few seconds, allowing his words to sink in.

"We're not living together, Xavier. You're the only one truly living in your house, and I'm forced to be there with you, locked inside," I stated.

I turned my gaze back to the passing scenery outside the car window.

"Same thing," he replied nonchalantly.