Ruthless (Girlxintersex) Valentine's Novel

Chapter 27

Season 1 Episode 27

Mahira POV

I clasped the picture frame to my racing heart; it wasn't the same picture frame, but it had the same image and held the same memories. I know I'll never forget this day, but seeing it every day felt like having the freedom to live.

"It must be really essential for you." Angelo murmured.

"It is." I remarked, carefully placing the picture frame down. I cannot afford to let go. I did not want to let her go.

"Whatever occurred, I apologize."

My brows wrinkled as I turned around. Did she sound sorry for me? A melancholy expression filled her gaze.

"What? Do you care? Because if you did, it wouldn't be worthwhile."

"Taking your salary was not in my hands. I was merely a puppet who took the blame. So whatever fireball you hurl at me doesn't matter." She whispered.

"I might never get to see her again."

"Who is she to you?"

"Nobody." I gritted. I wanted to storm out and cry. I despise myself. Rory made me hate myself so much when she went, since she could have been the only reason I loved myself in the first place.

"We all lost important people, Mahira. She can't be a nobody in your life if you're prepared to spend money to visit her."

So she knew. And she did her part to wreck it. "Will you need me for the remainder of the evening?" I asked. Tonight, I couldn't miss classes since I knew Xia would be waiting for me to give her an update. I'm afraid to tell her the bad news, but if I can't get her a job back at this firm, I'll have to find another. My guilt will not enable me to simply relax and let this slip.

"With the craziness that occurred today, I believe you require that rest." I'm sorry she didn't know, but I wasn't going to rest. After class, I was going to ruin myself behind the point of nothing.

"Heads up, I will be late tomorrow morning." I mumbled as I pushed by her to pick up my bags.

"Why?"

"I need to do some business." I truly did; after vomiting in the toilet bowl, I needed to stop by Mom's house and tell her to give Xia her job back. If she doesn't accomplish anything, I'll have to look for an open assistance position with this or another organization. This was LA; she wouldn't make it through the month without a single paycheck.

"I hope you don't land in someone's bed."

"What if I did?"

"I'll deduct another portion of your pay."

"You know, Angelo, do you ever think that maybe your wife and kids perished in that car accident because they couldn't take re-covering in that hospital bed, living an intolerable existence with someone as sad and selfish as you?" I hissed and whipped my head to see the expression on her face. But she simply looked. Her face remained stiff and cold.

Fuck. It did not work. It didn't constrict her like I expected. Maybe I didn't express it with enough passion, wrath, or bitterness in my tone. Perhaps she didn't care that they died.

She cleared her throat, "I wish you a nice night, Ms. Apis." Her head hung low as she limped out the door, leaving me to feel awful about what I said.

What! She should be the one who feels awful, not me. Was this one of her subtle manipulating tactics? If so, she was far superior to me. I looked down the corridor and saw she had vanished. Maybe she went wailing in a little corner; if that was the case, that was OK. I hope the day of the car crash played over and over in her mind. The tire's wheels screeched on the pavement.

The car hitting on impact, spending everyone body jerking until their life got knocked out cold. Only she had returned. Only her facing the hell of loosing two someone, especially if she was the one behind that stirring wheel.

************

Xia drew me to the corner right after class. Her eyelashes appeared moist, as if her new pastime was crying her eyes out. Not only that, but it appeared she hadn't eaten.

"Any updates?" She fidgets in place, bringing her shaking fingers to her lips. I felt awful since I only had negative news, which would put her in a bad mood.

"Uh...no. My father is being such a pussy." I grumbled and sighed. "I'll go to my mother tomorrow and explain. If she doesn't do anything, I'll have to figure it out."

"You mean me; I need to find something out."

"No, this one is on me, Xia, and if nothing comes through for you right now, I'll give you my paycheck and steal some of my brother's money." One thing is certain: Luca and Legend have my back, allowing me to have Xia back. I was very confident twenty thousand was enough, given how she was getting around it.

"You'll do that for me?" Incredulous, she inquired.

Well, I was just doing it because I knew it was my fault. I admit to things I did, not technically, but Xia was there for me, and I couldn't leave her hurting in the dark, empty crosswords; her ghost will haunt me. I enjoy resting at night with only Rory in mind, no one else.

"Yes, don't worry."

"You are the best." She swiftly stretched up to my height and gave my lips a swift peck, and I staggered back in amazement.

"Uhm."

"Oh, Mahira, it's only a kiss, cool. I have a girlfriend. I simply wanted to thank you for being here."

"Yeah." I muttered, still surprised by a dumb peck on the lips. It wouldn't be that horrible to bring her home tonight and spend the night with her.

Oh, yes, she has a girlfriend. She's the one that got away.

"So, did someone actually get my spot?" She asked. I nodded. I couldn't believe it, either. "But if I regain my position, they will lose their jobs."

"Not really; they'll be moved somewhere else." That was one of the reasons I acted so quickly. I need her to be assigned to an open position in the company or to reclaim her office.

"I need to leave. Duties at the club call." I responded, knowing Tali had probably had enough of waiting for me. "Don't worry; I'll do all in my power to get your job back."

The small girl nodded and drew me into another hug. Xia and I had never been this close to hugging, much alone kissing. I suppose dire circumstances bring people closer together.