Trial Of Young Love

Chapter 4

I managed to slip out a little earlier this morning, so I didn't have to face Derek or Mom. As I walk past our gate, I see Xavier standing across the street. Same place I saw him last night. I start to turn red from embarrassment. I'll just continue to walk, hopefully he doesn't try to talk to me or accuse me of being a stalker or something. As I walk past, I get a glimpse of the kitten. She's a cute little white kitten, discolored by dirt. Looks like she's eating another can of food. Still walking I avert my eyes. Picking up pace just enough to avoid him. 

BROOKE: I got you a milk tea! :) 

ZOE: Thank you! I'll be there soon!

I arrive at school a little early, with time to spare I sit next to my locker waiting for Brooke's arrival. I stare at my converse and twiddle my thumbs. I really don't have much to do anyways. The halls are practically empty at this point. Maybe I should have talked to at least Mom this morning. She looked so hurt last night. Mid thought my stomach starts to rumble. I place a hand over it and groan. Maybe I should have eaten something before I left since I didn't eat dinner. I could go by the cafeteria... Nah, I'll just wait for my tea. 

I went to bed early, but the drowsiness is still creeping up on me. I have twenty minutes before the warning bell. Maybe I should just rest a bit before class. I close my eyes and instantly am taken to a memory of my dad. We're on the couch playing a card game with Mom. We laugh and trash talk to each other. I walk up to my room ready for bed and there they both are, kissing me goodnight. I cuddle under the covers and Dad pushes a piece of my hair behind my ear. 
"Goodnight my beautiful Zoe bug. I love you." He places a kiss on my cheek. I'm instantly taken over by sadness. But before I was ready to leave the dream a small shove wakes me. I look up expecting to see Brooke. Instead, I'm in someone's shadow. I tilt my head to see Xavier bending over me. Our faces so close I can see some slight veins on his neck. 

In shock I bounce up, my head hitting the locker. I reach to the back of me holding it in pain.
"Ow, what the f-" 
"Sorry, um." He cuts me off. Slowly standing straight. 
"Can I help you?" My voice cold. In pain I look up at him. He's so much taller. I decide to stand as if to assert some dominance. He isn't looking at me, great, it's kind of hard to assert dominance if he isn't acknowledging it. I huff to myself, slightly disappointed.
"Were you watching me last night?" My ears feel hot at the sentence. His voice doesn't sound as intimidating. 
"Oh, um. About that. I wasn't stalking you or anything." I chuckle awkwardly. His eyes turn to me, wider than before, one eyebrow lightly lifted. "I mean, I live there! I was just looking around and you happened to be there!" 
"Yeah, it's cool, I guess. Don't tell anyone though." He leans in slightly closer to my ear. "I don't want anyone getting the wrong idea." As a smirk pulls at his lips my neck and ears burn. I couldn't think of anything to say back. Wrong Idea? About what? He was just taking care of a stray. 

Xavier starts to walk towards the gym. His hands falling to his sides. I thankfully see Brooke at the end of the hall. "Oh, thank god." I say, placing a hand on her shoulder in relief. She hands me the tea; she didn't see anything between Xavier and I. After we catch up and she curses my stepfather we head our separate ways. Now I have Gym. I'm so hungry and tired, gym is the last thing I want to do right now, especially with Xavier. Then I think about James and my whole personality lights up. Maybe it's not too bad. 

I get changed into my gym clothes and meet our group on the floor. Coach starts talking about the things we'll need to accomplish while team building. Working together, creating games and competing against other teams. I am not athletic so it's all a bit discouraging. James taps me on the shoulder, welcoming a conversation with his warm smile. 
"This is gonna be fun, right?" 
"Yeah definitely!" My face turns red. 
"Oh, for sure, if anyone could help us with team building it's you James!" The excitement in Jess's voice practically shows up like hearts in her eyes. But I can't blame her. James is tall, and pretty fit. He is always pulling his medium length light blonde hair out of his face with one hand. Anyone would fall for him. All the girls do at least. My eyes make their way to Xavier who is already watching me, his dark brown eyes carry dark circles around them. His pitch-black hair slightly brazing his eyelashes. His eyes look serious, almost annoyed. Instantly turn my head away from him. Is he threatening me?! No, I doubt it. I raise an eyebrow and look his way again. Still staring. AH! Maybe it was a threat.