Trial Of Young Love

Chapter 5

On the walk back home, my head still spins at the fact James brushed his hand against mine. I know it's a small gesture but to me that was way more than I thought I would receive ever. I'm cheerful and happy. Knowing I have to conceal this the second I get home. Though Derek is supposed to be working today I don't want to tell mom. She doesn't need to know; I still think I should apologize to her. I was somewhat out of line; Derek is the one who hurt me. 

As I'm walking inching closer to home I see a white dirty kitten. Must be the same one Xavier was looking after. The kitten runs up to me and starts head butting my legs. Weaving in and out. I couldn't resist, I pick up the dirty kitten and squish it against my cheek. 
"Hello Mrs. Kitty, how are you today?" The kitten plays with the two curls I left out of my bun. Softly purring I continue my crazy self-talk. 
"You'll never guess what happened today. A boy provocatively touched my hand!" I hold the kitten up looking her in the face. "I can't tell anyone about this, so It'll be our little secret!" The kitten tilts her head and continues playing with my curls. She really needs a bath. 
"What secret?" Xavier's low voice flows into my ear. I turn quickly around, the cat still in my hands. 
"Um- It's a secret, for a reason" He looks down at me with a soft smirk. "Anyways, I'm assuming she's yours?" I hold the kitten out and he allows her to crawl into his arms. 
"Mine? No."
"Oh, I just see you feeding her a lot, so I assumed." I say a little embarrassed. 
"I want her to be mine, trust me. I just can't have any pets." Wow this is the most he has spoken ever. "Would you take her in?" he says, I look up at him surprised. 
"Um, I can't." I know Derek would never allow me to have a pet. 
"Hm, that's a shame. Parents won't let you have animals?" He seems interested and not as cold. 

I pet the cat in his arms lovingly. I used to have a dog, but after Derek found his way into the family, he got rid of him. He said he "Sheds too often.". I sigh before replying. "Yeah, something like that." Xavier is focused on the kitten. He gently sets her down and brings out a new can of cat food out of his bag. "So, how did you find her?" I stand there hoping for the conversation to continue. 
"I live here." He points to the house directly across the street from mine. How have I never noticed him before? I wanted to say something else, but a familiar car shows up. Derek. I thought he was working today. Xavier stands up and notices the car. 
"I have to go." I say hurrying across the street. 
Derek rolls his window down. "Who's that?" he asks, hanging partially out the car.
"Just a classmate." I look up to see Xavier still looking at me and hearing the conversation taking place. "I'm going inside." I say. Derek looks unpleased and yells behind me. 
"I said no boys! How much more can you bend mine and your mother's trust?" I continue inside not looking back. 

How embarrassing. I'm sure Xavier saw all of that, right when we were talking a little. It doesn't help he looks like a crazed street kid. I stomp all the way upstairs. Why is Derek like that! No boys at all? No conversations with classmates? God, he irritates me so much! I jump onto my bed and smash my face into my pillow. I hear the front door open and then slam shut. 
"Marge! Get in here now!" Great, they're going to fight now. His muffled yells echo through the house. Tears sting at my eyes. I can't help but feel like I'm the problem. This is going to be such a long night. As I sigh my phone dings. 

XAVIER: Was that your dad? He looked pissed. 

He's actually texting me? I look at the phone not exactly sure how to respond. 

ZOE: No. Not my dad. 

How am I supposed to explain that to someone I don't know. I'm not even sure I could trust him. He's so cold, short tempered and bland. I mean he's definitely attractive... No no no! My heart belongs to James! I shake my head and check my phone again. 

XAVIER: Are you in trouble with him now? 

ZOE: Kinda personal don't you think? 

I mean it definitely is personal. 

XAVIER: Yeah, sorry. 

I think I need some fresh air. The yelling is still happening but all I can hear is Dereks voice. I can't hear mom at all. I open the window and climb out, fixing myself onto the roof I put in my headphones turn on music. Something light and fluffy, romantic and relaxing. I close my eyes and just start reminiscing my old life again. Tears sting my eyes again, this time just lightly. I wonder where Dad is right now. I open my eyes and stare at the low-lit sky. Raising my hands and poke the visible clouds. Maybe he's here -poke- or here -poke-. Resting my hand on my chest I hear my phone go off again. 

XAVIER: Bugs?