Kiss Of Death

02

The next day, It was Xandra’s usual morning, she woke up feeling sore from studying late all night, that she almost woke up late for her morning class, if it wasn't thankfully for her alarm clock she would have overslept.

She immediately went downstairs after washing up and changing into her uniform, her mother had already prepared her breakfast on the dining table, while listening to the radio.

Her mother lifted her cold gaze at her as she felt her daughter’s presence.

“Come down now, Xandra, the food will get cold.” her mother commanded calmly, so she came rushing down the stairs, and then placed her books beside her, before taking a seat.

“Good morning listeners, this is your host here on XYZ radio. We have an update on the mysterious disappearance of a student at Maxwell University—” she looked at the empty sandwiches on the table, “Do we have peanut butter?” her mother attentively listening to the radio shushed her and pointed at the fridge, on top of it was the jar she was looking for.

“—was last seen on campus last Monday, and despite an extensive search by the university authorities, there has been no sign of him since. His family has now declared him as a missing person, and they have asked the public for any information, If anyone has any information about his whereabouts, please contact the university or any local authorities immediately. We will continue to update you on this developing story as more information becomes available—” the radio claimed, her mother was listening with a disapproving look.

“Did you hear that? A student at your school, has gone missing.” she shook her head as she lifted the jar and placed water on her cup, “I have ears, mom.” Xandra replied dryly before drinking.

In a dramatic tone, her mother sighed, saying, "This is what happens when they hang out with reckless friends and get involved in stupid relationships. Maybe that guy ran off with some other girl." Then, she shifted her gaze to Xandra, scrutinizing her with a suspicious air.

“You better be careful, Xandra.” she nodded and continued munching on her sandwich, leaving the bacon and eggs untouched on the table.

“This is what happens when you let your guard down and start hanging out with the wrong crowd. Don't make the same mistake and you’ll be safe from that kind of situation. Especially boys, stay away from boys,  nothing but trouble. They'll say anything to get what they want and then leave you to fend for yourself. You don't want to end up like that, do you? Trust me, I'm just looking out for you.” she said in a convincing manner, Xandra could not do anything but just nod her mother’s continouous lecturing, based of experience.

                                ——

Xandra found herself expecting to see Alfred, though she told herself not to. Yet, each time her class ended, there he was, casually leaning against the hallway wall, waiting. She didn’t want to assume, but as the last student left each day, it became harder to ignore. One afternoon, after she had spent a little too long obsessively taking down notes, she saw him again.

"Hardworking Xandra... hi!" Alfred called out, straightening his posture as she approached. She noticed him quickly stuffing something into his pocket, but it was too late—she’d already seen the cigarette between his fingers.

"You’re skipping lunch to smoke?" she raised an eyebrow, half-amused.

He shrugged casually. "Calms my nerves better than food. But don’t get any ideas," he added, flashing his signature grin.

Xandra shook her head, a slight grin tugging at her lips. "Why are you waiting for me? Still lost?"

Alfred chuckled and shook his head. "Nah, not lost this time. I have no friends yet, and you're the only person I've actually talked to. Can’t you be my friend?" His voice had a teasing tone, but there was a genuine plea underneath it. "This place is huge and cold, but you were nice to me, unlike the grumpy guard. I could use a friend."

She couldn’t help but laugh at his fake sulking. "That sounds suspicious, but... fine. Just know I’m not the talkative type. I need to study." She waved her stack of books at him, finally giving in.

Alfred’s face lit up as if he’d won a prize. "I’ll be good, I promise. So, the main library?" he asked eagerly.

Xandra raised an eyebrow. "You’ll just be bored, Fred, I swear."

He chuckled, walking beside her as he took her books out of her hands without asking. "Maybe, but you won’t be bored with me." He winked playfully.

She shot him a glare, though she couldn’t hide her amusement. "Uh-huh, we’ll see about that," she muttered, but the small smile that played on her lips told a different story.

As they walked side by side to the library, Xandra found herself feeling lighter. She wasn’t sure why she had agreed to be his friend, but something about Alfred’s carefree attitude made her curious—and nervous, though she wasn’t ready to admit it yet.

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