Kiss Of Death

06

The bell rang, "Okay, that is all, class dismissed." today Xandra made sure that she got everything done so that she can go out a little earlier to see Fred, she stood up and left the class along with everyone, unlike before that she waited until everyone would leave, now she preferred talking to Fred than spending her time infront of papers and a screen, today, she was excited to talk to Fred, She had some news to share about her friend who had just returned from the United States, and she looked forward to discussing it with him. She couldn't wait to see him and spend more time together.

But just as she turned to leave, her teacher called out, “Ms. Gonzalez, can we talk for a moment about your performance in class?”

"Xandra hesitated, her heart sinking. “What about it?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“You’re running for class valedictorian, and I’m concerned that your grades aren’t reflecting your potential,” her teacher said, her tone serious.

“What? I thought I was doing okay,” Xandra replied, anxiety creeping into her voice.

“Didn’t you see your report card? It was delivered yesterday,” the teacher responded, disappointment etched on her face.

The words hit Xandra like a cold wave. She couldn’t believe it; the thought of her mother’s reaction flooded her mind. “No, I... I didn’t check yet,” she stammered, dread pooling in her stomach.

                                _____

Xandra walked through the front door of her home, feeling a mix of emotions after the discussion with her teacher. As she made her way towards the kitchen, she noticed her mother standing in the doorway, her arms crossed and a disappointed look on her face.

"Mom, what are you doing here?" Xandra asked, trying to keep calm as she placed her textbooks on the counter.

"I've been looking through your report card, Xandra," her mother said, her voice cold and assertive. "I can't believe your grades have dropped so much. You were always such a good student, and now look at you."

"I know," Xandra replied, her voice trembling slightly. "I've been having trouble keeping up with everything lately."

"Trouble?" her mother scoffed. "What kind of excuse is that? You're ruining your chances of getting into a good college with grades like that."

"I know, Mom," Xandra said, tears starting to well up in her eyes. "I'm trying my best, I swear."

"Your best isn't good enough," her mother said, her voice rising. "You need to get back on track and focus on your studies if you want a chance at a good future."

Xandra's eyes widened as she listened to her mother's words. She couldn't believe that her mom was being so harsh with her. She tried to speak, but her words got caught in her throat.

                                 ____

Xandra was visibly upset as she met up with Alfred at the park, still feeling the sting of the fight with her mother earlier. Alfred could see the pain in her eyes and immediately ushered her into a hug.

“It’s alright, Xandra,” he reassured her, rubbing her back gently as she cried quietly into his shoulder. “Your mom is worried about you, but she needs to remember that your feelings matter too. You’re her daughter, not just a grade. Your health is just as important as your grades. You’ve spent your whole life studying and following every word of your mother; it’s unfair to expect you to be perfect all the time.”

Alfred's voice was soft and comforting as he pulled her into his embrace, speaking soothing words into her ear. "“My perfect Xandra does not need to be perfect all the time,” Alfred whispered, tightening his embrace around her. "You are allowed to rest for yourself once in a while too."

She couldn’t hold back her tears as she felt the warmth of his understanding. “I feel so lucky to have you,” she murmured against him, grateful for his support.

Alfred pulled back slightly, looking deeply into her eyes. “Just remember, you’re not alone. I’m here for you, no matter what.”

“I will also be there for you, Fred,” she replied softly, her heart swelling with affection. “I love you…” she whispered, sending her feelings out into the wind.

Alfred smiled weakly, his eyes shining with sincerity. “I love you too, Xandra, You don’t always have to have everything figured out. I’ll be right by your side through it all.” Xandra nodded, feeling lighter as she wiped her tears.

____