Kiss Of Death

08

Xandra and Fred were sitting together in their usual table in the library when Fred suddenly asked, "Wanna ditch class, my love?" Xandra's reaction was swift. She raised her hand and gave him a soft smack on the shoulder, which Fred easily dodged.

"My mother just started being a little soft with me," Xandra said with a look of disapproval, "and here you are, abusing it."

Fred chuckled. "I mean, after your physics class, there are no decent classes anyway. You should test your limits." He said, and it was enough to earn him another light beating from Xandra.

"Come on, just one time," he pleaded with a teasing smile on his lips. Xandra huffed and crossed her arms. "Argh, fine, but after this, no more." Fred punched the air in joy. "It's a date then, at our spot," he said. Xandra couldn't help but smile.

After their playful banter, Xandra’s expression shifted. She took a deep breath. "Fred, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, what’s up?" He leaned in closer, sensing her seriousness.

"Why did you leave home? I mean, I heard some things… I got interrogated in the principal's office about you. They think you might be in trouble."

He paused, and grew silent for a second.

Fred then shrugged lightly, trying to dismiss her concerns. "I just had a little argument with my parents. I decided to move out for a bit, clear my head."

Xandra raised an eyebrow, still doubtful. "But… it feels like there’s more to it. Are you sure everything’s alright?"

He met her gaze, a reassuring smile playing on his lips. "Really, Xandra, it’s nothing serious. If Thomas bothers you again, I’ll make sure he won’t see the light of day," he said, trying to keep the mood light.

Xandra couldn’t help but shake her head with a small smile on her lips. “You’re ridiculous, you know that?”

"Yeah, but you love me for it," he replied, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

As she turned back to her books, Xandra felt a sense of comfort being near him, but doubt still lingered in the back of her mind. Despite his reassurances, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

Fred settled in front of her as usual, waiting patiently for her to finish her studies, stealing glances, and would make silly faces, sulking how slow the time was, Xandra could only sigh with a grin on her lips, Xandra appreciated his presence, feeling grateful for the light he brought into her life, even amidst her worries.

                                  _

As Xandra and Fred were on their way to their usual park, they bumped into Jasper's circle of friends. Xandra beamed at Jasper before waving, and after a confused look, Jasper slowly waved back. Unfortunately, they couldn't engage in conversation as Jasper was preoccupied with his friends.

With a soft sigh, Xandra turned to Fred. "That was my friend I wanted you to meet," she said, her voice tinged with disappointment. Fred didn’t react at first, just staring at Jasper and his friends, uninterested. "Ah, your friend from the states," Fred said, his tone dry.

Changing the subject abruptly, Fred said, "Let's go there! I’ll prepare the picnic blanket." Xandra simply nodded and let him lead her away.

_

Xandra looked up at the blue sky, It was getting dark, feeling a sense of contentment wash over her. She watched as Fred dipped his cone into a bowl of sprinkles and took a bite from the ice cream, his eyes sparkling with delight.

"I'm glad we're doing this," she said softly, leaning in to kiss him on the cheek. "Just being here with you, talking about all our dreams... it means so much to me.” he turned to look at her.

"I've always dreamed of becoming a doctor," Xandra said. "I want to help people and make a difference in the world. But more than anything, I want to be a great partner and parent one day."

Fred smiled at her, his gaze intent. “That sounds beautiful, Xandra, you'll make an amazing doctor, Xandra," he assured her.

“But what about you, Fred?" Xandra asked, leaning forward. "What are your dreams?"

He hesitated, looking down at his ice cream. "Honestly, I haven't figured it all out yet. Sometimes I feel like I'm just... floating through life."

"Come on," she pressed gently. "You have to have something in mind. What do you want to do?"

Fred shrugged lightly, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "I guess being part of your dream would be nice. I mean, I want to be there for you, whatever that looks like."

Xandra raised an eyebrow, surprised. "You mean that? Being a part of my future?"

"Yeah," he said, his voice soft. "I wish I could be part of it in a more concrete way. I can see myself in your life, supporting you, cheering you on. It just... feels right."

She smiled, touched by his words, “You’ll make a good husband, love.” he chuckled, but somehow there was still a hint of sadness in his voice,  "You know, you can be part of it. We can build that future together. I want you there, Fred."

His eyes softened but still felt empty somehow,“I would love to fulfill your dreams too, I would do anything to be the one to fulfill it but..but what if I can't live up to that? What if I lose you?” he pressed his mouth together, hesitating, not wanting to continue or say the words out loud.

"Fred," she said, her voice steady. "It's not about being perfect. It's about being there for each other, through thick and thin. I believe in you, just like I want you to believe in me."

Xandra sensed his fear and wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close. "Don't worry about that," she said, her voice soft and compassionate. "Don't worry about the future right now. we have each other, we'll face whatever comes our way, together.”

_______