If you only knew...

28.Back at your door

Xavier's POV

As evening descends, I finally manage to gather some composure, my thoughts swirling like leaves in a gust. Lying in bed, the sharp, burning pain in my side clings to me, as if it refuses to let me find any semblance of peace. I'm at a loss about why it hurts so fiercely tonight; it's the last thing I need after a day that felt like an emotional battlefield.

Suddenly, my phone buzzes, and my sister's name lights up the screen. I answer, her cheerful voice cutting through the tension.

"Happy birthday, little brother!! I wish you all the best! Sorry I couldn't call earlier; just got home from work!" Her enthusiasm is infectious, even from afar.

"Thanks. It's fine," I mumble, trying to mask my weariness.

"How did you spend your day? Dad mentioned he saw you at the hospital but that you refused to—"

"Let's not talk about that," I interrupt, not wanting to be dragged back into that dark place I've only just escaped.

"Oh, I get it. I hope you had a good day, anyway. I've got to make dinner for my husband. Love you!" she says cheerfully.

"Thanks, Jen. Take care. Bye!" I reply softly.

A weight of guilt settles in my chest as I remember I still need to call Nate; I hope I didn't come off as rude earlier.

"Xavier! What were you doing? You scared me today! Are you alright?" Nate's voice crackles through the line, worry laced into every word.

"Sorry, I wasn't feeling well. Thanks for the birthday wishes and the call," I reply, trying to sound more composed than I feel inside.

"What happened?" he presses, concern thick in his tone.

"I went to the hospital to pay for dad's surgery... and he was there. I really don't want to talk about it, you get it" I say, the tremor in my voice betraying my calm facade.

"Oh, damn! I'm so sorry. Do you need me to come over?" he offers, his sincerity palpable.

Just as I'm about to respond, the sudden sound of the doorbell breaks the moment.

"Hold on a second, Nate," I say, slowly moving toward the sound, still engaged in the phone call.

As I slowly turn the knob, my heart drops when I see her—Ana. Shock washes over me, and my heart races uncontrollably. I pull the phone away from my ear for a moment, my eyes widening at the sight. Anger, confusion and surprise clash within me.

She stands there, her expression a mix of regret and hesitation, as if searching for the right words. I open my mouth, but all I want to do is slam the door shut.

"Are you still there?!" Nate asks from the other end, his voice escalating in panic.

With determination surging through me, I attempt to close the door, but Ana blocks my way, pushing gently yet firmly, as if she's hell-bent on stepping into my world once more.

"Nate, can I call you back in a few minutes?" I ask, forcing a steady tone despite the chaos inside me. Before he can reply, I hang up and face her.

"What are you doing here, Ana?" I demand, my voice taut between fragile softness and firm resolve.

"Please, let me in. We need to talk..." Her plea hangs in the air, her sadness making it hard to maintain my stance.

"No! Go back to where you came from. You shouldn't be here—not anymore," I insist, pushing against the door with more force, desperate to keep her out.

"Why are you doing this?" she yells from outside, desperation evident in her voice as I lock the door, leaning against it like it's my only refuge.

"Just go away. I don't want you here," I whisper, my heart heavy, unwilling to let her unravel me again.