The Story of Us, Xander

Letter Three: Second Grade

Letter Three: Second Grade

New year, new teacher. Mrs. Sander was the poor sucker who got stuck with us.

And you could literally see the fear in her eyes when the two of us walked in the door hand in hand, swinging our Max and Ruby lunch boxes with glee.

Oh, the irony.

The picture perfect mask of innocence was our lethal weapon. Pretending that we were easily scared little children was our facade for the first week of school. We were trying to get Mrs. Sander to let her guard down.

To get her to actually have faith in us. That we weren't actually secretly trying to destroy her with our sickly sweet smiles, with our sugar coated words.

But, the nectarous act would eventually give a bitter after taste. You can only drink so much syrup before the luscious tang gives you a sour smack. 

So on the second week of school, and the following week after week after week, we were on attack.

That, Xander, was the definition of us.

And that year, we alternated between putting fake and real spiders in her desk drawer. 

The screams that resulted in that act were deafening. Which made you and I, two sadistic children, grin like the maniacs we truly are.

★★★

Do you remember that day on the playground?

No. Not the one with the rabid rottweiler we set off on Mr. Gerald.

The one where Anthony Desi pushed me to the ground. And no matter how tough my exterior was and is today, I was hurt. Both emotionally and physically.

Anthony was the fastest runner in the grade above ours. So naturally, I fell for him. The fact that he was older and an athlete made him completely crush worthy.

And stupid Anna Saunders, you remember that little twit, told him. I still have no idea how she knew to this date. But she did, and eventually, so did Anthony.

Which led to him slamming me off of the swing. Since apparently, young boys freak out and get extremely violent to the girl that even has the slightest hint of feelings towards them.

Xander, you're a boy, right?

And I can already imagine how defensive your facial features are right now. Calm down, buddy. I'm only asking because I am in the dark on how boys can be so dim witted. I'm not questioning your 'manliness' or whatever. Really, Xander, why are your kind idiots?

No offense.

But anyways, we can have that discussion later. Since you and I have all the time in the world for meaningless conversations that only we can make meaningful.

Back to the story. You saw No Balls Anthony maul my small form, and you defended me.

Anthony is a poopy head.

That's what you screamed at my tormentor. It may not have been very effective, but he ran away nonetheless. I, for one, think he was afraid of you because of your reputation. He was terrified of you because he thought if he made you angry, you would pull your weapon out on him.

Just like you did with Ronnie.

I know I am going to be punished for this later. I keep bringing up your most embarrassing moment ever. The blush on your cheeks must be as red as the setting sun right now.

Gosh, you look adorable when you're flustered.

Yes. I will be punished later. But please, Xander, don't tickle me too hard. I am not held responsible for any injures I give you if you don't follow my order.

Remember that.

But after you had told off Anthony on my behalf, we made a pact. To stick with each other forever. No matter how rough it gets, no matter how severe the problem between us is. If we ever get blinded by mindless rage, the other has to help you find your sight.

Xander, you have always had my back. And I have always had yours.

Forever, Xander.

That is how long I will be protecting you from harm. Whether it is coming at you in verbal attacks, or in a fist. I will never let the barriers I guard you in be breached. Never.

I love you, Xander.

I just wish I had realized it sooner.

Anthony Desi was just a distraction I never wanted to happen. And neither did you. You still hate him to this day.

Jealousy is an ugly emotion, but on you it's adorable.

Okay, okay. I said- or wrote- the word again. But can you blame me? You're the definition of cute, Xander.

And I would like to apologize in advance for the kick to the groin that seems unavoidable right now.

I told you to follow my orders. Tickling only ever results in my annoyance and in your new bruise.

~Love,

Alice