Xavier

34

In the days following my argument with Nadia it was like radio silence in our apartments. She'd leave before me and get home super late if she came home at all. For the whole week she was barely even here. I tried not to let it bother me too much but it absolutely did. I just couldn't wrap my mind around why she was mad at me.

It's like I hear her and I understand that I might not be the most fun to bring out. But at the end of the day I've never been a party person and for as long as I can remember she has been trying to force me to clubs and parties. Sometimes I'd satisfy her with a yes but I never enjoy myself. I'd always end up having to watch after her cause she liked to get sloppy drunk or Id be uncomfortable in a setting that brung me major anxiety.

Thinking about the whole ordeal was distracting. It kept me from being able to focus as well as i should've while studying for finals. But when I wasn't studying I was organizing Xaviers new calendar.

He was more than grateful for that. He'd been so busy with his family that He wasn't able to keep up with any emails he was getting or new contracts he was being sent to review. There wasn't too much I could do for most of it, but in my free time to just myself I replied to emails that i could on his behalf. I also wrote up the emails for students to explain why our TA would be instructing the last clssses that we had.

I stumbled into my apartment with a grocery bag in one hand and my phone in the other. I was trying to reply back to Xaviers thank you message but I was far too discombobulated. i chucked my phone onto the entryway table and made my way into the kitchen.

Once I got all of the food away I made my way back to my phone.

I quickly responded to Xavier and started on my dinner. I got the lasagna in the oven and I was finally able to relax. By relax I mean sit down in front of my lap top to study some more. I opened up my laptop with the intentions of studying until the food was done but I was quickly distracted by incoming text messages.

Xavier Nixon:

I really appreciate your help. My plane lands tonight and Ill be in my office tomorrow morning

I smiled to myself at the message and started typing my response on my laptop. My message read,

'Don't worry about it Im glad I could help. I can take on some more work if you need to take some more time for yourself.'

I didn't even have to close out the message because the little three dots showed me that he was typing.

'Words can't explain how helpful you've been. I think Im ready to get back...can't sit at home alone for too long😅'

I let out a soft laugh and replied with, 'I totally get it. I'll stop by to check in with you probably around 11. Let me know if you need anything and I'm on it!'

His reply came quickly and it was short and sweet with additional gratitude. I actually liked working with him a lot more than I thought i would. It sucked that the work study would be over during the break. I usually have nothing to do which means i'll be bored for an entire month. At least I'd be able to pick the position back up next semester. Hopefully I can keep working under Xavier.

I finished up my studying and ate dinner alone that night with the hopes that tomorrow would be a good day.

::::

My day is going horribly. Well that's dramatic....

It's just, I broke my nail, my hair doesn't look good, and I tripped in front of people on my way out of my apartment building. I guess it doesn't make the day horrible but it definitely isn't off to the best start.

I sighed heavily and threw my curls into a high ponytail. I used a spray bottle and some eco styler to help slick it down. Once i was sure I had it slicked up right I tried to get my hair tie on. As soon as i went to do it, it popped.

I sighed out of frustration as I felt my throat start to hurt because I was holding back my tears. I've been fighting with my hair all morning. I decided to give it one last try while I'm in the car but it just isn't working. I don't even have another hair tie. I looked around the car and my eyes glistened when I found a bag from walgreens with fresh shoelaces inside. Nadia must've bought them and left them in the car.

I decided i'd get her some new ones and pulled the pack open. i used the shoe lace to get my hair up and laid my edges. I smiled at my reflection. I finally looked presentable.

I grabbed my book bag and the plastic bag that contained the plate I made for Xavier. I figured that since he rarely ever brings himself lunch I'd bring some Lasagna for him. I just hoped that he liked it.

For some reason I felt especially nervous as I approached his office. I wondered if he really even wanted me to stop by. Would he rather I leave him alone? I sucked in a breath and knocked on the door.

I heard some shifting around before the door opened. Xavier appeared before me in grey sweatpants, a black t shirt, and grey new balance 990s. It was the most causal i'd ever seen him and boy did it look good.

I noticed the hint of a small chain around his neck that only peaked out a bit. It was mostly hidden by his t shirt. His hair was longer but it still looked good. "You know, they do say pictures last longer." He joked.

I let out a soft gasp and quickly averted my gaze. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to, I was just...damn it." I swore.

"I'm just kidding. Come on in." He urged me.

I was probably red from embarrassment. "You look nice." He complimented. "You think so?" I asked with a shocked expression.

"Yeah. Do you not agree."

"I don't know I feel like I look like—it doesn't even matter, thank you. How are you? How's your family?"

"Im well, my family is okay they're taking things one day at a time. How are you?"

"I'm okay. I brought you something for lunch. I remember you said that you liked lasagna." I replied with a shy smile. He smiled wildly as he took the bag from my hands. "Thank you. I appreciate it, especially since I completely forgot to get something earlier."

"No problem. Whats on the agenda this morning?"

"I'm trying to finish up the last of my grading and then I have to review some documents for my clients."

"Did you want help?"

"Do you have time?" He asked as he quirked and eyebrow. "I'm free all day."

"Oh perfect. You can review the documents and summarize them for me and then email back some of these people who want to schedule appointments with me."

"okay." I shrugged. "How's your studying going?"

"Pretty well for the most part, My attention span has been pretty short these days though." I laughed. "I hear you."

"Did you want to get some studying done before you help me out?"

"If you don't mind."

"Of course not. Let me know if you need help with any of it."

"Thank you."

I took a seat on the couch and he went to sit behind his desk. I unzipped my jacket and got comfortable.