Shattered

Chapter 2

Walking into class, I noticed a familiar face, that smile! I know I've seen it somewhere before, can't seem to put my finger on it. The classes seem a lot smaller than I expected them to be. The minty scent of gum and air fresher roamed across the room. It slightly burns my nostrils. I approach the familiar boy, sitting behind him. His eyes glisten a sense of recognition. Of course! The boy from the scrimmage game, what was his name again?

Xavier

His name immediately ran across my mind: Xavier, the one with beautiful blue eyes, and he witnessed my foolishness. Yikes, Let's hope he won't acknowledge that unpleasant piece of history.

"Hey. Aren't you that funny chick from the game like a week or two ago?"

I felt my cheeks redded, heat rising. Of course, some luck of mine. Trying to hide the apparent embarrassment on my face, I answer.

"Unfortunately, yes. The one and only Silly Jilly."

"Silly Jilly?" he tilted his head.

Ah shit, I just told him the stupid nickname my friends have given me since 8th grade. I was so ready to dig myself a grave and jump in. 

My friends bumped into him in the hallways. We talked, and he asked for my number. Ever since that, we texted every day. He listened to me, and every little detail I told him, he remembered.

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I look back at those glistening blue eyes, the same ones I have learned to adore. In such a short amount of time, we have gotten extremely close. It's pretty fascinating how one can mean more as the days pass by. Xavier embraced me with a hug once more before both strolling our way to the last class of the day. 

Forty-five minutes, then hello freedom. 

I try not to sleep during class as my mind roams off to Xavier. With his eyes of that perfect shade of blue. I couldn't help but imagine what it could be like if we were more than friends. But I snap back to reality. I know we could never be more. He is out of my league; girls are drooling over him. I could never compare; I mean, how could he see me more than a friend? Sure, we have tons in common. But romantically? I don't think he understands the connection there. Pushing that thought aside, I return to reality. 

To my surprise, I find Xavier waiting for me outside my car. We make eye contact; I give him a slight smile. I start to approach him. 

"Hey there. Did you lose your way? " 

"I decided to make a detour here," Xavier reply jokingly. 

"Well, then, Mister. Thank you for your quick stay, but unfortunately, you must go. I believe a family is waiting for you back home." 

"Can't I stay with you, Jill? I promise to help you with your apartment." Xavier attempts to achieve a convincing puppy face. 

I roll my eyes and smile at him. "Xavier, you know that doesn't work with me. Now, as I've said before, when you're free, you are more than welcome to come by. Just try to enjoy the holidays with them. Mhmm?"

Xavier sighs, but he agrees to give it a try. I hug him and start to open my car door. He asked me about my holiday plans. I felt myself give him a sad smile. 

"Um, my dad will be stopping by on Christmas eve." I lied 

I didn't even give him the chance to respond. I shut the door and instantly left that embarrassment. I took a deep breath and drove in silence. Okay, so I lied to Xavier. My dad isn't going to stop by; he isn't even going to call me on Christmas Eve. He'll be too busy with his family to check up on me. Instead, I'll be celebrating the same way I've had since mom passed. To make her favorite flan de coco and watching Christmas movie classics.  

Finally, arriving at my apartment, I bring the groceries in. Living alone does have its perks, but I do wish I could celebrate with someone.  To my surprise, I got a letter from my dad. I haven't heard from him in quite some time. I place all the bags on the counter and begin to head towards my couch. A picture slips out as I open the letter. I see it's dad's happy family, and I give a sad smile as I begin to read.

Dear Jillian, 

 I hope all is well. I know college must be tough from what you are used to in high school. But I know you are doing great. You're a likable person, sweet, and kind. I know I haven't been the best father to you, but I hope I could try. My family and I would like to invite you to our home for Christmas eve. I hope you do. Feel free to ask anyone as your plus one. Take care!

Love, Dad

I was staring at the letter in shock. I couldn't believe my eyes. Is Dad trying to fix things? I continue to stare at the address he provided. Of course, I knew where he lived. I helped him move in eight years ago. I was eleven. My mother passed the year before, but my father rushed to remarry anyway. I lived with him, with that new family of his. Yet he still sends me the address? Like I'm just a visitor? As if I'm not his daughter? Brittany called me,  interrupting my train of thoughts.

"Hey, so I don't know if this is weird, but I got a letter from your dad. He invited my family and me to his place for Christmas Eve." 

"Oh." was all I managed to say

"I know you guys haven't been in the best place, but my mother is insisting we go. You know how my mom is. Hispanics always get their way." She rushed out. 

"Yeah, I understand. I got one from him too."

"Wait, so that's a good thing, right?" 

"I mean I he said he wants to try to fix things, but then he adds the address at the bottom. As if I never lived with them."

"Oh. Well, maybe he was writing it down to all of the letters-" she said questioningly.

"Did he write it on yours?" I pointed out.

"Well, not exactly."

"I didn't think so."

Brittany and I talked for a while. She's aware of my family drama. I explained to her how my dad wrote down that I could bring a plus one. And boy, was that a mistake. 

"Dude. This is your chance to take Xavier."

"Um. No, not a good idea. Plus, Xavier is spending time with family."

"Oh, come on, Jill. Your mother was Ecuadorian. So is your father. Which means you will be celebrating Christmas Eve with him. Xavier does not celebrate Christmas Eve. Wanna know why?" she dramatically said 

"Because he's Italian."  I sigh

"BINGO! Just ask if he says no. Then his loss. But... if he says yes. You are going to have a lovely night."

"Alright, alright. You win. I'll ask."

I could see the excitement from Brittany through the phone. As soon as she hung up, I texted Xavier. It felt so odd to ask him to be my plus one. Considering the fact, I don't know him as much as I would like. Then again, he felt at home. I know he is spending time with family, so I don't expect them to answer anytime soon. I left my phone on my counter, deciding what Netflix show I want to binge now.