The Pros and Cons of Walking the Knifes Edge

Chapter 9

Skyler P.O.V.

I'd been visiting Xavier after work for a while now, especially on the days, he didn't show up. I always worried a little; he always seemed like something was bothering him.

So when I got to the front door I just walked right in.

"Hey Xavier, just me," I called as I closed the door behind me. It was only after I'd removed my shoes and stepped away from the door that I noticed the people sitting at the dining table. They both looked rather frightened.

I recognized one of them from this morning, "....oh... hey Matt......"

"It's....... Uhhhh...... Matthew...." he replied nervously, not meeting my eyes.

"Oh... sorry... Hi Matthew..." I smiled, trying to make the situation less awkward. I turned my attention to the body sitting across from him, only to realize, "...Gavin!..... What are you doing here?....."

My brother shrunk back, "...uhhh... hi....hi Skylar... I was... visiting.." he answered quietly. I could barely hear him, but over the years my brother had certainly taught me to listen closely. I was honestly surprised to hear him say so much. Surprised... but happy.

"Okay... so, ummmm.... you and Matthew know each other?"

"Uh....yeah..." and to my surprise, he smiled. It was small. So small I thought I might be seeing things, but there it was. I hadn't seen him smile for a long time. It was.. Weird seeing him smile again, but I'm glad that he is happy, he hasn't been happy since our parents died. This is one of the very few times that he has spoken since then. I always forget what his voice sounds like every time he goes mute.

"Oh, hey Skylar," Xavier says suddenly. It was as if he appeared out of nowhere. I actually jumped a little, "How was work?"

"Oh... umm... work was work." I wasn't about to ruin the mood by telling him the boss was mad. Maybe I'll call him later, he doesn't need this right now. I should just go home, he seems to be doing better. I don't want to ruin anything. So I just stood there in awe of what I just saw. Garvin looked so happy that I just forgot what was going on for a second. Then I realized what Xavier was saying. He was asking if I was okay. That is when I realized that my jaw was open. In startelement, I close my mouth. 

He looks worried..if I had known this was going to worry him I wouldn't have stopped by when I finished work. "Hey, um Xavier? I think I'm gonna head out, I've got some stuff to do," I pause for a minute to make sure he heard me. He nodded at me. "Gavin, don't do anything I would do while you're here," I say as I walk to the door. I take a deep breath in before exhaling and leaving.