THE RAVENS

seven

- aliyah -

My arm was still linked with Xavier's, I could feel his biceps through his new black expensive suit. It didn't feel right, being with Xavier this way, but I had to do what was told. Be his date. 

As Xavier and I walked through the party, a man with a full head of gray hair walked towards us. He held a glass of cranberry wine in his right hand, he wore a dark blue navy suit and his gray hair was slicked all the way back. I was guessing, this was the one and only, Mr.Smith, successful businessman, the third billionaire in the whole country, a known celebrity. However not as known as his only son, Xavier Smith. He is 45 years old and owns 10 businesses. He has 4 mansions, one son ( Xavier Smith) who is the inheritor of all of his Father's 10 businesses, and one daughter, Lina.  

Yes, I did my research.  

"So, I'm glad you decided to show up after a year of neglecting me, Xavier," Mr.Smith stated before his hazel eyes travelled onto, me. "I see you brought someone with you, not surprised." His Father continued. He stared at me as if I was just a dumb chick. 

"Dad, it's nice to see you too," Xavier responded, sarcasm hinted in his tone. He sighed as his eyes roamed around the big mansion. As I looked around, strangers in outfits that cost more than my life would ever be worth stood all around me, laughing and drinking their way into the night. 

"Dad...this is, Aliyah, Aliyah Jones." Xavier introduced me to his Father. I extended my hand out for him to shake, however, Mr.Smith looked at me suspiciously and then shook my hand. 

"You're a Jones? Let me guess, your Father's name is, Christopher Jones?" Mr.Smith asked, a smirk plastered onto his face. Did he know my Father? If so, how? My Dad was rather an introverted intellectual but once you got to know him, he was pretty awesome. I blinked a few times before responding, "Yes, how did you know my Father?" I asked, intrigued by this conversation, Xavier interfered. 

"Dad, where's Lina? I want Aliyah to meet her." Xavier stated, his expression was blank. I could tell that Xavier just wanted to get out of this converstaion.

"I'm sure she is in the playhouse, I'm quite astounded that you still want to be in contact with her. After all, you haven't seen Lina in a year now, Xavier. Hopefully, she doesn't get mad at you." Mr.Smith says before laughing away. I looked at Xavier, he was mad and furious--guilt filled his eyes. Mr.Smith seems like an asshole Father, but the more I meet Xavier's family, the more curious I get. How much more a-holes are in the Smith family?

 But I shouldn't let my curiosity get to me, after all, curiosity killed the cat. 

As Xavier and I walked into the playhouse, I was shocked. The whole playroom was like the size of my kitchen and the living room combined, it was quite amazing actually. There was a big bouncy castle in the corner of the room, and shelves filled up with toys such as Barbie dolls, cars, and many many more. On the left side of the room was a mini theatre where the children would sit and watch their educational tv shows. The wallpaper was filled with bright colours, and the flooring was all carpeted. The individual behind the interior of this playhouse did an astounding job. There were so many children, it brought a smile to my face, as I glanced over at Xavier, he seemed sad....perhaps, guilty. 

"Xavier, what's wrong? Where's Lina?" I asked him as his hazel eyes still roamed around the big playhouse. 

"I see her, it's just, she's so big now. I don't know if she's.....if she is mad at me. I don't deserve her, Aliyah." He stated before he turned his face to me. 

"Look, as far as I know...she's a normal 10-year-old. She would miss you, a lot! Trust me." I replied. A soft smile appeared on my face. Xavier shouldn't feel this way; the feeling of guilt.

The way Xavier was acting tonight is not the typical bad boy you see in the hallways of Vixton High. He's an entirely different person tonight, he is so vulnerable and open. I don't understand why guys like Xavier are too afraid to show their feelings, why do they act as if they have the need to continue acting as the bad boy when all they can do is just be themselves? 

Showing your feelings to society is shown as beauty, not a cry of attention or an act of cowardness. It expresses that not only women are imperfect but men as well, everyone for that matter. It's just, people are too good at hiding their feelings than rather revealing their feelings. That's the sad truth of society. 

I watched as a little brunette haired girl ran towards Xavier's arms and hugged him tightly, she was Lina.

As they released their hug, Xavier bent down to give something to her, "Lina, this is for you. I'm sorry I wasn't able to attend your birthday last year." He stated as he handed her a small little bracelet. It was real gold and carved her name on it, on it. She smiled beamingly,

 "Thanks, Xavier! I missed you a lot! You've missed so much, like....." Lina stopped talking as her big hazel eyes landed on me.

"Oh, um...Lina, this is Aliyah. She's my date." Xavier informed his little sister. 

She turned back at him and whispered in his ear, 

"She said you're really pretty," Xavier said to me, his eyes infixed on mine, I felt myself blush a little. Why was I blushing? I lightly laughed as I bent down to reach Lina's height, 

"You're really pretty too, Lina. Your pink dress looks amazing on you." I replied back. She smiled and quietly said 'Thank you.' 

Soon a servant walked into the playhouse, "It's time for dinner everyone. Please find your Mother or Father and sit at your arranged table. You will then be served." The servant walked away and repeated what he said in the other room next to us. I stood up and held Xavier's arm as Lina followed behind. 

I walked into a massive dining room, there was a long narrow brown table and high chairs lined up along the table. The centrepiece of the long table was a big bouquet of roses, plates lined up on the table already served with food. Xavier and I walked down the table, finding a seat for both of us to sit. '

As Xavier pulled out my chair he said something that made me smile, "I really appreciate you coming, Aliyah."

"I'm glad I came," I replied, a smile lighting up my face. 

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hope you guys liked this chapter! 

sorry, it was kinda boring, I'll make sure that the next chapter has tea!