Elements: Secrets Of Mages (Book 7)

And Now, Let Me Save You (Chapter 28)

Xian looked down at the photo of him and his family. His eyebrows curved up and a frown placed itself on his face.

"What're you doing out here?"

Xian hid the photo in his pocket and looked up at Jamil.

"Nothing, just getting ready to leave," Xian started to get up put Jamil put his hand on Xian's shoulder.

"You don't have to pretend you're okay Xian," Jamil looked over at him with a gentle smile.

"Thanks buddy, but you know my acting skills are terrible," Xian smiled, he got up and poked Jamil's cheek.

"Xian, you're not okay," Jamil frowned at the perky attitude. "I know you want to be strong for Kimora, Yi Min, and Mama Rose but it's okay to be sad. It's okay to not be okay."

"I told you, I'm perfectly fine Jamil," Xian grinned. "Absolutely nothing to worry about here!"

"Now you're lying," Jamil stepped in front of Xian to block him from walking. "I'm your best friend Xian, if there's one person you don't have to pretend with, it's me."

"It's sweet of you say but it's been a few months since my dad died," Xian smiled down on his feet. "I'm okay. I really am."

"No. You're not," Jamil could see the tears that Xian tried so desperately to hide. "And that's okay Xian. You've done well, being strong. But it's okay to cry too."

"I'm..I'm fine..!" Xian pushed past Jamil to run, but Jamil grabbed Xian's hand and pulled the teen into a hug. "I'm...fi-fine..."

"You don't need to pretend with me Xian. You don't have to lie and say that you're okay," Jamil gently held Xian in his arms. "I've got you, Xian."

"You really do see right through me," Xian laughed while crying. He buried his face into Jamil's chest. "There's really no putting anything past you."

"Dude, I'm your best friend, of course I can tell when you're lying," Jamil patted Xian's back as he cried. "And seriously, grief takes time, and you're allowed to take as much time as you want."

Xian never replied. He only hugged Jamil tighter as he sobbed on his best friend's chest. Eventually one of the teachers found them standing there and told them to take their PDA home.

"Guess hugging after school hours is too much PDA huh?" Xian wiped his eyes as they walked back home.

"I guess so," Jamil still looked worried. "As though the entire high school doesn't kiss in the hallways. What's a little hugging after school hours?"

Xian started laughing and Jamil had let out a smile. But the laughter faded quickly. Left Xian with a lost face and Jamil more worried.

They walked the rest of the way silently. Both of them stopped walking as soon as they reached the houses they lived in.

"Hey," Jamil watched as Xian turned to look at him. Jamil held out his hand. "Do you want to talk about it? My shoulder is ready for anything."

Xian felt it clear his head. All the turmoil and stress backed away to the aura that came off of Jamil and his smile.

"Yeah...I'd like that..." Xian took Jamil's hand.

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You saved me when my dad sacrificed himself, Xian aims his crossbow at the escapee fighting his sister. He shoots and the escapee ends up pinned against the wall by their outfit.