Don't Hurt Me

Invitation

When we got back to work, Xavier and I pretend like we did not nearly kiss in my car. It works for the both of us, if we just forget it - even though it has been the thing on my mind ever since I have got back to my office. I have not picked up a pen or pencil because my head is far away from here. I could not concentrate on these designs, because Xavier's sugary face and perfect, kissable lips were clogging my train of thought.

There is a knock at the door, and Xavier's head pops around the door. I stand up, brushing down my dress. He walks in, closing the door behind him.

"I thought you might like this." He says, handing me that doughnut bag. I open it, and there sat the last doughnut. I smile at it, and then at him.

"Thank you." I say, placing it on my desk.

"And I also thought you would say yes to this," He hands me a white envelope. I give him a confused look, as I open the envelope, I take out what looks like an... invitation.

We would like to invite Xavier Bright and a guest of his choice to the
50th Annual Anderson Ball.
This Saturday evening at 7pm

"Oh my. Wait, you want me to go with you?" I ask him, unbelief clear in my voice.

"It would be a pleasure to have you alongside me." He smiles at me. This is a prank right?

"Wow! Urmm, y-yes. I will go to the ball." I say. This is insane. This is mere madness. This is utter craziness.

"I will pick you up at eight." He smirks. I re-read the invite.

"It starts at seven." I tell him. He chuckles, shaking his head.

"I know." He shrugs. I shake my head, smiling at him. I look at the time, and see that it is three o'clock. Daphne would be finishing school now, and I have to go and have another meeting with her principal.

"Xavier I need to go and have a meeting with Daphne's principal, can I go and make up the time tonight?" I ask, gathering my things. He nods his head.

"Of course, but do not come back here to make up time, just do it at home and email me the completed work." He says. I look around for my car keys, forgetting where I have put them. I hear the jingle of them and I turn to see them in Xavier's hand, a smirk on his face. He tosses them over to me, I catch them perfectly with one hand.

"Impressive Miss Xu." He says, walking out my office.

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"Daphne has done really well today. She is going to be an excellent addition to Titan High Academy." Mrs Fern tells me. Her office was very bright and in your face, but at least it showed her to be an approachable person to her students.

"I know Daphne was really nervous this morning, so to hear you say that makes me feel at ease." I smile. I take Daphne's hand and she squeezes it.

"Is there anything you would would to ask me Daphne? Was everything okay today for you?" Mrs Fern turns to Daphne.

"Today was good thank you Miss. Thank you for making my day as comfortable as can be for me." Daphne politely thanks the woman.

"Daphne would you mind waiting outside for a moment, there is something I would like to ask your sister." Mrs Fern asks Daphne. She nods her head, leaving the room and closing the door behind her.

"I know that you and Daphne have not had it easy, and I would like to offer Daphne counselling sessions during school hours. Her exams are coming up and I want her to do her best. If she has that support, I think it could help her during this stressful period." Mrs Fern tells me. I am taken back by her offer. If Daphne wants to talk about what has happened to us, I have made it clear that I am here to talk to her. She has never asked one question about our dead beat parents or expressed her need for counselling sessions.

"With all due respect Mrs Fern, Daphne is very aware that if she has any problems concerning the problems we have faced, she can speak to me about it. I appreciate your help, but my sister does not need counselling." I say, holding back the swear words, and aggressive behaviour I really wanted to give her.

"I understand why you may be on the fence about this, but I can assure you that there are many other kids like Daphne in her year, in this school and we have helped them out-"

"I'm sorry, kids like Daphne? Daphne does not let her past define her. She is not like other kids, so please do not try and solve a situation that has no solution. Have a good evening Mrs Fern." I scoff, grabbing my bag and leaving her office. Daphne follows me to the car.

"How dare she compare you like that! Who does she think she is?" I rant. I can feel my blood boiling inside.

"What did she say Zi?" Daphne questions me as we exit the stupid school.

"She said that you may need counselling sessions to deal with what has happened to us. You don't need counselling do you?" I stop in my tracks, turning to her. She does not say anything, but turns away to walk off. She looks up, and her eyes light up.

"Xavier!" She calls out. I look up to see him getting out of his car. Daphne runs up to him and he hugs her tight. The sight makes me smiles.

"What are you doing here Mr Bright?" I ask him, walking over to the two of them.

"I thought we could all go and have dinner together." He says, scratching the back of his neck. I have a feeling he is lying, but I will let him have this one.

"Yes! Ziayn please?" Daphne begs me. I try to ignore her pleading puppy dog eyes, but as always I give in.

"Fine. But this conversation is not over Daphne Jhené." I tell her. She hugs me tight and tells me I am the best sister in the world, and than tells Xavier he is the best man in the world. She is not wrong there. Daphne gets into Xavier's car, leaving the two of us to talk.

"Why are you really here Xavier?" I question him, raising an eyebrow. He smirks at me.

"I'm here to see you." He whispers in my ear, before going to his car. I stop him in his tracks.

"If you kill my sister, I will kill you. So no speeding." I whisper in his ear, sashaying off to my car, feeling his eyes watch my movements.

"And stop looking at my ass!" I call back, getting into my car.