Xavier is not much help when it comes to setting up for Daphne's party. It is as if he has turned into this big kid, playing around with ballons and banners, popping half the bag of party poppers open and nibbling on some of the snacks. I have never seen him this relaxed before and if I'm honest, it is freaking me out.
"Xavier we have half an hour to do all this because you took the long way round to get here. Can you please do something useful and put the tablecloths on the tables?" I sigh heavily, handing him the fresh packet of tablecloths. He takes them and kisses my cheek quickly before I could push him away. Trying to hide a smile is so hard, especially around him in this childish state. Surprisingly, Xavier calmly makes up the tables, and even adds the decorations on them. Don't they grow up so fast?
It is finally half seven, and the teenagers come flooding in. I recognise some of Daph's old school friends, as well as some of the folks who helped us out when we really needed it. I regret wearing this lacy top though. Joan spots me from across the room, and makes her way over to where Xavier and I are. She eyes up Xavier, a confused look on her face.
"Jo, this is Xavier, my-"
"Boyfriend. It's lovely to finally meet you Jo." Xavier cuts in. I smile nervously at Jo, as Xavier snakes an arm around my waist. Jo's eyes light up, pulling me into her, as she hugs me tightly.
"Zi this is lovely! You better treat her right Mr, she's a gentle soul and absolute gem." Jo raises an eyebrow at Xavier, a smirk on her face.
"I plan to treat her like the queen she is." Xavier responds, a genuine look in his eyes. I smile forms on my face, as I take it all in. My phone buzzes, as a text from Dan appears. He's outside with Daphne! The doors open, the sound of Daphne's nervous laugh, filling the room.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAPHNE!" Everyone screams out, causing her to jump in complete and utter shock. She smiles and pinches her arm in disbelief.
"Oh my word! Ziayn! Oh wow!" Daphne's lost of words is the confirmation I need to know that this is everything she's ever wanted.
"Happy birthday Daph," I sigh happily, hugging her tightly. I leave her to mingle with her old and new friends, dance with Dan, and say hi to some familiar faces. She sees me with Xavier sat at a table in the corner of the room.
"Thank you for my card Xavier, I appreciate it a lot." She politely says, giving him a hug as well.
"Don't mention it. As long as you are having a great birthday, I am happy." He smiles, kissing her forehead, before she runs off to be with her friends. I turn to look at Xavier, who was too busy watching Daphne have the time of her life.
"You are one heck of a sister Ziayn Xu." Xavier smirks at me, talking my hand into his, my heart does a somersault of joy. A smile forms its way onto my mouth. Xavier moves in closer, pulling me into him.
"So I am your girlfriend now?" I ask, looking into his eyes, a small smile on my lips.
"Indeed you are. Any obligations?" He questions me. I hesitate for a moment, debating whether to forgive me, or not.
"As long as you don't sleep with Scarlett Jones, I would love to be your girlfriend." I say, a slightly devious smile on my face.
"There is only one person I'm going to sleep with from now on, and her name is most definitely not Scarlett Jones." Xavier seductively growls in my ear, sending a single shiver down my spine; my cheeks heating up. I couldn't stop myself from smiling, as he leaves a kiss on my neck. Just as I lay my head on Xavier's chest, Jo runs over to our table, a look of horror and shock written over her face. I stand up as she approaches the table.
"Are you okay? You look like you've just seen a ghost," I slightly chuckle. Joan shakes her head slowly.
"Your mother is here."
Those four words nearly kill me.
Today is not the day to have a little "reunion" with my crackhead of a "mother." Daphne does not needs this right now. She's having so much fun - seeing her will ruin it all.
"Don't let her in Jo. Whatever you do don't let her in!" I sternly order, hyperventilating like crazy. Xavier takes my hand, standing by my side, trying his best to calm me down. Just as he is about to say something, I catch a glimpse of a woman at the entrance, wearing a floral dress, and cropped denim jacket. Her waist length locks, and green eyes make, my heart skip a beat. It is really her. She is really here. As she scans the room, she spots me, and her mouth drops open. I smooth out my clothes, as I let go of Xavier's hand and walk towards her. As if he is reading my mind, Xavier finds Daphne to distract her from the scene.
"Ziayn... h-hi," Her voice is soft, but full of trauma. It is a screeching sound to my ears; my stomach turns at the sight of her, sound of her very voice.
"What do you think you are doing here?" I ask her, my throat dry as I ask her the question. She is hesitant at first, but proceeds to answer.
"It is Daphne's birthday today, correct?" She replies. I scoff at her response.
"It was her birthday last year, and the year before that, oh - and the year before that! Where were you? What was you doing?" Her mouth opens to answer me, but I cut her off.
"You were probably getting high in some random house, enjoying the rush - having fun with other likeminded crackheads, while your kids struggle to survive! What is your excuse this time Angie? You have no damn right to be here, and believe me, if you come anywhere near Daphne, or me ever again, you will regret it!" I snarl at her, tears coating my face. I didn't even notice Daphne behind me, watching everything unfold, until I saw Angie look in her direction. I spin around, my sister's face emotionless. Tears flow down her face as she takes in the scene before her. She runs off, Xavier following after her.
"I never wanted to hurt you guys. I was too far in my addiction and incapable of looking after both of you. I thought another family could do a better job -"
"Well you were wrong. Joe died, no-one adopted us when we were in care. I became Daphne's mum, because you couldn't be arsed to." And with that, I turn on my heels, and go to try and find the brokenhearted birthday place.
YOU ARE READING
Don't Hurt Me
Romance"If this is just a game to you then leave!" "This is no game baby girl. This is the real deal." Ziayn Xu is a twenty two year old woman who has been looking after herself and her little sister ever since they were left outside an orphanage by their...
