The Spare To The Throne

Chapter 41: Potent Promise

"Where are we going?" I ask, noticing that we're now on the free way.

"I have something important to do." Xavier reaches for the button to turn on the radio as if to silence me.

I turn my gaze to the passing cars, disinterested by the tune playing through the speakers.

My lower abdomen cramps with stabbing torment. I grasp onto the the grab bar by the door handle. My stomach twists into what I imagine would be a pretzel. Discomfort lurches through me and instantly I feel nauseous. I suck my teeth, refusing to let out a groan.

The car slows down as we exit off the high way. The pain in my lower abdomen subsides suddenly and I release the tension on the grab bar. Xavier pulls us into the drive through of Chick-fil-a. I'm not even hungry, so why are we here? I bite my tongue and close my eyes, pretending to sleep.

Xavier rolls his window down to order and I listen as he responds to the lady through the mic.

"Give me ten of anything on your breakfast menu randomly."

What? Ten items of food? Whose he planning to feed?

"Ten, sir? And random? Are you sure?" the lady repeats to verify his statement.

"Yeah."

"Okay, you can pull up to the window."

I shift in my chair as the car revs forward. I just want to lay in my bed and forget this whole day ever happened. Xavier pays and all I hear is the shuffling of several bags. The smell of food wafts in the car and I'm left quizzical. What is this man doing?

The car moves forward and I feel that we're back on the main road. We drive over a speed bump and I feel a cramp form. My eyebrows scrunch but relax soon after.

"I know you're not asleep." He states.

I don't respond. I'm still irritated by his previous actions this morning. The car jolts to a stop and I feel myself fly forward, only to be yanked and repressed back by the seat belt. The seat belt is tight, extremely tight as my back smacks against the chair. I'm wide eyed.

I turn to glare at Xavier, only to find his scrutinizing gaze already on me.

"You're awake. We're here." He tilts his head in the direction of a building just outside.

He did that on purpose.

I clench my fists, finding it harder and harder to tolerate him the more time goes by. His stoic expression leaves me confused. My head snaps to the building we're parked in front of.

I can't help the knitting of my brows as I take in the towering brown bricks that form the old yet sturdy property standing before us. The building is wide and lofty, shifting in color from faded paint and blotched chips. At the very peak of the building stands a sign: 'Peace Blossoms Home'.

Before I can even ask what we're doing here, Xavier gets out. The hefty bags of food are clutched in his hands.

"C'mon." He urges and I find myself fumbling with the belt and knob to get down.

"What is this place?" I'm finally able to ask, as we pad up the stone steps.

Xavier rings the door bell and I hear a buzz and click. You'd think this building was bolted up. Like some kind of incarceration, hidden in disguise by its misleading name. Something feels gloomy about this place. There's a longing in the air, and I can't pin point it.

"I want to see my kids..." Xavier retorts smoothly.

A lump forms in my throat just then and I find it hard to breathe. Surely, I've misinterpreted his last words. But the throbbing in my chest signifies something else.