The Xavier's Secret

Chapter Seven: An Unfortunate Meeting

Saturday Morning

"Thanks for going with me to the study group," Mia told Lashonda as they stood near the stairs to the library. 

"No problem. I need to study too. This is perfect timing." 

They waited for Dustin to park the car across the street. Since he could not parallel park to save his life, he had to drive down the road for the nearest parking lot. A large skyscraper across the street drew her attention when the glass and steel glinted in the sunlight. Even though there were other large buildings around it, Mia wondered what it looked like on the inside. Mia shielded her eyes to read the wording on the building: Xavier Co. 

Even though the sunlight felt warm on her skin, she was still cold. She shivered as she hugged her body, pleading for Dustin to hurry. She had not thought about her future ever since the unfortunate situation. Though she was not sure what Revon would allow her to do, she prayed that he would let her graduate from college and get a job. 

"I hope that I can find a job after graduating. I would like to own a business, but I think I might intern at a large corporation," Mia remarked. 

Lashonda followed Mia's line of sight. "I don't know if that company is the right one for you. You might want to try something more... safe." 

Dustin strolled up to the pair and asked, "Did I miss anything good? Any hot guys?" 

"No," Lashonda chuckled. "But we'll be seeing some eye candy in a second. Right, Mia?" 

Mia exhaled loudly and marched up the stairs. "I don't know what you are talking about." 

Dustin and Lashonda exchanged glances. They followed her in silence. Once they entered the building, they wandered through the library until they found Phillip's table. Lucy waved to Mia and motioned at the seat next to her. 

"Who is that?" Lashonda asked. 

"You don't want to know." 

"Now, I want to know," Lashonda joked. 

"You can't just tell us that and expect us to let it go," Dustin drawled with a raised eyebrow and a lazy grin. 

"We're here to study. No gossiping," Mia lectured as she pointed her finger at the two of them while standing on her tiptoes. 

With Dustin being 5'11 and Lashonda 6'2, Mia always felt like giants surrounded her, being the lowly grasshopper that she was. When Grace was around, she did not feel so small. Grace was only 5'3 and was an inch shorter than Mia. 

"Fine. I will be good. But you must tell us about it later," Lashonda pleaded. 

"I wholeheartedly agree," Dustin chimed in with a wide grin. "I know it'll be something juicy. So, I'll be patient." 

Mia rolled her eyes. "Go sit down, you two. Don't get into any mischief, please." 

"I cannot make any promises. If I see any cute boys, I might launch myself at them." 

Dustin boasted, "I'll be your backup. You never know one of them might be gay." 

"What about Caleb?" Lashonda asked. 

"He wants to see other people." 

"I'm sorry," Mia and Lashonda said at the same time. 

"That's how it is. I try not to let it bother me." 

Lashonda commanded, "Sit with Phillip, Mia. Dustin and I will sit at another table. If we randomly disappear, don't worry about us." 

Dustin chuckled, "We might find someone cute to befriend."