Awaited love, come soon

CHAPTER 17 : THAT UNFORGATTABLE NIGHT

As both Viveria and Xavier started to get comfortable in the hug, the loud ring of the bell was heard, indicating that lunch break was over.

Viveria pulled out of the hug first.

Viveria ( breathing heavily and blushing) : I have to go. I have class. Talk to you after school?

As Viveria was about to get up, Xavier pulled her by the hand and she sat down abruptly very close to him.

Xavier ( looking into Viveria's eyes with deep emotions) : Can you stay just for one more minute?

Viveria could feel her heart beating fast. She had been too stunned at her own boldness of hugging Xavier, but what she was more shocked about was how Xavier had hugged her back tightly. Is this really the beginning of their love? Can she really handle if Xavier actually falls for her?

Just then Jackie rushed into the infirmary searching for Viveria.

Without being aware of the intimate tension between them, Jackie casually started to inform Viveria.

Jackie : Vi! Hurry up! The bell has already rung, we can't be late for Prof. Raymond's class!

Viveria immediately started to walk away and Xavier still had a very needy expression on his face.

Viveria : Yeah, let's go! I'll see you later Xavier.

As Xavier kept on looking at Viveria, he saw her giving him a smile and a reassurance nod as she left the infirmary.

Xavier ( internally) : God! I think I'm falling for her. Get a grip Xavier! She is way out of my league. Also I really don't wanna spoil what we already have. As long as she wants to be friends, I promise I won't be greedy.

As school ended, Viveria, Daniel, Dew and Jackie went to the nearest cafeteria which was also another of their favorite hangout spot specially during exams. A lot of students went there for studying and to use the free library.

At Jamie's Café....

Dew ( excitedly) : You broke an intense fight between the Derozio brothers? You are news girl!

Daniel ( annoyed) : You shouldn't have done that Vive, it could have been more dangerous. You could have gotten hurt. Also, don't you think you are getting too close to Xavier and his family. Just be cautious Vive, I don't want you to get into trouble.

Jackie ( giving Viveria a smirk) : Oh! Don't worry. Vi, has already fallen deep into trouble.

Viveria immediately being alert kicked Jackie's leg under the table.

Daniel : What? What happened?

Viveria ( hurriedly) : Nothing happened. I'm totally fine! Also, see guys I didn't want to interfere in the fight. It's just Xavier had gotten emotional and you guys know we are now friends. So, I just couldn't help myself. Also, Xavier is not that bad of a person, Dan. He has changed.

At least a bit. I feel that he won't hurt me, it's a gut feeling. Also, I don't care what others might say I will never abandon my friends and I'm telling you guys Xavier is also my friend. So now stop worrying and nagging.

As Viveria finished she saw weird expressions on her friend's faces. Daniel was still very annoyed, Jackie was smiling from ear to ear and Dew was giving Viveria a warning look.

As Viveria couldn't understand what was going on. She suddenly felt a presence behind her.

It was Xavier! He had heard everything which Viveria said about him and he had a cute sexy smile on his face.

Xavier ( genuinely feeling happy) : Actually, our friendship matters to me a lot too, Viveria. I just want to let all of you know, I would never hurt her. Also, can I talk to you for a second, Viveria?

Viveria ( feeling a blush creep up her cheeks, internally) : God Dammit! What the hell is wrong with my cheeks? Why do they always heat up when Xavier is around? Calm down! Viveria. Get a grip, girl.

As Viveria got up to go and talk to Xavier in the corner. Daniel was still worried. People don't just easily change. No matter what Xavier says, Daniel will never let his guard down. As long as Viveria is concerned, he would always be alert.

Xavier ( observing Viveria's blushing cheeks) : Are you feeling hot?

Viveria ( not expecting the question and totally flustered) : What? No! Hot? Not at all!

Xavier gave a laugh and looked more intently at Viveria : Your cheeks are red. You look cute.

Viveria couldn't believe what Xavier had just said. The Xavier Derozio had just called her 'cute'. How can she calm down, if Xavier is being the exact version which she has always wanted him to be?

Breaking out of her thoughts, Viveria turned her face around and nervously said: Thank you!

Xavier ( smiling internally, continued) : Actually, I need some help for the French exam. I know the basics. It's just that I hadn't gotten time to do the recent classes and now that they have preponed the exams, I hardly have any time to prepare. So, what I wanted to say was... that... if you have some time..... can you help me with French lessons?

Viveria again felt her heart beating fast. Those eyes of Xavier. How can she refuse him?

But again, she honestly has no extra time. With her college, group study sessions and internship; she hardly gets time to sleep or eat. She genuinely won't be able to give Xavier some extra time.

Viveria ( dejectedly ) : Actually, I think you should ask someone else. I'm sorry Xavier, but I really have no time to teach you French. I'm already too packed up and I don't want to teach you in a bad way so that you don't do well enough at your exam. I'm so sorry.

Xavier felt disappointed!

Xavier ( internally) : Why is she so busy always? How can I ever get some alone time with her? Doesn't she understand that I just want to spend some quality time with her. She can go with Daniel at 1'o clock at night for ice cream but can't teach me? What should I do? Am I really going way out of my way to be nice to her? I should just let it be.

As Xavier was about to lose all hope. An idea clicked on his mind.

Xavier ( cautiously) : Well, if you don't have extra time to teach me. How about if I join your group study sessions with your friends?

Viveria did not expect Xavier to say something like this. But, she isn't complaining either. Maybe the heart felt conversation earlier is the reason why they both have grown more close.

Viveria : Yeah, you can. But I hope you don't mind but I need to ask others if they will be ok with it?

Xavier ( internally) : Yeah, there you go. I'm just being too nice. Of course her friends won't welcome me. Specially Daniel!

Viveria ( excitedly going back to her spot where her friends were sitting) : Guys. Can Xavier also join our group study sessions? He needs some help in French and I don't have any extra time. So will you guys be okay with it? Please!

Jackie ( taking advantage of the moment) : I'm okay, as long as you feed me with Momo's.

Viveria : Done.

Dew ( a little doubtfully ) : I'm okay with it. As long as you help me pass my exams.

Viveria : Done.

Daniel ( looking firmly) : I'm not okay with it. Don't you remember he had specifically mentioned to me that 'he is your friend' and not mine. Why should I allow him to study with us?

Viveria ( knowing this was coming, said in her most sweetest voice) : Dan, don't be stingy. Let bygones be bygones. Also, it's exam time. Being the good students, shouldn't we help the needy students?

Daniel ( assertively ) : So you want to teach the whole school?

Viveria ( grudgingly) : Of course not! Dan, common on! Just give Xavier a chance, please! Also I really don't have extra time and even he is my friend, you know!

Daniel ( looking straight at Viveria) : Do you really want him to study with us?

Viveria ( genuinely nodding) : Yes. Please, Dan.

Daniel (shrugging his shoulders) : Fine. As long as you are happy. I will allow him to study with us. But I'm only doing this for you and if he hurts you in anyway. I'll forget all truce.

Viveria ( giving Daniel a radiant smile) : Done! Thank you so much Dan, you are the best!

Viveria was feeling so happy. Now she won't have to feel bad for not being able to help Xavier. Also, she can keep herself in check around him because everyone will be together.

Happily walking towards Xavier, Viveria looked at him with a smile : Welcome, to the group study session. You are in.

Laughing at her own way of formality, Viveria did not notice how Xavier was looking lost in her radiant laugh.

As both Xavier and Viveria sat with the others. Xavier felt it necessary to let his guard down in front of the others as well. He didn't want Viveria to have problems with her friends because of him.

Xavier ( looking at others) : Thanks guys, I really appreciate you guys letting me study in your group. It will be very helpful for me.

Dew and Jackie together: It's okay. No big deal!

Daniel ( giving Xavier a challenging look) : Just focus on studying and don't waste our time, that will be more than enough.

Xavier ( giving Daniel a cold look) : Yeah, I will definitely not disturb you guys, too much!

Viveria ( unaware of the tension between Xavier and Dan) took out her books and the group started studying.

As it became night time and everyone had to leave for their respective homes.

The group went outside the café.

Dew ( looking carefree) : I still think I won't pass. I just don't have the time!

Jackie ( putting a hand on Dew's shoulder) : Don't worry you i***t! None of us are letting you fail!

Viveria ( looking determined) : We are all going to pass the mock test with flying colors. Don't worry guys, we will do this!

Daniel ( looking at Viveria) : We all better head home. Viveria has her internship assignments to finish as well. Come Vive, I'll drop you first.

Xavier ( genuinely concerned) : So, you do internships, as well. Don't you take too much pressure on yourself?

Viveria ( nodding ) : Yes, it's okay. Not everybody is born with a silver spoon, you know. Also, I like working. Keeps me busy and the pay is good.

Viveria didn't intend her words to be sarcastic towards Xavier but it seemed like Xavier had gotten serious.

Xavier ( seriously): Yeah, I understood! It's okay. I don't want you to get late because of me.

Viveria : It's okay. I won't be late. Also, you can send me the test papers once you finish. I'll check them by tonight.

Xavier ( staring at Viveria softly) : Done! Just make sure you keep yourself hydrated and your stomach full otherwise who knows you might faint from over exertion! I won't be there to save you!

Daniel ( interruptingly) : When did you actually ever save her? Also, if anything happens to her. I'll be there. I'm always there for her.

Xavier did not know why but he really doesn't want Daniel to be there for Viveria. He wants be there for Viveria!

Viveria (realizing the sudden change of weather) : Sure! Don't worry, I'll take care of myself. Let's go guys?

Everybody went towards Daniel's car and Xavier walked towards his own Ferrari.

Viveria before sitting inside Daniel's car gave a goodbye wave to Xavier. Smiling, Xavier, waved back.

Night, 2'o clock....

At Viveria's apartment...

Viveria was tossing and turning in her sleep. She was sweating profusely. She was having a nightmare she couldn't escape from.

Viveria's nightmare ..

She was in the car with her parents and they had just had a very nice dinner at her favorite restaurant. She was half asleep hugging her mother tightly. Her dad was smiling at her from the rear view mirror. It was thundering and raining very heavily that night. Her dad, however was a very skilled driver, they were almost going to reach home!

That's when a black van had stopped their car and three masked men had come out with guns. She remembered her mother shielding her eyes with her hand and her father telling the goons that they can take anything and just leave them all alone.

She remembered being dragged out by one of the masked men along with her mother. As the goons were stealing everything from them, Viveria had held on tightly to her teddy bear which she always carried with her since she was born. It was given by her father. One of the goons, took the teddy from her hand and started waving it in the air. Viveria remembered, her mother stopping her from doing anything and her father standing protectively in front of her.

As the goons were retreating, the 4 year old Viveria, did not want to lose Mr. Teddy. She tightly jerked her mother's hand and pushing her father, she had run towards the goons.

That was when she had heard the bullets being fired as if a deep lightning had struck. She had turned around to find both her mom and dad lying on the ground covered in blood. Tears streamed down her cheeks and she ran towards her parents.

As one of the goons was about to shoot her too. One of their own members had stopped him from shooting her. They had hurriedly gotten into the van and left.

The 4 year old Viveria, just held on to one finger of both of her parents hands. She wanted them to wake up. Why were they sleeping? She needs them to wake up now! She was getting wet. Mom would scold her if she got wet. But mom was not reacting.

As a loud thundering was heard. Small Viveria had put her hands covering her ears.

She was scared.

She was scared.

She was...

Presently at Viveria's room...

As, a loud thundering struck her apartment windows. Viveria sat up straight covering her ears. She was drenched in sweat and crying uncontrollably. After a few minutes, she realized she was in her room and not in the middle of the street covered in her parents blood!

She immediately took out her anxiety pills from the bedside drawer. She took two of them and started to take deep breaths.

It was nightmare! It was a nightmare! She is fine now.

As Viveria started to quiet down, she looked at her reflection in the window pane in front of her. She asked just one question,

Why hadn't they killed her too? It would have been much easier.

She was the reason her parents had died! Why was she still alive?

As Viveria rocked herself hugging her knees. She really wished someone would just hug her tight. And make her feel safe! But all she had was herself.

Was Viveria triggered because she had talked about her past to Xavier earlier? Will she get someone to hug her tightly the way Xavier had hugged her? Will someone in her life prove to her that it wasn't her fault?

Will Love Be Able To Remedy The Long Lasting Pain?

Will Love Be Enough?