Chapter 5
They didn't seem to recognize me, so I did what any normal person would do—I cleared my throat. When that didn't work, I cleared it again, louder this time. Mmm-hmm.
Finally, they all turned to look at me. "Good, now I have everyone's attention," I whispered.
"Hey, good morning," Cassie’s mom was the first to greet me.
"Morning," I replied bluntly.
"Breakfast will be served in five minutes," she added with a smile.
"Okay," I replied, then turned to find a seat at the table behind me. I glanced at Kelvin; he was already tasting his food. He looked up, his brows furrowing as if he was trying to figure something out.
"Actually, what's really going on downstairs?" he asked suddenly, eyes widening. "Wait... what if they are falling for each other?"
"What?! No!" I shouted, then realized how loud I was. I leaned in and whispered, "Mom is way older than Xavier."
"Yeah, you're right. And Mom loves Dad so much; I don't think she would ever fall in love with anyone else," he said with a sudden look of realization. Then he added, a bit mischievously, "What if they are falling for each other? Whatever... go sit in your usual spot."
"No, I'm sitting here today," I snapped.
I rolled my eyes at him, and he just smirked back.
Mom brought in the food a few minutes later, served with Xavier’s help. I didn’t know what was going on with them, but last night they were like cat and mouse—constantly at each other's throats. Today, they were... different. I didn't even know what to call it. After breakfast, I headed to school, and everything went on as usual.
Months Later
Months passed quickly. Xavier and I became very close—so close that sometimes he would even come pick me up after he finished work. He’s a waiter at a big, famous restaurant now.
I’ve realized something over these last few months: I’ve fallen for him. I want to tell him, but I just don't know how. I’ve spent all day preparing what to say. Fortunately, he came to pick me up today. As soon as I walked out of the school entrance, I spotted him.
I waved at him, and he waved back. Of course, he was being stared at by all the other girls—they were practically gushing over him.
"Hey, Xav!" I greeted him.
"Hi, Shorty," he replied, ruffling my hair. He calls me that because he’s so much taller than me.
"Hey, don't mess up my hair!" I grumbled with a pout.
"Come on, let's go." He reached out and held my hand as we walked. I wanted to tell him right then, but I found it so hard to find the words.
Suddenly, he stopped and turned to look at me.
"I... I want to tell you something," he said with total seriousness. My heart skipped a beat. Had he remembered everything? Through all of this, I wanted him to remember his past life, but I was also being selfish—I wanted him all to myself.
"It's very serious, Cassandra," he said, that grave expression returning to his face. My heart hammered against my ribs.
"I..." He let out a long sigh and nodded to himself. "This is very hard to say... I think I've fallen in love with you," he said, stuttering over the words.
"What?" I asked, disbelief written all over my face.
"I know this is weird, but... I have. I’ve fallen for you. I know I’m older than you, but still..." I could see the anticipation on his face; he was waiting for my reaction.
I did something unexpected. I could see his surprise—truthfully, I was surprised at myself, too. I kissed him. Yes, you heard that right. I reached up, pulled his face down to mine, and gave him a chaste kiss. That was my first kiss.
"I like you, too," was all I could manage to say after I pulled away.
"Wait, really? Are you sure about that?" A smile finally began to spread across his face.
"Of course. I’ve had a crush on you since the day I first laid eyes on you," I said, blushing hard.
He cupped my face, and we kissed again. This time, he took the initiative. The kiss was long, passionate, and sweet.
"You're my girlfriend now," he whispered against my lips. We stayed like that for a long time before finally pulling away, breathless. We smiled at each other. It didn't feel wrong at all. I hope he stays by my side forever. All I’m hoping is that things go well for us.
The night was cool and peaceful. The breeze blew through my hair, and I could feel Xavier’s gaze on me. I turned to him.
"Why are you staring at me?"
He looked at me for a long moment before saying, "You are very beautiful. I love everything about you."
My face turned as red as a tomato.
Xavier’s POV
Today was the happiest day of my life. Ever since I saw her, it was like a spark went through my heart. I couldn't stop thinking about her. Her green eyes are like a deep forest you could get lost in, and her doll-like face makes her look so cute and innocent.
I told her that I liked her, and I was actually surprised that she liked me back. I couldn’t suppress the happiness flowing through me. Next week is her birthday; she’ll be eighteen.
We finally reached home and went inside. Her mother was sitting on the couch in the living room. When she saw our linked hands, she just gave us a knowing smile and turned back toward the TV.
I told Cassandra, "Go upstairs and change, okay? I will prepare dinner."
She just nodded with a smile and headed upstairs.