Page 110 of Xavier

I need to make sure he’s alright.

Jordan stands and brings his dirty dishes to the sink. Gesturing to my hardly eaten food, he says, “Eat.”

I shovel a huge bite into my mouth as I stare at Jordan. I know he’s only looking out for me. After all, that’s what Xavier told him to do, but he’s genuinely a nice guy.

He has tried everything to keep me calm and keep my mind off Xavier. We’ve watched shows and movies, walked on the beach, and ordered a ton of food, but it hasn’t been enough.

At night, when I’m laying in bed alone, all I can do is think about Xavier. I miss our nights together, where we would talk about everything and anything.

I miss the way we cuddled, and the way he always made me feel protected and safe.

When I am finished eating, Jordan takes my dishes and places them in the sink with his before leading me down the hallway to his office.

Several monitors are full of yesterday’s research.

He spent hours yesterday showing me more of his hacking skills by searching for my name and my background.

So many things popped up. Medical records all the way back to my birth, college applications, transcripts, job applications, and even performance evaluations from my time in DC.

Jordan sits down in his chair and immediately starts typing in commands as I sit down in the other chair.

The tracking map pops up on his monitor and before he can zoom in, I know the tracker is still showing my house.

“Why is the location showing him still there? What is he doing? Hanging out at my house, waiting for something to happen? He said he was going to end this. He said it was going to be one to two days.”

The more I repeat myself, the angrier I get. I need a way to expel some of this before I take it out on Jordan, and he doesn’t deserve that.

“I’m borrowing your phone.”

“Have at it.” He says as I jump up and storm out of his office.

The phone is in the same place where I left it this morning. Grabbing the phone, I hit redial and wait for someone to pick up.

It’s in the middle of the day, and I’m calling the house, so someone should answer. Mom is usually always home unless there’s a town event.

But no one answers. The cheery, overtly sweet voicemail picks up, prompting me to leave my name number and a short message.

Instead of hanging up like I have been, I leave a message. If Xavier is hanging out at my house, then he will be able to hear the anger in my voice, and if not, then Dad and Mom will.

“I don’t know why no one is answering my calls or messages, but if something happens to Xavier, or if he gets hurt in any way, I’ll never speak to you guys again. And if Xavier is there, listening to this, then you better have your excuses ready, because I’m pissed.”

I end the call and flop down on the couch.

My heart is pounding in my chest, and my breathing is coming out in short pants, like my lungs don’t need deep breaths right now.

I try to calm the anger coursing through my body right now with rational thinking, but all I feel is rage.

Standing up, I head out onto the balcony. The salty sea breeze always helps to center myself and gather my thoughts.

Xavier wouldn’t ignore me unless it was for a good reason. If he is at the house, he’s probably strategizing with Dad, or he’s getting the truth from Dad.

Either way, he’s trying to make progress with the mission, but if everyone is back on Scarlett Island, then why am I still stuck down here?

I don’t want to put a target on my back by being back home, but I would if it means I get to be with Xavier.

Despite Xavier’s grumpy, rough, and raw exterior, I love him for it, and I love him more than I’ve ever loved someone.

The balcony door opens and Jordan joins me outside. “It’s shaping up to be a very nice day.”

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