Page 68 of Five Summers

“Mom, I get it, but music is my thing. It makes me happy, and I think others can benefit from it too.”

She scoffs, and with a shake of her head says, “You’re just wasting your time. Choosing a career in music is a risky move.You should think about your future and pursue something more stable.”

“I told you already that I don’t want a job like yours.” I return my attention to my e-reader. I snuggle into the comfy couch. “I’m done discussing this with you,” I add, my eyes still focused on the screen in front of me. Feeling frustrated, I let out a sigh. It’s tiring having the same back and forth with her over and over again. Why won’t she let me do what I want?

I sense her presence, lingering close by, watching me intently, eager to speak. Yet, I choose to keep my focus on the novel I hold in my hands. It's my refuge and escape from the ongoing argument.

“You’re impossible,” she mutters, grabbing her keys from the countertop. With a pissed look on her face, she heads towards the door, forcefully slamming it shut as she leaves.

I glance up from my e-reader and look through the front window to see her walking towards her car. The cloudy, gray sky hangs above, mirroring the inner turmoil swirling within me. There’s a tangible sense of anticipation in the air, as if even nature itself is pausing, waiting with bated breath.

Taking a deep breath, I feel the weight of my dreams, pressing down on my chest. I can’t help but wonder if my father experienced the same emotions whenever she criticized his love for music.

The car engine roars to life, and within seconds, it speeds off down the street.

I shut off my e-reader, get up from the couch, and head to my bedroom. Just as I reach the middle of the hallway, I come to a sudden stop upon hearing a knock at the front door. A smile spreads across my face because I already know who it is. I race towards the door, casually tossing my e-reader onto the couch as I pass by.

The door swings open with a forceful pull, and I am instantly breathless at the sight of him. Xander always has that effect on me. His tousled hair falls over his forehead, adding to his irresistible charm. A mischievous grin lights up his handsome face, sending a thrill through me.

In one swift motion, he lunges forward, his eyes ablaze with desire. The air crackles with electrifying energy as our lips collide, sparks flying in every direction. Our hearts pound, syncing in perfect rhythm. I find myself completely immersed in the kiss, consumed by its intensity and the way he kisses me.

As he pulls back, he leans his forehead against mine, his breath coming out in heavy spurts.

“I've been itching to get you out of that skirt and have a wild time every time I saw you today.”

After Jade caught Xander and me next to my car, I was sure she would expose us, considering what she had seen. But, to my surprise, she hasn't said a word to anyone. Not only that, her hurtful cruel words about my weight have also stopped.

Nevertheless, Xander prefers to keep our activities and our relationship, or whatever this is under the radar. I’m not even sure if he’s mentioned anything to Ace. I don’t know if he’s embarrassed about people finding out what we’re doing, but I don’t care. I get to spend time with Xander. His gaze never suggests he is embarrassed by me. Every time we are together, I can see a burning desire in his eyes, the way he yearns for me. No one has ever looked at me like that. And I gotta say, I fucking love it.

I also have a feeling that he’s not hooking up with any other girls like he used to. I’ve noticed that he hasn’t disappeared with Jade or any of those other easy bitches. Whenever I see him at school, he’s sitting with Ace, completely ignoring all the other girls he used to hang out with.

But what I do know is that our time is limited. He'll be leaving soon to chase his dreams. Meanwhile, I will cherish every moment I get to spend with Xander until the day he eventually leaves or starts questioning why the hell he's spending time with me.

The sound of rain on the roof echoes throughout the entire house.

“Oh my god, it’s raining!” I say, grabbing his hand and pulling him through the house.

“Yeah, so what? It’s just rain.”

I lead him onto the back patio, where the gentle rain falls, creating a symphony of pitter-patter sounds all around.

Releasing his hand, I run down the back steps, taking them two at a time, to stand in the rain.

Xander remains on the patio, his brows furrowing in confusion, questioning my motives amidst the downpour.

Closing my eyes, I tilt my head back, letting the cool raindrops fall on my face. The rhythmic patter of rain creates a soothing melody, calming my racing thoughts and turmoil caused by my mother. In this crazy moment, I find peace and clarity.

Xander’s voice breaks the silence. “What the fuck are you doing?”

“Enjoying the rain,” I say, opening my eyes, only to find his intense, piercing dark brown eyes locked onto me. The sheer power in his gaze electrifies my veins, awakening my senses and filling me with a profound sense of excitement.

The combination of liquid courage and lust has me feeling unusually daring. Xander seriously got to me earlier when he grabbed me in the house and kissed me with such intensity. Now, it’s my turn to make him feel the same way.

I twist and wiggle, searching for the zipper on my damp skirt. Xander keeps an impassive expression, but I can sense hismind working, curious about what I’m planning. The truth will reveal itself in due time. While he watches me, I slowly lower my skirt and let it fall onto the wet ground. Then, move on to unbuttoning my shirt.

As he takes a deep breath, his nostrils widen. A surge of excitement courses through me as his gaze travels over my entire body, lingering on my bra and then my panties. There is an undeniable intensity in his eyes, as though I am the most beautiful thing he has ever seen. Nevertheless, he remains stationary beneath the back patio, carefully observing my every action.

I have a strong desire to see Xander Williams completely lose control. I yearn to witness the deep longing reflected in his eyes, to evoke in him the same intense passion that his touch always ignites within me.

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