"Xandra, this is Nick," her mother said, gesturing to him.
"He's the one I told you about. He moved here from Canada just a few days ago to stay with Jared and Naomi."
"Aww, nice to meet you, Nick," Xandra replied warmly.
"And he's single too!" her mother added with a teasing glint in her eye.
"Ma—" Xandra shot her a look, eyebrows raised.
"I'm just saying," her mother seriously insisted and despite everything, they all chuckled at her reaction.
"So, I think I should head out now. will have to check on you later i think!" Nick said, preparing to leave.
As he walked down the corridor, Alexandra called out,
"Nick!" He stopped and turned.
"Hey, I just wanted to thank you for helping my mum.
It could have been so much worse if—"
"Aw, it's okay, Xandra," he interjected, flashing a warm smile.
"I'm glad I could be here." He insisted
"I'll see you around, then." He said softly.
"Sure! Say hi to Jared and Naomi for me," she replied.
"Okay"
"Bye," she echoed, watching him walk away, her thoughts swirling.
Standing there, she pondered what to call a day like this.
"Black Friday?"
"The Fallen Friday?"
"What am I even thinking?" she sighed to herself in disappointment.
Grateful for her mother's safety, she felt a wave of relief wash over her. It could have been the worst night ever.
With renewed determination, she painted a smile of courage on her face and headed back inside, but unfortunately, her mother had already fallen asleep.
---
It was now 7:30 a.m., and her mother was still resting, with Xandra sitting quietly nearby.
"Hey!" Juliana whispered, not wanting to wake her mother.
"Just go home, I'll stay with her," Juliana insisted, glancing between Xandra and her mother.
Xandra's mind said to stay, but her stomach was protesting, sending refueling alarms.
"Are you sure?" she asked.
"Really! Just let me know if she needs anything and call me when she wakes up. I'll be back soon."
Juliana reassured her.
"okay" Xandra replied quitely as she was preparing herself to leave,
feeling a mix of relief and guilt as she gathered her things. She needed to change her outfit and compose herself for this new chapter of her life—the life without James.
She gently kissed her mother's forehead and whispered, "I'll be back soon."