EMILY's POV
I noticed Xavier wasn't on his bed when I snapped my eyes open at night but I was too tired to check for him. I returned to sleep and I found him right on his bed the next morning, fully dressed.
At least he was alive.
The last thing I wanted to do this morning was to meddle so I prepared for school without asking questions. I loved how everyone looked surprised by my new way of applying liners. it was more stressful than you can imagine.
I stayed thirty minutes trying to get the perfect cat eye but gave up when it wasn't turning out the way I wanted it. I turned to Xavier and noticed he was putting something in his jacket.
'Snoopy son of a ughh!' I thought.
He's been acting so strange lately and I just returned my gaze to my reflection in the mirror and when I couldn't figure out what he kept in his jacket, my curiosity sparked and I stood up.
I really need to see it or I...mayby die.
"What's that?" I asked after tiptoeing to his back. I didn't get a good view since his back was broad enough to cover me.
"GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE."
Wtf!
I flinched and frowned. Why was he being so strange and acting all protective over his clothes? Was he scared I would steal them as always or...maybe love that one so much?
"I don't want you sneaking around my business okay? It has nothing to do with you," he huffed and walked out.
That was it! I hate such manners.
I had absolutely no idea what he was saying. He never spoke to me stay out of his business like that, I always asked and got answers; sometimes early and other times, late.
I shook my head in utmost disbelief and stormed out of the house. James already texted that he was waiting outside. He offered to take us to school and I agreed, I had no reason to. I closed the door behind me and walked to where his car was parked.
I got in the car and after exchanging the usual pleasantries I turned my head away. This was the first time I needed something from James but I had no idea how to go about requesting it. Was I supposed to call him James or Dad?
Damn, this felt harder than I thought.
I knew James would do anything I asked, he just needed me to ask. I heaved and wondered how I would start the conversation.
"Are you okay, Emily?"
I'm glad he noticed how uneasy I was. That way, I didn't have to start the conversation from the blue.
"Uh, I just needed something."
"Then ask. Tell me, what's that?"
My lips folded and I turned to face him. "I need a car," I blurted.
He gave a smile as if expecting me to ask all my life.
"But I can't drive," I added.
"I know that."
It was important to note that I had no driving experience and no license even.
I noticed Xavier's burning stare on me and turned to him. He had his brows raised and he couldn't believe I just asked James for a car. It was unbelievable and he didn't hide the disappointment on his face.
I ignored his stare and turned back to James who was still grinning like a puppy. Sorry to say.
"Uh, can I start driving lessons next month? Or maybe a little later than next month?"
"Sure. You can start whenever you want, Hunny."
I gave a quick smile and felt a surge of emotion in me. It felt new to ask for something this huge and get it with no stress. I liked how I could get this, with no explanations or reminders of how I was a kid. James didn't say anything about being a kid, he barely mentioned my age whenever we conversed.
"I can pick you up from school and then we start some driving lessons," he offered.
"That would be great."
"A lot of people get scared while driving so I'll be right in the backseat if you ever get scared or need anything."
Why didn't I ever see this nice side of James? I was so certain he was a bad person that I failed to give him a chance to prove he could be a good person too. I smiled and he returned my smile opening a briefcase.
"Here."
Hell no. He was offering me money and there was no way I was taking that cash home.
"I can't take it, James."
"Why not? It is only $400. I just want you to get yourself a cup of ice cream."
"There's no way I can get ice cream for $600. Damn, that's so much. I honestly can't accept that kind of amount from you."
"Then you get more cups? I just want you to have it, Emily."
My eyes widened at the way he causally said it like any normal human could buy cups of ice cream worth $400. That was totally insane and I couldn't help the expression on my face.
"It's the little I can give you Emily. I love it when you smile and you're happy. I'm sure a cup of ice cream and maybe a box of pizza could help. It's just a little gift for my baby girl."
I looked at him and I grinned unconsciously. Did he know I loved Pizza or was he just guessing? He was right, a cup of ice cream and a box of Pizza would make me happy.
Owning a car already blew my mind and he was offering a little gift?
I took the money from him and smiled. "Thank you, Dad."
That felt awkward to say, I was going to regret saying that but still. He looked surprised at how I called him dad and couldn't contain his excitement.
Xavier was listening to everything but he didn't say a word. Instead, he clenched his fist and kept heaving like he was going to explode in the passenger seat.
"Here man, you may need $1000 for some kinds of stuff."
"I don't need shit," Xavier bluntly rejected and flung open the door. "I need to grab something I forgot."
I swallowed the lump in my throat and watched him storm out. He didn't forget anything, he was just so uncomfortable but didn't find a reason to leave. Now James offered him money and triggered him, he took the opportunity.
I watched him walk to the driveway with his backpack firmly on his back. He was going to flag a taxi to school, I know.
"Emily," James called, bringing back my attention. "Wouldn't you love to visit me during your holidays?"
"My exams are ending in three weeks and I kind of want to remain here in Los Angeles with my family."
"You don't miss old friends? Florida isn't far from Los Angeles. A meet and greet would be so fun."
"I know but I'd rather stay here with my family."