Heading back to my room to pick up my things, catching a glimpse of my outfit had me excited to see the look on Ansel's face.
...............................
By the end of our journey toward healing and interdependence, if we do see a healthier and stable future in each other's lives, then we'll progress forward in a romantic union.
We deserve a healthy kind of love.
..............................
Heading down the central staircase, Mr. Connor's uncharacteristic gasp was all the confirmation I needed to boost my nearly nonexistent confidence.
Clearing his throat as he collected his composure, he informed me, "Mr. Xavier mentioned you two would be exploring the city."
Beaming with joy, I stated, "Yes, Ansel and I going around the city. I don't know where we're going. I'm just so excited!"
Mr. Connor's eyes softened with my answer as he spoke, "I know Mr. Xavier personally. So I can vouch for his sincere authenticity."
Curiosity piqued my interest at Mr. Connor's answer, I pried a bit further, "Really? How so?"
"Mr. Xavier comes from a respectable hardworking family, excluding his birth mother of course." Mr. Connor explained as he had me go through my things, making sure I don't forget essentials.
Not wanting to ask Mr. Connor about Ansel's family, I simply inquired, "What's he like as a person?"
Contemplating his answer, Mr. Connor nodded his head as he explained, "He's a stellar student, just like you. Accomplished in school and training, though he's rather a recluse. Especially towards the opposite gender. Soren and I used to joke that he behaves as if women carry the bubonic plague!" as Mr. Connor found his having a hearty laugh.
"Wait, you can't expect me to believe that he never dated?" Disbelief graced my face as I voiced my opinion.
"That brat! Date!?" The idea alone left Mr. Connor dropping to his knees as he failed to stifle his hearty laughter.
"Soren can contest that Ansel hasn't kissed anyone in his life! Oh, his grandparents would throw a freaking banquet if they found out about you and their Golden Child." Clutching his stomach as he gasped for air, Mr. Connor lost all professional composure at the mere fact of Ansel's nonexistent dating life.
"Are you saying that he's also-?" Completely flabbergasted and I ended up pointing to myself.
"Saving himself for his true love like you? Most definitely. Ms. Obsidian, do not be fooled by that brat's bad boy exterior. Those untouchable good looks came from his father's model-esque genes. Don't get me wrong, Soren and Pierre are good-looking as well, hence they would argue it came from their side of the family, yet Ansel's silver eyes beg to differ." Mr. Connor struggled to gather his composure as he stood up straight.
Unable to stop myself from slowly smiling, I asked further, "So you're saying I can trust him?"
Letting out his last chuckle, Mr. Connor fixed his necktie and straightened his clothes as he stated, "Ansel is the only one you can trust in your new school. Not because I know the brat personally, it's more of the fact that the moment anyone knows who you are, you're bound to be swarmed with aspiring socialites and two-faced privileged social legacies, excluding you Ms. Nikita."
Thanking Mr. Connor for his honesty, he accompanied me towards the main entrance as I asked, "How do you know so much about Ansel and his family?"
Grinning from ear-to-ear Mr. Connor spoke, "Pierre and I were stationed in Bahrain and became fast friends. He recruited me to his start-up security training business as a consultant. Aunt Helaine always joked about me being Pierre's wife. Seeing as I choose to leave my hometown to be with Pierre."
Astonished by Mr. Connor smirking as he referred to himself as *Pierre's wife*, I found my reflection's jaw drop as I paused near the entrance vanity.
"Uhmm, are you and Pierre...?" I couldn't hide my beaming curiosity as Mr. Connor chuckled while he pats the top of my head.
Leaning to whisper in my ear, Mr. Connor uttered, "Aren't you making a certain annoyingly good-looking sexy god nervously wait too long by his car?" Mr. Connor grinned as he straightened his posture while he points out the door.
"Wait!? Did you-?!" Embarrassed by the fact that Mr. Connor heard me referring to Ansel like that, my trembling hands miserably did their best to hide my blushing face.
With both of Mr. Connor's gloved hands firmly soothing both sides of my arms, he reassured me, "Calm down, Ms. Nikita. Let Ansel do all the shocked fidgeting. To make it up to you, if you're up for it, I might just be willing to entertain a few of your questions. How's that for a deal?"
Knowing I'm not stupid enough to miss this opportunity, I immediately calmed down as I shook Mr. Connor's hand to seal our tea-spilling deal.
Mr. Connor grinned as he helped me straighten out a part of my sleeves as he cheered me for the last time before he signaled the male staff to open the main entrance's dark oak double doors.
Glancing at Mr. Connor for the last time, my hesitation asked,
"Do you think I deserve to be loved?"