CHAPTER 29
–(Xavier's POV)
I walked through the front door, exhausted from the day's events. But as I saw my family gathered in the living room, my fatigue melted away. My wife, Luna, smiled at me, her eyes warm. "Hey, Xee. How was your day?" I shrugged, dropping my bag on the floor. "It was fine. Just busy." My son, Andre, lay on the couch, his frail body a constant reminder of his illness. I knelt beside him, gently ruffling his hair. "Hey, champ. How are you feeling today?" Andre's eyes flickered open, a weak smile on his face. "Dad…I'm okay." My heart ached with love and worry for my son. My Mom, sat in her favorite armchair, watching me with a warm gaze. "Xavier, come give your mother a hug." I obliged, hugging her tightly. "Hey, Mom."
My sister, Tania, chatted with Luna's best friend, Jessica, on the other side of the room. They both smiled at me, and I nodded in greeting. As we sat down for dinner, Luna reached out and took my hand. "We're glad you're home, Xavier. We've missed you." I squeezed her hand, feeling grateful. "I've missed you all too."
For a moment, everything felt right with the world. But as I looked at my family, I knew I couldn't let my guard down. I had to keep them safe, no matter what. As we ate dinner, the conversation flowed easily. Tania and Jessica chatted about their latest shopping trip, while Mom shared stories of her garden. Luna and I exchanged a glance, both of us thinking the same thing – this was what we needed. A sense of normalcy.
But as the evening wore on, my mind began to wander. I thought about Desmond, and the plan we had set in motion. I thought about Cassandra, and the danger she posed. And I thought about my family, and how I would do anything to keep them safe. Andre's voice broke into my thoughts. "Dad, can I talk to you for a minute?" I nodded, getting up from my seat. "Of course, champ. Do you need anything?"
Andre's eyes locked onto mine, his gaze serious. "Dad, I know something's going on. Something big. And I want to help." My heart swelled with pride. My son, bedridden and frail, still wanted to help. I smiled, trying to reassure him. "We've got this, Andre. Just focus on getting better, okay?" But Andre's expression didn't change. "No, Dad. I mean it, Andre's is a big boy.. I want to help."
I hesitated, unsure of what to say. How could I involve my sick son in this dangerous game?
Luna's POV
I watched as Xavier tried to reassure Andre, but our son's determination was unwavering. I intervened, gently placing a hand on Andre's shoulder. "Andre, sweetie, Dad's got this. He's trained to handle situations like this. You just focus on getting better, okay?" Andre's eyes flicked to mine, his gaze pleading. "But Mom, I want to help. I can do something."
I was taken aback by his words. Our 6-year-old son, bedridden and frail, wanted to help with…whatever it was Xavier was dealing with. I felt a surge of pride and amazement. "Andre, you're already helping just by being strong and brave," I said, trying to reason with him. "Dad needs to know you're safe and healthy." Andre's face scrunched up in thought, and for a moment, I thought he'd argue further. But then, he nodded, a small smile on his face. "Okay, Mom. But can I still help in other ways?"
I exchanged a glance with Xavier, who shrugged. "We'll find a way, buddy," he said. "But for now, let's focus on getting you better." Andre nodded, seeming to accept this. But as I looked at him, I knew this wasn't the end of the conversation. Our little boy was growing up, and he wanted to make a difference. I smiled, trying to lighten the mood. "Hey, how about we watch a movie together? Andre, what's your favorite film right now?" Andre's face brightened. "I want to watch 'The Incredibles'!" Xavier chuckled. "Again? You've seen that movie a hundred times!"
Andre giggled. "I know, but I love it!" I laughed, relieved that the tension was dissipating. "Well, I think we can manage that. Xavier, why don't you set it up while I get some popcorn?" As Xavier got up to put on the movie, I caught his eye and mouthed "thank you". He smiled and nodded, understanding. As we watched the movie together, I could feel the tension slowly easing. Andre laughed and snuggled up close to me, while Xavier put his arm around us, pulling us in.
For a brief moment, we were just a normal family, enjoying each other's company. Not worrying about danger or secrets or lies. But as the movie ended and Andre drifted off to sleep, I knew the reality of our situation would soon creep back in. I glanced at Xavier, seeing the concern etched on his face.
We still had a long way to go.
Alessia's POV
I knocked softly on the door, hearing Luna's gentle voice bid me enter. I smiled as I saw the cozy scene before me – Andre snuggled up on the couch, Xavier and Luna flanking him. "Hey, Alessia," Luna said, smiling. "Perfect timing. Andre needs his meds." I nodded, retrieving the medication from my bag. "How's he doing today? "Xavier's expression turned serious. "He's been wanting to help with…things. Thinks he can make a difference."
I raised an eyebrow, surprised. "That's quite the spirit he has." Luna chuckled as they were leaving. "We know. We're trying to convince him to focus on getting better for now." I nodded sympathetically. "I'll make sure to reinforce that message." As I administered Andre's medication, he looked up at me with those big, bright eyes. "Auntie, can I ask you something?"
"Of course, sweetie," I replied. "Do you think I can really make a difference?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. I smiled, trying to convey reassurance. "Absolutely, Andre. You're already making a difference just by being you're amazing self." Andre's face lit up with a small smile, and I knew I'd said the right thing.
(Alessia's POV)
As I finished administering Andre's medication, I couldn't help but think about the conversation I'd just witnessed. Xavier and Luna were trying to protect Andre from the truth, but I knew that wouldn't last forever. Andre was a smart and curious kid, and he would eventually find out what was going on. I made a mental note to talk to Luna about it later. Maybe we could come up with a plan to gradually introduce Andre to the reality of his situation. As I packed up my bag, Andre looked up at me with those big eyes again. "Auntie, can I ask you something else?" "Of course, sweetie," I replied. "Do you think my dad is in danger?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
I hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. But something about Andre's expression told me he already knew more than he was letting on. "I think your dad is doing everything he can to keep us all safe," I said carefully. Andre nodded thoughtfully, and I could almost see the wheels turning in his head.
Andre looked up at me with a serious expression. "I don't want my dad to get hurt. He's always helping me." I smiled and knelt down beside him. "I know, sweetie. Your dad loves you very much and wants to keep you safe. And we're all here to help him do that." Andre thought for a moment, then asked, "Can I help too?" I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. But then I remembered what Luna had said earlier – Andre wanted to feel like he was making a difference.
"Well, Andre, you can help by being brave and strong," I said. "And by listening to your mom and dad when they tell you to do something. That helps keep you safe too." Andre nodded, looking determined. "I can do that! I'll be the bravest kid ever!" I smiled and hugged him. "I know you will, Andre. And we'll all be here to support you."
(Mrs. Maria's POV)
I sat in the living room, sipping my tea and chatting with my daughter Tania. We were discussing the shopping list for the week, and I was determined to make sure we didn't forget anything. "Tania, don't forget to pick up some more of that chicken soup Andre likes," I said. "And maybe some of those cookies he's been asking for." Tania nodded, scribbling on the list. "Got it, Mom. Anything else?"
I thought for a moment. "Actually, yes. Can you please pick up some of those candles I like? The ones with the nice scent?" Tania raised an eyebrow. "Mom, you know we have plenty of candles at home." I waved my hand dismissively. "I know, dear. But I like to have extras on hand. You never know when we might need them." Tania smiled and patted my hand. "Okay, Mom. I'll get the candles." As we continued to chat, my mind wandered to Xavier and Luna. I hoped they were doing okay, and that Andre was feeling better soon.
As Tania finished up the shopping list, I couldn't help but think about my family's situation. Xavier and Luna were trying to keep everything under control, but I knew it couldn't last forever. Andre's illness, Xavier's secrets…it was all taking a toll on our family. "Tania, dear, can I ask you something?" I said, my voice a little softer. "Of course, Mom. What's on your mind?" I hesitated, unsure of how to phrase my concerns. "Do you think Xavier is telling us everything? About Andre's condition, I mean?"
Tania's expression turned thoughtful. "I don't know, Mom. Xavier can be pretty tight-lipped when he wants to be." I nodded, my worries resurfacing. "I just want what's best for our family. And I'm not sure Xavier is being completely honest with us." Tania put down the pen and took my hand. "Mom, we'll get through this together. As a family. We always do."
I smiled, feeling a surge of gratitude towards my daughter. She was right, of course. We would face whatever came our way, together. Just then, Luna came into the room, looking a bit frazzled. "Mrs. Maria, I'm so sorry to interrupt. But Andre is asking for you." I stood up, my heart skipping a beat. "Of course, dear. I'll go see him right away." As I made my way to Andre's room, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Xavier's secrets, Andre's illness…it all felt like a ticking time bomb, waiting to go off.
Alessia's POV
I sat down with Luna and Xavier in the living room, my notes and files spread out before me. "I wanted to discuss Andre's latest test results with you both," I said, trying to sound as calm and professional as possible. Luna leaned forward, her eyes anxious. "What did the tests show?" I took a deep breath. "Andre's condition is progressing, but I think I've found a possible treatment that could help him." Xavier's eyes narrowed. "What kind of treatment?"
I hesitated, knowing this was a long shot. "There's a fruit, native to a remote region, that's been shown to have remarkable healing properties. I think it could help Andre's body fight off the disease." Luna's eyes widened. "A fruit? That's…unconventional, isn't it?" I nodded. "Yes, but I've seen some remarkable cases where it's made a real difference. And I think it's worth a try, don't you?" Xavier rubbed his temples, looking stressed. "I don't know, Alessia. This sounds like a long shot."
I understood his skepticism, but I knew I had to convince him. "I know it's unconventional, but I truly believe this could help Andre. And I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen." Luna placed a hand on Xavier's arm. "Let's hear her out, Xavier. What's the worst that could happen?" Xavier sighed, looking at me. "Fine. What do we need to do?"
I smiled, feeling a surge of hope. "I'll need to arrange for the fruit to be brought here, and then we can start Andre on the treatment."