XANDERS POV
I called Romeo several times on my way to the school, but he didn't answer.
When I entered the class, teaching was already going on, I rushed to my seat to avoid any interrogations from the teacher.
"Hey, guess what?"I asked Romeo but he just raised an eyebrow at me.
"Don't talk to me, go talk to Clifford and Evonda," he said, his voice laced with anger.
I turned to Romeo immediately the teacher left the class. "What is wrong, brother, are you angry?" I asked, and he looked away.
"I was at Clifford's house because I wanted to leave home and he was right there to help," I said.
"You could have called me," he replied.
"I tried, but your phone was switched off," I explained.
"You could have come to my house," he responded and I went mute.
"I'm very sorry, okay, please…"
"Okay, fine, now why are you late?" he asked, interrupting me.
"Come with me," I said and he did.
When we got to the car park, I walked majestically to my new black Benz, opened it and sat inside.
"No way!" Romeo yelled and rushed to me in the car.
"A present from my dad," I said and he got out immediately.
"Listen, Romeo, it is a long story, reason why I had to leave home yesterday," I said, walking towards him.
"I'm listening," he replied his voice laced with anger.
ROMEO'S POV
Why would he accept a gift from someone who tried to kill him, hurt his mother, and threaten his friends?
"Are you even listening to me?" Xander asked, drawing my attention back to him.
"This makes no sense," I said, irritation edging my voice. "So what now, you have forgiven him now?"
"Of course not," he replied. "I took the car because it was bought with my mother's money."
"Very well," I said. "Let us go. I will not get into the car, though." We headed toward class.
"Hello, strangers," Pearl called, approaching us. What does she want now? Does she think I have forgotten what she did?
"Hello, Pearl. Your present is in the classroom," Xander said. "Come with us and collect it."
I stared at them, confusion drawn on my face.
"What present?" I asked, looking from one to the other.
"She celebrated her birthday yesterday," Xander said. "It is a birthday present."
"You sound angry," Pearl said, meeting my gaze. "Are you still angry with me?"
I raised an eyebrow, turned, and walked away. Tss, I cannot stand her.
XANDER'S POV
"Do not worry, he will come around," I said when I saw the look on Pearl's face.
"He forgave you so quickly. Why has he not forgiven me?" she asked, her expression troubled.
"Try apologizing," I replied, and she nodded.
The present I had prepared for her was a pair of snickers she had always wanted the pink ones from her favourite brand, a limited edition, so I bought them for her.
"Oh my goodness, thank you Xander," she said, hugging me tightly.
"You don't know how happy you have made me. I have always wanted these."
"Do you plan to kill him?" a voice said behind me.
It was Cassandra. Pearl stepped back at once, whispered a thank you and hurried away.
"You frightened her," I said to Cassandra.
"I did not know you were enjoying it," she replied.
I sighed and took her hands. "We need to talk," I whispered.
"Do you want me to be your girlfriend?" she asked, stepping closer.
"No, it is just…"
"Then there is nothing to discuss," she interrupted, and walked away before I could say another word.
"Welcome home, son," my father said the moment he saw me. I raised an eyebrow and walked past.
"I am sorry," he said, and I froze.
"I am very sorry for everything I did to you and your mother," he added.
I turned around and nearly lost my balance when I saw his face. He was crying.
"Dad," I called, almost in a whisper.
"I am so sorry. Heavens, I even involved your friends," he said, dropping to his knees. I rushed to him.
"Stand up, Dad. What are you doing?" I said, helping him to his feet.
"No, son. Let me apologize properly," he said, wiping his tears. "I caused you and your mother so much pain. I tore this family apart."
"You did," I said as I steadied him. "But you are still my father, and I am glad you are taking responsibility for what you did to our family."
He smiled at me and pulled me into a hug, still crying. I couldn't believe my eyes. I felt both excited and at peace.
"Get dressed, son. We are eating out tonight," he said, releasing me from the embrace.
"Wait! Could it be…?"
"Yes, it is," he said.
"Waves and Chills!," we said together.
"Oh my goodness, thank you so much, Dad," I said, hugging him again.
Waves and Chills is my favourite place to eat, right by the beach. We used to go there on my birthday before our family fell apart.
We arrived home very late that day. I was certain I would miss school the next morning, I felt that exhausted.