CHAPTER 5

After a week, Things were looking good; Xavier and Roxy bonded, becoming acquaintances.

 They were having a good time, but it doesn't mean she is letting her guard down. Roxy got the information and got a hold of Effie's weakness.

When Elsa and her exchange for classes, she goes to her shop and continues her business with her team, but things are getting bad. She needs money to get materials and needs his connection.

Roxy was contemplating how to ask the guy for money, but Elsa's character is one of a kind, and that is when a thought struck her mind.

She took out her phone and texted someone to meet at the usual spot.

Roxy got there. Effie was relaxing on the sofa and saw Roxy; she got up and sat straight.

"I need money," Roxy said, straight to the point.

"Out of the blue?" Effie raised her eyebrows.

"It's for business," Roxy said.

"Aren't you afraid of your sister finding out?" Effie asked.

"What there to find out? or are you planning to tell?" Roxy said, playing with Effie's hair.

"It is just a question," Effie tried to shake her off.

"Effie, I can't believe you said that about my sister; do you know anything about her?" Roxy said with Elsa's voice, looking sad.

"Just stop," Effie said.

"Bestie, don't be sad," Roxy pouted.

"I am leaving," Effie got up.

Roxy took Effie's hand. "I just got here, why don't we do some bonding,"

Hearing that sentence made Effie worried.

During the week, Elsa and James were having a little unplanned date. Both were determined to prove Mr. K right, so they went above and beyond to develop a strong bond. 

They delved into personal topics such as their childhoods, families, and aspirations for the future. Elsa, who had a fear of letting people in, opened up to James after his persistence challenged her to let her guard down.

On the other hand, James shared his passion for cooking and his dream of owning a restaurant someday. Elsa was impressed by his drive and hard work. During a leisurely walk in the park, they stumbled upon a small carnival where James won a stuffed animal for Elsa, sending her into a fit of giggles at his childlike excitement.

As the sun set, they found a bench to sit on and continued their conversation. James mustered up the courage to ask Elsa on a proper date without the pressure to prove anyone wrong. Excited butterflies fluttered in Elsa's stomach as she accepted. They both knew that this was only the beginning of something special.

 "Effie is your first friend?" James asked.

"Yes, she is she was always disturbing me; I had no choice but to respond to her," Elsa rolled her eyes, and James laughed.

"From childhood, anyone I consider as my friend either left me or got caught by my sister backstabbing me," Elsa said.

"That crazy," James said.

Elsa laughed, "She left me to choose my friends in college, and I am happy with my choice." They stared in silence for a moment.

"Let's get you home," James said.

"Ok," Elsa said. 

James took her home and waved her goodbye.

Roxy got home and met Xavier in the living room, watching a show.

"Where were you?" Xavier asked, looking at her.

"I went to meet Effie," Roxy said.

"Don't you think we should go out?" Xavier said, stunning Roxy.

"I don't know," Roxy blushed.

"Let's do it tomorrow," Xavier said.

After the stupefying conversation, Roxy ran to her room.

She rested for a bit before she got a call.

Mike called Roxy, "James and Elsa are a thing now,"

"What, why am I hearing of this now?" Roxy asked.

"I was trying to confirm it," Mike said.

"When did it happen?" Roxy asked.

"On Wednesday, I think it was planned by your father, Mike said.

"Oh shit, I don't care we are separating them," Roxy said, running her hands through her hair.

"Roxy, stop; your father is getting to you," Mike shouted.

"You don't understand a shit," Roxy shouted back.

"I am trying to; why do you think I followed you here?" Mike calmed himself.

"You are like a slave to him," Mike said.

Roxy broke down.

"She will fucking die, you know that, and I am trying to prevent it," 

"Roxy talk to Xavier," Mike said.

"That fuck boy is enthralled by Elsa," Roxy spat out.

"It doesn't matter," Mike said.

"It fucking does," Roxy said.

"Are you hiding something?" Mike asked.

Roxy didn't answer, knowing her best friend caught her.

*This is bad; I am doing this for her; she is my cousin*

*What should I do? I am lost; should I stop it, or what, I should talk to him*

The sun casts its warm rays over the garden, illuminating the vibrant colors of the many flowers that call this place their home. In the center of it all stands Xavier.

With a watering can, Xavier moves from flower to flower, carefully tending to each one with the utmost care and precision. His movements are slow and deliberate, almost as if he is in a dance with the flowers themselves.

He starts with the delicate roses, gently spraying down their leaves and buds with water. As he does so, he speaks to them softly, almost as if they can understand him.

'Good morning, my lovely beauties,' he whispers, a smile spreading across his face. "I hope you have all had a peaceful night."

Moving on, he kneels next to the tulips, gently brushing his fingers over their petals. He carefully removes any dead leaves or stems and then sprinkles a handful of fertilizer around the base of each one. It's almost as if he is hugging them, showing them love and care.

As he continues his work, Xavier sings softly to himself, a lullaby for the flowers. His love for them is evident in every movement, every touch, every word. He knows each one by name and gives them individual attention, just like a parent would with their children.

He stops to admire the sunflowers which have grown tall and strong under his care. He gently ties their stems to support sticks, making sure they stay upright and reach toward the sun.

"Keep growing, my little sun catchers," he says, smiling at them with pride.

Xavier's garden is not just a collection of plants to him; it's a sanctuary, A place where he can escape from chaos and pour all of his love and kindness into these beautiful creations of nature. And in return, the flowers thrive, filling the air with their sweet scents and adding a touch of magic to the surrounding area.

As the day goes on, Xavier finishes his work and stands back to admire his garden. Every flower stands tall and strong, each one a testament to his love and care. As he looks around, he can't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to tend to these precious plants and share a piece of his heart with them.

"I feel uneasy for some reason," Xavier said, snapping a flower.