Stuck between two bad boys

XAVIER’S POVNôvelDrama.Org content.

The lobby of the theatre was quiet when we walked in. Devin walked to the movie ticket counter and showed them our tickets.

“What’s showing?” Emily asked him.

“The final days started between twenty to twenty-five minutes ago. We can make a pick, After starts in theatre four in ten minutes.”

My jaw squeezed hearing that. I didn’t know how to feel about letting Emily see a romantic movie with Devin.

“Isn’t that like a romance movie?”

Devin turned his head to me and gave a nod. I was going to tell him to make another pick but Emily insisted we saw the movie.

“I’m fine with a romance movie. I can’t deal with horror or any other thing you have in mind, Xavier.”

We got into the theatre and sat down. I couldn’t help but feel a surge of jealousy whenever Emily stayed closer to Devin. It was like she was feeling comfortable around him and that sucks.

We saw the movie and Emily randomly wore a big cheesy smile and gleamed. I could notice her blushing cheek even in the dark theatre because of her little snorts.

The hood covered most of her face but I could still catch a glimpse of her.

When the movie was over, we got back home; Emily and I. Devin offered to drop us but I declined and reminded him I could take care of my sister.

We got inside the house and met mom in the sitting room. She had a blanket around her shoulders and ushered us in. Asked if we had fun and checked us to see if there was anything she could hold against us.

Luckily we didn’t smell like alcohol or weed or whatever she was expecting. She wished us a good night’s rest and retired to bed.

I lay on the bed after a shower and kept staring blankly at the ceiling. I never noticed how the shapes in the room were all analogous.

I turned to the other side of the bed to look at Emily but she was fast asleep and had the duvet over her. I couldn’t sleep, I just lay on my bed.

BThe door opened and I saw mom taking a peek into the room. I pretended to sleep and she looked around and left. It was the third time in just 4 hours. I hated that she found it necessary to sneak up on me and Emily to see if we were up to anything.

I felt the urge to yell at her to leave us alone but I couldn’t. Everyone including mom now sees me as the bad guy they have to protect Emily from. It was crazy that Emily even felt more comfortable with the real bad guy, Devin.

*****

I got dressed for school and grabbed a cup of coffee while waiting for Emily to get ready. She was taking a lot of time but I didn’t mind because I was tired of Gabby bullying her and having her hug Devin, fuck it.

When she was ready, I stood up from the chair and we walked outside. My truck had a battery problem and so we couldn’t use it. We planned to catch a bus we got outside but we saw James’ car parked outside. He was leaning over his car with his shades on.

Emily and I turned to look at each other and then returned our gaze to him. “What’s going on here?” Emily asked in an undertone.

I observed for a second and then replied to her, “I have no idea.”

“Emily,” James called walking towards us. He wore a wide smile that made me squeeze my jaw.

Emily didn’t respond to her name, she just stood still as if waiting for an explanation of why he was there.

“I came to get you to school,” he announced. “You both.”

He didn’t look at me, he just focused on Emily. I hated the way he grinned while talking to her. Images of how he threw his fist at me filled my head and I just huffed.

“I’ll rather walk.”

James turned his head to me and then to his right. I followed his line of vision and saw he was looking at mom.

“Xavier?” she called.

Fucking hell, I would honestly walk to Arizona and back if it meant I didn’t get to seat in his car. He irked me and I couldn’t bring myself to accept his ride.

“You are going to get grounded if you disobey me and walk.” Her voice was cracky as she spoke.

I swallowed the lump that irritation formed and just clenched my fist. I looked at mom and then at Dad. She was leaning on him for support and he wrapped his arms around her shoulders.

BBI noticed the dark circles under her eyes and the wrinkles on her forehead. Her face looked pale like she had the flu. I had no idea, I would possibly blame it on sneaking up on me and Emily all night. She barely had a good rest and that was due to her lack of trust.

Emily looked at her mother with her facial expression changing. Why was mom going to ground us for not wanting to follow James? I mean, wasn’t she the one who said Emily needed some time and James should leave her alone?

“Get in the car now,” she ordered, pointing to the Lexus parked across from where we stood.

“I need a break.” Emily rolled her eyes and took hesitant steps to the car.

I was the one remaining, I had my hands fixed on the pockets of my hoodie. “Fucking hell,” I muttered and joined Emily in the backseat.

James and I held our eyes for a second and then I walked away. I lowered myself beside her and just looked away. She sat quietly not wanting to say anything.

I could tell she was pissed but was trying to remain calm. She curled the hem of her clothes around her fingers.

My stomach grumbled and I felt a sharp pain. Hell no, the waffles I had didn’t digest. I felt like jumping out of the car but I couldn’t. I just held my stomach hoping that James drove faster so I could use the restroom.

My earphone was plugged into my ear with Kanye’s album playing. I took deep breaths and just remained calm, listening to the music.

Emily did the same, she remained calm and asked James no questions. When he asked her, she responded dismissively and continued looking at the reels on her phone.

She was watching a video of dogs and I couldn’t help but remember when she showed a similar video to Devin during the ride.

Pfffff! Girls and dogs.