Breathless  

Chapter 9

There was a horrible pounding feeling taking over my entire skull. I opened one eye, and quickly closed it. The sun was too bright. I took a deep breath. There was an overwhelming fragrance coming from downstairs. It made my stomach ache. I rubbed my eyes. Everything seemed to be amplified a hundred times greater than normal. Getting out of bed, I noticed I had on a baggy gray t-shirt. I didn’t remember putting this on? I threw my hair into a messy bun, and slipped on a pair of sweats and my ‘London 2012’ sweatshirt. I took some ibuprofen, and put my reading glasses on. Today was my lazy day. I really needed to catch up on my reading. Tolstoy had been highly neglected since the move. I desperately needed to catch up on it. I plopped into a chair in the living room. My headache was subsiding with each passing minute, thank goodness. As I got deep into my book, the doorbell rang. I groaned, and trudged over to the door. Only peddlers would be out this early in the morning. I opened the door. “Whatever you’re selling, I don’t…” I stopped when I saw Xavier. He was standing there, hands in his swim trunks, smiling. He smelled so good. Last night suddenly hit me right in the gut. The vodka, the full blown tantrum, the boy with the blonde hair, Xavier’s room, his shirt, his bed. And, his face so close to mine. Heat crept up my face, making my cheeks glow a bright red. I was thoroughly embarrassed.
“I didn’t know you had glasses.” Xavier pointed to my black reading glasses. I fumbled with them, taking them off.
“They’re just reading glasses,” I said, stuttering. Nice going, Addison. I wanted to slap myself. I needed to be cool. I couldn’t manage to be cool around Xavier, though. My nerves go all haywire every time he’s around. He nodded.
“You feeling better?” his face looked concerned. I smiled. He came to see how I was doing. “You were pretty drunk last night. I wanted to make sure you weren’t sick or anything.”
“I’m fine,” I said, as I tried to hide my penguin socks behind the door. Xavier noticed, and looked down at my feet. I saw him smile.
“Those are amazing,” He said, looking back up at me. “Will you take a walk with me?” I nodded, and slipped on some sandals. Xavier led me to the beach, and down to the wet sand. It was cool this morning by the water, but it felt good inside my sweatshirt. We walked in silence for a while, until I finally couldn’t stand it anymore.
“Thanks for last night. I was stupid for saying that stuff, and for getting that drunk. I don’t usually get like that, it’s just been a crap week.” I don’t know why, but I wanted to tell him everything. He must have that effect on everyone, because somebody’s always telling him something. I put my hands in the pockets of my hoodie, just to have something to do.
“About that girl you saw me with. I just want to say ---,”
“Stop,” I said, interrupting him. I did not want to hear about this. He looked at me surprised. “I don’t want to know.”
“Let me explain. I’m not like that, Addison. I made a mistake. I don’t cheat, even if Caitlyn does.” He looked into my eyes, then quickly out to the ocean.
“Why don’t you just leave her? I’m sure you could find someone better than her. I know you could. She is a horrible person. No, I don’t know her, but I can tell. Because I’m good at that. I’m good at reading people. And I can tell you aren’t happy with her.” I made myself stop talking. The words, ‘I’m better than her. You should pick me,’ were poised on the tip of my tongue, ready to slither out when given the chance. I bit my lip, holding back. Xavier didn’t say anything for a few minutes. “You know what, just forget it. I’ll ask Mrs. Plumley if we can switch partners. I don’t like owing things to people. That will be my return favor. Bye, Xavier.” I headed back to my house. He yelled after me, but I didn’t stop. Who cared, right? This was California, and there is an abundance of boys. I didn’t need to get stuck up on one. But, as the day went on, I couldn’t help but have one thought. I don’t want any other guy.