XANDER'S POV
"Hey Xander, what's wrong? I've been calling you," a voice interrupted my thoughts.
I raised my head, and there was Clifford, sitting in his sleek car. I tucked my phone away and approached him with a nonchalant air.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, my gaze locking onto his.
"I'm meeting Evanda at a restaurant, this is the shortest route," he replied, his tone smooth and casual.
"Mind if I tag along?" I asked, a hint of curiosity creeping into my voice.
"Sure, why not. Get in," he said, a warm grin spreading across his face.
As we drove, Clifford broke the silence. "What were you thinking about?"
"Nothing, I don't know of any restaurant around here," I admitted, keeping my expression neutral.
"Ah, it's a new one," he replied, his eyes on the road.
We arrived at the restaurant, and Evanda spotted us. His surprise was palpable, and he couldn't help but laugh.
"Who do we have here?" he asked, his tone laced with amusement.
"Our friend here is going through a rough patch," Clifford said, nodding towards me.
I laughed it off, steering the conversation away from myself. "Where are you guys headed?"
"My place. I'm throwing a party, it's Pearl's birthday," Clifford explained.
"Oh, I don't think she'd appreciate my presence. You can drop me here," I said, a hint of reluctance in my voice.
"I'm sure she'd be happy to see you," Clifford replied.
"I don't have a gift," I said.
"Your presence alone is enough," Evanda replied.
When we arrived at the house, the decorations were already in place.
"Hey stranger," I heard someone say behind me. I turned around and it was Pearl.
"Happy birthday," I said, brushing my hands through my hair.
"Come give me a hug, I missed you," she said.
I stepped forward and she embraced me tightly in my arms. The hug was long and intimate.
"Don't go ghost on me again," she whispered, pulling away gently.
"Where's Romeo?" she asked.
"I haven't heard from him," I replied.
"I'm sorry Pearl, but this guy is needed for your brother," Evanda said.
"I'll see you around then," I said to Pearl and departed with Evanda.
The birthday party began a few hours later. I was surprised when I realized almost half of the school were present. I bid goodbye to Clifford and Evanda and made my exit.
"I told you not to go ghost on me," Pearl said behind me.
I laughed and hugged her. "I'll get you a present when we meet in school".
"I'll be expecting it?" she said and I left.
I stopped a taxi directly in front of the house and left. When I arrived home, I went straight into my room. I did not intend to encounter my mother.
I checked my phone and saw missed calls from Romeo, Lucille, my mom, and Cassandra.
My heart skipped a beat when I saw Cassandra's name, unlike the others, she called only once and it was just thirty minutes ago.
Without a second thought I tapped on her number, while waiting for her to answer the call, I could hear my heart beating.
She did not answer the call. I was still thinking about it when a text came in from her, "I'm busy".
I returned Romeo's call and he answered.
Romeo, "Where have you been?"
Xander, "I went to a birthday party."
Romeo, "Where are you now?"
Xander, "Home."
Romeo, "Okay, we'll talk tomorrow. I'm about to sleep."
Xander, "Alright, have a good night."
I did not finish my statement because he handed up the soured conversation.
He sounded angry. I hope everything is fine.
I woke up the next day and almost collapsed when I saw the time. I was running late.
I just managed to ready for school within thirty minutes. I went downstairs and saw my mom and dad having a conversation in the living room.
"Did you spend the night here?" I asked, looking at my dad. He smiled and nodded.
I turned to leave when my mom called me.
"Xander, your dad would be the one giving you allowances from now on," she said.
"Why?" I asked, clearly displeased.
"Don't worry, I've increased your allowance," my dad said, and I was surprised.
"You're running late, that's your car key on the table, use it," he added.
"My car key?" I asked, confused.
"He bought you a new car," my mom replied.
I took the keys and rushed outside, and oh my God! It was a Benz, my dad bought me a Benz.
I rushed back inside and hugged my mom, "Thank you mom," I said.
"Well, your dad bought it, you should thank him," my mom said.
"He bought it with your money?" I said and left.