A/N: This chapter is mainly focused on Xavier’s family, and of course revolving around the notebook, all the while. It’s a rather short chapter, I’m afraid. Do leave reviews, I’d love to receive criticisms.

Chapter 5

Xavier could not resist a second look at the black notebook he was now holding in his hands. He opened it gently and started flipping page-by-page slowly, having a good look at what was written in the book. He half-expected to see some juicy insights of the life of the owner of the book, but to his disappointment, they were all Biology notes, written neatly by the owner of the book who was clearly a lady, a lady with very nice cursive handwriting. His lips curved halfway down as he continued to flip through all the pages patiently, not wanting to give up so easily. When it was almost reaching the back of the book, he decided to speed up the flipping by skipping pages here and there, until something caught his eyes. He shook his head and flipped back, searching for the page that caught his eyes. Finally, to his relief, he found the page, scribbled with the same cursive handwriting. It wrote, “I miss you so much, Grandma. Please come back…”

Xavier took a closer look at the words and realized that the whole page was smudged with the ink. It did not take him long to realize that the owner was actually crying at the same time she was writing it. He stared at that page for a few seconds before the chauffeur called him. “Sir, we’re home.” Phil announced, looking into the mirror at him. Xavier shook his head once more and looked up, closing the book with utmost care. “Thank you, Phil, for driving me home.” He said sincerely while getting out of the car.

Phil smiled slightly and nodded, waving to Xavier as he drove off, being out of his sight in only a few seconds’ time. He walked up to the door slowly and unlocked it. “Mom? I’m home!” He looked around and started towards the kitchen, when his four-year-old sister rushed down the stairs and jumped onto him. “Hey, little one.” He picked her up and hugged her tightly.

“Hi Xav!” Heather looked at him and grinned, giving him a peck on his cheeks. “I want to show you something I did in school!” Xavier put her down gently and she squealed with delight. She was attempting to pull Xavier upstairs when Mrs. Richards popped her head out from the kitchen. She smiled at him and nodded, showing him she knew he was home. Then, her eyes settled on Heather and gave her a reproving look. “Darling, stop bothering your brother. He just got home from school and he’s tired, he needs to bathe.”

“But…” Heather looked at her with puppy eyes. She was a lovable kid; everyone loved her the first time they set their eyes on her. Her puppy look was irresistible. She gave Xavier a sad look and looked down at the floor. Xavier looked at his mother and then turned to her. “Hey, it’s alright, okay? Don’t be sad, c’mon, give me a smile!” He knelt down and patted her head. “Come, what was it that you wanted to show me?” Heather’s eyes lit up. She looked at him and gave him a wide grin, showing all her teeth. “It’s upstairs!” She held his hand and pulled him with her. Xavier turned to give his mother a smile, and she sighed, smiling.

After looking at Heather’s artwork, he went back to his room and threw his bag onto the floor. He laid on the bed and looked up, deep in thoughts. I wonder who the owner of the book is; I would really like to meet her. What if she needs the book desperately? There was a soft knock on the door. “Come on in.”

He turned sideways to glance at the door, and Mrs. Richards peeked into the room. “Dinner’s almost ready, Xav. Have you bathed yet?”

“Oh! I haven’t, I’ve been with Heather just now.”

“Yeah, I knew it. Go and bathe now, dinner will be ready by the time you finish bathing. Be quick, alright? Don’t keep us waiting. Heather’s been complaining that she’s hungry since an hour ago.” She gave him a knowing smile and closed the door behind her as she walked away.

After a refreshing bath, he walked downstairs and saw that his father had reached home. “Hi, Dad.” He looked at him and gave him a slight smile. Mr. Richards turned his attention from Heather to him, and gave him a smile, nodding. At dinner, Heather was busy babbling away about the artwork that she had done in school, trying to make everyone pay attention to her. Xavier finished quickly and went back to his room. He surfed the net for a while, before finally collapsing on his bed. He looked at the handwriting on the notebook once more. I wonder who she is… Finally, he drifted off to sleep.