Chapter twenty-two

"Psst!" A ruffle and crinkle of paper, followed by an object bouncing off the back of her head made Artemis jolt in her seat. "Artemis!"

Confused, she glanced over her shoulder to see Rosie furiously pointing at the wad of paper on the ground. The intense look in her eyes reminded Artemis of drug addicts, although Rosie probably wouldn't appreciate the comparison. Artemis glanced at the front in time to see Lancaster turn to face the whiteboard, and quickly bent over to grab crumpled sheet.

Why were you LATE WITH XAVIER COHEN? YOU HAD LUNCH WITH HIM? WHAT IS HAPPENING?

Artemis' laugh came out as a choked cough. A few students glanced at her and looked away, but even two rows away from her, Xavier caught her eyes. Once he realized he had her attention, his eyebrows rose. "You okay?" he mouthed.

Artemis nodded surreptitiously and twirled her pen thoughtfully. Instead of writing, she turned her head and met Rosie's gaze, who seemed to look even more enraged in her confusion, clearly a witness of her exchange with Xavier.

"I'll tell you later," Artemis whispered.

Later came much faster than Artemis anticipated, to Rosie's delight, as Lancaster finished the lecture early and gave the go-ahead to work on their projects. Despite not being partners, Rosie immediately grabbed her chair and set it right next to Artemis' desk.

Rosie's words came out as a hiss. "Where did you go?"

Artemis was alarmed at the intensity of Rosie's stare but she answered all the same. "We just went for lunch."

"This wasn't for the project," Rosie said with certainty, her head tilted to the side as she studied Artemis. "Becky and Tiana were saying during second that Xavier went up to you and demanded that you go to lunch with him. You know that Maya's in my class right? She heard and she looked pissed." Rosie's words were a fervent whisper, and for good reason because Maya was sitting fairly close to them. "Why did he want to go to lunch? Are you…" Rosie squinted, a look of dawning realization on her face, "…friends?"

Against her will, Artemis felt her cheeks heat. The look of disbelief on Rosie's face made her realize how bizarre friendship with Xavier was at this school. As an elite, he had the good looks expected of someone in his status, in addition to his generational wealth, not to mention his intelligence and athleticism. As cliché as it was, he embodied all qualities of an ideal man. It was easy to remember when he had looked at her in disdain and arrogance, especially when she watched him interact with Maya and those who surrounded him like a force field. The distance between them was insurmountable, because he lived on a star while she was on solid earth.

But then she watched him smile at her brother, witnessed his uncertainty with his sister, saw his concern when he thought she wasn't looking—and later still, felt the way his arms tighten around her body as if he could absorb her pain.

"It just kind of happened," she admitted, and tried to ignore the way Rosie's face lit up. "He's not that bad." This time she said the words barely above a murmur, lest everyone else in the room had supersonic hearing.

Rosie's jaw dropped and the moment settled upon them like a heavy blanket.

"I have noticed him watching for you," Rosie said thoughtfully, and at Artemis' look of incredulity, she added, looking across the room from the corner of her eyes, "His eyes follow you. Like right now, he's looking over. I don't even think he realizes."

Artemis didn't believe her, but glanced over all the same. To her astonishment, her eyes met blue ones, and a moment later his lips pulled into a smirk and he winked.

"Oh my god," Rosie muttered under her breath. A quick look at her friend painted a picture of complete shock and appreciation. "I knew he was gorgeous, but seeing him like this… he definitely likes you."

Artemis automatically ducked her head to check and see if Maya overheard Rosie. Thankfully the girl was engaged in a deep conversation with another classmate and missed the exchange. Artemis turned to glare at Xavier, who merely shrugged. He clearly knew what she was thinking and he clearly didn't care.

"He doesn't like me, he's just having fun," Artemis said.

Rosie's expression indicated that she did not agree, but she didn't push the subject either. She did, however, move on to discuss Maya and Xavier's relationship. It was apparently a hot topic amongst the junior and senior year students, particularly the girls. Artemis generally cared very little for gossip, but in this case, she had a vested interest considering Maya unmistakably considered her a threat. Artemis couldn't be too careful in this case.

Xavier was, unpredictably, one of the most sought after males in school. It wasn't hard to see why, but for the majority of their time in high school, everyone knew he belonged to Maya. Of course he flirted with attractive girls, but at the end of the day, it was Maya he turned to, as far as they knew anyway. At least, that was the unspoken understanding amongst the female population. Artemis found it quite impressive, in only the vague way you realize something was happening.

"Someone overheard Sadie and Joanna talking about it. They think this is just a fight." Rosie observed her. "But I don't think so. I think he's interested in someone else and he wants to give her his undivided attention."

Artemis was amused. "Wouldn't Sadie and Joanna have a better understanding of their friends' relationship?"

"Not if they saw him around you."

Artemis didn't bother to deign her words with a response and flipped to the page of her binder titled Social and Cultural Dimensions of Behaviour. Underneath were her rough notes for the draft of her final essay. The sooner she finished this, the sooner she had nothing to do with Maya.

"I would watch out for Maya, though. I don't think she's rational where Xavier is concerned."

"What do you mean?"

"I went to middle school with her, remember?" Rosie said. "All I'll say is… you don't want to get on her bad side. She'll find a way to get back at you."

Artemis frowned in response to Rosie's look of concern. "Well that sounds ominous," she muttered. Now Artemis felt the stirrings of paranoia. She had too many things going on to worry about high school retaliation from a girl because of a boy. Artemis wasn't necessarily nervous, but for the most part of her high school career, she had coasted under the radar. To be the target of someone like Maya at the top of the social hierarchy was not something she wanted to get used to.

During the last few minutes of class they discussed their projects. Artemis still had to complete her interviews, even though she had the majority of her research for the bulk of the project. Rosie shared she and Harry actually got along, once she was able to get over her judgmental tendencies. Naomi had dragged her chair to their table in the midst of their discussion. Artemis took a look at her disgruntled face and her eyes darted to Xavier who looked too relaxed to be innocent.

"This project will be the death of me," Naomi announced gloomily.

Rosie raised an eyebrow. "What happened?"

"I've only done one interview – one!" Naomi was frenzied. "Maya refuses to talk about Xavier. Talking to Sven is like pulling teeth! And who is Natalia Lively? I will never know because does not answer her phone!" Naomi glowered in the direction of Xavier, seemingly triggered once more. "And do you know what he says to me? 'Relax, we still have a lot of time, they'll get back to you'… I will die from stress before this is complete."

Rosie followed Naomi's gaze. Unlike Naomi, Rosie was all too happy to appreciate Xavier's good looks. "That sounds frustrating. He doesn't look to be too bothered though."

As if sensing females eyeing his form, Xavier glanced up. Recovering quickly, he raised his eyebrows, a smile curling his lips. He probably had a built in sensor, Artemis thought in amusement.

"Feel free to take some photos, ladies," he called out cheekily.

His comment caught the attention of those around him, and Artemis saw Maya glance at Xavier, and then her eyes landed on their little group. Artemis couldn't exactly say that Maya was glaring directly at her, because that would make her sound paranoid, but what else would you call it when her death stare didn't waver? Artemis didn't care to find out.

"Why a photo when we can look at the real thing?" Rosie said playfully.

Xavier's smile widened to a grin and his eyes swept over the group before he looked directly at Artemis. "I don't mind you admiring this way either."

Artemis could practically sense Naomi's blood pressure practically rising at Xavier's carefree attitude. Rosie was more mischievous than she let on, and while Artemis tended to coast under the radar, Rosie had the looks, allure and background to fully step into the ranks of the Elite if she desired. Instead, she chose to straddle the line between the two worlds. By all accounts, it made the most sense in the most teenage logic for Xavier to be drawn to Rosie.

But his eyes were locked on hers.

The longer Xavier held her gaze, the hotter her cheeks felt. The grin on his face faded to a smirk and looked distinctly roguish. At this point Artemis didn't dare look away, lest he thought he made her nervous. Well, he didn't. And she had to make him realize this.

"I don't think they're blinking," Rosie stage-whispered to Naomi as both eyes darted back and forth between Artemis and Xavier.

Her words made Artemis jolt, and consequently, look away from Xavier. Damnit.

Thankfully she was saved from saying anything by the sound of the bell. Ignoring Rosie's knowing look, she swiped her books into her bag and threw it over her shoulder in one smooth motion. "I'll see you guys later," she said to Rosie and Naomi with a parting smile and stepped into the flow of students leaving the classroom.

Artemis let out a breath she didn't know she was holding once she was down the hallway. She had the most curious urge to look over her shoulder to search for the blue eyes she had pointedly avoided as she left the classroom. Fortunately she only had to wrestle with the urge for a few moments before common sense reigned and she managed to focus on getting to her next class.

By the end of the day, she half expected to see Xavier leaning against her locker. But it wasn't like she could stay to… what, talk, chat, spar? with him anyway – she had a shift tonight at Riveria.

Still – even when he wasn't here she still had the memory of his arms around her. His body felt harder than hers, more solid, and the comfort she felt, as his warmth wrapped around her was unexpected.

She felt her heart thud hard against her chest and she resisted the urge to slam her head against a hard surface. Even remembering the way he looked at her made her mind stutter and she tried in vain to calm herself. So he was good looking. Big deal. Common knowledge but something changed – she didn't know what, didn't realized until now, but there was something different.

Artemis tried in vain to get ahold of herself during work but even Jean could tell she was distracted. She was able to dodge and ignore her shrewd looks until one hour before she was set to end her shift.

Jean went straight for the jugular. "So what's going on with you and that boy who came by a few weeks ago?"

Artemis froze for a moment before she resumed her reach for the takeaway bags behind the counter. "We're working on a project together," she said noncommittally. More or less it was the truth.

"He asked about you, you know." At these words, Artemis' head swung to Jean, who had a cat-ate-the-canary smile. "He came by a couple of times to speak to Terry. He seemed very… interested in what I had to say about you."

Artemis could not believe the way her blood was rushing in her ears. "What did he say?"

"He asked how long we've known each other. He apologized for that night he and his friends came. He told me about you at school and with your family, and…" Jean looked her over, a small smile on her face, "… and he said he really admired you."

Earlier, when he had pulled away from the hug, Xavier's face was devoid of its usual mischief, but the warmth of his gaze felt like sunlight kissing her skin. Artemis felt like she was thrust back into that moment with Jean's words fluttering in her head. Every inch of her skin felt warm.

That night, Artemis laid on her bed, staring at the ceiling. On her desk was a photo the family, on one of their last cottage trips: Clara's arm was around Artemis' neck as she smiled brightly at the camera. Artemis rolled over to her side and grabbed the picture frame.

"I think you would like him," Artemis said into the silence. Tonight her heart didn't hurt as much, thinking about Clara like this. "You always tell me not to judge someone and I never believed you. But with Xavier, all I can think about is how right you are about people."

And then her mind drifted to Maya, someone who differed from her first impression: Maya's cold expressions, clipped tone, and general passive aggressive behaviour. It was a contrast from her warm smiles, understanding voice and pleasant disposition as an acquaintance.

Of course, she figured this wouldn't necessarily be happening if it weren't for Xavier.

Thankfully the next day she had little interactions with Maya. Artemis hated that she was hyper alert, but honestly, at this point she felt it would only take breathing in Maya's direction for the girl to come for her throat – or rather, if she was caught breathing in Xavier's direction.

Artemis studiously kept her gaze from wandering during first period, even when she had felt eyes raking her face.

.

"What's with the look?"

Artemis straightened from reaching for her textbook, to face Sven leaning against the next locker. She didn't even realize she was frowning until that point. "Oh. Nothing." She took in his proximity. "Can I help you?"

The corner of his lips kicked into a smirk. "Well, actually, you can," he said and suddenly in her face was a colourful card with the words "You're Invited!" in glitter. "My nephew's birthday is this weekend and Noah is invited."

"Do you normally invite other people's kids to your nephew's birthdays?" Artemis asked, not quite hiding her surprise.

Sven shrugged. "Pretty much, yeah."

"And your sister is okay with this?"

Sven gave her his trademark condescending look. It reminded Artemis of a king looking down on a peasant for asking ridiculous questions. "Sofia knows I'd do anything to make Finn's birthday the party of the year."

A laugh escaped Artemis. "He's two years old."

"He's turning three, actually, and in my culture, the third birthday is a rite of passage."

Artemis immediately sobered. "It is? I apologize for laughi—"

Sven's bark of laughter cut her off, and she noticed several glances their way throughout the hall. "I'm messing with you, Artemis."

Artemis could only stare in astonishment. In the brief moment, she could appreciate what the majority of the female population thought of Sven. He really was handsome, more so when he wasn't being a cocky asshole, and especially when he was turning up his charm.

"Thanks," she said finally, accepting the invitation. "I'll have to ask Noah's mother, but I'll let you know."

Sven smiled, leaning back against the locker. "So, you didn't answer me. What's with the look on your face?"

Artemis' smile turned neutral and she faced her locker once more. "I'm not sure what you mean."

"Could it have something to do with the rumours about you and Xavier?"

Against her will, Artemis' head swung to face Sven who was grinning like the Cheshire cat. "What rumours?"

"Just high school rumours," he said carelessly. "No need to concern yourself with them if you haven't heard."

"Well thanks, that'll ease my mind," Artemis said dryly.

Sven pushed himself off the locker. "Just remember they're silly rumours fueled by silly people." His eyes caught hers, searching the depths of her gaze. "Could it have something to do about… Sunday?"

Her back stiffened remembering the last time he had the expression… Sunday afternoon, when standing at her sister's final resting place, she saw the last person she expected to see behind her, calling her name.

Artemis' face felt frozen. "Don't," she said through clenched teeth.

Sven's expression didn't change, other than a flicker of his eyes over her shoulder. "Let me know about Saturday, yeah? You can ask Xavier for my number. I'll see you later." With a cocky grin, he winked and disappeared into the rush of students passing by. Artemis felt her shoulders drop as tension left her body.

"As if I'd ask Xavier of all people," Artemis said under her breath.

"Why wouldn't you?"

Artemis whirled around. Xavier stood behind her, bag slung over his shoulder, other hand in his pocket. Other than his raised eyebrow, his expression was neutral.

"Sorry?" Artemis forced herself to relax and turned back to her locker.

"You can ask me anything." Xavier peered closely at her face, but his eyes flickered over her head, presumably in the direction of Sven. "But why you would you want Sven's number?"

"I don't," she said, but remembering the card, she halted. "Well, he invited Noah to his nephew's birthday party. I'll need to ask his mother." She shut her locker and turned to face him. Other than the tension in his neck, he looked calm.

"He did tell us we would need to be at his house next Saturday," Xavier said. "But nothing about a birthday."

"Is it his party or his nephew's?" Artemis shook her head but then grew thoughtful. "Although, I have heard that Sven's parties are legendary."

Xavier raised an eyebrow, a mock surprised look on his face. "You, Artemis McKenzie, actually listen to high school gossip?"

"Against my will," she clarified, but still, she felt her cheeks heat at the teasing twinkle in his eyes. "You realize, don't you, that girls talk about you and your friends every day? It's hard to ignore."

He shrugged noncommittally, swiping her bag and decisively leading her down the hall. With an exasperated look, she had no choice but to follow. Even this garnered looks from the girls they passed by. Unfortunately, a few were unfriendly faces her way.

"Hey Xavier," Sadie stepped in front of them. Next to her stood Joanna, who was giving Artemis a cool look. Apparently she was not a fan of Artemis. "I haven't talked to you in a while and you're never at parties anymore!"

Xavier smiled, almost perfunctorily. "Hey Sadie, how's it going? Yeah, I've had to focus on some projects and soccer practice."

Sadie pouted. "Even Joanna was saying you're ditching your friends." And then Sadie's eyes darted to her face. "Artemis, right? We had a few classes last year. Where are you guys going?"

Artemis checked her urge to grin at the brazen display.

"Xavier was just walking me to my car," Artemis said mildly, despite the fact that this was not discussed.

"Oh, then you're free," Joanna said pointedly to Xavier. "We're going to get dinner at the Shangri-La. I can call them to let them know you're coming."

"Sorry, I can't," Xavier said easily, "Artemis and I are having dinner. I'll talk to guys later." And with those final words, Xavier grabbed Artemis' hand and tugged her towards the parking lot. She couldn't resist looking over her shoulder. Joanna's pretty face was twisted in annoyance and Sadie had a look of disbelief.

Artemis ignored the way her heart began to race at feel of his skin. "Lunches and dinner? Your guilt must be eating you alive."

Earlier today, Xavier made good on his promise to pay her back for Riveria with lunches. He was standing next to her locker, smiling almost in pity at her befuddlement. While she was very much aware of his guilt of how he treated her, she really didn't expect him to have lunch with her until she was repaid.

Xavier glanced at her. "No guilt."

"Too scared to tell your friends you don't want to hang out with them?"

Xavier's eyes brightened at her words. "Actually I'm doing you a favour. If I told them I'd rather spend all my time with you, who knows what they would do?"

If he noticed her flush, he didn't let on. Artemis didn't know if it was worse, because if he pointed it out, she could at least deny his words.

Xavier didn't slow down when they pushed through the double doors; instead, he led her to her car.

"So, what are you doing this evening?"

Artemis rooted for her keys in her bag to avoid looking at him. "The hospital. I have a few things to talk to the manager about the fundraiser."

"Yeah? It's in about a month, right?"

"Yeah. The vendors participating have been finalized. I'm mostly helping with organizing the logistics of the actual day." Artemis forced herself to look at Xavier. He was closer than she thought, but she stood her ground, even when her skin broke out into goose bumps.

"When are the volunteers being assigned?"

"The e-mail with time slots will probably go out next week."

"Do you need any help?"

The sincerity in his voice was genuine, but she couldn't help but think of Maya and her terrifying possessiveness. "I'll let you know," she said. "Before I forget, what's Sven's number? I have to let him know about Noah."

At her words, Xavier's expression shifted from easy-going to one with filled with tension. It was curious to watch the subtle change, but in all honesty, the feelings he invoked in her were probably best examined when she wasn't in his presence.

He pulled out his phone and made quick work of sending Sven's information.

She looked up from the screen and smiled. "Thanks Xavier."

For a moment he looked stunned, but he cleared his throat. "No problem."

It was slightly awkward, mostly because it felt like the moment was too short. The urge to be in his presence nearly overwhelmed her senses, but she fought to stay in the moment. Artemis could feel him looking at her. She hoped she looked fine, but she knew her face was probably haggard from the stress. Still, she took to heart the way he gazed at her. No judgment.

He touched her elbow gently. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Try as she might, Artemis could not stop smiling on the drive to the hospital.

.

Xavier watched Artemis drive out of the parking lot. It was all he could do to stop himself from tailing after her. It was only when her car disappeared around the corner did he turn his heel and walked back into the building. He half expected Joanna to jump from behind the double doors, but thankfully there was no sign of her or Sadie. He figured he was beginning to look a little transparent, not that he cared much. He always knew he would get the comments from the girls.

The moment he turned the corner of the hallway, he wanted to turn back around. Maya stood next to his locker, cellphone in hand, clearly waiting for him. Xavier knew the day of reckoning would come, but he didn't think it would be so soon. Instead, he exhaled sharply and forced a smile on his face.

"Maya," he said nonchalantly.

Her head shot up and she immediately pocketed her cell. As he approached, he took in the way her grip tightened around the textbook she carried in one hand, but it was the determination on her face that kept him on his toes. Frankly, the fact she was here, approaching him first, was astonishing.

"Xavier." Maya cleared her throat. "I heard you weren't coming to dinner tonight."

Impressive. That was less than 10 minutes, if that, for the news to travel. Xavier went through the motions of opening his locker to grab his bag and textbook. "Nope."

A beat, and then two. "Sadie said you had other plans," Maya said carefully. It was clear she was modulating her voice to sound neutral instead of suspicious, just as it was clear she was fishing for information. Xavier wanted to smirk but he figured he should hold off on the arguments as long as he could.

"I do," he said but didn't elaborate.

The silence stretched. Biting back a sigh, he faced her. Maya's hair was in a high ponytail today, showcasing her high cheekbones and round eyes. She didn't shy away from his gaze, but he also didn't see anger, which he expected. Interesting.

"What's this about Maya?"

Maya looked affronted. "What, I can't talk to you now?"

Xavier resisted the urge to grimace at the argumentative edge in her words. "I have to run," he said instead, "is there anything you wanted to talk about?"

For the first time, she hesitated. "I was hoping I'd see you tonight, but since you're not coming, I…" she looked down, eyelashes sweeping the top of her cheeks, and gave a little laugh. "Never mind," she said shortly. "Clearly you don't want to talk to me right now."

He felt a twinge in his chest when he saw the hurt blossom on her face. "It's not that," he said, this time more softly. "I'm sorry, Maya, I really do have to go. We can talk about it tomorrow, during lunch?"

Maya's eyes brightened at his words. "Yeah, that works."

It was a moment that occurred hundreds of times. Maya would freeze him out, and when she decided she was over it, she would just need to run her hand over his chest to return to their relationship. It was easy for Xavier to go through the motions. Easy not to think too hard about what he felt, why he felt that way. It was easy to let life happen to him, instead of confronting it.

He knew now though – really, he should have known when he was reeling from the backlash that happened with his sister. Being a bystander in his own life, it wasn't something he wanted anymore. And Maya…

He gazed at her. She was smiling at him, waiting. It was habitual almost for him to reach over and pull her close after these deep freezes. It was easy, like a life long habit, with the way their relationship evolved – easy for him to be with her, easy for him to fall into the patterns of who they were.

But easy didn't mean it was good for you – and now he knew what he wanted.

"I'll see you then," he confirmed, shutting his locker. Without a backward glance, he walked away.

.

Author's Note (08/12/24): The funny thing is, I started this chapter almost immediately after I finished the last one – which was two years ago! I am determined to finish this story though and find joy in writing again. I hope you all have been well. Please drop a comment and let me know how you have been! As always, I am open to feedback. Love you all!