Chapter 9 Xavier

After extinguishing his cigarette butt, Desmond made his way down the stairs and met his parents waiting for him.

"Mom, Dad?" He said.

Mrs. William saw him and stood up. Her love for her son was evident, reflected in her old yet delicate face.

"Oh, Desmond, boy!" said his mom as she hugged him. "I'm so happy to see you again!"

"Mom!" Desmond pouted and hugged her again, relishing the warmth of her embrace.

"You just care about your mother, huh?" Mr. William joked with a pursed lips.

"Stop whining, old man," his mom responded, playfully exchanging banter with her husband.

Desmond chuckled and said "I miss the both of you, okay?" He approached his dad and gave him a hug. "Do you guys want anything? I can ask the maid to prepare something quick. I didn't expect you both to be here, you should have informed me earlier," Desmond said.

"Oh no, there's no need. We've already eaten at a restaurant before coming," Mrs. William replied.

"What about your luggage?" he asked.

"We're staying in one of our hotels here," Mr. William responded.

"We actually came here to see how you are faring and also to see Liam," Mrs. William said, pulling Desmond to sit beside her.

"Are you guys still cold towards each other?" Mrs. William asked. She knew how both her sons are and that she caused their strained relationship by favoring Desmond over Liam.

"Mom, you don't have to worry. Liam is my big brother, and he will come around after venting his anger," Desmond replied.

Desmond knew his parents were staying with Liam, not at a hotel, in an attempt to make things right with him.

He was so immature and unreasonable and wanted to show that trait with Lisa and he really regretted doing such a thing. He hope to amend all the wrongs.

>>>>>>>>

Standing right in front of a brown door, a name tag with the words "PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE" was on it. Donna sighed and then knocked. Hearing the reply, she turned the knob and went in.

Four pairs of eyes turned to her as she closed the door behind her.

" Sorry, I'm late" Donna quickly apologized after seeing the looks of distain looking her way.

Ariana was standing quietly at the side with her face looking down. It was obvious that she was insulted and scolded before Donna came in.

" You should keep to time more often but what do I expect when your sister behaves like a thug right here in this school" a woman with a young girl sitting beside her fired while glaring at Donna.

Donna looked over at the young girl about riana's age with a red swollen patch at the side of her face and then looked back at the principal whose eyes were on her.

"Sorry, I'm late," Donna quickly apologized after noticing the disapproving glances directed her way. Ariana stood silently at the side, her face downturned, clearly feeling insulted and scolded before Donna arrived.

"You really need to be more punctual, but I can't say I'm surprised considering your sister's behavior like a thug right here in this school," a woman with a young girl sitting beside her fired, glaring at Donna. Donna glanced over at the young girl, around Ariana's age, with a red swollen patch on the side of her face, and then looked back at the principal, Mr. Alex, who was watching her closely.

"I apologize, Mr. Alex, I promise it won't happen again."

"Miss Peters, this isn't the first time this has occurred, and I'm tired of constantly hearing your apologies," Mr. Alex responded sternly.

"Mr. Alex, I'll take care of her medical bills and everything, but please, this won't happen again. I promise. If it does, I'll withdraw her from this school."

"Mr. Alex, don't let this hoodlum off the hook. Someone like her shouldn't be allowed to remain in a school like this. She needs to be expelled," Mrs. Sara interrupted, sensing Mr. Alex's wavering stance.

Mr. Alex cleared his throat and asserted, "Mrs. Sara, I will reach a decision after further investigation. Miss Peters, Ariana will temporarily leave the dormitory and will only be allowed to return after we determine the truth of what happened."

"Thank you, Mr. Alex. I hope the truth will be revealed," Mrs. Sara said with a smug look, directed at Ariana and Donna.

💕 Outside the Dormitory 💕

Ariana walked out of the dormitory gate with a bag, accompanied by a girl who met up with Donna, who was waiting for Ariana. "Goodbye, Ariana. I'm so sorry," the girl said as she hugged Ariana.

Donna observed her sister and her friend silently. The girl had deep brown hair, bright brown eyes, and freckles on her cheeks. Her face was red, revealing she had been crying. She appeared genuinely regretful and apologetic as she embraced Ariana before letting her go.

Donna turned and walked away without glancing back, her thoughts hidden from everyone. Ariana hurriedly followed her, keeping a respectful distance behind her sister's back. She knew Donna was angry, and now she regretted her actions.

💕 Flashback 💕

"Have you eaten?" a girl's voice came from the doorway.

"Not yet," Ariana replied, engrossed in her reading.

"Dinner time will be ending soon," Thecla, a brown-haired girl with freckles, stood beside Ariana. They were roommates and close friends. "I have some snacks," Ariana responded, looking at Thecla.

"Come on, Ariana, that's not real food. Let's go to the cafeteria now," Thecla urged, tugging on Ariana's arm. With no other choice, Ariana reluctantly followed her friend.

In the cafeteria

the two friends walked towards an empty table, each balancing a tray of food. The noise from the other students created a lively atmosphere.

Thecla took a bite of her bread and said, "You shouldn't only focus on your studies. It's important to eat and take care of yourself. Your sister would want to see you happy rather than malnourished and constantly striving to make her proud."

Ariana smiled and replied, "I assure you, I eat enough. Don't make it seem like I hardly touch any food."

Thecla shook her head gently. "Well, snacking on junk food doesn't provide the necessary nutrients your body needs."

Ariana paused and then confessed, "Do you know why I dislike coming to the cafeteria?"

Thecla raised an eyebrow. "Well, it's obvious you're trying to avoid trouble, but that doesn't mean you should neglect your own well-being. Pearl and her clique won't bother us after what you did to them last time."

Ariana shrugged off Pearl and her minions. "I'm not concerned about Pearl. I just don't want to see..."

Thecla interjected, her eyes widening. "Xavier?!"

Confused, she followed Thecla's gaze and spotted Xavier approaching their table.

"Nooo" Ariana muttered under her breath.