THE FALL OF A GUARDIAN

YNNAH

~2 years ago~

I sighed a few times as I stood at a huge door in front of me as my mind debated whether to open it or not. I could hear the music and laughter of those people behind this door, I composed my self and took another deep breath while holding the door knob and turned it but I still don't have the confidence to open it, I clenched my fist and bravely touched the doorknob once again.

I know I'm not welcome inside because from the first place I am not indeed welcome for them. They loathed me to the point that they would push me away from their son, but I am still here making myself stupid and hoping they would accept me as their son's girlfriend. I didn't do something to them for despising me this much, but they are overdoing it.

They even did stories that I was exchanged by my boyfriend for someone who truly deserves him. To the woman who's more beautiful, sexy, and wealthy. I pushed the door harshly to get their attention, but something caught my attention more. No, not something but someone.

His parents are not around, only his friends and cousins but I never thought of that. I just focused on my boyfriend with a girl beside him while they were both kissing torridly which made me stilled in disbelief.

One of his friends tried to make them stop, and he succeeded while pointing my direction. I saw how he look stunned when his eyes wide open. I could hear nothing but my heart beats so fast as if horses were running inside it. Everybody's eyes were on mine but I still don't give a damn. He pushed the girl away as he walked towards me but I stopped him using my hand.

It hurts, yes it pains me so damn much! But I don't want them to see that I'm vulnerable and affected by what just happened a while ago. I composed myself once again and gaze at him without any expression that can catch a glimpse of my face.

"Y-ynnah-"

"Stop," I said to cut him off. I don't need any explanation from him because what I saw was all enough to realize everything.

I am not a masochist just to ignore the fraud he committed and my mind was closed for his stupid explanations!

"Ynnah please-,"

"I said stop! Are you deaf or just stupid?" I couldn't stop myself from shouting.

"Hey, miss! What's your problem with my boyfriend? Who are you to yell at him? " the woman he kissed earlier entered.

I sophisticatedly raised my brow and eyed her from head to foot. "Boyfriend huh?" I said as I glared at Xander who was now bent over. "Then it's all yours. Anyway, I'm Ynnah Francine Seung his long-time girlfriend but now his ex. "

I saw how he looked up at me with wide eyes. "Y-ynnah-,"

"Let's break up. " I finally said before he finishes anything he was about to say as I turned my back to walk away. He was about to run after me but the girl stops him from doing so.

"What the heck is she talking about?!" I heard the woman exclaimed it before I could get out of the door.

The moment that I finally came out of that room, the tears that I had been holding back came out.

So, all this time he's cheating on me? How dare him?! Did he think I would chase? Fuck him! In his stupid dreams!

I am foolish but I will never chase!

I left that place with a heavy heart while tears start again to stream from my eyes and at the same time, it rained heavily. I don't care where my feet take me as long as I want to get away from that place. My vision is dimming because of the tears that blocking my sight, and the rain that pouring mercilessly. I look up at the clear dark sky with its raindrops pouring at my face.

Isn't it's odd? Crying under the rain with a heavy heart? Just like in K-dramas. But K-dramas ended up with a happy ending while my story ends in such a stupid way.

My feet brought me to the park, it was a children's park. There were few people here enjoying the coldness of the raindrops pouring continuously. Some of them were children playing hide and seek while some were chasing each other. My tears dripped even more that you wouldn't notice because of the rain. I miss my childhood days, the ones you have nothing to worry about but studying, homework, and playing games until you get bored. No pains, no grief just happiness.

I noticed that I could no longer feel the raindrop on my body even though it was still raining. I look up and realize that there was an umbrella above me. I turned to the person who owned it and I saw a man with its all-black outfit. I stared at his coal-black lackluster eyes which were he did the same. It's like a black diamond screaming a different kind of beauty despite its dullness.

But I have this weird feeling that those eyes weren't as what it seems to be. It was like a maze that you will lose if you'll stare that much into his gems. But before I lost in his stares I look away and tried to compose myself and let out a deep breath.

"What are you doing? And who are you? " I asked as I recovered from our stares. I also feel a little dizzy and cold.

"It's raining, you shouldn't be here," he said without answering my questions.

I composed myself once again as I give him a why-do-you-care look that he doesn't also get. I wanted to be alone and I hate somebody's presence this time. But I don't want to be rude cause I know he just wanted to help.

"You know what? You don't have to do this. I can manage myself besides I'm on my way home. " I said.

"You look pale, your eyes were tired. You're not okay and you can't go home by yourself. You look sick and anytime by now, you'll collapse. "

Is he kidding me? I am just broken.

"You're kidding, right? I'm just broken not sick." I said as I turned my back and was about to walk away but my vision became blurred of a sudden as I felt my knees wobbled. The last thing I knew was my sight became blurry and my knees haven't supported the body.

Then total darkness.

•

Trust and faith.

If you truly love a person then you must have these. Trusting and having faith in the one you love.

Just believe in him- believe...

I sigh as I smiled bitterly to myself.

Believe?

Trust?

Faith?

How pathetic those words can make someone, a fool. Loving is trusting, right? Loving is having faith, right? Loving is believing in one, right?

Right?

Two years since we broke up. Two years had passed.

Two years.

Beautiful memories weren't they? Memories. Since we're in high school. Since the day he helped me. Since the day he kissed, hugged, and told sweet words.

Memories.

Memories that I wanted to fade. Memories that I wanna forget. A particular person.

I want to forget.

Why did he do that to me? Why?

I trusted, believed, and loved.

Yeah, I just loved him with all my heart but, why?

2 years ago, we broke up and I found myself in a dark place. It was as if nothing was good, and nothing will ever be. It was so dark I thought I lost myself in a battle within me. I felt so helpless and hopeless that I withdrew from everything.

My heart was broken, and maybe, that time, it was.

But it wasn't just broken because of a failed relationship, and if that was the case, it wasn't all of it.

I came to a point when hugs, chocolates, and ice cream weren't enough. Crying, crying was the only way I can breathe.

And then one day, the darkness just lifted.

I realized that no matter how crazy life gets, there are things that can help you through. Faith, Trust, and Love.

Ynnah

"Ladies and Gentleman, PAL flight number 143 will be landing in Manila in five minutes. Please fasten your seatbelts when the signal flashes on, this is your flight captain. Have a good day and enjoy your trip, thank you."

I was startled when I heard the announcement. I instantly adjusted myself at my seat as I looked around. They already fasten their seatbelts so I did mine too.

It's been two years since I left this hometown because of a sudden incident.

How are they? Is everything has changed since I left? It looks like I missed a lot in this place, well except for those stupidities I did before our break up. I admit that it takes time to mend a shattered heart, there were lots of pressure I faced while I'm in the stage of moving forward. But on the other hand, it's all worth it because I was able to change myself for the better.

When I reach the arrival area, I already search for my brother which was the one who will go to fetch me here at the airport, but when I saw him he was not the only one I saw. He's with someone.

"Ynnah! Welcome home!" she shrieked as my older brother just shook his head while chuckling.

The love birds. Oh, how I miss them both. I made my way towards them while pushing my luggage. They immediately greeted me with a wide smile on their lips, but this girl obviously can't stop herself from hugging me tightly.

"Gosh! I miss you so much, Ynnah! How are you? It's been a while. You didn't even tell me that you left the country and flew home to Korea! If your older brother didn't inform me about it, I wouldn't know yet! " she ranted while frowning, she's just so cute.

"I miss you too, Mandy and I am sorry. I'm just pressured and depressed at that moment so I can't be able to tell you about it and besides my brother already told ya, so what's the matter? At least I'm already back for good." I said as I pulled myself from the hug and also lend my brother a tight embrace.

I've missed my big brother and his girlfriend. They are the only ones I close to here. I don't have friends and I don't know why. They're avoiding me. As if I have a contagious disease. But I don't mind it, I am happy being alone, tho I still have my elder brother and his girl.

"How's my princess?" my brother asked between my thoughts.

I give him my sweetest smile before answering his question. "I'm good, Oppa."

"Jung-mal?" (Really?)

"Ne, Oppa don't worry," I assured him.

"Hey, Ynnah," Mandy called my attention. "If you're planning revenge for that stupid alien, don't forget to include me there, alright? Because since I found out what happened, I freaking want to give him an unforgettable kick at his fucking ass! How dare him hurting you that way! That asshole!" Mandy said with gritted teeth which made me chuckled.

She looks like, she wanted to start trouble with someone right now.

"Hey babe, easy! Don't freak out. I know that it will happen soon, but for now, we have to go home already. Mom is waiting and Ynnah should take some rest too," my older brother said that made his girlfriend soothed before she clung to my arms and pulled me away leaving my baggage to my brother.

After that scenery, we got in the car as soon as we got out of the airport. While on the trip, Mandy shared a story with me about what happened in those moments that I wasn't here, and because of that, I already proved that I miss a lot about this place.

"How 'bout you, Ynnah? How's life in Korea?" she asked out of a sudden.

"Well, at first I don't go out often. I'm always stuck in my room recalling everything. It's not that easy to ease the pain, but I think it's still all worth it. I met someone that helped me to move on, she's Liza Jeung. She's been there when I need someone to lean on. She helped me to be strong and change myself into a better person. She's been a very good friend to me." I said.

I smiled when I recollected every moment we shared. She's very nice and talented. She taught me lots of lessons. She knows a lot and her sense of humor is contagious. Well, I already treat her as my best of friends besides she was the only one who became my first friend.

It's already midnight when we got home. I was immediately greeted by Mommy's hug. How I missed her.

"How are you, Sweetie?"

"I'm perfectly fine, Mom."

"Come, I prepared something for you," she leads the way while we're heading inside the dining area.

•

"Wow, Eomma! Did you prepare all of this? It's all looks delicious and yummy." I said when I saw the table vast with delicious food.

Mommy loves to cook foods for me and this habit of her never gone even if I'm already in college. She's been the best Mom I ever had in my whole life.

"Of course baby, Mommy never fails to cook for your delicious meal," she said with the sweetest smile formed on her lips.

"That's why I always get jealous," my older brother said sulking as his lips protruded.

"Hey, Francis! You are too old already! Shame on you!" Mandy scolded him as she napes him at the same time which made us all laugh except for my older brother who was already frowning.

"Babe!" my brother pouted even more.

They're really good together. A sadist and a masochist. The day will never end without the two of them teasing, fighting, and beating each other. That's their kind of affection. So sweet.

"Oh these children, come and let's eat. The food is getting cold." Mommy said as she sat down first at the table next to me and my sister and brother followed who seemed to have just ended their quarrel session.

"How's life in Korea? I heard you're doing some stuff like hanging out with someone. Well, it's the first time for you to have friends anyway." Mommy said between our meal.

I hem for a moment before I smile at her.

"It was all fine Mom, and yes! I met someone there. She's very nice and her sense of humor was so awesome and I want you to meet her. She'll be here next month and she's staying here for good." I said with excitement in my voice.

"We can't wait to meet her already," Mandy said, who was excited to meet my only friend, added.

I just smiled at them as we resumed our dinner.

After that, I decided to go upstairs and went to my room with my baggage. When I got to my room I put my luggage on the side as I immediately lay down on my soft queen size bed.

How I miss my room, it's been two years and still, it doesn't change. The shade of my room is pitch white so it doesn't look dark even without a light. I have a lot of stuff just like my pink rabbit collections, and the only human size white teddy bear just on the side of my stuffed toy cabinet next to my study table with a big hello kitty mirror on the front. My bathroom and bathtub are pitch white with a hello kitty design.

As I looked around my room, I was slowly being drowsy.

•

I woke up to the sound of my cellphone on my bedside table. I lazily picked up my phone and looked at it.

~8:00 am. Time to find someone Francine!~

It was an alarm reminder. And oh, I almost forgot! It's my first day to look for him, well yeah! I want to see and talk to him even if I thank you for at least what he did 2 years ago.

I know it's not that easy to find someone I don't even know, not even his name but I still want to take a risk even if it's already passed 2 years. But why not look for him? Also, if it wasn't for him, maybe something terrible happened to me that night, there's a lot of crazy people around and also, because of what happened, I was sent home to Korea for examination because I also had acute anemia and thank God I was all fine now.

So now, I will go to look for him.

I got up from my bed and immediately went to the bathroom to take a shower. After my rituals, I immediately went down to the living room and walked towards the dining area. When I got there, our two helpers and my older brother were the only ones I came across.

"Where's Mommy?" I asked as I kissed him on his cheeks and I sat down beside him which is my usual seat.

"She left earlier, I think she has a lot to do in the office," he replied while taking a sip on his coffee and go back to the newspaper he was reading.

"What about you? Do you have a date with Mandy? You look well dressed." I asked while began eating my breakfast.

"We'll have a shoot later not a date. How bout you? Looks like, you're the one who has a date today," then he gives me his very annoying smirk. This man!

"Of course, brother! I have a date with myself. Isn't it amazing?" feel the sarcasm.

He just shook his head while his annoying grin didn't fade.

"Why don't you date someone to reduce your bitterness a little? You're not getting over him yet, don't you?"

This man!

"I beg your pardon?" I said then raise my brow.

"C'mon, princess. You know what I mean."

"You know what big brother? Just mind your own business. I don't give a shit." I said then left him their surprise in seconds for what I just said.

"And anyway," I said before I could leave. "I already moved on. And there's already someone that caught my interest, so why should I still waste my time and effort for that stupid jerk, by the way? He doesn't deserve any of it." I added as I finally left.

I know I became rude when I spoke to him that way but, it's annoying! He's my older brother and he should avoid talking about personal matters just like before. He knows how I suffered in heartbreak because of him. He was my first boyfriend and I do cherish him as much as I cherish myself then suddenly just like that ?! If I only knew it from the first place, I would have ignored him then!

But never mind. The past is the past.

•

I decided to go wander around our subdivision while I didn't know where to go yet. It's been two years since the day I left and lots had changed in this area. The streets, decorations, and all seem to have changed. As I looked around the area, my eyes widened at the image of a man who's now standing not far from me while staring intently at my face seems like he's recognizing me.

Xander. I thought as I stared at him back.

I almost forgot we're neighbors by the way. Their house is just two corners away from us and it looks like my feet brought me here, opposite the pole with a mini forest not far from their house where we always met before. And it looks like he just came out of the gate.

If I was still the same Ynnah 2 years ago, maybe now I still pursue him everywhere and take good care that he won't see and notice me. I admit that since we broke up, I have been pursuing him and keep on tailing him everywhere he'll go, everything he'll do, and whatever he'll want to do.

I promised myself that I will not chase, well not really, just stalk and not the act of showing up and I never beg him like duh? I still have my pride. But my craziness ended up when my elder brother scolded me and grounded me for 2 weeks but soon they found out about my illness so they sent me to Korea to be healed and of course to stay away from him.

And now that we meet again, everything turns upside down. I don't feel the love I had before towards him now, not even a little piece. He's just nothing to me at all, nothing but a stranger.

I averted my eyes and started walking away, seems like he's stunned and not doing some move when he recognizes me a while ago. It looks like he didn't expect me today, how pathetic. I don't know which part I like about him. Maybe that arrogant just charmed me there so that's why.

My feet bring me to the mall near our subdivision so I decided to go window shopping first and eat at my favorite spot in-

Jollibee.

I immediately went inside and looked for a seat. When I already found one, one of their waiter approached me to get my order and after that, I grab out my phone from my sling bag to see if there was a text while I was waiting for my order but sad to say, nothing so I decided to open my Twitter account to look if there were updates from my favorite K-pop group but there's none so I just turned it off and put my phone back inside the sling bag I was carrying.

A moment after, my order arrived so I began eating immediately.

"Excuse me- can I share a table, miss?" the baritone voice in front of me asked. I looked at him for a moment and nodded slightly.

"Thank you."

I was just eating quietly when he spoke again.

"You look familiar," he said while gazing at me seems like he's recognizing me. Well, I can see it in my peripheral vision. "Did I saw you somewhere before?" he added.

"I'm sorry but I don't know you and you're not even familiar with me. So if you'll excuse me I have to go." I said as I got my ass up and composed myself and put some money on the table before I left.

People nowadays. Just looking for a reason to notice.

When I left that place, I wander around the whole mall first in case I saw him there but I can't find him, and when I got bored I decided to go home.

When I came out of the mall, I just noticed that it was already dark. I looked at my wristwatch which made my eyes immediately widened.

It's already 10 pm! I check my phone if someone texted me and there! There is a message from my brother and his 62 miscalls. I'm doomed.

From: Kuya Francis

Answer your goddamn phone Ynnah Francine!

~End~

Oh-uh! I'm doomed!

My phone rang suddenly.

Kuya Francis calling...

I took a deep breath before I answer his call.

"Hel-," what I was going to say hang on the air when he made a noise on the other line.

(Where the hell is you lil brat?! We've been looking for you everywhere but you're nowhere to found! You didn't bring your car with you and you didn't even answer your goddamn phone! What the fuck are you doing? We're so worried about you here but you didn't even give a fucking care?! Now tell me if where the hell is you now Ynnah Francine Seung!? It's already 10 pm for Pete's sake!)

Now he's really mad. Probably.

"I-I'm sorry, I am just wandering around. I'm here at the mall near our subdivision. I am very sorry brother, I didn't notice your calls because my phone was turned silent. I just enjoyed watching the change in our area so I didn't notice the time. I'm so sorry, but don't worry I'm on my way home so please, don't get mad. Please? "

Even though I am a mischievous brat, I am still afraid of my brother. He is different when he gets angry, he seems to be eating people.

(I'll fetch you there-,)

"No need brother! I mean, you don't have to. I'll be home later, promise." I don't want to go home yet. I want to go for a walk first while going home.

Besides, nothing bad will happen to me here because our subdivision is guarded and there were police roaming everywhere so it was okay.

(Just make sure that you'll be home safe and sound. Did you get me clear, Francine?) this old man is very rigid when it comes to me. Well, at least I'm still a lady, just young.

That's why I love him so much. He's been my knight and shining armor since then. He prefers the one who is hurting than me. When my Ex hurt me, he was furious and very angry. Good thing because we were in Korea at that moment when he found out, otherwise he would go straight to their house and beat him up to death. I'm so blessed to have an elder brother like him.

"Yes, of course. I'll be fine, bye." I said as I dropped the call and started walking home.

While I am walking at the narrow street to go home from somewhere, I suddenly passed on a strange nearby abandoned building near the rainforest not too far from where I was. I was close to our subdivision just a few corners away when I stopped walking and notice that there was something different in the sky, I didn't know if I was just hallucinating or I just saw a light from it.

I shook my head, it was impossible I was just tired. How can the sky having a light at night, right? Unless it rains. Yes! Maybe it's just silent lightning, huh? Is there such a thing?

I kept on walking when I stopped once again the moment I realized that there was a light in the sky opened! Does the sky seem to open? But it's impossible! This only happens in fantasies.

There Francine! You are full of Wattpad fantasy!

But I am not hallucinating this time!

I saw it and I was now covering my eyes because of the light that I can't bear to stare at. It's so painful in the eyes and it's glamorous. Then, there! I saw something fallen from it but I don't know what it was because the light is very glamorous.

A moment after, the light vanished but I still can't believe what I just saw earlier. Then a faint cry takes me back to reality. I shook my head, again and again, maybe I was just being weird but the cry became louder until I recognize that it was the voice of a man. A man who suffers from the most painful thing.

I composed myself from what I just saw earlier than I started to walk slowly in the direction where I heard the cry, Maybe it's because he was a victim of bad people like thieves and then he was hurt, even though it was scary, my conscience prevailed.

My legs brought me to the back of the abandoned building. It's a little scary because it's dark. Suddenly my ears tightened when I heard heavy breathing behind the big Narra tree as my heart began to pound. This is too much! It was so very very creepy!

"Hello? Is anybody here?" Did I ask, maybe he answered right? But no one answered. Mommy! Kuya! Daddy! Maybe I heard a ghost?

I shook my head again. What the! There's no ghost Francine! You are just hallucinating! Or maybe you're just being crazy?

"Is anybody here?" I asked once again as I walk closer to the big Narra tree when I felt something who pass through me.

I didn't recognize if what was it because it was too fast like flash.

Heart relax, there's no ghost or any terrible creatures.

I tried calming myself.

When I get close to the big Narra tree, I took a glimpse at it that made my heart pound more. There was nothing behind the big Narra tree but blood on the ground with a soaked silky black beautiful feather.

I shook my head in disbelief, maybe I was just mimicking, at the same time I pinched myself, maybe everything I discovered at this moment is just an imagination.

"Ouch!" I grunted the moment I pinched my arm which only means-

It's real?!

Ynnah

I got home dumbfounded by what I just saw earlier. I can't believe I'm seeing weird things like that. Opened sky with its painful and glamorous light that you can't bear to stare at? Weird fainted cry of a man suffering from the painful things? Something passed through me with its fastest speed that I don't even know if what was it? And a silky gray beautiful feathers behind that Narra tree with blood?

"Where have you been? Why did you come home late? And what's with that face, Ynnah Francine?"

Huh! Who would have thought that I could see such things while I can only read and see them in fantasy stories and movies? Gosh! Am I still normal after those incidents? If I will go to say those things to other people I would be mistaken for being crazy.

"Francine? What's happening to you?"

Maybe I'm just addicted to fantasies so I can see things that are impossible to happen? But I pinch myself and I was hurt!

"Ynnah Francine Seung!"

"Holy stick!" I returned to my senses in shock when someone shouted in my ear. I turned to the person who shouted and it was my brother with his poker face. "Francis, why are you shouting at me? What's your problem ?"

"I should be that one asking you those stupid questions! I've been asking you several times if where the fucking hell you came from because you just came home! And look at yourself, what the hell happened to you? You look like you just saw a ghost! What is your problem ?! " he also shouted back.

I suddenly fell silent. Should I tell them? They might even say I was crazy then.

"I was just wandering around, going to the mall, and date myself alone. It only took me a while because I didn't realize the time, I was just enjoying myself that's all. "I said directly without stuttering.

Good thing I was able to hide my stuttered voice. I can't say what happened, my screw in my brain is not loose yet! Maybe my older brother will just laugh at me and tease me with something. He did not ask again so I left and went up to my room to take a bath and change. While I was blowing my hair, I still can't get over what happened earlier on my way home.

What could be that thing? And who is that person who is crying? And what was with this feather? I asked myself and took the feather I had seen earlier and examined it. He is not the type of ordinary feather you only see around. I think there was something in it that I can't explain, it looks like there is something you can't understand.

I put the feather in the drawer of my bedside table and lay down on my soft bed. I should know if what's behind those feathers, but how?

The next morning, I woke up early so I immediately took a shower and got ready. I was just wearing simple black fitted off-shoulder paired with a gray jumper short-shorts with cycling inside then black rubber shoes. I also put on light makeup and lip balm so that I don't look dead on the pale face.

After those, I immediately took my black sling bag with my phone, wallet, and keys inside it then went out and went down to the dining area to eat. When I got there, it was Tommy an older brother that I found drinking coffee and reading the newspaper.

I kissed them on their cheeks as I sat down at my usual seat at our dining table then get some bacon, fried rice, and egg as I started eating.

"You are well dressed. Where are you going?" Mom asked.

"I'm going for a walk 'Mmy. After all, the enrollment for the first semester is already coming so, I rather enjoy my summer hanging out with myself than being alone and bored here." I replied while eating.

"Alright, just make sure that you'll go take good care of yourself, and don't hesitate to call us if there's something wrong, okay?"

"I have no problem with that, Mom. Don't worry, I will." I said as I gave her my assuring smile.

"You'll bring your car with you?" My elder brother asked.

"Yes brother and anyway, I want to apologize for what happened yesterday. I didn't mean to-" but he cut me off by putting bacon inside my mouth while grinning widely.

This man!

"Don't worry, princess. I understand and I'm sorry too, for bringing up the past." I just smiled at him and give him a tight hug beside the two of us just sat next to each other.

"Aww, my children are too sweet and Mommy got jealous, can I have a hug too?" We just laughed at Mommy as we hugged in a group.

"You're Dad and I are so blessed to have a very charming daughter and a very adorable son. We're so happy by having both of you in our lives." Mom said between our hugs.

"We are too Mom. You both were the best parents in the universe." My older brother said as he kissed Mommy and me on the cheek.

Mommy and I just laughed at what he said, even when my older brother was really stupid. Sometimes.

"Too much drama guys." I interrupted which made them both giggled.

•

I'm here at the mall looking around the stores I passed by, and when I liked something I would buy it right away. It's not too crowded right now so it's not a hassle to pay at the counter.

While I'm busy wandering and looking for something that will catch meet suddenly bumped into someone and because of the strong impact on me, I immediately fall on the floor.

"Ouch!" I grunted.

My butt hurts!

"I'm sorry, miss. I didn't mean to-" he didn't finish what he was about to say the moment I averted my gaze towards him.

And when I realized if who is the hell is he, I immediately get my ass up as I faced him with my head high.

"Y-ynnah?" he asked incredulously.

"Yeah, it's me.

Xander."