C18 Dinner 2

AT NIGHT

MINUTES TO THE DINNER

Xalia placed her right hand on her chest as she stared at the mirror, the maids helped her with her gown and all she did was stare at the mirror and thought about how the dinner would go.

“All done ma’am.” She heard a maid say and she snapped out of her thoughts, she nodded at them and they bowed before walking out.

She looked down at the gown and smiled slightly, no doubt the gown was beautiful, she loved how there were little diamond stones on it and how fitted it looked on her.

The door to her room opened and she turned to see Draven walking in dressed in a tuxedo, he trailed his eyes on her body and Xalia felt heat rush up to her cheeks, she tried so hard not to blush but it wasn't so easy.

‘Draven is checking me out!’ She screamed in her head.

He walked towards her and she kept staring at him.

“Hey.” She whispered as he got close, he nodded at her and slowly wrapped his arms around her waist, Xalia felt her heart race and felt butterflies in her tummy.

“Hey.” He whispered back and looked at her hair, she let it down and it made her look so pretty.

“Turn around.” He ordered as he loosened his grip on her waist, she turned and faced the mirror, she could stare at him through the mirror.

He let go of her waist and dipped his hand in his pants pocket, he brought out a small box and slowly opened it.

Xalia smiled seeing it was a necklace, he dropped the box on her dressing table and stood behind her, he helped her put it on and Xalia's smile grew wider as he did.

“Do you like it?” He asked and she nodded happily, she giggled as she placed her hand on it.

“You act childish a lot.”

“I am childish.” She replied and turned to him.

“Your family is here.” He said and her smile slowly faded. Draven noticed and he cupped her cheeks.

“It's fine, they aren't going to do anything.”

“Yeah, I know.” She replied.

“Are you ready?”

“Yes.” She replied and he held her hand, they walked out and headed down the stairs. As they walked, Xalia’s heart raced and she paused when they were halfway on the stairs.

“I’m scared, Draven.” She muttered with tears rushing to her eyes.

“I don't think I can face them, I feel so… “

“Don't cry.” He warned and she hurriedly wiped her tears before they rolled down her cheeks.

“Whatever you are thinking about right now, let it go, just hold my hand, I will be right next to you, if you feel the urge to express any unpleasant emotion, squeeze my hand and if that doesn't work, you can dip your nails into my skin.”

“But… “

“Not a word from you, just do as I say.” He cut her off and she sighed.

“Okay.” She replied and exhaled.

“Ready?”

“Yeah.” She answered and held him properly, they both walked down the stairs and she froze as she saw her family seated in the living room.

They all turned to them too and Xalia held Draven’s hand tightly. Kyle and her step-sister sat together holding hands. Her stepmum sat next to her while her parents sat together. Henry and Allison sat separately.

“Xalia.” Allison called happily and stood up, she rushed to her and pulled her into a hug which made her let go of Draven’s hand. Mr. McCall stood up and walked to Draven, he shook hands with him and Xalia pulled away from Allison.

She turned to look at her father and he smiled at her.

“Hey.”

“Hi.” Xalia replied. She looked at her mum hoping she would walk up to her but she didn't, she noticed Kyle’s eyes on her and she ignored every urge to look in his direction.

A maid suddenly walked into the living room and bowed.

“I’m sorry to interrupt sirs and ma'ams but dinner is ready.” She announced and bowed before walking away.

“This way.” Draven said holding Xalia and they both walked ahead of them, they got to the dining room and Draven and Xalia took a seat.

Kyle and her step-sister sat opposite them, Allison sat next to Xalia, while Henry sat next to Allison, her father sat opposite Henry and her mother sat opposite Allison while her stepmother sat next to Kyle.

There were different types of meals on the table and the maids dished them into the plates.

“Shall we say a little prayer?” Mr. McCall asked and they all joined hands together, he said a little prayer and they all chorused ‘Amen’ before they started eating.

“Xalia.” Her father suddenly called and she looked up at him, she didn't give him a response, all she did was stare at him.

“How are you?” He asked.

“I’m fine.”

“And how was your honeymoon?”

“It was fine.” She replied and Draven used his thumb to crease her hand, they were still holding hands. It was really hard for her to have a conversation with him, he doesn't care at all so why is he acting like he does?

“I hope things are going well between you and your husband?”

“Please stop questioning me, my marriage is my business.” She replied with a straight face and he chuckled, he wasn't expecting that reply from her.

“Well, we are planning on throwing a party for your sister soon, we are celebrating the success of the new project going on and also your sister’s pregnancy, you and your husband are invited.”

“We will think about it.” She replied and took a sip out of her glass of juice.

“We will think about it.” She replied.

“I would really love it if you would be there sis.” Malia, her step sister said and Xalia faked a smile at her.

“Nice place Draven.” Malia said and Draven ignored her.

“Xalia is really lucky to be with you.”

“Quit that.” Xalia told her.

“What? I am just being nice.”

“Yeah, and…” Xalia trailed off as she felt Draven tap her hand, she sighed and continued with her meal.

“I know what I did to you was wrong and I haven't apologised to you properly, I know you are seeing me as a bad person but I really am not. Kyle and I have been together for years, I know you guys started dating in high school but no one thought you would take it seriously. Kyle has always wanted to be with me, you were more of a pest to him.” She said with a smile and Xalia fumed.

“Malia.” Kyle called and she turned to him with a smile.

“Yes, baby?”

“That wasn't necessary.”

“Of course it was.” She replied and Malia’s mother chuckled, tears clouded Xalia’s eyes and Draven glanced at her.

“Can I ask something?” Draven asked Malia and she smiled.

“Of course, ask me.”

“When are you going to tell Harrison he is not the father of the child you are carrying?” Draven asked and her eyes widened in shock, they all turned to her and she started to stutter.

“That's a lie!” She yelled.