The Hidden Hybrid Within

Chapter 19: Avoiding Him

Xander’s POV

      “Jake, I don’t know why she is avoiding me.”

      “Xander, man, I don’t know what to tell you.” He said as we walked outside to where everything was set up.

      Today was Sin’s sixteenth birthday. I tried to talk to her earlier in my dad’s office, but something had her so upset she showed weakness for a split second and let me hold her and try to soothe her. That was the most amazing feeling, I have watched her for two years, and have noticed how strong she truly is. Anytime we have competed in the last two years she is who I have pulled to my side, truthfully, she is the only one I wanted to have my back. I was due to leave here in three weeks after my eighteenth birthday, but I was trying to talk my dad into letting me stay until Sin turned eighteen. All jokes aside I wanted to take her with me, I want her to be mine and I couldn’t think about anyone else but her. Yea Jess was still in the picture, but I had done a good job keeping her at a distance, we were never alone anymore and there was no intimacy. After the kiss I shared with Sin two years ago, I come to realize my heart only beats for her, and I had to make her see that.

      Jake snapped his fingers in my face, “Xander you still with me?”

     “Yea sorry.”

      “Xander we leave here in three weeks, you don’t want to break her heart, so let it go.” I hung my head in defeat as we finished setting the last of the things up. “Hey, the sun has set, turn the lights on, and holler at the DJ to turn the music on, the girls should be down in a few minutes.” I nodded to Jake and turned the lantern lights on and then went to the DJ to turn the music on.

        We had decorated this perfectly, there were lanterns strung up everywhere, in all different colors reminding you of the rainbow. There were tables and chairs set up with balloons and vases set up on each one. I found out that calla lilies are Sin’s favorite, so I ordered only those to go in the decorations. I also had the cooks fix her favorite, spicy grilled chicken strips and French fries, they had everything set up outside. My favorite part was the cake, I had them bake and decorate it like a princess’ gown, baby blue, since that is her favorite color, with glitter and sparkles.I hoped she liked everything, but I made everyone promise that no one told her I was behind it all. I didn’t want to scare her away. The music started and I turned just in time to see her enter under the lights.

        The sight of her took my breath away, the gown she was wearing was floor length and baby blue, from the waist down was lacy and silk and was made to look like a bell that swished when she walked. The top was a silk bodice with diamonds and glitter, with see through sleeves that went just above her elbows. And oh my, her hair was down, two years and I had never seen her hair down, it hung in big curls that cascaded down her back to her waist. Her makeup was flawless and when I caught her eyes, she froze, and I saw her blush. All I could do was stare and smile at her. Right then and there it was only me and her here and everything in me was pulling me to her.  

       “There you are babe you look quite dashing tonight.” Jess clung to my arm. “Let’s go dance.” She pulled me to the center of the makeshift, dance floor where everyone was starting to congregate dancing. “Why didn’t I get a party like this?” She pouted in my ear.

      I rolled my eyes, “Because mommy and daddy dearest threw you your own party. And let’s try to remember this is Sin’s day, not yours, so leave her alone.” I had had to stay on top of her for two years to stay away from Sin.

     “Well, that’s no fair, first she takes my spot on the team, and then she gets the dream party, and everyone loves her. I am glad in just a few weeks we won’t have to worry about her anymore, we will be going back home.” She pecked me on the cheek and I literally felt like I was going to be sick.

     “Yea about that.”

      “Hey Jess, come we have something for you.” I was so glad her minions were hollering for her to go to them.

     “Go Jess.” I pushed her toward them and quickly rushed away.

       I was making my way through the crowd trying to put as much distance between me and Jess as I could when I felt someone grab my hand, I didn’t even have to look to see who it was, I could feel the connection. I turned to my left to see Sin smiling at me and motioning me toward the clearing. I wrapped my arms around her waist and pulled her to the dance floor with me, she was giggling the whole time, “You my lady, owe me a dance.”

      “Do I now?” I loved to see this side of her, she was smiling and for an instant she seemed to be showing me a bit of vulnerability.

      “Well, you are the birthday girl, right?” I took her hand and placed on my shoulder and took her other hand in mine while placing my free hand around her waist and pulling her into me. “Happy Birthday Sin. You look beautiful.”

       “Why thank you Xander.” She giggled and we swayed to the music. She placed her head against my chest and once again it was just me and her, no one else seemed to be present.

       “Sin, what happened this afternoon, I have never seen you so upset. Please tell me everything is okay.” I didn’t want to ruin this moment, but I needed her to talk to me.

       She let out a deep breath, “It’s easier if I show you. Close your eyes and clear your mind.” I did as she said, and she closed her eyes humming something. The next thing I knew we were in my dad’s office and she was on the phone with her father. I heard the conversation and even smiled at the sound of my name in it. I could feel the heart break she went through and her tears. In just a minute we were back there dancing. “Now do you see?”

        “That was awesome, and thank you, but I hope you know you will have to explain how you did that.” We finished out the dance and the next thing I knew she was swept away from me by Jake, I wanted to go steal her away and break my best friends nose, but I didn't instead, I made my way back through the crowd until Jess found me yet again.

       “You act like you like her or something.” She crossed her arms in front of me, like a pouting toddler.

       “Jess back off.” I tried to walk away, and she jumped in my arms wrapping her legs around my waist and arms around my neck and trying to shove her tongue down my throat. I pushed her as gently as I could, and she just kept attacking my face with hers. “Jess, I said stop, and get off me,” I growled. She jumped down and stepped back looking at me like she could kill me. I shook my head and turned to leave her as quick as possible.

        I needed to breathe, I felt like I was suffocating there; I made my way away from the crowd, and went to my favorite spot that no one would bother me, so I thought.