“Alright, alright,” I said, throwing up my hands. “Ask your questions, but don’t expect me to spill all my secrets.”
My father grinned mischievously. “Secrets, huh? Now I’m intrigued.”
Xavier shot me a reassuring glance.
“William, let’s focus on catching up, not interrogating Sarah,” Xavier suggested.
My father waved his hand. “Oh, no, no. I’ve got four years of missed conversations to make up for.”
Meanwhile, Harper and Hayden continued giggling at the exchange.
“Father, let’s get this over with,” I said in defeat before adding, “I think I can handle your questions.”
My father leaned forward. “Excellent! Now, Sarah, tell me about your love life.”
I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal.
“Sarah, don’t make me pry it out of you,” my father warned, his eyes sparkling.
Xavier intervened again, saving me from another awkward silence.
“William, perhaps we should discuss this later, in private.”
“Ah, secrets, Xavier? You’re making me curious.” My father raised an eyebrow, more intrigued.
Well, a lie will do.
“Okay, fine.” I began, keeping a straight face; after all, I was going to lie. Oh wait, maybe I shouldn’t lie. “I only dated one guy. End of the story. And if you’re thinking he did eff me…”
“Oh my God, Sarah, too much information.” Xavier laughed, an awkward glint in his eyes. Of course, he knew he was the one I was referring to.
“William, I think you’ve gotten more than you bargained for,” Xavier said, chuckling.
Meanwhile, my father’s eyes widened in surprise. “You’re absolutely right. Too much information.”
Harper and Hayden burst into giggles.
“Daddy, you’re so red!” Harper exclaimed.
What the hell. “Kids, go to your room; the adults are talking,” I scolded them, pointing toward the stairs. “Now quickly, go, go, go.”
The twins frowned, and upon seeing my stern face, they hurried off to their white room.
Now I just have to regain control of the situation.
“Sorry, Dad. I think we’ve reached maximum embarrassment levels.”
My father chuckled, still looking flushed. “Indeed. I think we’ve covered enough ground for now.”
Xavier cleared his throat, grinning mischievously. “I think we’re just getting started.”
I shot Xavier a warning glance. “Don’t even think about it,” I spat through gritted teeth, trying to convey “behavior” without saying a word.
My father, still chuckling, shook his head.
“Alright, alright. I think I’ve embarrassed you enough for one day.”
Xavier smiled innocently, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
“I think we’ve had enough excitement for now,” Xavier said with a hidden meaning. I knew he meant we’ve had enough tension for one day.
I breathed a sigh of relief, nodding. “Agreed. Let’s focus on catching up, not interrogating me.”
My father grinned.
“Deal. But don’t think you’re off the hook that easily.”
I rolled my eyes.
“I wouldn’t dream of it.”
As we settled into a more comfortable conversation, I couldn’t help but steal glances at Xavier.
His supportive presence calmed my nerves.
For now, our secret was safe.
But how long could we keep it hidden?
—————
Our chatter kicked off again after dinner, with my father still trying to pry into my love life. He kept probing about who the mystery guy was, wanting to meet him, and I continued to deflect, trying to keep Xavier’s and my secret safe.
But for how long?
I couldn’t shake off the feeling that my lie would eventually catch up with me.
“Dad, I’ve told you, there’s nothing special between us yet; it’s just a normal relationship,” I insisted, forcing a laugh.
My father raised an eyebrow, not really buying my lie. “Sarah, you know you’re not very good at lying.”
He bet he doesn’t know I am quite good at it. I think…
But as the evening wore on, my father’s questions became less frequent, replaced by laughter and stories. Xavier had suggested he narrate his experience in France, which he did, spouting all his good times and ugly times at work.
But I knew this reprieve was temporary. Sooner or later, he would say the inevitable, but I didn’t expect it would be so soon.
After Xavier and my father recovered from their laughter, my father turned to me, his expression turning serious.
“Sarah, go prepare your stuff; we’ll be leaving tomorrow.”
“What!” I exclaimed, springing out of the couch.
My father, taken aback by my reaction, frowned.
“What’s wrong, Sarah? I thought you’d be happy to go to France with me,” he said, confusion etched on his face.
I tried to compose myself as my mind raced.
“Tomorrow? So soon? I have things to settle. And the girls… their school…”
My father’s expression turned stern. “The girls will stay with Xavier. And you’ve graduated; everything is already arranged.”
Xavier’s eyes met mine, a silent apology in his gaze. He then gave me a reassuring nod and intervened.
“William, we’ve got a lot to catch up on,” he said, trying to divert attention. “You can’t just leave without spending quality time with me. I might never see you again.”
Xavier’s intervention wouldn’t prevent the inevitable. I knew that, but as they continued with their banter, I sat back on the couch, my heart sinking.
I now felt trapped. My father’s plan was unfolding, and I couldn’t escape.
As I sat back down, my mind racing, Xavier caught my eye again. This time, his expression was reassuring, urging me to stay calm.
My father, oblivious to the tension, continued.
“Sarah, this was what we agreed on. After graduation, we are moving out of the country.”
I forced a smile. “I know, Father. It’ll just be too sudden; you didn’t tell us you were coming.”
My father was still confused by my unexpected reaction. Then his face lit up as if he had figured out something.
“That guy, huh?”
“What…” I replied, trying to play dumb, but my father’s eyes sparkled with understanding.
“Come on, Sarah. I’m not blind. You’re hiding something. Is it him? Is he the reason you’re hesitant to leave?”
My heart sank again. He was spot on.
Xavier’s expression turned cautious, his eyes locked on my father.
“William, let’s not jump to conclusions,” Xavier said, trying to intervene.
But my father pressed on.
“Sarah, tell me the truth. I don’t buy the lie that it’s just a normal relationship; you don’t want to leave him, do you?”
I took a deep breath, trying to maintain my composure.
Perhaps this could be a good excuse to get him off my neck.
“Yes, you’re right; he is the reason.” Only after I replied did the consequences of my decision strike me.
What if he insists on meeting the ‘guy’?
My father’s eyes lit up with excitement.
“Ah-ha! I knew it. You’re in love with him, aren’t you?”
I hesitated, unsure how to respond.
Xavier’s expression turned concerned, his eyes locked on mine, sending me a silent message: ‘What were you thinking?’
“William, perhaps we should…” Xavier suggested, but my father pressed on.
“Tell me, Sarah. Who is he? What’s his name?”
I took another deep breath, trying to think quickly.
“Do we have to do this now, Father?”
My father’s expression turned stern. “Yes, we do. I want to meet him.”
Oh no. This was it.
Xavier’s eyes met mine, a silent message passing between us. He mouthed something, but I couldn’t quite understand what he was saying due to my racing thoughts.
“I think it’s time, Sarah,” Xavier said, standing up. And that’s when I realized what he was trying to tell me.
My father’s eyes widened in surprise. “Xavier, what’s going on?”
Xavier took my hand, his eyes locked on mine. My eyes widened, but before I could say anything, he continued.
“William, Sarah and I…”
“Xavier has already met the guy!” I chimed, panic surging through me. Xavier’s gaze immediately snapped at me in confusion, yet with a hint of amusement.
“Sarah, I think that’s not exactly what I was going to say,” Xavier said, chuckling, and I stomped on his foot, silencing him.
My father’s expression turned confused.
“What’s going on here?”
Xavier’s grip on my hand tightened. “Sarah, it’s better we come clean now.” He leaned in, whispering.
“No, I disagree,” I countered, whispering back. “Didn’t you see the look on his face? I can’t afford to tell him now; things will get worse.”
Xavier’s words didn’t calm my racing thoughts. “What if he insists on meeting me?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
“I don’t know; we’ll figure something…”
“What are the two of you whispering about?” my father interrupted our secret conversation, his eyes darting between the both of us in confusion.
“My personal life, Father,” I replied hastily, trying to brush it off.
But my father’s curiosity was piqued.
“Sarah, is there something you’re not telling me?” he pressed on but Xavier cut in.
“William, let’s focus on the move to France.”
“What?” I stomped on his foot again. “What are you saying?”
But my father’s eyes narrowed further.
“Both of you. Start talking.”