SARAH’S POV
“Father, what are you doing!” I rushed over to Xavier’s side and cupped his cheek, blood trickling out of his nose. My eyes locked onto my father’s scrunched-up face, his eyes blazing with fury.
“Get away from him, Sarah!” he growled.
But I stood firm, my heart racing. “You’re hurting him!” I pleaded, my eyes welling up. “How could you do this, Father?”
Xavier’s eyes fluttered open, and he winced.
“Sarah, I’m fine,” he whispered.
My father’s face twisted in disgust.
“Don’t talk to her, Xavier. You’ve done enough damage.”
I felt a surge of anger. I never expected this kind of reaction from him.
“That’s not true! I did the damage!” I said, my voice firm as I walked towards him. “It was me who fell for him first, so if you’re angry, then pour it on me.”
My father’s gaze snapped back to me, and I could see the disappointment and hurt in his eyes.
“Sarah, I didn’t expect this from… both of you,” he said, his voice soft with a layer of pain and betrayal. “I trusted him.”
I stood tall, despite the tears streaming down my face.
“You’re always talking about trust and respect, Father. But now you’re not giving us any,” I said, my voice firm.
My father’s expression faltered, and for a moment, I saw the hurt and confusion beneath.
“Sarah, you’re my daughter. I just want to protect you,” he said, his voice cracking.
I took a step closer, my heart aching.
“You’re not protecting me, Father. You’re pushing me away.”
Xavier’s hand brushed mine, and I felt a surge of courage.
“Sarah, stop. I’ll handle this,” Xavier said, his voice gentle but determined. “Just go.”
“No.” I shook my head, refusing to yield. “Look what he did to you.” I lifted my hand to touch his face, but he grabbed my hand and nodded curtly-a silent assurance.
My father’s gaze snapped back to Xavier, and his expression hardened.
“I hope you know you can’t handle me, Xavier, because I won’t listen to whatever excuse you have for sleeping with my daughter.”
Xavier’s eyes remained fixed on me, ignoring my father. “Sarah, leave now.”
I nodded, tears still streaming down my face.
As I turned to leave, my father’s voice stopped me.
“And Sarah?”
I turned back.
“Go pack your things.”
I looked at Xavier, torn between defiance and obedience. I felt a chill run down my spine.
“What? Father, no!” I protested.
Xavier’s eyes locked onto mine, a silent plea to leave. But I stood firm.
“You can’t do this, Father. This is my home,” I said, my voice shaking.
My father’s expression remained unyielding.
“You’re choosing him over me, Sarah. You’re choosing to defy me.”
I took a deep breath.
“I’m choosing to stand up for myself, Father. I am not a kid anymore. I can make my own decisions.” I spat, looking him straight in the eye.
Xavier’s hand brushed mine again, a gentle reminder.
“Sarah, please,” he whispered.
I nodded, knowing I had to leave, but I wouldn’t back down.
“I’ll pack my things,” I said, my voice firm, but the words left a bitter taste in my mouth.
As I turned to leave, Xavier’s voice stopped me.
“Sarah?”
I turned back.
“I’ll come find you,” he promised.
My father’s face twisted in anger.
“You’ll do no such thing, Xavier. You’ll stay away from my daughter.”
Xavier’s eyes never left mine.
“I’ll always find you, Sarah.”
I smiled, tears streaming down my face.
With that, I turned and left, leaving my father and Xavier behind.
But I knew this wasn’t the end.
This was just the beginning.
———–
I gripped one of my dresses, almost at the brink of tearing, as I loaded up my luggage.
I felt a mix of emotions: anger, sadness, and determination.
How could my father do this to me?
To us?
I threw the dress onto the bag and slumped onto the ground, leaning on the bed.
But as I looked around my room, memories flooded my mind.
The laughter and late-night talks-I was leaving it all behind.
How could my father just kick me out?
I wiped away tears, my heart aching. But I knew I had to be strong. I had to stand up for myself.
I zipped up my suitcase, taking one last look at my room. It was almost dawn, and it was unavoidable we leave this morning. No excuses, no defiance.
I felt a knot tighten in my stomach. He wanted me to choose. I can’t choose between either of them. I love them both. William is my only family, and Xavier is the love of my life. How was I meant to choose?
Whatever it takes, I’ll try to convince my father. Perhaps if he sees from my perspective, he’ll understand.
With newfound resolve, I grabbed my suitcase and opened the door.
My father stood outside, his eyes red-rimmed.
“Get into the car and don’t disobey,” he warned, his voice surprisingly calm, making me wonder what he and Xavier had discussed. “I know you’re an adult, and you can make your own decisions, but I can’t let you make bad ones.”
His words only fueled my determination.
“Father, please listen,” I began. But he raised his hand, silencing me.
“Not now, Sarah. We’ll talk later.”
I felt a surge of frustration.
When would he listen?
I glanced around, searching for Xavier. He stood by the hallway, his eyes locked onto mine.
A silent reassurance, perhaps, or defeat. Wait a minute, is he allowing me to go?
My father’s gaze narrowed, and he spoke with finality.
“Let’s go.”
“No… Xavier.” I turned to Xavier, ignoring my father. “You can’t just let me go like that. Is this how you plan on handling him?” I asked, my voice pleading.
Xavier glanced at my father, then back to me. Then he sighed and closed the distance between us.
“You have to go, Sarah. It’s the only way.”
“What are you saying?” I snapped, my voice flaring. “Are you out of your mind, Xavier?”
Xavier placed his hand on my shoulders, his eyes filled with a deep sadness.
“Sarah, listen to me,” Xavier said, his voice low. “I’ve talked to your father. He’s willing to listen.”
I felt a glimmer of hope.
“Really?”
Xavier nodded, but that hope shattered in an instant.
“I never said that,” my father fired back, his gaze on Xavier fierce.
Xavier ignored him; his eyes remained fixed on me. “You have to leave with him now.”
I shook my head. “No, Xavier. I won’t.”
Xavier’s grip on my shoulders tightened. “Sarah, please.”
I felt a surge of confusion. Was Xavier giving up on us? Why did another part of me think otherwise? Perhaps he has a plan or something.
I hesitated, but Xavier’s eyes pleaded with me.
“Trust me, Sarah. Go with your father.”
I nodded, and I turned to leave but turned back, facing him.
“You better come back for me,” I said, more like a command.
Xavier’s smile was faint, but he didn’t respond, making my worry grow.
This can’t be happening.