19TH HEARTBEAT

JORDI ADKINS

Xavier’s smile was just bright as the sunshine. I wasn’t expecting that such serene curve hanging on his quite dashy face would make me go insane on the inside. His eyes seemed like they were glistening and his overall aura brought a different energy to the table.

I have never seen him like this but yes, I secretly admired him and the seemingly drastic changes. I love that a simple conversation without any certain malice would bring out this bright and friendly looking Xavier.

“Xavier!” Jane’s voice echoed subsequently pulling me back to reality.

“Ahem... Yeah, that seat’s not taken.” I could feel my chest pumping faster like I’ve been running for quite a mile. I tried to be calm.

“Thank you.” Xavier gently placed Billie right next to Jane’s very own bag of flour.

“Awww, your baby looked cuuutee.” Jane squealed the instant she saw the face drawn on Billie. “Did you draw that Xavier?”

“Yes, I did.”

“Yes, he did.” Xavier and I both replied in unison.

“Ooookay?” Jane gave us