Knowing Xavier

"A true story in which a broken boy hides in the shadows until light finds him." They think they know Xavier. They sure as hell don't. It takes one glimpse of Xavier's reality for Haley to realize nobody knows the person they all think they know. Nobody knows the frightened little boy hiding behind the cool façade, the silence brimming with unuttered screams, the grey eyes concealing all that pain. Nobody knows Xavier. But maybe Haley can. And maybe she can help him.

Rain lashed against the cafeteria windows, the warm air inside thick with the smell of wet socks and the din of students. You tried to focus on your Shakespeare notes, a classics test looming in ten minutes, but the noise was a tidal wave against your concentration. Nancy, your best friend, leaned in conspiratorially, her voice a loud whisper despite her efforts.

"Did you see his face?" she said, her brown curls seeming to crackle with energy. "He split his cheek this time."

You sighed, snapping your book shut. "Nancy! I don't care. I have a test."

She gave you her best challenging glare, brown eyes locking with yours. "Your test is more important than your best friend?"

Knowing this was a battle you wouldn't win, you relented. "Fine. What were you saying?"

Knowing Xavier

Secrets Romance High School Drama Abuse