CHAPTER 7 : APOLOGY OR MISOGYNY

Daniel was worried, very worried. He knew that Viveria had always been the savior of many but she had never fought against such a tough and jerkish opponent like Xavier. However, he refused to just stand by and watch all this happen, specially when he is there by Viveria's side.

Walking through the corridor towards the Boy's Locker Space , he looked around for Xavier, but unfortunately he didn't see him anywhere. Daniel thought if Xavier really wants to make a show out of all this he is just not gonna simply stand by and let him do that. He will protect Viveria at all costs.

In the classroom, sitting by the window side always made Viveria happy, the breeze which lightly played on her face was an assurance of nature that they would also always be friends. The room was empty, as most of the students had gone to the P.E. class, she on the other hand didn't like P.E., so she always made great excuses whenever there was this class twice a week.

However, Viveria did love to play Volleyball, but that was going to be on Thursday, so she will not be attending today's class. She decided to have a nap - after all this was an ideal time to do so.

Meanwhile, in the corridors of Walstorm High, Xavier was rushing towards Viveria's classroom, he knew she would be alone and it would be a great opportunity to apologize, without taking any damage at his image. He remembered what Dew told him after the basketball match.

Earlier in the Boy's Basketball Locker Room.....

Dew ( walking up to Xavier) : Thanks man for what you said about Viveria, though I hate you for insulting her that day, it was good to know you finally decided to change your opinion about her. She does that you know, changes people. ( getting lost in thought)

Xavier: Listen Dew, I didn't do it for her , Okay? If they would have talked about some other girl I would have still done the same.

(Internally thinking about those eyes with which Viveria had looked at him at the party. God!! Those eyes reminded him of the painful eyes of his mother, when she used to still cook for his father after getting beaten brutally. he remembers his Mom , claiming that it was her love that brought her pain. Love??? Such a funny concept.. so funny that it ended... it ended...)

Dew ( touching Xavier's shoulder) : Hey, are you listening to me? I was just saying that if you want to really apologize to Viv, then she will be in the classroom this afternoon. You can go and ask for her forgiveness. However, if you dare to insult her again or even think about pulling any rubbish plan, our talk ends here right now.

Xavier ( should I give it a try? It's just a sorry after all) : Ok, I promise I won't screw up. Actually, I'm just gonna apologize so that the matter can come to a peaceful end. Nothing else.

Dew giving Xavier a knowing look : I know dude, we boys often say a lot of shit which we don't actually mean but then me, approaching you isn't because I care about you, but because I care about Viveria, so the sooner you guys can go back to normal and end this matter , the sooner people might stop troubling Viv, she doesn't deserve it. She is a very nice person. If I see that you are hurting her again, then I'll be the biggest enemy you will have to deal with.

Xavier giving Dew a shrug of his shoulder. He thought to himself ( I thought Daniel was the only one who had feelings for Viveria but it seems like even Dew feels for her. Well why do I care? Just have to go and apologize, maybe that would help with my nightmares. I'll do it for myself - even if I just have to say a meaningless sorry)

Presently, as Xavier was rushing towards Viveria's classroom, he bumped unknowingly into Daniel, shouting out a sorry as he continued to rush. Daniel, who was about to give Xavier a piece of his mind, realized that Xavier was actually going towards Viveria's classroom.

( Daniel internally cursing himself, What should he do now? He won't let Xavier hurt Viveria again.)

Daniel decided to follow Xavier towards Viveria's classroom.

Xavier entered Viveria's classroom, he saw her sitting on the 5th bench near the window, her face was blissfully at sleep, a strand of her hair was falling on her face. Xavier didn't know why but his gaze simply was transfixed at the innocent beauty which Viveria possessed. How could he even had said that no one would like a girl like her? She may not be sexy, but she definitely had a beautiful soul which was covered under heavy spectacles and her nerdy attitude. For a moment, Xavier forgot why he had come, he didn't have much time, his football match was about to start, he needed to hurry up and apologize.

Walking towards Viveria, he slowly called out her name. Viveria, who was having a very interesting dream where Xavier was apologizing to her, didn't hear her name being called. Gently, Xavier gave her a nudge and called her again. Viveria woke up with sluggish eyes, however she was instantly awake. It was Xavier!!!! She looked around, No, she was definitely not dreaming. What was he doing here. Had he come to apologize?

Viveria stood up saying: Yes...Yes.. Xavier... Umm.. Do you want something?

Xavier: Yes, actually, I just wanted to say that I am... I am...

Looking expectantly at Xavier, Viveria felt her heart skipping a beat. He was going to apologize to her. For real. She felt a blush creep up her cheeks. Trying hard to suppress it. she continued: Yeah, tell me Xavier, what is it that you want to say?

Just then Daniel reached the door of the classroom, he was about to intervene when he saw Viveria blushing. He gave a sigh of relief, okay, so maybe things were not going to go bad after all. But he just couldn't help but feel this weird sensation - Will she really accept Xavier?

Deciding not to invade into their conversation, Daniel waited outside the door. he would just wait to see what happens.

However, if Viveria decides to give Xavier a chance he would be happy, as long as Vive, his Vive would be happy.

Xavier: So the thing is I'm sorry. ( with a very straight and unapologetic face Xavier apologized)

Viveria: Its okay, but if you didn't want to apologize you shouldn't have. It looks like you are being forced to say sorry. I don't want your apology if you don't mean it. Besides, I'm not a person who holds grudges. So its cool, okay!

Xavier ( suddenly feeling angry) : I just apologized didn't I? What's your problem? Can't you just quietly appreciate that I, Xavier, just apologized to a nobody like you?

Viveria ( as always coming back to reality, So he really didn't mean to apologize, its just a formality, he doesn't mean it. Wow!! how can she grow so soft twice?) : Well, like I said Xavier, I don't need your apology. Also, you insulted me in front of everyone so don't you think you should apologize in front of everyone?

Xavier ( angrily pulling Viveria towards him) : Why do you have this ego? Why do you love testing my patience ? Can't you just be like other girls?

Viveria ( angrily removing herself far way from him and shouting) : I'M NOT LIKE OTHER GIRLS. Also, it's not me who needs to learn stuff. It's you who needs to behave. How dare you treat girls like this? Who gives you the right?

Hearing Viveria shout, Daniel came rushing at her side - he watched Viveria 's eyes turning moist, and he knew exactly how angry she was. Moreover he knew that she was hurt. There you go again Xavier had crossed the line.

AGAIN!!!

Daniel now furious: What the hell is wrong with you Dude? Don't you know how to talk to girls? And here you pretend to be the heartthrob of our high school?

Moving dangerously close to Xavier, Daniel looked straight into his eyes: You better stay the fuck away from her or else don't force me to stoop low to your level.

Just then the other members of the class came back, including Jackie and Dew. Realizing soon enough that there is something wrong, both of them rushed towards Viveria 's side.

Viveria trying to pull Daniel away: It's okay Dan, leave it, Don't get angry, you know you have your health issue. Please Dan don't get hyper!

Xavier realizing that people were looking at him, had to protect his image first. Suddenly, giving a nonchalant laugh he said: Well, we would definitely continue this conversation.

Looking towards Viveria he gave a smile. As he was about to leave, he heard Viveria shouting out to him.

Viveria: Well let's just make sure we never ever have a conversation again!

As Xavier walked away, Daniel could still feel anger pulsing through his whole body. He turned towards Viveria , expecting that she would have a meltdown. However, Daniel was stunned!

To the surprise of Daniel, Dew and Jackie; Viveria was not crying, instead she looked proud.

Proud that she saved herself and fought back.

Xavier on the other hand couldn't understand how the situation had gone so haywire? Will he ever be able to talk with Viveria without her bodyguards?

Or most importantly why does he want to talk to her again?