CHAPTER 10: ENEMY OR FRIENDS?

The loud ringing of the alarm clock was enough to wake up Viveria from her dreams. Today, she would turn over into a new leaf. It was 7 am in the morning and though she slept at 3 30 am , she was determined that the only way to get Xavier out of her system is to go totally old school.

She had made up a routine for herself. She would keep herself busy until and unless she gets comfortable with the fact that she was crushing over a jerk. Maybe, not a jerk but rather a bad guy. However, Viveria was determined that she would go for jogging in the morning. And today would be her attempt No 1.

As Viveria got dressed in her tracks and arranged her hair into a high pony tail, she looked back at the bed. God!! How great it would have been if she would just get back to her sleep. Turning her head around, Viveria knew she cannot back out now. She will put all her emotions into physical activities and she would start with jogging.

Locking her door and rechecking it, Viveria ran down the stairs feeling a very different surge of energy. The sun was out and shining as if encouraging Viveria to go ahead and fulfill her task.

As Viveria started her way towards her destination, initially she felt full of energy; but eventually it was not long before she felt lethargy! After all she wasn't used to it and the first step is always the toughest to take. She had reached quite far considering that she couldn't continue further. She bought a bottle of water, sat near a bench and gulped down water as if she had been thirsty for ages.

Viveria internally ( why had I come alone? I could have called Daniel or Dew. I feel so bored, already so demotivated. Gosh! why was this happening to me? That stupid, stupid Xavier.)

As Viveria threw the bottle with frustration, the bottle landed near a young boy who looked similar to Viveria's age. The boy picked up the bottle and as he dragged his hoody behind, it was none other than Xavier!

Xavier: Umm, I though you are the ambassador for a healthy earth! Why are you throwing plastic bottles in the middle of the road? Are you okay?

Viveria just couldn't believe her luck. Why had she decided to come out of her house? Should she just ignore him and walk away? Or should she reply to his sarcastic comment. Deciding otherwise Viveria started to ignore Xavier and walked away from him in the opposite direction.

Xavier throwing the bottle in the dustbin nearby, started following her.

Xavier: So, now you are going to ignore me. I thought we were past this phase. Also, I have never seen you in this neighborhood. Hey! Can you just stop and have a chat?

Viveria looking defiantly at Xavier: I thought we agreed never to talk to each other again. So please Xavier, I don't want to start another fight with you. And just because I'm someone whom you know, doesn't mean you have to check up on me. For a guy who cannot even apologize properly, you sure have a lot of guts to talk to me. So, NO, we can't have a chat.

As Viveria started to walk away, she saw a cat nearby. As soon as she saw the cat, she freaked out. Everybody has something they are afraid of and for Viveria, a cat was a dangerous beast who would attack you when you least expect. She gave out a shriek.

Xavier pulled her by the wrist. Unexpectedly, she came crashing down on his chest. For a moment Viveria was lost.

Those beautiful and dark eyes of Xavier were looking down at her, he seemed genuinely concerned regarding her. How she wished time would stop and this would be a perfect romantic moment. But the sad reality is that Xavier is the guy she is trying to get over, so romance at this point is a blunder!

Viveria pulled herself up quickly and shoved away Xavier's hand : Don't touch me. I'm fine.

As she was about to leave again, she saw that the dangerous beast was still sitting in front of her, staring right at her. Damn you! You stupid cat. Why did it have to be the one thing she was so afraid of?

Glancing back, she saw Xavier was giving her a smile, a smile, she would have died for; if only she hadn't known him.

No matter what, she needs to get out of this situation as soon as possible, otherwise, she might just fall for Xavier, all over again.

As she cautiously avoided the cat in front of her and decided to walk away.

Xavier: So you are afraid of cats? Who knew that Miss Topper and an animal lover was actually afraid of cats? Wouldn't this be a breaking news?

Viveria turned around. And here she thought he was not that bad of a person. She was just about to reply to him, when she saw Xavier walking towards her. Her breathe quickened, Xavier was looking pretty hot in his tracksuit and as he was approaching her, she could feel his eyes on her. Snapping back to reality, Viveria thought to herself, maybe what she was actually feeling is that she is so sleepy!

Xavier ( pulling Viveria to a nearby bench and sitting down himself) : So, how about we call it a truce? You forgive me for that day and I will keep your secret.

Viveria ( cautiously sitting beside him): Now, I'm really confused. Are you genuinely apologizing or blackmailing me?

Xavier ( giving her an honest laugh) : Well, to be very honest, I'm really sorry for that day and I mean it. It was wrong of me to talk like that about you and I know you did face the wrath of my fan club.

At this statement Viveria rolled her eyes at him. What was he playing at, this time? Should she trust him? Should she fall for his tricks again. There was one way to find out!

Viveria: If you are truly sorry, then do one thing for me and I'll believe you.

Xavier: And what do I have to do?

Viveria ( giving him a naughty smile) : To be very honest you did insult me in front of everyone, so apologize, in front of everyone. Right now.

Xavier ( being serious) : You really think I'll do that. Wasn't I the one who was negotiating just now?

Viveria : Well, if you really want me to forgive you. Then this is your last chance. Also, this is me extending a hand of friendship towards you. So take it or leave it.

As Xavier went quite. Viveria realized maybe she had gone too far. He is never going to truly apologize to her. Also, it was high time now that she should get over him. Maybe, its just not meant to be.

As Viveria got up and decided to leave, she felt a tug at her hand. To her wildest surprise, Xavier stared directly into her eyes.

Those same eyes which had demanded an apology, thought Xavier to himself.

Xavier: I AM SORRY, VIVERIA. PLEASE FORGIVE ME. ( shouting out in front of everybody)

Viveria could not believe that it was actually happening. Was it really some romantic dream of hers that just came to life or is she still dreaming?

Looking around she saw that people were staring at them. Viveria feeling a blush creep up at her cheeks: Fine! fine! I forgive you. It's okay.

Xavier ( giving her a warm smile) : So friends, Miss Enemy?

Viveria ( smiling back) : Friends, Mr. Enemy.

Was this friendship really meant to last or was all hell about to break out?