Chapter nine

Brandon announced earlier that we were going to play games. So, after the tub bath, we joined the boys. Xavier looked bored and angry. The way Brandon smiled; it was as if they had already discussed it. I felt like Xavier was scared of his younger brother or it seemed like, he didn't want to displease him.

"Okay. In these games we're going to play, we have to pair. Senah, you're with me. Ephreona, you're with Xavier. For the first game, we're supposed to look for five roses, two white rabbits, and a stake." Xavier's eyes widened at Brandon's last word. Brandon's expression remained the same. "We have just an hour. Let the search begin."

Brandon and Senah took a different turn and we also did the same. We walked for about ten minutes without saying anything. On the way, I spotted a white rabbit happily hopping about. The way Xavier grabbed the rabbit by the neck sent a cold shiver down my spine. The poor animal looked like it was going to die.

We kept on walking when I saw a rose plant. Xavier held the rose the same way he held the neck of the rabbit. This time the flower got crushed in his hands and his palm was bleeding from a cut that was from a thorn on the plant. He didn't even seem to notice until I attempted to hold his hand but even then, he pushed my hand away and gave me a cold glare. I was hurt but I coolly put my hands back by my side and continued walking ahead. Before I realized it, he was in front of me.

He leaned in toward my face and just when I thought he was going to kiss me, he pushed my face away and picked another rose.