Redhead and Mr. Jerkface

I pulled Xavier's leather jacket tighter around me, his scent was oddly comforting, and the cold didn't feel so harsh anymore.

“You look good in that,” Xavier said, glancing sideways at me with that annoying smirk.

“Don’t get used to it,” I shot back, rolling my eyes. “I’m giving it back the second we get to school.”

“Sure you are,” he teased. “But I gotta say, it suits you, Red. Maybe I’ll just gift it to you. Consider it compensation for putting up with me.”

“Oh wow, what an honor,” I said dryly. “Do I get a medal too, Mr. Jerkface?”

He laughed, his grin softening as he tapped the steering wheel. “You’ve been calling me that a lot tonight. I think it’s starting to grow on me.”

“Good. It fits,” I quipped.

We fell quiet again.The playful mood faded as reality crept back in—the mess with his family, whatever was going on with Abuela.

“You okay?” I asked, breaking the silence.

He sighed, his fingers tightening on the wheel. “I don’t know,” he admitted. “Today was... a lot. I wasn’t ready for all that drama with my dad and Amanda showing up. And Abuela? She means everything to me, you know? I just can’t lose her too.”

I nodded, my chest tightening. “I get it,” I said quietly. “I mean... I lost my parents when I was young, so I kind of know what it’s like to hold on to the people who really matter.”

His head turned toward me, surprise flickering in his hazel eyes. “You never told me that.”

“I don’t talk about it much,” I admitted, looking down at my hands. “But yeah... I know what it feels like to be scared of losing someone.”

He was quiet for a beat, then said softly, “I’m sorry, Halle.”

“It’s okay,” I said with a small smile. “It just... makes you appreciate the good people in your life, you know?”

He nodded slowly. “Yeah. You’re right.”

We drove in silence for a few more minutes before he spoke again. “So, when are you coming back to see Abuela? She’s already a fan of yours.”

I laughed. “She’s sweet, but I think she likes me because she thinks I’m your girlfriend.”

“Well...” he drawled, giving me that mischievous grin. “It wouldn’t be the worst rumor, would it?”

I rolled my eyes. “Keep dreaming, Herrán.”

He chuckled. “You’re fun, Red. I like having you around.”

The sincerity in his tone caught me off guard, but I played it off. “Yeah, well... someone’s gotta keep you in check.”

“We’re at Gleewood already!” I practically screamed, pointing toward the glowing signboard at the school entrance.

Xavier slowed the car as we approached, but then we both realized the gates were shut tight. Not just shut—locked.

“Shit,” I muttered, panic creeping into my voice as I checked the clock on the dashboard. “It’s past eleven already. The dorm’s going to be locked. What am I supposed to do now?”

“Hey Redhead, calm down,” Xavier said, his voice steady. “I’ll think of something.”

I pulled my phone out, but the screen stayed dark. Dead. Just great.

“My phone’s dead,” I groaned.

“Here, take a charger and plug it in,” Xavier offered, gesturing to the center console.

I plugged it in, but as I did, Xavier caught sight of the cracked mess that was my screen.

“You still haven’t fixed that?” he asked, frowning.

I scoffed, rolling my eyes. “You did break it, remember? I’m saving up to get it repaired.”

His lips pulled into a sheepish grin. “Right... Sorry about that. Should I help you with the money to fix it?”

I shook my head firmly. “Nope. I don’t want your money.” Then, after a pause, I added, “But if you could help me find a part-time job in Gleewood, that’d be nice.”

“Consider it done, ma’am,” he said with an exaggerated salute.

I snorted despite myself. “Thanks.”

Xavier tapped the steering wheel thoughtfully, then glanced at me. “How about we head to Abuela’s house? It’s empty. No one stays there. I only go there to clear my head sometimes.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, you’ll be safe there. Plus, it’s better than sleeping in the car,” he added with a grin.

I sighed “Alright. Thank you.”

He nodded and made a sharp U-turn, the tires humming against the road. My stomach twisted, and I let out a frustrated groan.

Not even two minutes into the drive, I groaned, leaning back against the seat. “Ugh” I mumbled, leaning my head back. “I’m so car sick. I’m tired of sitting in this car.”

Xavier glanced over at me, clearly amused. “Hang in there, Red. Abuela’s place isn’t far.”

I shot him a glare. “Easy for you to say. You’re not the one feeling like they’re about to puke all over this expensive car.”

He laughed, clearly enjoying my misery. “Don’t you dare. I’ll make you clean it yourself.”

I glared at him through the haze of nausea. “I swear, if I do, it’ll be on you,Mr Jerkface.”

“Fair enough,” he said, still grinning

Five more minutes passed, and I couldn’t help myself. "Are we there yet?"

He shot me a glare. "Nooo, Reddd," he groaned dramatically, dragging out the words.

I huffed and crossed my arms, staring out the window at nothing but darkness. The motion of the car combined with exhaustion from the long day started to lull me to sleep. My eyelids grew heavier, and before I knew it, I dozed off.

The next thing I felt was a light tap on my shoulder. “Red, wake up. We’re here,” Xavier said softly.

I blinked, slowly opening my eyes. The sight in front of me made my jaw drop. A beautiful mansion stood before us, glowing under the moonlight like something out of a dream. It was elegant yet welcoming, with angelic white walls and a sprawling garden that seemed to stretch forever.

Xavier pressed a button, and the enormous wrought-iron gate creaked open. The car rolled through as I stared in awe, trying to take it all in.

Once we parked, I unbuckled my seatbelt and opened the door to step out. The cool night air hit my face,still staring in awe at the house. “This... this is Abuela’s house?” I asked softly..

“Yup,” Xavier said casually, getting out of the car.

He walked to the back seat, opened the door, and started pulling out what looked like an absurd number of white shopping bags—at least six, maybe more—all piled onto one arm like he was showing off.

I stared, my mouth hanging open. "Where did all that come from?"

He grinned sheepishly, using his free arm to ruffle his hair. "So, while you were asleep," he began, "I, uh... pulled over at a supermarket."

I raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

He shrugged casually. "I wanted to get you a snack. But then I couldn’t decide what you’d like... so I just bought every snack they had."

My mouth dropped open, and I stared at him, completely speechless. “You... you bought the entire store?”

“Pretty much,” he said, clearly proud of himself.

I didn’t even know how to respond. Half of me wanted to laugh at how ridiculous he was, while the other half was oddly touched by the effort. “Xavier,” I said, shaking my head, “you’re insane.”

“And you’re welcome,” he replied with a wink, hoisting the bags effortlessly as he headed toward the house.

I followed behind, still trying to process what just happened.