As soon as Kamsi saw Xavier walk in, she panicked and quickly hid behind her mom, wrapping her scarf around her face.
"It's okay, mom," she said with a muffled voice, her scarf covering her mouth. "I think my bracelet fell somewhere here."
Xavier's gaze lingered on Kamsi, his expression unimpressed.
"Really? Let me help you look for it," Fairaa offered promptly.
As soon as everyone's attention was diverted to look for the bracelet, Kamsi quickly got up and yelled, "Found it!" and made a hasty exit, followed by her mom.
Laura and Ruby were left alone with Xavier, who had just walked in.
"Xavier, you're so late!" Laura exclaimed, her voice upset. "It's almost 11 PM! You bailed on a family dinner, and you didn't even call to apologize."
Xavier shrugged, his expression unbothered. "Traffic," he said, his voice dripping with apathy.
Ruby rolled her eyes, her expression mirroring Xavier's nonchalance. "You left me to suffer through that boring dinner alone," she said, her voice laced with annoyance. "Thanks for that."
Xavier smirked, his eyes glinting with amusement. "How was your dinner date?" he asked Ruby, his tone casual.
"Awful," Ruby spat out, her voice venomous. "Just like always."
Xavier chuckled, his expression unrepentant. "Sorry, kiddo," he said, ruffling Ruby's hair.
Laura's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she turned to Xavier. "Besides being a daughter, Kamsi attends the same school as you, I assume. You guys must have crossed paths. Have you, Xavier?"
Xavier's expression remained nonchalant, but a hint of a smile played on his lips. "I suppose we have," he said, his voice low and smooth.
As he spoke, a cunning smile spread across his face, revealing a hint of mischief in his eyes. Laura's hopeful gaze lingered on him, but Xavier's attention had already shifted to Ruby, who was watching the exchange with interest.
"And what do you think of her?" Laura asked, her voice laced with anticipation.
Xavier's smile grew wider, his eyes glinting with amusement. "She's...intriguing," he said, his tone dripping with subtle interest.
Ruby nodded in agreement, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Yeah, that's one way to put it."
Xavier chuckled, his eyes never leaving Ruby's face. "I think we've discussed Kamsi enough, don't you, Ruby?"
Ruby smirked, her expression cunning. "Definitely. Let's move on to something more interesting."
Xavier strode into his room, his long strides devouring the distance. "Gilbert, I've got a job for you!" he announced with a sly smirk, his eyes glinting with mischief. Kamsi, who was sitting nearby, let out a heavy sigh, her shoulders sagging in relief. "Thank goodness!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with exasperation. "I get to survive another intolerable day."
Xavier's mom, Laura, walked into the room, her eyes fixed on her son. "Xavier, darling..." she began, her voice soft and conciliatory. But Xavier cut her off, his tone harsh. "Not now, mom. I don't have time for this."
"You can keep hating on him, but it's not going to change anything," Laura pressed on, her voice firm but laced with a hint of desperation.
"Oh, I sure can," Xavier sneered, his tone abrasive and bitter. "In fact, I'm doing a great job at it."
Xavier's voice was laced with sarcasm, but Xavier's mom called out, her tone soft and pleading. "Xavier, please drop it."
But Xavier's anger was unrelenting. "No, mom, I won't drop it! You know I hate him for what he did to us, and I can't just forget it."
Laura's voice was calm and measured, but Xavier's response was fierce. "Only because he's got the upper hand, mom! He's trying to manipulate us, not make amends."
Xavier's words were laced with venom, and he snatched his black leather jacket from the hanger, his movements swift and angry. "Where are you going, Xavier?" his mom asked, her voice laced with concern.
But Xavier's response was curt and dismissive. "Somewhere less bothersome."
As he stormed out of the room, the door slammed shut behind him, making Laura flinch. She broke into tears, her body shaking with sobs.
Outside, Xavier's car screeched to a halt, the brakes squealing in protest. He cursed under his breath, his hands clenched into fists. Memories of his painful childhood flooded his mind - the countless times he had to work tirelessly to support his mom, the cruel taunts of his peers, and the ultimate betrayal by his father.
"Damn it!" he growled, his anger boiling over.
Meanwhile, Kamsi's voice came over the phone, her tone agitated. "Can you believe she called us pests? I mean, who does she think she is?" she exclaimed to Zendaya.
Zendaya's response was calm and measured. "Take a deep breath, Kamsi. It's not worth getting worked up over."
But Kamsi was having none of it. "Easy for you to say, Zendaya. You're not the one dealing with these infuriating people!"
Kamsi's voice trembled with rage. "And then, Ruby had the nerve to call me ugly! Can you believe it?"
Zendaya's response was laced with disdain. "Ugh, Ruby? She's Xavier's younger sister, which basically makes her the devil's minion. I mean, have you seen the way she behaves? She's always causing trouble and stirring up drama."
Kamsi's anger was palpable. "I know, right? But I had no idea she was this bad."
Zendaya snorted. "Oh, girl, you have no idea. Ruby's been wreaking havoc since she was like, five. I mean, remember that time she poured glue on her teacher's chair in kindergarten?"
Kamsi gasped. "No, what? That's insane!"
Zendaya chuckled. "Yeah, and that's not all. She once convinced her classmates to boycott recess because she didn't want to play with anyone. And in second grade, she pulled off the ultimate prank by filling the school's fountain with Jell-O."
Kamsi's eyes widened in shock. "Wow, that's...impressive?"
Zendaya laughed. "I know, right? And don't even get me started on her bullying tactics. She's like a mini Xavier, always trying to manipulate and control people."
Kamsi shook her head. "I can't believe I'm dealing with these people. First, Xavier and now Ruby?"
Zendaya's voice was reassuring. "Don't worry, Kamsi. We'll get through this together. And just remember, Ruby's bark is worse than her bite...most of the time."