Chapter 19 --- She has a child?

Chapter 19

She has a child?

[Xavier’s POV]

I saw flashes of lightning through the window and I counted to five before I heard the rumbling of thunder again. The storm was getting closer. I was working hard to distract my mind from what I had just seen. As soon as I saw the scattered clothes on the couch, I felt a surge of rage rise in my chest which shocked me. I had only known Miss Young for a short period and her personal life had nothing to do with me. I knew that, but I couldn’t shake the sick feeling that stirred within me at the thought that she had been with another man. Seeing her angry as she explained the situation, greatly eased my mind and I instantly felt a little better. But, what kind of person uses their friend’s place for a fucking session? Miss Young’s tastes in people were certainly interesting. Accepting her explanation, I settled myself down on the couch and watched the rain trickle down the window pane.

Hearing the clinking sounds of coffee cups and utensils coming from the kitchen, I found myself watching her. I grinned as I saw her tiny frame run all over the kitchen trying to make coffee as fast as possible. But when I saw that a knife almost fell from her hand, I gripped the couch and blurted out, “Miss Young, please don’t rush. I’m not in hurry.”

She immediately stopped and looked at me with a baffled expression. Nodding her head slightly, she went back to work. I chuckled inwardly and leaned back against the soft leather couch. Taking my time, I swept my eyes around her midsized apartment. I saw that it contained three rooms. The interior decoration wasn't over the top or as richly furnished as mine, but it was comfortable and had a modern feel. The living room had a set of leather sofas, a round coffee table in the middle of the room and hanging against the wall was a fifty-two inch LED TV. Works of art were also hung on every wall. Seeing that most of them were comprised of landscapes, I assumed that she was fond of nature. I smiled as I remembered her face as she studied the paintings in my room.

Hearing her slow and cautious footsteps, I snapped my attention back to the present. She nervously put the mugs of coffee down on the table.

“Go ahead and try it, Mr. President. I doubt it will be as good as how your personal chef makes it, but it’s the best I have. I need to change my clothes so just make yourself comfortable and I will be back in a minute.”

Nodding slightly, I grabbed the cup that she had placed in front of me. Hearing her door close, I stood up from the couch and walked over to stand next to the window. Sipping on my hot coffee, I finally was able to relax.

“Mom! Mommy! There’s an intruder! Tomato will call the police immediately!”

Upon hearing this, I viciously choked on my drink. I couldn’t believe it! Did she have a child here? Was she married or a single mom? As questions plagued my mind, I whipped around to face the source of the mechanical voice that was yelling from behind me. But as soon as I spotted the source of the racket, my mouth fell open in awe.

I spotted a mini home robot as he continued to repeat his words. A small laugh of relief escaped my lips, but it immediately died in my throat as I saw the thing charge toward me with a knife. Where the fuck did he get that from?!

“No! No, wait! Hey, robot! I'm not any intruder. Your owner knows me.”

I stumbled backwards and climbed onto the sofa for safety. Not that it was going to do me any good as I saw that he was positioning himself to throw the knife at me. At that moment, Miss Young’s bedroom door flew open and banged against the wall. I thanked God for her perfect timing. This thing was about to kill me! Her loud voice boomed through the whole apartment.

“The fuck? Stressed Tomato! Oh my God, stop! He’s my boss. Come. Here. Right. Now.”

The robot paused, turned to look at her and abruptly dropped the weapon. I was surprised when he started apologizing profusely as went straight towards her.

“Stressed Tomato is sorry. Stressed Tomato is sorry.”

Ignoring his words, she rolled her eyes and continued to shout like an angry mother.

“Go back to my room and do not come back out!”

The robot instantly obeyed her. Covering my mouth to hide my smile, I watched as he rushed into her bedroom without another word and closed the door gently behind him. She sighed and reached up to pinch the bridge of her nose.

“I'm so sorry about that, Mr. President. Since he’s never seen you before, he identified you as an intruder. I sincerely apologize.”

Waving away her apology, I stifled a laugh. Collecting myself, I looked curiously at her.

“It’s perfectly understandable, Miss Young. You came in just the right time so no harm done. Anyway, why do you have a house robot? Even though you’re a talented hacker, I never would have guessed that you’re a robotics enthusiast.”

Shifting awkwardly in her shoes, she replied, “Um, actually it was a gift from my best friend. The reason he acts like a child and calls me “Mommy,” is because she programmed him that way.”

I couldn’t take it anymore. I burst out laughing and it only got louder when I saw the heat pour into her cheeks.

Looking at the table I heard her gasp, “Oh no! Your coffee has gotten cold. Let me make another one for you.”

My shoulders were still shaking with laughter as she quickly made her exit to the kitchen. I couldn’t remember the last time I had laughed so hard. It felt good. This girl… she was proving to be quite interesting! Gathering myself, I took some deep breaths and sat back down on the couch to wait for another cup. She came back with two fresh cups and a plate of cookies. Handing me my cup, she wordlessly took the seat opposite of mine. Miss Young looked refreshed in her casual wear and I was almost jealous that I wasn’t in more comfortable clothes as well.

Taking a cautious sip, I glanced over at her. She was good at making coffee too! The sugar was perfect, just according to my preference and it didn't taste bitter. Was there anything she couldn’t do? I held the cup gently and I let my gaze drift over the apartment once again.

“Do you live here alone?”

“Yes, sir”

I hummed as took another delicious sip.

“What about your parents? Do they live in the city as well?”

For a split second, I saw fear and sorrow flicker in her eyes. I cursed myself for asking such a personal question. However, she quickly responded.

“They passed away when I was little and I was raised in an orphanage until I was thirteen.”

I looked at her and was surprised on how quick she was able to cover up her emotions. Honestly, if I hadn’t been watching her so closely, I would have missed that sad expression. All I could see now was pure indifference. My curiosity was further peeked. Without thinking, I gave the usual response for this situation.

“I'm sorry for prying. I didn’t mean to bring up any bad memories.”

She stared directly into my eyes. Those hazel eyes spoke of many untold mysteries and they seemed to be begging me to uncover every single one. My heart pounded in my chest and I felt an unknown emotion. What the hell was this? Was I simply feeling sympathy for her or was it something else? I knew that feelings were fickle and always subject to change. However, as I sank deeper into her gaze, I knew for certain that I didn’t want her looking at anyone else this way—just me.