I spent the next few days turned into two weeks avoiding eating with Elaine and the Royals, and at the same time coping with sleepless nights and migraines. I knew my appearance was off-color but there was nothing I could do about it.

I concentrated on my blog but even that didn't help my headaches but feeling good about helping out worked quite the magic. Soon, most people on my blog wanted to know about Emperor city from my own point of view.

My identity still remains anonymous but I merely drop hints like where I am, my dreams and aspirations, a little bit on my life and that's it. My age is anonymous still. Since some people know am in Emperor city, they've asked this  favor of me and I felt obligated to comply but I couldn't do it alone. I needed assistance, someone who has been in Emperor city longer and could tell me more on it than I could grasp from books and articles. The first person that came to my mind was Sam but I needed to be subtle about it. And the suspicion that she might be a subscriber was still there.

I and Sam have grown closer in the last few weeks and it's been refreshing in several ways. She was witty, intelligent, vociferous, charming and downright unpredictable.

I asked her on a Wednesday as we were returning from class about Gk's blog.

"GK? As in Gail Kelly, I absolutely love her. She is just amazing. I feel like am communicating to a confidant and a trusted friend whenever I text her. She's advised and predicted good things for me and they've all come true and have seen me a long way. In truth, I sense she is an elderly lady who has seen too much of life and survived." Sam said pensively.

"Elderly lady?" I scoffed, "Isn't that a bit..."

Sam glowered at me playfully cutting me off. "It's what I think though. And I can bet it's true." she retorted confidently. I couldn't believe her but I just raised my hands in surrender. My instincts decided then that Sam may not be the right person to take me on this tour.

After my last class for the day which happened to be Psychology. I slumped onto a pedestrian bench; right outside of school in exhaustion. It was there that Xavier found me with my eyes shut, head drooping to the side. To say I was embarrassed would be an understatement and I still have no idea if I drooled or not. Oh my! I cringe at the thought.

"What are you doing sleeping out here?" Xavier asked in a concerned manner. I half-stumbled to get on my feet.

"I uh dozed off?" I shrugged shyly.

He peered to see the textbook beside me. "Psychology? You take a class on it?" he asked somewhat surprised.

"Yes, I do." I replied.

"Is that part of what you need to obtain your major? Because, I don't recall it." he said wryly.

I almost rolled my eyes. But not out of annoyance. I did like the attention he gave me, it was quite flattering to be sincere. "Mom wants me to pursue something else and to do that, I need Psychology among others."

"Doesn't that sap you out? Juggling several classes and schoolwork?" He asked still not getting my point of emphasis.

I sighed and huffed. "It does. But I gotta do what I can do. And besides, Psychology is super... fascinating" I replied shrugging. Xavier wasn't buying it.

"Phoebe, look after yourself or I'll be forced to. Do you understand?" his voice was calm despite the frustration I sensed underneath.

"I will try." I mumbled. "Thanks for looking out for me. I'll be on my way." I made to pass by but my thick, huge psychology textbook brushed against Xavier ever so slightly before falling to the ground. I groaned but bent at the same Xavier did to get it. He got it first and handed it to me. His eyes caught something on the ground and he stooped to pick it up. My breath cut short as I saw what he was inspecting.

"Tour maps and centers in Emperor city, huh?" He asked. I nodded slowly.

"I just want to tour this city a little. Maybe thoroughly?" I said nervously.

Xavier studied the maps a little too intently before looking up at me. "Is anyone accompanying you?"

I shook my head. "No one. I'll manage om own."

"Do you mind  if I tour you?" He asked the most unexpected question. I stared at him for about a full minute in disbelief. "Phoebe? It's just an offer. I hope you take." he added.

"A-a... re you sure?" I stuttered. "You really don't have to."

"I want to." Xavier assured me. "Please let me." his eyes were wide and pleading. It was impossible to say no and so I agreed. "Well then. So, Saturday?"

"Yes. Saturday morning. 8.30am." I confirmed.

"Great. Text me your address. I'll pick you." he said cheerfully. I made to protest but his eyes silenced me. How do I fall for these things?

I nodded. He seemed fine with and right before he walked away, gave me a breathtaking smile.

*******

"Lexi, I don't know what to do." I complained to my older sister once we got home.

"Phoebe, it's not bad. He just volunteered to tour you. It's supposed to be a good thing." Lexi soothed.

"Supposed to be but it isn't. We are talking about Xavier Lockwood coming to my home and touring me not only this Saturday but the next two Saturdays as well." I argued.

"You like the boy, don't you? Just grasp this opportunity." Lexi retorted.

"It isn't that easy, Lexi. I have feelings for him and Zachary..."

"Is out of the picture." Lexi interjected. I glanced at her narrowing my eyes on her. She shrugged. "What? Weren't you the one who told me all about his history with women and his current fling? Do you really want to be one of those?" Lexi asked.

I sighed in defeat. "You have a point. Zachary is just not worth it. I just know I felt something there, something strong but it must have been my imagination." I laid on my back on my four-poster bed.

"I hope I don't mess up. Am just nervous." I said.

"I know." Lexi said

I sat up to a cross-legged position. "What if he spends a day with me and decides he doesn't like me?" I asked pouting.

"He won't think otherwise of you. Phoebe, you are amazing. Never forget that."

"You are just saying that because you are my sister." I grumbled.

"No! It is true. I love. God knows but am honest here. You are beautiful, intelligent, fun and so much more. The guy would definitely not want to let you go. Can we bet on it?" Lexi asked bringing out her pinkie finger.

I followed suit. "Pinkie swear?" I asked hopefully.

"Pinkie swear." Lexi responded with the confidence I lacked and we sealed it. I threw my arms around her for a hug. She was the best sister ever.

*******

I had improved tremendously in Defense class. I discovered I was better with a bow and arrow and practiced on it.

"Good job Phoebe. Keep on going. Watch and learn, pubs." The defense teacher said. I blushed. I never did like public praise and commendation. I adjusted an arrow on my bow, positioned and released. The arrow was right on target.

"Another beautiful one. Did you see her pubs?" The defense teacher asked the students. "Her form was flawless." Turning back to me, "With an arrow, you are pretty good but you have to learn to work with other things. Pick another weapon." he said stepping back.

I hesitantly reached for a spear. Mr. Hendricks grinned.

"A spear, huh? Alright then. Come at me with it." He encouraged taking position. I could do this, I said to myself. I lunged for Mr.Hendricks who swiftly let the spear bypass him before grabbing onto its anterior and knocking me backwards. I stumbled but caught myself. He came at me, thrusting and swinging, I avoided his attacks and looked out for an opening. With as much speed and stamina I could manage, I lunged for his side but he caught me easily, slid his feet under mine and next thing, I was down on my butt.

Swinging the spear and standing it, Mr. Hendricks said "Not bad Phoebe. Just work on it."

And like that, he faced the rest of the class and continued. It was good that his attention has finally deviated from me.

"Phoebe," Elaine called after defense. I turned to face her with my eyes drooping. I was exhausted.

"Yes, Elaine?" I calmly returned

"Do we have a problem?" she inquired seriously.

"Of course not. Why would you think that?" I asked.

"You've been avoiding me. And don't fib about it." she said before I could come up with something.

I smothered my forehead. I didn't mean for her to notice. "Elly, its not like it looks. Believe me, am not necessarily avoiding you. It's a bit complicated."

"Am listening." Elaine responded calmly.

"Listen, you are a Royal and am just another student here on scholarship. So what if we just happened to be partners, you are who you are and I need to remember and respect that." I effused.

"I get it." Elaine said. "I totally do. And am glad you didn't lie to me. But I want you to know something, I am me. Just another Royal. We are friends, that I want to believe but friendship cannot work without communication. If you aren't brave enough to talk and associate with me, then there's nothing I can do. Make up your mind." Elaine sighed and with her expression  impassive,  walked away.

I suddenly felt bad. Elaine had opened up easily to me. Letting me in as a companion and a friend but I haven't done the same thing for her. I just didn't give her a chance believing it was the right thing to do for the both of us but was it?

After school, Sam dragged me towards the American football pitch. The players were having practice as well as the cheerleaders. Pris Tine grounds were really well land-scaped and beautiful. I noticed a mass of blond hair among the players at the same time Sam waved and a small smile formed on my lips. Rex. Of course. I

Sam obviously had a thing for this guy and it was mutual but either she didn't know it or was dense. They were best friends and supported each other, blah blah blah and that was it.

"You brought me out here to watch... practice?" I asked

"Of course, it's really rejuvenating and entertaining." She replied still staring at Rex.

"You aren't a cheerleader?"

"No, am not but they are pretty good if you are interested."

"Thanks but I'll pass." I said.

I watched the cheerleaders as they took their positions. No one was familiar at first until after the first routine when I sighted Alvina. She was dressed in a cheer leading shorts, a halter top and a pair of canvas. Her long dark brown hair was bound up in a ponytail.

"Alvina is a cheer leader?" I asked

"Captain of the cheer leaders actually. She is good. Pay attention to her demonstration" Sam said. And I did. Her moves were flawless. She owned her body and it obeyed her. Her flips were off the chart. She reminded me at that point of a gymnast.

"Wow. She is amazing." I gasped. "It's like watching an acrobat in a circus."

After Alvina was finished, her eyes suddenly found mine and she waved, I waved back. I didn't notice Xavier walk up to stand beside me until he waved his sister.

"Xavier, what...?" I started in astonishment but he grinned and waved Sam.

"Hi Samantha." he said

"Hello Xavier," she replied smiling.

"So, how's your sister doing?" he asked.

"Good. She dropped by for dinner last night. And you? Why aren't you playing today?"

"Not in the best shape or mood either." he answered casually. I stared hard at him. To most people, football is their life and passion and for not playing when he had the opportunity to, he doesn't for those reasons?

"Football is a pastime for me, Phoebe. I just play because the team needs me and because I want to experience some action." he explained as though reading my thoughts.

"Oh." I blurted in realization." forgive me for assuming the worst." I said quietly. He grinned.

"No problem. Just avoid being prejudiced." he advised calmly and casually.

"Roger that" I replied.

"Alright ladies, I gotta run." he said tucking his hands into his pockets. "See you tomorrow Phoebe" he gave us a warm smile and was on his way.

"The nice guy." Sam mused. "Tomorrow is Saturday. Why would he see you?" Sam inquired. My hopes that she had missed that last part was dashed.

I grimaced. "He is taking me on a tour around the city."

"Is that so?" Sam stroked her chin and turned to me sharply, "Be on the look out, I sense more underneath that."

"Okay." I replied quietly. Sam nodded dramatically as a counselor would and turned her attention to the pitch. She cheered as Rex scored a brilliant touch-down. I cheered with her, relaxed and happy to be beside her.

*******

The bright early morning sun rays drifted into my bedroom and shone on my face. I turned to the other side and used a pillow to attempt blocking it out. After a few adjustments, it seemed fine and I tried to sleep again but my efforts were dashed when my bedroom door suddenly flew open.

"Phoebe, get up this instant." Lexi said imitating mom. I groaned.

"Just go away." I said but my sounds were muffled by the pillow.

"Phoebe Abigail Patterson, get off that bed right now or you'll feel my wrath." I ignored her. "Oh I see. Never mind, I have something much more better in mind for you. I'll ask the pretty boy downstairs waiting to come get you himself."

At Lexi's last statement, my eyes flew open and I scurried off the bed only to land on the floor with my belly. I winced and Lexi laughed. I glared at her and pushed myself up to my feet.

"Are you being serious, Lexi? Tell me you are just pulling my legs." I pleaded as I made my way to the bathroom and put toothpaste on my toothbrush. Without getting a reply, I started to brush.

"Maybe I am joking." I heard Lexi say. "And you totally fell for it." Lexi burst into laughter at the same time I spat out the toothpaste foam.

I furiously washed my mouth and lunged for Lexi, she got out of the way and out of the room. I went after her as she ran downstairs.

"Oh I am so getting you for this." I gritted as I furiously marched down the stairs on my pjs and black-rimmed glasses, the one I used at home. I stopped in my tracks when I spotted a familiar mass of dark brown bedhead hair plopped up on a stool before the kitchen counter as though he belonged there, and as he turned, it happened in slow motion. I wanted to run away. This was not possible. I was not before Xavier Lockwood dressed in pjs and just awaking from sleep. I felt so humiliated. I held my breath as he studied me.

"You look cute. I didn't realize you loved teddy bears so," Xavier said referring to my pjs.

I gulped. I had to say something, anything to save myself. "Why, hello there Xavier. Looking good there." I managed and boy, did he look good. He was clad in dark jeans and a black button-down tailored shirt that hung to his well toned physique. I wonder how I was not drooling.

"I apologize for awakening you from your slumber. It was not my intention." he said sincerely.

"Its fine. You are an early riser." I said and he furrowed his brows.

"Its 8.45am at the moment." he stated quietly.

"Spanners and screw jacks, say what?" I blurted. I met my sister's gaze with a panic emboldened on my face. She rolled her eyes.

"Better go get dressed before mom gets you." Lexi said and with a quick apology to Xavier which probably sounded like mumbling, I flew up the flight of stairs to my bedroom.

Mom was in my room when I got there.

"Good morning mom. Did you sleep well?" I asked nervously

"Oh I did and young lady, you have some explaining to do."

I winced and looked down.

"No, no, no, look up this instant." She said and I snapped my head up at once. "We can't have that conversation right now because Xavier LOCKWOOD is waiting for you downstairs but we'll have it. First off, are you dating?" she asked as she casually made her way to my wardrobe and looked through my dresses.

"No, we are not." I replied

"And why is that?" she inquired retrieving my jeans, a flowery blouse and tailored jacket from the wardrobe.

"Nothing. He is a year ahead of me in school and pretty cool. He is nice to everyone." I said.

"I see." inspecting the outfit she selected, she beamed. "You should wear this out today with those brown boots I got you last month."

"Yes mom." I answered.

"Wash up and get dressed quickly, I'll be downstairs." she said and exited the room. I sighed.

It took me exactly thirty-five minutes to get ready and go downstairs where I saw Xavier relaxed with my family and laughing out loud. He got to his feet when he saw me.

"Phoebe, you look beautiful." he whispered, his eyes drinking me in. I blushed and looked away.

"So, shall we?" I asked. I was using contacts that day and my hair that was usually let down was bound up in a ponytail, its waves cascading down to my back.

"Sure." he turned to my family and thanked them for receiving him and promised to look out for me. His attitude resembled that of a doting husband and son-in-law. I grimaced, where my mind wanders.

I kissed everyone goodbye before leaving with Xavier. I was amazed at his car. He rode a sleek dark blue BMW X6.

"Wow!" I whispered. "She is beautiful" I complimented.

"Thank you. Would you get in now, fair lady?" he asked imitating the tone of a chauffeur as he held the door open to me. I shook my head smiling but got in anyway.

"Cheesy." I said as he closed the door grinning. He walked over to the driver's side and got settled in.

"So, our first stop?" he asked.

"Hmmm, you pick. Blow my mind." I said.

Grinning, he replied. "I will."

He did blow my mind as our first stop was at cyclist station where he parked his car, and rented a motorcycle, a pretty cool one at that.

"I want you to experience this" he had said to me right before he drove off leaving me screaming in excitement. We made two other stops before it was well into the afternoon and my stomach grumbled.

Xavier suggested a local restaurant where we could have something to eat. He promised I wouldn't be disappointed. It was a small comfy restaurant within a somewhat secluded alley.

We sat down and in no time, before a young girl in a shorts, a small apron and t-shirt with the tag Ronnie's approached us. She flashed Xavier a flirtatious smile but he returned it with a curt nod.

Xavier decided on what we would get and I let him because he has not disappointed me since this tour. He had been an excellent tour guide.

Pot roast and twinkies. They never smelt better. I dug in and Xavier watched me.

"You are quite hungry. You should have said something, I got all excited and forgot that you haven't had anything to eat since morning. Pardon me." Xavier said softly.

"You are too much of a gentleman, Xavier Lockwood and am not sure that is a very good thing. Am fine and thank you, the meal here is heavenly." I said putting a fork of pot roast into my mouth.

"Do you cook?" he asked

"Not really." I confessed.

"My mom and older sister are already very good at it and love doing it and so, I don't get much of a chance but am okay in that department. At least, they are edible." I said lightly.

He chuckled. "You have a wonderful family." he said.

"Thank you, I guess I do."

We chatted for a while talking about random things, our likes and dislikes. I asked of Janice, his little cousin I had encountered at the fair and he said she was fine. Asked about me every now and then but was okay. My heart warmed at that.

It was late in the evening when we rose to leave. Xavier paid for lunch and I didn't protest. He is the nice guy after all.

Walking hand in hand back to the motorcycle; even I don't understand how that happened, we spotted a group of about five guys leering at us from the shadows. Keeping our eyes ahead, we got onto the motorcycle even as they approached us.

"Hey, what do you want?" Xavier asked them in  a rather imitating tone.

They flinched. "Nice bike, pretty girl." One said gazing at me lustfully. I tightened my hold around Xavier's torso. "Is she your girl?"

"Yes. Do you have a problem with that?" Xavier sneered. They seemed to sense the atmosphere around them grow cooler with moist and stepped back.

"He is an enabled," they whispered among themselves. Apologizing, they scrammed.

"That was brazen of you." I complimented.

"Were you scared?" he asked concerned. I shook my head.

"They were mere gangsters. We could take them out." I said unconsciously resting my chin on his shoulder. He smelled so good.

"Am glad you know that." Revving up the engine to life, we drove away.

"Thank you for today Xavier. It was very pleasant." I said as he parked in front of my home.

" You are welcome. Do you want me to come in and see them?" he asked

"It's not necessary but you can walk me to the door if you are uncertain."

"Done." In a flash, he got out of the car and in a matter of seconds, was at my side of the  car holding open the door. I smiled at him as I got out and we made our way to the door. I turned to him for the last time.

"Thank you," I said and made to press to ring the house bell but he swiftly pulled me into an embrace. As I was still trying to register what happened, he lowered his head ever so gracefully and his warm lips met mine. I was startled. I couldn't tear myself away. When he finally let go,  I just stared back at him. He has stolen my first kiss.

This is where I round it off for Chapter  four. Read, comment and  vote please. Things would get more interesting from this point on, stick around.