Saturday, April 23rd

I read what I wrote again, trying to spot any errors. Eventually, I give up and put the notebook aside. I rise from the floor and stretch, my back and rear sore from sitting on the hard surface for hours. I enter the bathroom to take care of business and brush my teeth, then I comb my waves and tie them up in a bun. When I'm done, I head towards the hallway. I gently open the door, not wanting to wake anyone, even though it's already eight and the house is silent, so I assume everyone is still asleep. To my surprise, I find Margharet in the kitchen, and Mia eating cereal at the table.

"Good morning," I greet them.

"Hello, dear. How did you sleep?" the woman asks cheerfully.

Not wanting to worry her, I opt for a softened version of my night.

"Fine," I smile, then look around the kitchen until my gaze lands on the coffee machine.

"Would you mind if I make some coffee?" I ask.

"Of course not, feel at home, Ashley. Both the coffee machine and everything else are at your disposal."

Through the glass doors of the cabinets, I spot some mugs. I choose a red one that I particularly like, and walk over to the coffee machine, pressing the button labeled "americano." Strong and black. Just what I need. I stand there, watching as the cup slowly fills, savoring the aroma. Suddenly, I hear footsteps behind me. I turn around and my gaze meets Xavier. I almost choke on air, seeing him half-naked. I quickly turn away, grab the now-filled coffee cup, and sit down across from Margharet, my gaze lowered. Is it just me feeling awkward about the nudity? Slowly, I raise my eyes and see that Xavier has his back to me, standing in front of the open refrigerator. Margharet continues reading the newspaper, paying him no attention.

There's a tense atmosphere in the air, even though they're not saying anything to each other. I take a tiny sip of coffee, studying Xavier. His hair is a mess, but somehow it suits him. Finally, he turns around, and I meet his blue eyes. They seem much calmer than they were yesterday when I had the chance to meet him outside the house.

"Beautiful weather today," Margharet chimes in. I immediately divert my gaze from Xavier and look out the window.

"Indeed," I say, observing their garden bathed in the warm hue of orange. An involuntary, gentle smile spreads across my lips.

"Xavier, would you mind taking Ashley for a ride around the city? Show her the interesting places and the school," Margharet suggests.

My pulse accelerates involuntarily. I have "stay away from Xavier" firmly ingrained in my mind, and now I'm supposed to spend the whole morning with him? One-on-one? The thought makes me uncomfortable. What if he gets close? What if he gets angry and starts yelling like he did yesterday outside the house? Margharet's idea caught me off guard, and I'm not particularly fond of it.

I lock my gaze onto Xavier, waiting for his response. In my mind, I silently pray that he has plans, an excuse, anything. Xavier glances at me, then at his mother. I can't decipher his expression; I have no clue what he's thinking. It irritates me because I'm usually quite good at reading people. It's something I had to learn. Turned out to be very useful. I knew when to hide from Jackson and when to stay quiet, getting out of his way.

"Sure, why not," Xavier finally speaks up. His tone is dry, devoid of any hint of emotion.

"Great," Margharet says. "You should enjoy it," she adds, addressing me.

I smile at her words, even though my mind is in turmoil due to this sudden situation.

"We can leave in an hour; I need to get ready," Xavier says, his icy gaze fixed on me. I automatically avert my gaze to the coffee cup and nod gently in agreement. I can already tell it's going to be a challenging day.

Xavier pours cereal into a bowl and adds milk before taking a seat at the table. An unusual silence fills the room, which suits me just fine. When I finish my coffee, I wash the cup, then head back upstairs to my room. I decide to take a shower.

I enter the room wearing yesterday's white jeans and a navy shirt with lace sleeves. My wet hair is wrapped in a towel, and I've applied mascara to my lashes, the only thing I can manage from the array of cosmetics I bought from Margharet. Suddenly, there's a knock on the door.

"Yes?" I respond.

"I'm ready. I'll be waiting in the car," Xavier's voice comes from behind the door.

"Okay," I reply, then stand before the mirror and remove the towel from my head. I use it to dry my hair for a moment, then brush it out. Not wanting to keep Margharet's son waiting for me, as it would be impolite, I decide to go out with my still-damp hair. I take one last glance in the mirror. The long sleeves cover up everything they should, although the shirt and pants are snug, making me feel quite uncomfortable.

When I lived in Detroit, the most important rule I followed was: "Never dress even slightly provocatively." It meant I never wore tight clothes. I never revealed my cleavage or legs. I didn't want to tempt fate. I was already struggling with what was happening. As I leave the room, I remind myself that I'm not in Detroit anymore, I'm not Elizabeth anymore, and I shouldn't be afraid of the world like that girl I used to be.

I get into the black car, taking the passenger seat. In the pocket of my white jacket, I fiddle with a lighter between my fingers, and with my other hand, fasten the seatbelt. Finally, I straighten up and look at Xavier, who is already studying me intently. When our eyes meet, he sends me a smile, revealing white, even teeth.

"You look scared," he taunts. "Don't worry, I don't bite."

His dark eyes have taken on completely different shades today. The dark blue that made his eyes look like a stormy sea yesterday now resembles the peaceful and warm colors of the Pacific Ocean.

I avert my gaze and look out the window. I usually feel uneasy around males, especially when I'm alone with them. And with him... I still don't know how I feel. After a moment, Xavier starts the engine and we begin to move. I assume I'll find out soon enough.

"Sorry about yesterday. Let's just say I had a bad day. I wasn't expecting a new housemate," he says, which immediately stirs something in me. Did Margharet tell him about my past? "And since my mom is your distant cousin or something, that makes us cousins, right?" It sounds more like a question than a statement. I immediately feel relieved, remembering the story about my parents who died in an accident. If I were to think about it, it's a very sad story. Suddenly, thoughts of my mom come to mind, and I quickly push away any memories... It's just a shame Jackson didn't die with her.

"Pretty much," I reply succinctly.

"You're not very talkative, are you?" He doesn't give up.

After a moment, I realize I'm holding my breath, so I exhale slowly and turn towards him.

"Well, I just don't know what to talk about with someone who doesn't seem particularly thrilled about me living under the same roof," I say, telling the truth. I'm willing to bet he's trying to be nice, because Margharet probably gave him a good talking-to. It was hard not to notice that she wasn't pleased with her son's behavior.

"Alright, I get it. We're off to a rocky start. But we're probably not going to be able to avoid each other for long, living in the same house. So, how about it?"

I sigh softly.

"I forgive you," I say, rolling my eyes, and a quiet chuckle slips out of me.

"It's not polite to roll your eyes like that," Xavier scolds me. "That's very rude."

"Well, I hope you'll forgive me for my terrible behavior," I tease him.

I glance back at Xavier. He looks ahead, focusing on driving, and there's a small smile on his lips. His facial features are sharp and determined, and the veins in his arms are unusually visible. He has a unique appearance that catches the eye.

Suddenly, Xavier turns toward me and raises an inquisitive eyebrow, catching me staring. Almost immediately, a blush heats up my cheeks, so I turn my gaze away, gently shaking my head and scolding myself internally. He could interpret it as an invitation for something or whatever. I need to be more careful.

Xavier parks the car in a parking lot, turns off the engine, and opens the car door.

"Get out, kid," he says to me as he exits the car. I do as he says, unfastening my seatbelt and stepping outside. I quickly look around, soaking in the sunlight.

"This is the school you'll be attending starting Monday," he says, his voice lowering for a moment. I gaze at the large building, but from the corner of my eye, I notice Xavier looking at me. "It's big, so at first, I'd suggest you spend your breaks looking for your classes. The people at the school are... Well. You'll see for yourself. I guess they're about the same as anywhere else, although we have plenty of drama lovers and attention seekers. Teachers, like teachers, can be a pain in the ass, but we do have the best basketball court in town."

"Do you play?" I inquire.

"Yes. I have a chance at a scholarship, but I need to improve my grades in a few subjects by the end of the school year. So, I'm not sure if anything will come of it."

I nod gently, processing what he said. The guy I met yesterday outside the house and the one I'm talking to now must be twins, as it's hard to believe that it could be the same person in such different states.

"Come on, let's take a walk. I'll show you around the area and point out the places where the school kids hang out in their free time," he suggests. I agree and follow him slowly.

"What subjects are you struggling with?" he asks.

"Italian, biology, and physics," I reply.

"Do you think you won't be able to handle it? Just read a bit and maybe find someone to help," he advises.

"Oh, are you volunteering?" he asks, raising an eyebrow. I shrug and then lift my gaze to Xavier, meeting his beautiful eyes.

"Well, why not. If it'll make you tolerate the new housemate better, I guess I'll give it a try."

At my words, he starts laughing, then shakes his head for a moment. His laughter is warm and genuine.

"I have a feeling I'll hear more comments about our first meeting," he says, squinting his eyes slightly, then adds, "I already like you."

Xavier shows me a sandwich and salad bar where school kids hang out during breaks when the cafeteria food becomes unbearable. Apparently, it happens quite often. Later, we walk a bit further and find ourselves on a street with various shops. I even spot a bookstore, promising myself that I'll visit it. It's high time I treated myself to a few good books, as I've been reading the same books over and over at night when nightmares—or rather, horrible memories—keep me from sleeping.

"Here's the famous DownTown café. You won't find better coffee in town," Xavier suddenly says.

I look up and examine the café with curiosity. Outside, there are plenty of flowers in pots. Their diversity and intense colors capture my attention. They stand out beautifully against the snow-white walls.

"It better be true," I say, directing my gaze toward Xavier with a serious expression. "Coffee is my true love, so we'll see if it lives up to my expectations."

Xavier gazes at me for a few more moments. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating. It's a few seconds, but they feel like an eternity. Then, he stretches his lips into a lazy smile. His eyes glisten in the sunlight. Amazing. I have brown eyes myself, and I think all eye colors are beautiful, but mine aren't as interesting as his. My eyes don't perform wonders like his do.

"In that case, I invite you for coffee. But I have one condition," Xavier stands in front of me, looking straight into my eyes. "If I'm right, and it's the best coffee you've ever had in your life, you'll forget about my not-so-friendly welcome. Deal?"

I look at him for a moment and realize that, for the first time I can remember, someone's gaze doesn't make me feel uncomfortable. At least not that much.

"Deal," I finally say.

He rewards me with a smile and opens the café door for me. I feel warm, but it's not because of the weather. Actually, I know exactly why I feel the way I do now. I just didn't expect... all of this.

As Xavier orders two black coffees, I look around the place, hoping to find a seat. It's only around ten, but the place is far from empty. The atmosphere is wonderful. Laughter and hushed conversations fill the air, and a gentle aroma of coffee and cinnamon lingers.

"Come with me," I suddenly hear. The proximity of another person and the warm breath on my neck startle me, causing me to let out a muffled cry. I immediately turn around and meet the familiar blue eyes. Xavier studies my face for a moment, then heads toward the door on the other side of the room. He opens it and waits for me to go first. As I pass by him, a light breeze from outside ruffles my hair, and the scent of men's cologne reaches my nostrils. I freeze for a moment. The café's terrace overlooks the sea. The sunlight reflects off the water, making it look as if tiny shards of gold are bathing in it. As I gaze at the most beautiful view I've ever seen in my life, Xavier walks past me and takes a seat at a table near the railing. Eventually, I manage to move and sit down next to him.

"This is one of my favorite spots," he says after a moment. I look at him, but his gaze is focused on the sea. I wonder if his eyes feel at home when they look at a sea of the same shade of blue.

"I understand. The view from here is breathtaking," I say. As I speak, Xavier turns his gaze towards me and squints his eyes slightly, studying me closely.

"Yes... Beautiful," he says, not taking his eyes off me. And here it goes again. My body starts burning in an unfamiliar way.

"Two black coffees," someone's voice suddenly interrupts us. I divert my gaze from Xavier and meet the blonde-haired waiter. He smiles warmly, then places the first cup of coffee in front of Xavier and the second in front of me.

"You must be new here," the boy suddenly says. I raise my eyebrows slightly, slightly taken aback by his observation. His ego encroaches on my personal space as he proudly straightens up and flashes his simple teeth at me.

"What if I told you I'm not?" I tease, narrowing my eyelids slightly.

"I have a good memory for faces. So, I'd definitely remember such a cute face," he says, running his fingers through his hair, and I feel my cheeks flush. I'm not used to compliments.

"Get a grip, Luke. You're acting like a starved hyena. Go chat with the dolls on the other side of the terrace," Xavier interjects suddenly. I look at him, then at the waiter, feeling slightly embarrassed.

"Where did you lose Steffanie, Xav?"

"I don't have time for chitchat," the boy replies with a bored tone, then averts his gaze from the boy and takes a sip of coffee. Luke extends his hand towards me.

"In any case, you should come here more often. I have to get back to work, but before I do, can I at least know your name?"

"El..." I start, stumbling over my words from speaking too quickly. "Ashley," I say, smiling, and then offer him my hand. His hand is warm, and his skin is soft.

"Pleasure to meet you, Ashley," he says and walks away. Suddenly, I feel like I'm out of breath, so I take a deep breath, cursing myself inwardly. That little slip-up could cost me a lot in the long run. When my gaze returns to the boy in front of me, all the air in my lungs seems to disappear again. Xavier's blue eyes scrutinize me suspiciously.

"A s h l e y..." The boy utters my name slowly and distinctly. "We should get to know each other better, considering we'll be living together."

"What would you like to know about me?" I ask, trying to maintain my composure as much as possible. Xavier is clever. I know that. I can see it in the way he looks at me. His eyes sometimes reveal everything like clear water, and other times, they're unreadable, just like the first time I saw him.

"Do you know how long you'll be staying with us?"

I shrug in response, then settle deeper into my chair, slightly taken aback by his question. After all, I'm a great actress, I think. I just need to calm down.

"Roughly until I turn eighteen. So, about half a year. During that time, I need to find a job to save up for a place to stay. If you've heard of any place that needs help, I'm willing," I announce, then take a sip of my now less hot coffee. "Oh my God, this is really good."

At my words, Xavier bursts into loud laughter, which after a moment, causes me to start laughing too.

"I know. I never lie. Nor do I make mistakes," he says, then raises an eyebrow and grins mischievously.

"Hey there, slow down. Keep your ego on a shorter leash; it's invading my personal space," I mutter as the boy takes a sip of his coffee, which ends up spitting onto the table. Now it's his turn to chuckle.

Several loooong moments later, Xavier finally calms down and reclines in his chair, observing me.

"You're cool, Ashley."

There's something about the way he says my name, something that makes me think I could get used to that name. Xavier utters it with complete conviction, as if it's genuine. And he might be the first person I've spoken to since the trial who doesn't know Elizabeth.

"So, the next half year should go smoothly. And as for the job... I've only heard about dog walking. Good pay, but they only need someone in the morning."

"Really?" I lean forward, intrigued. "Sounds great."

"By 'morning,' I mean really early morning."

"Even better. I wouldn't be late for classes."

"In the morning, like around five-thirty," he grins. I roll my eyes, then look at him again and nod in agreement.

"Perfect."

"You're crazy if you think you can handle more than a week or two, getting up at four for work, then going to school, and somehow making it through the rest of the day," he warns.

"It'll be fine," I say, slightly offended. "I'll manage. Don't worry about me."

Xavier takes another sip and places his cup in front of him.

"When I have a moment, I'll arrange everything. I'll try to get you started by next Tuesday at the earliest. That way, you'll have at least one day to get used to school."

"Okay." I send him a grateful smile, then savor the best coffee I've ever had in my life and admire the view. Or rather, the views.

* * *

I sit in the room on the bed, reading the documents that Margharet gave me when Xavier and I returned home. Finally, I put them aside and lean back, ending up on my back on the soft bed. I need a moment to rest, a break from all this information. There isn't that much of it, but each piece indicates that my new life has begun. As wonderful as this reality is, it's equally terrifying. Even though I can't fully accept it, I've never had a "normal" life. And the fact that I have a new name, a new home, and live in a new city doesn't change my memories. It doesn't change my past and how it has impacted me. I can only fight against it and pray that one day I'll be able to look in the mirror and say that I finally have a normal life. I can't live in fear of touch, the gaze of certain people, noise, or similar things for the rest of my life. But damn, it's difficult because it's become a habit I can't control. It's like a defense mechanism that activates whenever it senses any potential threat. On Monday, it's the first day at my new school. I have to be at the secretary's office by eight in the morning, where a student from the school will be waiting for me. Their task is to show me around the school and help me borrow all the necessary books from the school library.

Papers related to my new identity have also arrived. A new birth certificate, a new passport, and other documents that belong to Ashley.