New chapter, hope you like it  & sorry for the long wait...Was going to post this chapter yesterday but, I ended up going to my mom's wine & cheese party, it's was so much fun..

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The weeks leading up to spring break were some of the best weeks I had ever had the pleasure of experiencing. Xavier hardly spent a full day at work opting to finish it up at home. He had decided to do it that way so that I wouldn’t have to be alone till he got back. Not like he could constantly rely on Liam and Cole to keep my company. They had lives and jobs of their own. Some days the girls would come over straight after school and spend a few hours with me if Xavier absolutely had to stay at the office.

Spring break was in a few days and I still had no idea where Xavier was taking me. He wouldn’t budge whenever I asked him where we were going. I had a feeling that the girls and the guys knew where Xavier and I were going But, they wouldn’t tell me either. What happened to the bff code? I could understand why Liam and Cole wouldn’t tell me but, Corrie and Elena? They were turning out to be traitors! They’ve known me longer but, now they were so Team Xavier. That just was not fair. 

Dropping my pen on the desk, I pushed my text book away from me. I couldn’t concentrate on doing my work when all I could think about was spring break. Twisting my engagement ring and wedding band around my fingers I thought about how I could figure it out. Maybe Xavier had a clue in his room, like a itinerary or something. I had maybe an hour to snoop around before he got back home. 

Hopping up from my seat I ran to his room. The door was left wide open like it always was. Standing in the door way I wondered where I should look first. I searched through his room for a good twenty minutes and hadn’t found a thing. I felt a little guilty as I went from his room to his office looking for a clue as to where he was taking me for spring break. He was allowing me to pick anywhere I wanted to go during Summer and I didn’t have to tell him. So, why was I snooping around trying to find out about spring break? Probably because I’m an idiot who just can’t stand a surprise. 

I had just opened the top drawer on his desk when I heard the front door close. Pushing the drawer back into place I sprinted out of his office and into my room. Too close, way too close. I really needed to just kick back and let it go. I’d find out where we were going in a few days anyway. But, I really didn’t care for surprises. Ugh, guess I’d have to deal with it now. Sitting at my desk I pretended to do my work. 

“Aren’t you tired of doing homework?” Xavier asked leaning against my doorway.

“I’ve been tired of homework since I started high school. I’m just glad that this is my last year.” I replied 

“Have you had anything to eat yet?” he asked 

“Not since breakfast,” I answered shaking my head. 

“Let’s get out of here then,” he said nodding his head toward my door.

“That’s the best thing I’ve heard all day.” I smiled taking his out stretched hand. 

After locking up the house Xavier led me over to his car, opening the passenger door for me. Smiling my thanks I slid into the cool leather seat. I couldn’t get enough of his car, don’t think I ever would. Xavier got into the drivers seat and started the car. Once he was on the main road he laced his fingers through mine. Looking down at our entwined hands I smiled. I never thought that I would actually be comfortable with holding his hand. Guess, that’s just how it goes when you love someone. 

“Where would you like to go?” he asked 

“Doesn’t matter as long as it isn’t a restaurant that cost’s an arm and a leg.” I replied

“You realize that we can both afford to go to whatever restaurant we want to, right?” he asked glancing over at me from the corner of his eye.

“Yes, Xavier, I realize that. But, that doesn’t mean I like to spend so much money on food.” I said

“Okay, then a cheap restaurant it is,” he nodded 

“Do you not like those kinds of places?” I asked looking over at him.

“I don’t mind them,” he shrugged

“It kind of looks like you do,” I pointed out. He had looked a little put out about having to go somewhere that wasn’t fancy for lunch. 

“I really don’t,” he sighed looking over at me as we stopped at a red light. “I just thought that you’d want to go somewhere nice for lunch.”

“We always go to nice places Xavier, how about we switch it up at bit.” I suggested “I can only handle so many fancy restaurants for so long before I start to go crazy.”

He chuckled and kissed the back of my hand. “Burger King it is then.”

“Ooh, the BK Stacker sounds so yummy right now.” I sighed dreamily

“No way, a double Whopper with cheese.” Xavier exclaimed “With onion rings and a large coke.”

“You’ve got it twisted,” I chuckled shaking my head. “BK Stacker, fries and a large fruit punch.”

“Double Whopper, end of discussion.” he said seriously. But I could see the smirk he was trying to hide. 

We drove the rest of the way to Burger King in comfortable silence. I stared out the window as we passed different shops and restaurants. I hadn’t really been out of the house aside from going to school in a while. It was a nice change to be able to look at something that wasn’t on the way to school and home. Burger King came into view and I was out of the car and opening fast food joints door before Xavier was able to unbuckle his seat belt. I couldn’t help it though, I hardly every did anything now days. The vultures had slowly started to back off but, there were still some lingering around and I still was not allowed to drive to school and back. Xavier even went as far as hiring me a driver. It was ridiculous if you ask me.

I was bouncing up and down as I held open the door and waited for Xavier. I probably looked like a kid with ADHD on crack. It didn’t help that I had the biggest smile on my face like it was the first time my health nut parents allowed me to try junk food. I had a weakness for junk food and when I was still living in my fathers house, my mother banned any type of fast food from the premises. I still remember when my dad used to sneak me and Maria out of the house for a late night run for fries and milkshakes. The only type of junk food that was allowed in the house were ones that Jean had made. Even then I wouldn’t consider it ‘junk food’ since it was all healthy on one way or another. Thank goodness that Jean is an awesome chef because all of her creation were delicious. 

“I’ve never seen anyone so excited of fast food.” Xavier chuckled

“I have a weakness for it,” I shrugged “My mother never allowed any type of fast food or junk food in the house. Any chance I got to have some, I took it.”

“You’re mother is a real piece of work, isn’t she?” he asked pulling me over to the counter to order our food.

“You have no idea,” I agreed “I’d say that she wasn’t always like she is now but, I can’t even remember the last time she even acted like a real mother. It was probably some time before Maria was born.”

“That sucks,” he commented 

“It doesn’t really bother me all that much anymore. I’ve gotten over how she is.” I shrugged “Enough talk about that, let’s get some food.”

It was our turn to order and Xavier told them when we wanted. We didn’t have to wait long for our food, just about five minutes. He carried the tray over to a table near the back of the restaurant. I rubbed my hands together at the sight before me. Oh, the BK stacker sitting in front of me look so yummy. It had been a while since I had, had one. Without waiting for Xavier, I wrapped my burger and dig in with gusto. The taste of the flame broiled patty and BK sauce exploded on my taste buds. I moaned at the flavors that meshed so well together. I heard Xavier chuckle and opened my eyes to look at him. He was shaking his head at me with a grin. 

There wasn’t much conversation going on with the both of us stuffing our faces with junk food goodness. When I had finished my meal I couldn’t help but want another burger and fries. There was no way I’d be able to eat anything more but, I still wanted too. Leaning back in the booth, I rested my hand at my sides. I was stuffed.

“That was good,” Xavier sighed leaning back as well. “We need to have fast food at least once a week or twice a month from now on.”

“I can agree with that,” I nodded. 

Having it once a week or twice a month sounded pretty good to me.

“Did you find what you were looking for in my room and office?” Xavier asked as we left Burger King. 

With wide eyes I looked over at him. How did he know? How the heck could he have found out about that?

“I-I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I said averting my gaze to the passenger window.

“So you weren’t snooping through my things trying to find some clues as to where I’m taking you for our honeymoon?” he questioned glancing over at me with a smirk on his face.

“Nope,” I denied shaking my head. He gave me a flat look. “Okay, I’m sorry. I was snooping but, I couldn’t help it. I just really, really want to know where you’re going to be taking me.”

“We leave in a few days, I’m sure you can hold out till then.” he chuckled

“You better hope so,” I grumbled. “Why can’t you just tell me?”

“It’s a surprise, you know that.” he replied

Ugh, I really hate surprises.

“How’d you know I was snooping anyway?” I asked 

“I got home earlier then I had originally anticipated and saw you sneak from my room to my office.” he replied

“Seriously? I thought you got home when I heard the door close.” I blanched

“I first came in quietly because I wanted to surprise you.” 

“You really need to quit with all the surprises, they aren’t good for my health.” I joked. He chuckled at that.

We got back home fast then it had taken us to get to Burger King. I could feel the affects of eating so much food starting to get to me. I was surprised that I hadn’t passed out in the car on the way back home. But, I knew that if I didn’t hurry then I would be passing out in the middle of the driveway. Scurrying out of the car and up the walk way to the front door, I let myself into the house, Xavier hot on my heels. He was looking a bit tired himself. Not wanting to make the long trek to my room I plopped down on one of the couches in the living room, kicking off my shoes in the process. 

Xavier lifted my head off the couch and took a seat, placing my head back on his lap. He leaned his head against the back of the couch and closed his eyes. Guess he didn’t want to walk all the way to his room either. It wasn’t like our rooms were all that far from where we now were. In fact they were both just down the hall on our right, maybe 20ft. give or take a few feet. You could say there we were lazy and I’d have to admit that you’d be right. I was way to lazy to go to my room when I was perfectly comfortable where I was at.

As Xavier’s fingers weaved their way through my hair my eyes began to droop. This would be the first time that I had fallen asleep in his arms. Sure, I had fallen asleep in his car and he carried me into the room that I now occupied but, that was different. Even after we had both confessed our feelings just a few shorts weeks ago we still hadn’t gotten to the stage where we shared a room and a bed. The main reason for that being that I just wasn’t ready to take that step yet. Are whole relationship was backwards, it was a little weird. Most people do the whole feelings first, then sharing a bed (some people, the other way around) before getting married. That was definitely not the case between Xavier and I. No, we did Marriage, feelings and still haven’t reached the bed sharing. 

Some times I wonder if my reason for not wanting to share a bed with him is really because I’m not ready. Maybe, I’m just scared. Scared that once I get into a bed with him I wont be able to stop myself from doing something that I had never thought of or done before. He provoked feelings within me that I had never before experienced. Sometimes just the mere sight of him or the sound of his voice had me thinking or wanting to do things with and to him. Not such a good mix when I am probably the most inexperienced girl he has ever been with. 

My eyes shot open at the thought. It’s not that I wasn’t ready at all, I was in fact terrified. Xavier has been with many women – not girls – who surpass me by a more than a mile in the sex department. All I have ever done with a guy is kiss, no where near the touching stage. I was the most virgin-y, virgin that I have ever known. There were girls in my school were had never had sex but, have done so much more then me. Did that make me weird? I surly hoped not. How would Xavier react if or when we got to the intimacy stage? Would he be turned off by my lack of experience? What would he do? What would he say? Any thoughts of a nap flew from my mind as questions bombarded me. I inwardly groaned as they filtered through my mind. 

“You okay?” Xavier’s groggy voice asked. Glancing at the clock on the wall I realized that I had been having my internal conversation or debate for almost two hours. 

“Yeah,” I whispered “I’m fine.”

“I seem tense,” he commented lightly squeezing my shoulder. “Are you sure everything is alright?”

“Yeah, I’m sure.” I nodded, smiling up at him. It was all I could do because there was no way that I would be tell him that I’m afraid that he wont want me once he finds out how innocent I really am. Yeah, that’s a no go for me. 

“I’ve got an idea,” he said bringing me out of my thoughts once again. “Let’s go check out your dad and Maria, haven’t seen them in a while.”

“Oh my gosh,” I shouted jumping up from the couch. “I can’t believe that I’ve totally missed out on going to see them. Crap, I was supposed to go see Maria last week and it completely slipped my mind. I am such a bad sister. She’s going to hate. Dammit, what if she’s really, really mad at me. I have to stop and get her something to make it up to her or, or I could take her out for the day and have her sleep over. Yeah, yeah that sounds li–...”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa,” Xavier said clutching my shoulders in his hands, cutting off my rant along with it. “Take a deep breath” I did “Good, now calm down. We can stop somewhere along the way so you can pick something up for Maria. She might be a little hurt that you forgot to visit her like you planned but, I know that as soon as she see’s you she’ll forget all about it. Maria is just going to be so happy that you came.”

“Yeah, you’re right. Let’s go.” I nodded, grabbing his hand and pulling him out the door. I was jerked to a stop when he tugged on my hand. “Why are we stopping?” I asked looking over my shoulder at him.

“Aren’t you forgetting something?” he asked tilting his head to the side.

“Like what?” I asked mimicking him. His eyes trailed down my body and stopped at my feet before he looked back up at me. I looked down ad realized that I had forgotten to put my shoes back on. “Right,” I nodded and walked back to the couch and slipping my shoes onto my feet.

Pulling up to my father house some time later I took notice that my mothers car wasn’t there. It didn’t strike me as anything unusual since she hadn’t exactly been around since the wedding. According to my father she only came by a few times since then, choosing to stay at the town house that they owned. I had been starting to wonder if they were going to get a divorce. If they did then personally I thought that my father was better off. I had loved my mother at one point in my life and still did in some ways but, she just wasn’t good for my father. He could do better and hopefully one day he would. 

Walking in the house was almost surreal. I hadn’t set foot there since before the wedding. It didn’t feel like home to me, it had never really felt like home to begin with. I could hear my father laughing and Maria giggling, it brought a smile to my face. For as long as I could remember laughter hardly ever rung out through this house. Even when Maria played she always stayed quiet, scared that she would get into trouble from my mother for making too much noise. Peeking into the den I spied my father sitting on the floor playing with my little sister. It was such a precious moment that I had to take me phone out and snap a picture of the duo before I made my presence known. 

“Well, it looks like that two of you are having fun,” I smiled. Maria looked up at me and a huge grin stretched across her face.

“Ree!” she shrieked hopping off of my fathers lap and launching herself into my arms. “You didn’t come last week,”

“I know, sweetie and I am so sorry,” I said hugging her tighter. 

“I missed you,” she pouted 

“I missed you, too, so much,” 

“Are you going to live at home now?” she asked 

“No, I’m not,” I replied shaking my head.

She huffed and crossed her little arms over her chest while she glared over at Xavier. “I don’t like you, you took my Ree away.”

“I apologize Miss, is there any chance that you can forgive me?” he asked holding up a bright pink gift back. “I assure you that it will be worth your wile if you do.”

“Is that for me?” she asked skeptically, looking at me then back to him.

“Oh, of course it is. Is there another Maria Blake living in this house?” he asked looking around pretending that he was trying to spot another little girl.

“No silly,” Maria giggled “There’s only me,”

“Then this is for you,” he said handing the bag to her. 

I set Maria on her feet and crouched down in front of her and she opened the bag. She gasped and her eyes went wide. Looking up at me she smiled and looked back into the bag. Maria pulled out a fluffy pink bunny from the bag and clutched it to her chest.

“Is this really for me?” she asked gazing up at me in awe. 

“Yes, it is.” I nodded “It even has your name on it,” I said lifting up one of its feet and showing her, her name which was embroidered on it. 

Her grin widened and she threw her arms around my neck. “Thank you Ree, I love it”

“I knew you would,” I whispered into her hair. 

“Thank you Xavier,” she said looking over at him.

“You are very welcome,” he smiled ruffling her hair. 

Xavier and I stayed at my fathers house for a while just catching up on things. Since I hadn’t seen them since the Monday after the wedding there was a lot to catch up on. According to my father he had been talking to his lawyer about getting some divorce papers drawn up. He had thought that after the wedding he could try and talk some sense into my mother which did not end well. She had adamantly refused to take back anything that was said between she and I. I was nothing but trash to her, dirt under her designer shoes. My father was fed up with it and realized that she wasn’t the woman that he had fallen madly in love with all those years ago. The divorce would be finalized as soon as my mothers lawyers read over the paper work and everything was signed. 

He knew that there was a chance that he would have to pay alimony since he owned the business and not my mother. So basically my mother wouldn’t have to work a day in her life once the divorce was final. It didn’t bother my father one bit since he had more then enough money to do what he pleased with. Paying my mother a monthly sum wouldn’t be putting a dent in his bank. With the merger soon to go through with Xavier’s fathers company he would have more money then he knew what to do with. As the hour drew late Xavier and I said our goodbyes, promising to come and see them before we left in a few days. I made a mental note to go and see Aggie as well, I was missing the kids like crazy. 

“Let’s get home and get some sleep,” Xavier suggested “I have a feeling that the next few days till we leave are going to be hectic.”

“I hope not,” I sighed “Things are just starting to calm down from all the press craziness. I could do without anything else for a while.”

“At least while we’re away next week we wont have to worry about all that.” he said 

“Ooh, does that mean that we’re going to be going somewhere secluded?” I asked with a teasing glint in my eyes. 

“You know it,” he winked before pulling out of my father driveway and heading home.