Alexander

Chapter 37

Xander slowly pulls away and looks at me deeply in the eye "You must be tired, let's go upstairs" I was too flushed to respond so I just give him a small nod and he wraps my arm around his neck and started guiding me. I limp slowly towards the stairs, feeling slightly embarrassed that he was patiently waiting for me to take each step "I'm sorry if I'm so slow, my leg hurts a lot when I put too much pressure" I said, biting my lip trying to stop myself from frowning.

I felt like a huge burden, not only to Xander but to everyone who thought we were leaving today. Andrea and David surely packed up and was prepared to leave, but here I am, delaying everything "It's fine, Lauren" He said genuinely while studying my face. I'm pretty sure he noticed how upset I am right now because all of a sudden he places one arm behind my knee and carried me bridal style making me squeal

"What are you doing? I'm heavy! You're going to drop me" Xander rolls his eyes "Your lack of trust offends me" He said seriously but with a hint of sarcasm in his tone. I hold on to him tightly, praying that he doesn't drop me.

I watch him walk past to my room and he stops in front of his room "Open the door" He said waiting for me to turn the knob since both of his hands were preoccupied because he was carrying me "My room is right over there" I said pointing at my door. He looks at me, raising a brow "You don't think I'm actually leaving you alone right now" He said with a 'duh' tone

He lets out a loud sigh when he saw me still looking at him confused "You hurt your leg and just by looking at you, I can already tell that you're going to have a hard time being alone so you're staying in my room so I can keep an eye on you" He said nonchalantly but his words was enough to make me feel butterflies, just the thought of him caring for me so much is enough to give me hope that maybe, just maybe he felt the same way.

Not wanting Xander to carry me any longer, I turn the knob and pushed the door open making him walk towards his bed.

He lays me down carefully, making sure that my leg won't be touching any hard surfaces. He grabs a pillow and places it gently under my right leg, making sure that my leg was away and elevated from everything else. I watch him carefully with admiration shining in my eyes

"Xander?" He looks at me, waiting for me to continue "Thank you" I whispered softly. He just stares at me for a few seconds before shaking his head and looking away "As long as you're staying here, you're my responsibility" He said, standing up

"I'm sorry, Xander" I said quickly. He stops but doesn't turn around to look at me "For what?" He asked "I'm sorry for being such a burden" I said, feeling a lump forming in my throat but I quickly and painfully swallow it down "I'm sorry for delaying our trip and for making you guys worry" I continued with a shaky voice "I'm sorry because now, you have no choice but to take care of m-" His head quickly turns to look at me

"What are you talking about, Lauren?" He said annoyed "You nearly just died earlier and yet here you are, apologizing?" He said getting angrier "It's West's fault" He spat out "Its his fault your leg looks like that, its his fault that we didn't get to go home today and its his fucking fault that I have to take care of you right now" He said even more pissed off, walking closer to me

Its his fault that I have to take care of you right now

It clearly pissed him off that he was now stuck with taking care of me right now. But then again, I never asked him to. He was the one who just assumed that I needed him to take care of me.

His words stung and made me feel a bit mad.

I look away from him "I never asked you to bring me here, Xander" I said lowly trying to hide the irritation in my voice "I can go back to my room and take care of myself you know" He runs a hand through his hair, messing it up but in a good way "That's not what I meant, Lauren"