The Spare To The Throne

Chapter 34: Insecurities

Winter is coming. And in New-York, it knocks at your door a whole lot sooner than usual places. The sun seems to fall at earlier times now, which is unnerving. I wrap my arms around the steaming mug of hot chocolate Alice made me. Maybe it's the fact that this is house is so expansive, but everywhere I turn coldness always envelopes me. This makes things harder to do, as if I have a life full of things needing tending to. But nevertheless, the cold is unforgiving. 

I snuggle myself deeper into the covers as the tea only did so much. The chattering of my teeth fills the room. I know that Xavier likes the cold, but this is absurd. Soft knocks take me out of my train of thought.

"Come in."

Edwin pokes his head in. "You have a guest downstairs, madam."

I furrow my brows. "Really?" 

"Yes," he confirms. "You can come down and see but at your request, I'll send them away if wish."

"No, that won't be necessary," I rush, pushing back the duvet that shields me from the crisp air. "Thank you." I smile.

He leaves and I search for something warm to wear. I find a sweater and a pair of thick socks. I don't know why, but my heart races at the thought of having someone here to see me. This is unusual, especially since I stay in a place shrouded by trees. Who could possibly know I stay here? As a matter of fact, who knows me that's permitted here? 

Balancing on one leg, I try to slip on my socks with haste. I fail miserably and fall to the floor with a thud. "Shit," I hiss. Rolling over, I sit up and put on my socks properly. I'm growing anxious with every passing second. I finish and make for the door. Descending the stairs, I see an all too familiar brunette. Her smile widens at my sight and I take in her washed denim jeans and cute brown off shoulder sweater. 

"Willow?"

Her arms encases me warmly and I'm pressed against her cool skin, which makes me wonder just how long she's been standing outside. I return the hug, realizing how rude I'm being. 

"You look so good," she squeals. "Okay c'mon." she grabs my hand, leading me to God knows where. As she drags me along, I search around for Hakeem. Surely there's a reason for her being here. Is Xavier and Hakeem having another meeting? But Willow's voice is the only thing audible as it echoes through the house. My socks lose grip on the marble flooring, causing me to slide and almost trip. Willow loosens her grasp on me and stops her ramble about her upcoming getaway trip with Hakeem. 

"Oh my gosh!" she giggles. "Are you okay?"

I heave a sigh, tucking a loose curl behind my ear. "Y-yeah. Uh, w-what are you doing here?" I try my best to hide how uncomfortable I am. 

She rolls her eyes. "We're supposed to meet up again remember? Xavier called me. Said you're a bit lonely and he didn't want that."

I watch in awe as she sashays into the living, dropping her Channel purse on the coffee table. 

"He said that?"

"Yeah," she perks, opening her bag and withdrawing several dvds. "We could watch Netflix, but Xavier's so old fashion and I know he probably doesn't have that on his tv. But it's okay because I brought us some old classics to watch." she grins widely but I'm too intrigued in the fact that Xavier called her over here. For me.

"We can watch Finding Nemo, Hunger Games, Love & Basketball, Gladiator, and oh-"

I give her a quizzical look.

"Fifty Shades of Grey, I don't remember picking this up." she blushes, shoving the dvd back into her purse profusely. I laugh at this and her cheeks only flush more.