30. Unwanted Xavier parents visit

IN A MORNING

ISABELLA'S POINT OF VIEW:

The soft hum of the heater filled the house as I stood in the kitchen, nervously arranging a plate of cookies on the counter. It was evening, and Xavier’s grandmother was due to arrive any minute. He’d been pacing most of the day, alternating between excitement and a quiet tension I could feel every time I looked at him.

"Isabella, are you sure this is okay?" He asked for the third time, standing in the doorway with his arms crossed.

I turned to him with a reassuring smile.

"It’s more than okay, Xavier. She’s your grandma. She loves you."I said.

He nodded, but the crease in his brow didn’t got dmaller.

"I just… I don’t want her to feel awkward. And I definitely don’t want my parents showing up."He said.

I walked over and placed a hand on his arm.

"She promi……