Jasmine's POV
My vision is blurry. I'm sweaty. It's hot, it's very hot here. And I can't breathe. The more I gasp for air, the more fuzzy my head becomes.
My mother is next to me, she is screaming but I can't hear her. I try to scream but I can't. I only open my mouth and close it.
'Hide in your wardrobe. He is coming' She whispers, shoving my small body into the enclosed space. I want to explain to her that I can't breathe and it'd only get worse if she hides me there. I bang my head against the hard wood when she pushes me into it, tightly shutting the door.
Then I hear his voice. The anger is unmistakable.
'Whore! Where's she?'
He is looking for me. Cold sweat breaks all over my body. I use my little hands to cover my mouth, and from the crack of the door, I see it. I should be used to this scene but it scares me always.
Holding her by her neck, he smashes her againt the wall and when she falls, he's stomping on her. A little gasp leaves my mouth, then his eyes glue to me through the crack. A sinister smile plasters on his lips.
"There you are…"
Immediately he opens the door, my eyes fly open.
I'm in my room. My painting hanging on the walls reminds me that it's only a dream. One I wish that only exists in my sleep but I've lived it.
I hug my body tightly, pulling my legs to my chest and burying my head between them.
"I'll be fine" I assure, sobbing.
Will I ever be fine?
...............
My classes for today were cancelled. Now I have to think of how to be productive. Bella had texted me earlier saying she'll be spending the day with Nicole, so I know that I'm all alone.
I haven't left my room since I woke up. I need to use the bathroom but I'm scared.
I don't want to run into Xavier. He's not been around for some days now. I saw him last at the restaurant, but last night, I heard noise coming from his room.
Why am I scared?
It's not my fault that he almost gave in to his drunken desires. Fuck it, I'll go.
Grabbing my shower bag and towel, I open my door slowly, taking a peek before heading out. When I'm finally at the bathroom, I let out a sigh of relief and as fast as I can, try to do my business.
I'm done brushing and washing my body, I'm about to rinse off the lather when the bathroom door flies open. I instinctively cup my boobs, turning to the door to be met with a naked blonde. From how wobbly her head is, I can tell she's drunk.
She stares at me before smiling sheepishly.
"Sorry"
With that, she slams the door shut. My legs remain rooted to the cold floor. Goosebumps spreading down my body at the thought of it being him. Fuck.
Why didn't I lock the door? I immediately do that as if it would change the fact that a stranger just saw me naked.
'But she's naked too'
My subconscious reminds me like it should make me feel any better. I rush into my bedroom once done and dress as quickly as I can.
It's only when I'm drying my hair that the anger surges through me. If he had fucking abided to the rules, this wouldn't happen.
Without thinking, I stomp out of my room, banging on his door.
The door opens slowly, exposing his tired face. He looks at me, his brow quirked. I almost forgot my words staring into his stupid green eyes.
"What the actual fuck is wrong with you Xavier Alexander?" The words fly out of my mouth.
He doesn't respond, only looking at me like I grew a third eye.
"I'm talking to you" I seethe, my hands balling into a fist.
"Nothing" he replies curtly.
I squint my eyes at him.
"Nothing?" I hiss.
"Nothing is wrong with me." He starts, walking slowly out of his room before shutting the door behind him. "You seem to love the sound of my last name. Do you want it?" He smirks, leaning against his door and crossing his hands across his chest.
Does he find this interesting?
"If you are going to be a dog, put a fucking leech on yourself or find someone to do that. I warned you ab…"
He doesn't let me finish before cutting me off.
"What's with all the fuss? You forgot to have your milk before going to bed last night and now, you want me to pay for it?"
I swear I'll punch him and no one will do anything.
"If you are going to have a guest, take care of the person. Why the fuck is your guest opening the bathroom door while I'm in it?"
His eyes widen for a split second and I sure hope he's not imagining the whole situation.
"At this point, I don't care if it's your apartment, if you want to fuck, go book some hotel or something. Don't compromise my privacy for your selfishness and recklessness" I spit, not holding anything back.
Something stirrs in him and I can swear that he wants to retort sharply, but he shocks me with his next words.
"I'm sorry and it won't happen again."
"I won't rely on just your promise when I know you won't keep it."
"When have I ever promised you something and didn't keep to my words? Have I even promised you anything?" His smile deepens, holding my gaze like he's challenging me.
"Didn't we agree to abide by the rules?"
"Jasmine. I'm sure you are smart enough to recall things clearly." He pauses, taking a step closer. I instinctively step back before he adds, "I promise to not let my guest invade your privacy"
I'm not satisfied with just his words, but I sure pray he sticks to it.
"And one last thing. Always lock the bathroom doors"
Is he indirectly blaming me now?
I can't stand any more of this nonsense. Huffing, I turn around to walk away, but he stops me. His hand holds my wrist. I immediately shoot him a glare before snatching my hand back.
"Jas" he says softly, "Are you okay?"