Chapter 11: 8 - Friends?

"Be my friend."

Raine stared at Xavier in confusion and shock. Was what she was hearing even true? "Friend?"

"Friend." Xavier stated.

"Why do you want to be friends with me?"

"So you're saying no." Xavier said, disappointment flashing through his eyes.

"No! I mean yes! I mean no, I'm not saying no! I meant no to saying no. Which means yes to saying yes. So no no to saying yes. I'm saying yes. Yes?" Raine fumbled out, not making any sense, even to herself let alone Xavier.

"Raine, calm down. You don't have to say yes just because I saved you. I won't be offended if you refuse. Trust me it wouldn't be a first." Xavier said as he looked away from her eyes. It was true. Xavier hadn't had a true friend in a long time and it was partly his fault since he remained so closed off.

But something about Raine made him change his perspective. Something about Raine made him want to open up. Though he had only met her a couple of days ago, he had established that there was something about the girl standing in front of him. Something had caused the buried up emotions to resurface in his heart.

"Xavier..." Taking a deep breath and grinning brightly. "Yes. I would love to be your friend ."

Xavier's face brightened up as he looked at Raine, still in disbelief. "Really?"

"Yes." Raine said with a confident voice.

Xavier looked away from her face, a smile still lingering on his lips. "Great."

"Let me guess, you've never had a friend before?" Raine said as she laughed at Xavier's behavior. He had been acting like a teenager given a brand new car on his 16th birthday.

"I have.....it's been a while though." Xavier said, meeting her eyes once more with a glint of embarrassment.

"What do you mean?" Raine said, confusion evident in her tone.

"People change." Xavier said with a sad smile. "Sometimes, the people you give your heart to, expecting they would protect it; those people end up being the ones to break it."

Noticing the hint of pain within Xavier's eyes, Raine decided not to push things. She turned her attention to the window of her apartment that overlooked the tall skyscrapers which lined the city.

"New York is something, isn't it?" She said admiring the view. Although her apartment wasn't the best quality, it had a mind-blowing view of the city.

Xavier too looked out the window, admiring the view. "It is." He said, his pained expression changing into a happier one.

Just as Xavier was about to say something, there was a loud knock on the door. Both Raine and Xavier stood up and looked at each other, Xavier moving in front of Raine, almost as if defending her. However, relief washed over the both of them when they heard a familiar voice.

"Raine!! Are you in their?!"

Xavier's stiff body loosen up a bit as Raine quickly rushed to the door. As soon as she opened it, Raine was engulfed in a hug by a teary eyed Daisy and worried Mike.

"Oh my god Raine! Are you ok?!" Daisy said as she eyed Raine from top to bottom. Although her arms were covered by the blouse she was wearing, the bruises on her face were still visible.

"Raine, god you almost scared me to death!" Mike said as he raked his fingers through his hair. "I came to the cafe this morning to open up and the whole place was covered in caution tape! A police officer told me what happened and I.....Raine I was so scared! Thank god you are ok!" Mike pulled Raine into another hug, gently touching her bruised cheek.

Meanwhile, Xavier stood to the side, going completely unnoticed by the worried friends that were inspecting Raine for injuries. His fists clenched when he saw Mike pulling Raine into a hug and resting his hand on her face.

"I just about landed in New York when I got a call from Mike saying you were attacked! Raine, I am so sorry for leaving you all alone! This is all my fault! " Daisy said as she shook her head and looked down.

Raine perceived the under lying guilt in her voice and immediately reached out to hold Daisy's hand. "Guys, I'm fine. You shouldn't worry about me. And it most certainly wasn't your fault."

"How did all of this happen Raine? Everything was fine when I left the cafe." Mike said as his mind went into flashbacks of last night when everything was normal.

"I just lost track of time and...." Not wanting to rerun the memories again, Raine trailed off.

Understanding the situation, Mike gave her a gentle nod telling her she need not continue. "Anyways, why didn't you call me last night?"

"Yeah Raine! Were you alone all night? For god sakes Raine, you should have called one of us! And did you even go to the doctor?! Your face.....are you hurt anywhere else?" Daisy said as she took one of Raine's arms, rolling the material of the top up and exposing her skin which was covered in bandages and scratches. A gasp escaped her mouth as she saw Raine's scared skin.

"She'll be fine." Xavier said as he stepped from behind Raine. "The doctor has inspected the injuries and prescribed medicine. I assure you Raine will be better in no time and that there is nothing to worry about."

Xavier's voice was confident and stern, nothing like the way he spoke to Raine. His tall figure towered over the others and Raine looked so small in his presence.

Daisy looked at him in shock and disbelief while Mike glared seeing Xavier standing besides Raine.

"Mr. Thorn? What are you doing here?" Daisy spoke after staring at Xavier for a good 10 seconds.

Mike gritted his teeth before spitting out his thoughts, glaring at Xavier yet speaking to Raine. "Raine, what is this guy doing here?! Why the hell is he in your apartment?!"

"Mike relax, he just-----" Raine tried to explain but Mike just cut her off.

"Is he bothering you? I swear to god I won't spare him if he touches you!" Mike said as he took a few steps closer to Xavier, only to be held back by Daisy. Xavier watched the entire scene, not being bothered a bit. In fact, his eyes held amusement seeing a common guy like Mike dare to threaten him.

Raine shook her head, trying to explain. "Mike this is Mr. Thorn, he's a-----"

"Customer at the cafe! And a typical flirt! I know men like you very well! Men like you trap innocent girls like Raine with a few sweet words and then throw them out once their bored! But I won't let you play with Raine like that!" Mike said, with a scowl on his face.

With this comment, Xavier had had enough. He narrowed his eyes and took a threatening step closer to Mike. "Before accusing me, maybe you should take a look at yourself! What kind of a man leaves a young, innocent girl like Raine alone at the cafe?! You're talking about saving her, why did you put her in danger in the first place?!"

Xavier was fuming with anger while Mike was raging at the man in front of him. Poor, innocent, Raine stood in between them, trying to take things in control while Daisy watched in amusement.  "Stop Xavier. This isn't Mike's fault." Raine said, holding one of his arms and pulling him back.

"Woah, woah there guys. No need to go all bananas with all that man ego you got there! We have more important matters to discuss." Daisy said as she pulled Mike back and Raine pushed Xavier behind her.

"Exactly! So please tell him to leave Raine!" Mike said while glaring at Xavier. "What is he even doing here to begin with?"

"I can say the same to you, you poor excuse of a man! Leaving Raine all alone in the middle of the night!" Xavier responded with an even deadlier glare.

"STOP IT!! Both of you!!" Raine said, raising her voice for the first time in a while. "Xavier is the reason I'm standing in front of you guys. If it wasn't for Xavier than I don't even know if I would....."

"Hey, I told you I won't let anyone touch you." Xavier said as he cupped her face with one of his warm hands. Raine smiled at him slightly before turning back to a glaring Mike and confused Daisy.

"Xavier came to the cafe when the man was attacking me. He saved my life."

"What?!" Daisy and Mike responded together, shock covering their faces.

"Yeah, so please don't blame him. And Xavier, it wasn't Mike's fault either. He did his job and trusted that I would be a responsible adult. I was the one who slacked off and that's why all of this happened. I deserved-----"

"No Raine! Don't you dare say that you deserved this! No one deserves this!" They both looked into each other's eye until they were interrupted with a clearing of the throat. Raine shifted away from him and looked towards Daisy who had a subtle smirk on her face.

"Anyways Raine, I talked to the police and they told me everything that happened." Daisy said, once she was sure Xavier and Mike had cooled down. "I don't even know if you would still want to work with me but----"

"What are you saying Daisy?! Of course I would still want to work at the cafe! I'm not gunna let one bad experience put my life on pause!" Raine said, cutting Daisy off. "And plus, you know how much I need this job."

"Raine, I want whatever best for you. If you still feel safe working at the cafe, then the position is always open to you." Daisy said, smiling at Raine. "But that is only if you feel safe. I can't let anything like that ever happen again with you. It's my responsibility to make sure my employees have a safe working condition."

Raine took both of Daisy's hands into her own. "Don't beat yourself up about this Daisy." Raine said with a genuine smile. "I don't plan on letting that position go anytime soon! Don't don't you dare start looking for a replacement."

"Ok fine but-----"

Daisy couldn't finish before Xavier cut her off and stepped forward. "There is no way you are working until you get better Raine. The doctor has advised full bedrest."

Mike's glare decreased as he came in agreement with Xavier for the first time that night. "He's right Raine. You should take a couple of days off."

"But----" Raine started.

"Nope! I'm the boss and I order you to stay at home until you're all better." Daisy said, crossing her arms in front of her chest.

"Ok fine." Raine said groaning.

Xavier smiled at Raine as she made cute expressions. Raine continued to talk with Daisy in more details about what had happened while Xavier stood behind her, staring at her in admiration. He watched as she eyes would widen up certain times or scrunch up causing lines to form on her forehead . A smile made way onto his face involuntarily, but Xavier was used to this now. Whenever she was near, a smile always played on his lips.

"Uh, do you plan on spending the night here or something? As far as I have heard, you're the CEO of some company. I'm sure you have better, more important things to do." Mike said as he sneered at Xavier who was patiently standing besides Raine.

"I am very well aware of my duties as CEO and do not need to be reminded." Turning to Raine Xavier slipped a phone into her hands. "Anyways Raine, this is a phone with my number in it. Your phone broke last night. Call me if you need anything. And here...." Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a white bag. "I had Jordon pick your medication. Don't forget to take it."

"Thank you Xavier but I can't possibly accept this from you. You've already done so much for me." Raine said, sliding the phone back into Xavier's hands.

"Take it Raine. You should know that I don't take no for an answer." Xavier said, pushed the phone into her hands once more.

"But----"

"Just take it Raine!" Daisy shouted, getting irritated seeing the phone being transferred back and forth.

Raine glared at Daisy before accepting the phone from Xavier with a tiny smile. "Thanks Xavier. Really."

Xavier smiled at her sweetly before gently touching her bruised cheek with his warm hands. "Take care."

With that being said, Xavier turned around, gracing Daisy with a polite nod and sending a final glare in Mike's direction. He walked out of the door, leaving Raine, Daisy, and Mike alone in the apartment.

Raine shut the door, locking it, and headed back to find Daisy and Mike sitting on the sofa, arguing with each other.

"You're an idiot!" Daisy said as she threw a pillow at Mike.

"Stop it you wild animal! I was only trying to protect her!" Mike retorted, shoving the pillowing into Daisy's face.

Raine shook her head seeing her two friends have a pillow war with each other. It was nothing new to her. She had been accustomed to their daily fights and always found them quiet cute. It had been established that Mike and Daisy had a love-hate relationship. So far she had seen enough of the hate, but now she was waiting to get a glimpse of the love.

She watched the two, laughing at their childish antics before Mike noticed her staring and stopped the pillow fight by tucking it behind his back.

"You sure you're ok Rainy?" Mike said, with concern in his eyes. Mike had always cared for Raine since they met each other and couldn't help but feel slightly guilt with everything going on. Although he wasn't too keen of Xavier, he knew very well that it was his fault for leaving Raine alone. He could have staying a couple extra minutes with her, closed the place down, and then left once he knew Raine was on her way home.

Raine nodded at him. "I promise I'm fine Mike. I told you guys, Xavier was there and he prevented anything serious from happening."

"You should have called me last night. I would have come over." Mike said. His shift had ended at midnight and if he had known all of this had happened, he would surely come by, to be with Raine.

"I already told you I was with Xavier. In fact, he stayed by my side all night." Raine said, recalling last night, when Xavier cradled her in his arms, comforting her shaking body.

"He seems like a great guy. I mean you can't even tell that he's the CEO of Thorn Inc!" Daisy stated, a suggestive smirk on her face as she watched Raine's face brighten up with his appraisal.

"Oh please, I'm sure he only did all of this for his own benefits!" Mike butted in, a sour expression on his face. "Daisy, you've seen and heard stories of this guy! He's a ruthless, arrogant jerk! He's known to be the most selfish guy ever!"

"Why are you being so hard on him Mike? He's been nothing but sweet to me." Raine said, confused my Mike's behavior.

"I wouldn't trust him Raine. You're too innocent for this world."

"Oh come on Mike! Can't you see he saved Raine! He took care of her all night and brought her back home safe and sound!" Daisy said as she took the pillow once more, throwing it directly at Mike's face.

"So? Anyone would have saved her if they had seen her first! That Xavier just happened to get lucky! And I'm sure he had his own motives for helping Raine! Nobody would do all of these things and want nothing in return!"

"Maybe I'm being innocent or naive, but I don't think any guy would have cared for me the way Xavier did." Raine said as she looked down at the ring on her thumb, twirling it around her finger.  "And you're right Mike. He did want something from me in return."

"See! I told you! A typical spoiled brat who thinks he can get anything he want! Selfish, arrogant, jerk!"

"He asked for my friendship. He wanted to be friends." Raine said, looking at Mike with a straight face. Although Raine hadn't known as much about Xavier as Mike and Daisy did, she couldn't seem to believe that Xavier was as bad as everyone was saying. So far, she hadn't found a reason to hate or not trust him. He had done nothing but help her and asked for nothing more than to be friends.

"What?!" Daisy and Mike shouted in unison, expressions of shock on their face.

"OMG that is so cute!!! He is so adorable!" Daisy gushed, a grin replacing her shocked face.

"He wanted to be friends?" Mike asked confused. "Why?"

"I don't know Mike." Raine said sighing. "I know you aren't too keen of him, but I don't think he's that bad."

"Raine's right Mike! I don't see him as a threat or problem. You're being way too hard on him Mike!"

"I just want to make sure he doesn't end up using Raine the way he uses every other girl on the planet! Daisy, you know how his reputation is!"

"He is a risk." Daisy said, looking back at Raine. "But you too are just friends. It can't be bad."

"I think I'll take the risk." Raine said, as she stood up.

* * *

After Mike and Daisy had left, Raine was all alone in her small but cozy apartment. She had taken off the clothes that Xavier so graciously got for her, and changed into something more comfortable.

And what was more comfortable than PJs?

All snuggled up in her blankets, Raine sat on the couch watching an episode of Chopped while redressing all of her wounds. The bleeding had obviously stopped but the pain was still unbearable when Raine covered the cuts up with new bandages.

Just as Raine was about to go get the bag of medicine Xavier had gotten for her, she heard a dinging sound come from the kitchen. Her mind flashed back to the phone that Xavier had gotten for her and she rushed to the kitchen to grab the it.

It was the latest model of the iPhone, something Raine had long craved to have. She had been using the first generation, iPhone 3g, for the past 3 years and was completely out of storage. However when there was a pile of bills waiting to be paid on the table, upgrading a phone was clearly not the best idea.

Recalling Xavier's cute gesture, Raine tapped the home button, revealing the lock screen which had an unread message on it.

Xavier Thorn >> Just a reminder, please take 2 of the red tablets and 1 of the white ones.

Raine smiled at the concerned full text before responding.

Raine Woods >> I will. Thank you Xavier.

Setting her phone down, Raine opened the fridge to pull out something to eat for dinner. Just as she was eating, her phone dinging again.

Xavier Thorn >> Make sure you get plenty of rest.

Raine >> I will.

Before she could set her phone down, another message popped up.

Xaver Thorn >> And make sure you eat something.

Raine Woods >> I will.

Raine laughing out loud, seeing Xavier's caring side.

Xavier Thorn >> And make sure you get a good amount of sleep.

Raine Woods >> Xavier, I'm not a baby. Stop stressing about me. I'll be fine.

Xavier Thorn >> Ok, just checking. Good night Raine.

Raine Woods >> Good night Xavier.

With a smile on her face, Raine slipping into bed. And for the first time in years, she wasn't afraid of her nightmares. For the first time in years, she knew she would have someone to lean on.

______________________

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