Chapter One Hundred and One: Wise Words and Whispers of Intrigue

Xavier’s Point of View

On my way back to the office, I passed by the kids playing in the game room. Salem noticed me and studied me intensely as if he was trying to figure something out. His face showed his frustration, and I couldn't help but wonder what was going on. Then, he looked past me and gave me a disapproving look. I turned around, expecting to see something or someone that had caused Salem's reaction, but there was nothing there. Just as I was about to continue on my way, Salem spoke up and caught my attention.

Salem looked at me seriously and asked, "Can I talk to you, Xavier?"

"Absolutely," I replied. I noticed him looking over my shoulder and then sticking his tongue out. It was strange behaviour, but considering all that Salem had been through recently, it could have been his way of coping. At least he felt comfortable enough to come to me when he needed to talk.

"Can we go to your room to talk? Unless you and Mom didn't clean up, and it's too messy in there," Salem asked.

I could feel my eyes widen at his request, and Onyx dropped the game controller while Shiloh just face-palmed. How was I supposed to respond?

"I really don't care if it's a mess. I just want to talk to you - man to little man. Is that okay?" Salem persisted.

I looked to Shiloh for help, but she now had her head in her hands and was shaking it repeatedly. I glanced at Onyx, who looked at me with sympathy and shrugged. They weren't going to be of any assistance.

"Just talk to him," my inner voice groaned.

"If you stay here and try to talk to him, things are only going to get weirder. Salem knows what he's doing. He wants to talk about his mother. Just let him speak to you. Please," my inner voice pleaded with frustration.

“Okay, but instead of my room, why don’t we go and sit in the kitchen? I’d be more comfortable speaking with you there,” I answered.

“Okay,” Salem grinned and followed me without issue.

I sat down at the dining room table, and Salem pulled out one of the chairs. He sat down across from me, leaned forward, and folded his hands in what I believed he thought was an intimidating gesture. This whole mafia thing really was in his blood.

“Did you ask my Mama to marry you again?” Salem inquired, narrowing his eyes.

“Yes, I did,” I said, trying to hide a smile.

“Good. I want you to be my Dad and a Dad to Shiloh and Onyx, too. We love you, Xavier. Mama loves you, too. So you two talked it out? She really will marry you?” Salem asked, his lip quivering.

Gone was the tough guy act he was trying to present, and in front of me was a very vulnerable boy whose world had been turned upside down more than once in the last few days.

“Salem, it was a lot for you to meet your great-grandfather and then to watch him pass away right in front of you. Have you talked to your Mom, Aunt Grace, or Uncle Aamon about it?” I asked gently.

Salem shook his head, no, and big tears rolled down his eyes.

“Did you want to talk to me about it?” I asked.

Salem nodded in agreement as I sat there, listening attentively as he described the fear he felt when Kaz's spirit departed his body while Salem remained by his side. The young boy expressed concern for our safety and discomfort with being away from home, even though the bed was comfortable. He mentioned the tragic events that occurred in his home, including the shooting of his great-grandfather and a break-in by a stranger. It surprised me to learn how much Salem understood about our situation, more than any of us realized.

I stood up and walked over to where Salem was seated on the other side of the table. I knelt down to his level and looked him in the eyes.

"I'm not going anywhere. I love your mother and all of you kids. This new life may take some getting used to, but we have each other," I reassured him gently.

"Before we continue our conversation, Mr. Shiny wants to speak with you now. He's been waiting patiently for his turn," Salem said, sticking out his tongue playfully at something behind me.

I turned around but saw nothing there.

"He's invisible to you but a part of you. It's hard to explain, but I just know it's true. Don't worry, I'll keep watch while you two chat so no one thinks you've gone crazy," Salem said with seriousness in his voice.

What in the world was he talking about? And where did he learn a phrase like "lost your marbles"?

As Salem began to walk past me, he stopped suddenly and looked sternly towards something behind me, placing his hands on his hips and tapping his foot to look intimidating. But instead, it was pretty comical.

Salem then made a gesture with two fingers pointing to his eyes and the empty space behind me. I was really starting to worry about this kid.

A voice inside me whispered, "He's right."

I frantically scanned the room, trying to figure out who was speaking. Instead of finding a physical source, I saw Salem motioning for me to quiet down and sit back in my chair. So that's what I did, still in shock.

"You left a part of yourself behind the day you came to help Rei and her children in the rain. Do you remember how conflicted you felt? How much do you want to stay and get to know her? But instead, you helped her in your own way and unknowingly left a piece of yourself with her," the voice explained.

"What should I call you then? Mr. Shiny?" I asked, rubbing my eyes in disbelief. This was all too real, yet it made no sense to me.

"X. That's what Rei has been calling me in her dreams for the past ten years, just like how she calls you by your nickname. Haven't you ever wondered why you always felt incomplete? It's because you truly did leave a part of yourself with Rei," the voice revealed.

"But it is time," the voice insisted.

"Time for what?" I questioned, still feeling completely bewildered.

"For us to merge once more," the voice replied.

"And how is this supposed to be achieved?" I snorted with disbelief.

I could hear a voice, but there was no physical presence to accompany it. This whole situation felt eerie and unsettling.

Then, I caught sight of a faint glow beside me. "Imagine Rei and your desire to be whole for her, to protect her and love her as she deserves. Remember how badly you wanted to be with her ten years ago; now, you can finally. Just let go. I'll take care of the rest," said the voice.

As I closed my eyes, my mind drifted back to that day a decade ago. My heart was shattered as I realized how close I had been to her, knowing deep down that no other woman could ever hold such a special place in my heart. A tingling sensation pulsed through my body, and it felt like a piece of my mind tore away, only to be replaced with tranquillity and wholeness.

I opened my eyes and looked over at Salem.

“That was so cool,” Salem grinned.

“What was?” I asked, curious as to what he saw.

“The light just went into you. Mr. Shiny is inside of you now. Do you feel any different?” Salem asked.

“I don’t feel as tired or as lost. I feel whole,” I answered.

“Good, because I know Mr. Shiny is in you now. He will make you extra special and a little bit shiny, too. Make sure to listen to him when he speaks please. He’s actually pretty smart,” Salem said.