Chapter Two, Through His Eyes

Xavier’s Point of View

She was beautiful in an unassuming way, utterly oblivious to how she captivated everyone around her. She was sweet, kind, caring, and stunning. We had met by chance years ago, but I knew she didn't remember me. Her car had broken down on the side of the road in the pouring rain late at night, and I had stopped to check if everything was alright. I had scared the crap out of her, pulling over to the side of the road on my motorcycle to check on her, and then she apologized profusely, thanking me for waiting with her until the tow truck she had called finally arrived to help.

The poor girl had her heart and dreams shattered by the local rich kid who thought the pasture was greener on the other side. He’d moved on and up, away from our little town with his new wife and family. Money could buy you a new life, it seems, as well as numb any conscience you once had.

I was a few years younger than Rei. I’d always had a crush on her, but once Greg Ravenscroft set his sights on her in university, there wasn’t any point. He was an asshole, only offering her scraps of kindness. Rei Draven deserved better, but she never seemed to realize it. Maybe it was her upbringing? I’d overheard her conversations with friends at school, and she missed out on the jokes they told because she had no frame of reference. Once, in trying to be cute about how she was short, Rei proclaimed that she was ‘horizontally challenged’ while Grace, Chloe, and Sam roared with laughter.

Her friends were never mean or condescending to her. They always invited Rei out, even though they knew she couldn’t go. Her parents were super strict and didn’t let Rei do much other than go to school, work part-time at the local coffee shop, and come home. She read, and I could often find her at the small town library, nose in a book, curled up reading to escape reality. I admired her from afar when we were kids, but our lives went in different directions when she got married - not that we were ever connected. Rei didn’t know I existed, I just never crossed her radar.

I had my friends that I rode with. We weren’t in a gang or anything weird. We just liked to go on rides together and hang out. My friends and I laughed, got into minor trouble, and had fun. I worked for the government using my computer skills for good. It was either that or a different place of residence for quite a few years. I think I got a good deal, and I knew not to complain.

I spent my free time with photography. I was fixated on capturing the perfect shot. Black and white images were my favorite. If I’m being honest, any opportunity to take a photo with Rei Draven in it was a bonus, too. I may have found out where she liked to hike and spend time with her friends. That’s where I was this morning, taking photographs with Lillianna tagging along.

“Are you going to keep staring at the MILF over there, or can we go? I’m hungry,” Lillianna whined.

I glanced at my best friend, stashed my camera in my bag, and donned my helmet. Irritated, I closed my visor and revved my bike. Reii glanced our way, puzzled, as if she knew me but couldn't recall from where. My heart raced as she turned in my direction. Rei Draven was unapproachable and forbidden. Yet, her presence still stirred something within me.