Blissful Night
Chapter 30 Blissful NightConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
XANDER’S HOME, NEW YORK. Rolling to the side of the bed, Xander stiffened when he felt a body next to him. Opening his eyes properly to see who it was, he was almost shocked to see Dawn. However, Xander remembered all that happened the night before and felt quite relieved. Dawn had drunk on the sweet wine his mother brought, and Venus insisted he let Dawn spend the night. After putting her to sleep in the guest room, Dawn still went to his room while sleepwalking, refusing to return to hers. Yawning, he got up and headed downstairs, still feeling quite sleepy. Only Carla’s coffee can wake him up. And just as expected, she was already by the kitchen brewing the coffee. Xander hugged her from behind, kissing her cheek. “Hey there, Carla. How was your night?” “Beautiful. I am guessing you had a blissful night. I saw her in your bed.” Carla teased. He waved a dismissive finger, settling himself on a stool. “Get your mind out of the gutter. Nothing happened between us. I am sure you saw us fully clothed. Dawn doesn’t interest me in that manner. I don’t know how many times I have to repeat myself.” “You don’t need to. I heard you the first time. I think you should be more careful. That woman has a lot up her sleeve.” Xander wanted to laugh. If only they know whatever Dawn tries is all useless. She won’t get anything out of him. “She will be fine. Can I have my coffee, please?” “Sure, here you go, baby.” Carla mused, placing the cup in front of him. “I love you.” He cooed, blowing her a kiss. “Shut your mouth and drink.” She laughed, turning her attention to something else. Xander stared at her for a while. Carla has been part of Xander’s life since high school. She had been working as a janitor in his school. Her friendliness and kindness had drawn him to her. He felt she wasn’t getting what she deserved at the school and offered her an exclusive job with him, and she took it. They have been together ever since and have gotten closer over the years. Even then, he feared making requests like the one he was about to from her so he wouldn’t end up annoying her. At the same time, Nina needs help more than ever. Carla is the only person he can trust. Xander cleared his throat. “I want to make a request, Carla.” He said. “Really? I knew there was something on your mind when you kept burning holes in me. What is it this time.” She grinned. He scratched the back of his neck. “It feels like a hard task, and I am unsure if you would like to take it.” “I don’t know if you don’t say.” She urged. “Nina, I am sure you remember her, is pregnant now. The only person close to her is that she has gone to college, and it’s just her. She needs help, and she never asks for it. I had to plead with her that you could greatly help her. Please, I promise to pay you double. Just help her out.” “You make me feel like a glutton. I thought you said Nina was just a friend. Why are you so hellbent on helping her out? You won’t let me help your mother for Thanksgiving dinner.” “Mum has enough people to help her. She likes being extra. And as for Nina, I am just being a good friend. What is wrong with that?” “Nothing at all, baby. I was saying. I don’t mind going to her.” “She insists on paying you from her pocket. Whatever she offers, could you take it? I will always put something in your account at the end of the month.” “You don’t have to do that.” “Please don’t start. Let me do it. You don’t know how happy it makes me know I can always count on you. Please.” “Alright. When do I need to start work?” “I will call her, and you both can discuss when it is most convenient. Thank you so much, Carla.” “You are welcome, honey. Do you want pancakes or toast and egg will do?” Carla asked. “Toast will do.” Dawn yawned from the stairs as she walked towards them. “Good morning, baby.” She cooed, stretching her hand to hug Xander, but he retreated. Carla snorted. “Xander?” “Toast for me, too. Thanks, mama.” He mused, slurping on his warm coffee. She settled next to him and made the move again. “Make me a creamy coffee, Carla. My head aches badly.” Dawn drawled, still leaning towards Xander. He eventually caved in and let her rest her head on his shoulder. “If you want something around here, Dawn, you must get it yourself. It isn’t an Airbnb where you order people around. Carla is busy making breakfast. Get down and make yourself coffee.” Xander said, not looking at her. She pouted. “But I can’t make myself coffee. You do know I have a hangover. It’s not fun that you are treating me like this.” “I wasn’t the one who got you drunk.” He retorted, getting off the stool to make her coffee. “I need some female essentials from the mall, Xander. Can you come with me? And don’t try to make any excuses. It’s the weekend.” Xander groaned as he turned the milk into the coffee. “Yeah, I guess I don’t have any excuse.” He mumbled. The minute they stepped into the mall, Xander had a feeling he was going to regret his actions. He never should have agreed to Dawn’s excesses, no matter what. What she said she needed was her lotions for her face. Then, the next minute, they were in the clothing store buying stuff, and he had to carry her shopping bags. After what felt like forever, Dawn requested an ice cream. With her arm locked with his, they stood at the ice cream parlor right next to the mall to make their order. “Xander?” Tania called out with Nina next to her. She was the first to notice him. “Hey.” He huffed out like he was short of breath. “How are you, Tania? Nina? I was thinking to call you.” Nina hummed, “I can see you are too busy to do so.” She said, nodding towards the shopping bags in his hands. “Hello, Miss Dawn.” She smiled briefly. “Tania, I didn’t know you were around.” Said Xander. “Oh, I came to help Nina settle. I will be heading back today.” Tania replied. “That’s nice.” He nodded. The meeting felt awkward, especially with Dawn holding onto him tightly while she kept her fierce gaze on Nina. “We already got our order. We should leave.” Nina said, dragging Tania along. “Bye.” Xander got a hold of himself momentarily and released himself from Dawn’s grip. “Hold this for a second.” He said, handing her the shopping bags before hurrying off to meet Nina. “Wait up, Nina.” Nina turned to him. She had a surprised expression when he found his arms empty. “You left the bags for her? That isn’t so gentlemanly of you.” “She practically forced me out here with her. I was helping. How are you?” He asked. “I am fine.” “So I spoke to Carla, and she is delighted at the thought of working for you.” Nina beamed. “That’s good to know. When can she start?” “I will send you her contact, and then you can discuss it with her. I should let you go before your ice cream melts. I just wanted to let you know.” She smiled and hugged him briefly, catching Dawn’s burning glare. “Thanks for your help, Xander. I owe you one.” She muttered, waving at him, and he waved back. It was just a hug, but Xander felt his entire body go limp. Dawn’s yell of his name was the thing that brought him back to the present. Smacking his lips in delight, he jogged back to his nem