Chapter 24: Bitter, sweet, and Bitter-sweet

Xander’s POV

Shit. Did he really forget about me?

After all this time…I was clinging onto…nothing…?

An uncomfortable twist in my chest told me the exact opposite of common sense.

But maybe that’s what it is.

Love doesn’t involve common sense anyway.

********************

“Xander? Xander—wake up! I…I can’t believe y-you were sleeping in my bed again!”

Do you know that Chip’s even more adorable when he’s angry? He gets all worked up and flustered and he doesn’t even know what to say when he’s angry about something embarrassing—me sleeping in his bed.

“C’mon…just another minute…” I rolled over, snaking a hand around his waist blindly and dragging him back to bed.

“N-No way! We have school—uwa!” His face colored a cute coral red when I kissed him on the forehead.

I chuckled and gave in to the adorable mess. I don’t think I ever knew the definition of fluffy until I met Chip.

“Alright, alright…I’ll get my clothes.”

“Un! I’ll get mine too,” Chip piped, sitting up quickly and padding over to his drawer while I fished lazily in my duffel bag.

After a couple of impatient seconds (being the impatient King I am), frustration took over my reigns—proceeding to dump my entire bag of clothes onto the wooden floorboards.

“W-What are you doing?” Chip stared wide-eyed at the mess on the floor. I grunted nonchalantly, rummaging through the pile for a pair of black jeans and a raglan shirt.

“I’m done,” I said, straightening up to motion for Chip. But my angel wasn’t looking at me.

He was staring at a single piece of clothing strewn beside the pile of shirts and pants.

It was my scarf; my only scarf.

It was just checkered—you know, the usual red, black and a line of green?

I had it since I was young.

And for a second, I thought I saw a hint of recognition in my angel’s beautiful blue eyes.

Then a strange hope welled up inside my chest—as if I thought I had a chance.

But when I called his name again, the spark was no longer there.

**********************

Chip’s POV ^^

I never knew Xander had such an adorable scarf. It really suits his eyes…a-and his hair color…I bet he looks cool in it.

It’s such a warming color though, and…kinda makes me feel…nostalgic.

Eh?

…

Nostalgic?

Eh…? Have I…seen it before?

“Chip?”

My head snapped up, and I realized I was staring at the scarf on the floor—when Xander was already done.

“A-Ah! I’m sorry,” My hands flew automatically to my face to hide my embarrassment. Gosh, I must have been staring weirdly.

“C’mon let’s go to the bathroom,” Xander beckoned, exiting our room.

O-Our…room…ah—no no, you mustn’t think that way Chip! I slapped myself mentally, tentatively following Xander.

I helped Xander change the bandages across his chest and applied some cream.

“Does it still hurt?”

“Nope. Not when you do it,” Xander winked cheekily and I flushed indignantly.

After brushing our teeth and taking a quick bath (s-separately of course!), I was going down to the kitchen to grab a muffin for Xander when I met Coco along the stairs.

My first instinct was to look away, but then I forced myself to smile, proceeding down the stairs stiffly.

Gulping, I took in an abnormally huge breath, ironically managing the weakest ‘Good morning’ I’ve ever said.

“Morning,” Coco mumbled, almost incoherently, but I caught it.

My feelings lifted instantly at her reply and I think I practically beamed. Being the socially awkward brother I am (even to my sisters?!), I choked out the worst subject for small talk: “Th-The weather’s great huh? Haha…ha…”

Uwa I’m so awkward!!

I slapped myself at the realization of the extent of my lameness.

“Yeah, it is,” Coco replied, smiling a little.

Her smile made me really happy.

Perhaps it was because I was the most naïve person on Earth, or perhaps it was because I really hoped that Coco would accept me—

But her smile gave me all the strength in the world to accept the fact that it was okay to be who I am.

********************

“See you later Angel,” Xander leaned down to whisper the words in my ear, and my face heated up so badly.

“O-Okay…”

We were in the middle of the bicycle lots and I can’t believe Xander just p-publicly displayed his affection!

Wait—is that considered affection? Um…yes right…?

A-Anyway, I was getting weird stares from other students so I quickened my pace down the halls of the high school.

While making my way to the lockers to collect my books for trigonometry, my mind was pre-occupied with random thoughts.

I really, really missed Kim and Jack.

I wanted to tell them a whole lot of things—but…but I couldn’t!

List of things to tell:

1. I…I live and work in a bakery!

Okay, that doesn’t sound too bad because Kim and Jack…wouldn’t judge me or anything r-right…? I mean…their impression of me…wouldn’t change all that much…right?

2. X-Xander and his sister are living in the bakery too!

…that’s…

3. Xander and I sleep on the same bed!

That doesn’t sound right.

4. IgotdruggedandXanderj-j-j-jerkedmeoff?????

…This isn’t happening.

 My head hung in disbelief while I rested against the cool surface of the lockers.

“Chip? What’s wrong?”

I jumped at the voice, and my head snapped to the left.

“H-H-Hi Kim!” I said, sounding way too cheerful.

“You have something to tell me?” Kim asked, raising her eyebrow. Oh no, she’s sharp as usual.

“I…um…where’s Jack?”

Kim squared her shoulders and tightened her ponytail. “Dunno, he was pretty busy over the weekend—said he was going out or something. He might be late.”

“Don’t change the subject,” My best friend snapped, placing a firm hand on the locker beside mine. “What’s going on?”

“W-Well…can we wait till Jack is here? I…just don’t want to repeat the long story.”

The excuse was weak and unconvincing as I mumbled sheepishly, playing with my fingers.

But Kim bought it.

“Fine,” She huffed, “this better be good.”

I gulped.

*******************

“So…you and Xander are going out now?”

I nodded, looking at my lap.

“Aaaand you guys had se—“

“Can we not go there?” Jack cut Kim short, rubbing his temples as if he felt a huge headache coming on.

My cheeks heated up immensely as I corrected Kim, “W-We didn’t have s-s-s-se—“

“But you said there was white stuff!”

“Y-Yeah white stuff but—“

“Is he talking about semen—“Jack asked, confused.

“In ‘Chip’ language it’s white stuff,” Kim deduced smartly.

“Th-The point is we didn’t do it!” I huffed exasperatedly.

“That’s the only part Kim’s curious about,” Jack shrugged, pointing out the fact bluntly.

“True,” Kim mirrored Jack, squaring her shoulders while sipping her avocado milkshake.

Our discussion at lunch could be described by only one word: Hopeless.

I didn’t realize how hopeless Kim and Jack were until this point in my life.

Oh well. They do say birds of a feather flock together.

I’m hopeless too.

“B-But how about the bakery? A-And Xander staying in the same room as me?” I asked again, trying to confirm my best friends’ opinions.

“All the more for sweet sex in the Bakery,” Kim shrugged, while I felt my entire face and ears go hot, “I bet a hundred bucks that Xander just wants to see you in an apron.”

“W-W-What—“

“I bet a hundred bucks that Xander likes a change of scenery, if you know what I mean,” Jack commented nonchalantly, picking at his fries.  

“Huh? Wait—what does that mean?”

Kim waved her manicured fingers fluidly in a shoo-ing motion. “You wouldn’t understand.”

“But the point is—Chip we don’t care where you live, who your family are, or whether you’re dating Xander or a John or a Dick or a Harry—“ Kim added, rolling her eyes.

.

“We still love you for who you are,” Kim ended easily.

And then she smiled.

Jack choked on his soda.

“Stop smiling. You’re creeping me out.”

Kim turned to glare at Jack and slapped him on the shoulder, giving him a shark-like smile.

“That’s what friends are for.”

*******************

The sky cracked open with a bolt of lightning, and I could hear the sound of the eerie wind as it swept throughout the campus.

The rain fell in fine whispers—cold but gentle.

It was time for Assembly period—where the Principal would give occasional speeches or talks by professional speakers or prize-giving sessions—depending on the season.

As our homeroom class (including Kim and Jack), proceeded to the Auditorium for Assembly, we passed by a group of seniors who were also making their way to the Auditorium.

Unconsciously, I began to look out for Xander.

“Looking for someone?” Kim teased, catching my wandering gaze.

I blushed and looked at my shoes while we walked. “O-of course not…”

Kim rolled her eyes.

“There he is,” Jack pointed out lazily, nudging my sides.

I looked up, in fervent excitement which Kim noticed, and felt my face redden at the sight of the tall figure.

Xander was walking coolly with his friends, hands in his jean pockets as they laughed and joked around. He had his varsity jacket slung over his shoulder in an appealing manner—n-not that he didn’t look attractive without it.

The senior class joined us along the hallway and before I knew it, I couldn’t help but notice that Xander and his friends were walking right beside us.

“Hey,” A voice said lowly, and I immediately recognize it as Xander’s. Uuwa even the way he says that is so attractive!

“Woah ‘ey, it’s that guy with ball phobia!” A guy piped up, peeking across Xander’s shoulder.

“Oh yeah, no wonder he looks familiar!”

“Hey small fry~”

“Oi quite joking around dumbasses,” I heard Blake scold his friends, slapping them harshly on the back.

“H-Hi…” I managed softly, looking up at Xander. The air didn’t feel so cold anymore, and all of a sudden I felt hot and stuffy.

Xander didn’t really reply—just looked down at me with his grey eyes. His gaze w-was really intense. He didn’t seem to care about the fuss his friends were making behind him, but instead looked like he was…um…really hungry?

I felt my cheeks heating up.

.

The bunch of junior and senior students exited the hallway, moving towards the next block by an outdoor route.  

Even though the route was sheltered, the direction of the wind made the rain spray in our faces.

The cold wind cut my skin like sharp blades and I realized that the rain water was icy cold.

Shivering, I couldn’t stop the oncoming sneeze.

“Aw, he sneezes like a kitten,” One of Xander’s friends commented and I realized that he was staring at me all the while.

I shrunk from his gaze and began rubbing my arms for warmth.

.

Then I felt a cotton material drape over my head.

I raised my gaze, only to find Xander holding his varsity jacket over my head.

“Wear this. It’ll keep you warm,” He said, smiling gently.

The heat from my cheeks the words gave me were already enough to keep me warm, but I accepted the gesture shyly, proceeding to wear the jacket.

“Wooaah, since when were you nice?” Xander’s friend nudged him in the ribs.

“What are you talking about? I’m always nice.”

“Sure,” Blake replied sarcastically.

“Th-Thank you…” I looked up at Xander sheepishly.

I was shocked when he ran a cold hand through my hair in an affectionate gesture. “You’re welcome.”

But I don’t think anyone noticed the look on his face when he said so.

*******************

The first half of Assembly was a Principal’s speech—which was, indeed, slightly boring, even for me—and no one was paying attention.

Kim was onto her nails with a filer, and Jack was already half-asleep.

Rather, my attention was on the row behind me.

.

“Hey…isn’t that Xander’s jacket?”

“What? No way—why would a guy like him be wearing it? You’ve probably mistaken…”

The girl clicked her tongue in irritation. “I’m serious! I saw him wearing it just this morning!”

“Look, can’t you see the words printed on the back? X-A…”

“It could be Xavier,” Another voice commented. 

“C’mon Jenny, you’re just way too suspicious.”

I gulped.

Throughout the whole of Assembly, the girls sitting behind me were busy talking about Xander jacket, not bothering about their volume.

And not too far, Xander and his friends were busy in their own conversation at the back row.

Basically—no one seemed to be paying attention to the speech.

When the Principal finally ended her last sentence, the Auditorium was filled with an echoing sigh of relief—as if the hall itself was bored.

A Coach took over the podium and adjusted the mic.

He cleared his throat before beginning.

“As we all know, the Rivendell High School Volleyball Club has been doing very well for the past few tournaments—“

The Auditorium seemed to awaken, as the school rose in applause and catcalls at the mention of our Volleyball Club.

The Coach held up a hand and the excitement shrunk back into its cave.

“As such, the Volleyball players have been entitled a scholarship by the National Collegiate Athletic Association, hence inviting new opportunities, opening new doors for our fellow students. May we invite our Principal to give out the certificates to these privileged sportsmen—“

“Woah! Xander got a scholarship??” Kim turned on me, her eyes wide in surprise.

“I-I…I didn’t know about that either…” Even though pleasantly surprised, I felt a strange twist in my chest.

“Well…at least it’s a good thing!” Kim smiled encouragingly, but I wasn’t encouraged in the slightest.

.

Congratulations sounded in the hall, every single person happy for Xander and Blake and the rest of the Volleyball divisions.

“The seniors of the Volleyball club are the first in the whole of our school history to be offered this privileged opportunity to be able to study at an autonomous college in America and I hope this will serve as a driving force for every single one of you, especially the seniors.

“Your finals are coming up in just two months, and I hope none of you think of this as a joke.”

“Do your best, and you will be rewarded the best. Let us congratulate these outstanding players once again.” The hall rose in polite applause, and the Volleyball team bowed.

*******************

“Chip!”

I heard Xander’s voice call and I turned around slowly with a smile.

“Yes?”

Xander glanced around before leaning forward to peck me on the cheek. My lips parted in surprise.

“X-Xander! We’re in school…” I whispered, flailing my arms hopelessly.

The tall figure laughed, “My bad, couldn’t keep my hands off you.”

My ears heated in embarrassment.

“Listen, I’ve got ball practice today. It’s kinda last minute. You can go home first, I’ll see you later okay?”

“O-Okay, I understand. I’ll…wait for you at home then,” I replied, hoping my face didn’t show any sign of disappointment.

“Thanks Angel,” Xander grinned attractively, then turned on his heels into a slow jog.

.

I watched him join his friends at the end of the hallway, a faint smile on my face that for the first time, wasn’t as sincere as I thought it would be.

*******************

For some reason, my feet weighed a ton on the way home.

Perhaps it was because I didn’t want to face Coco, or just the fact that I needed some time alone to think.

I crossed the street, happening to come across Giselle’s favorite popsicle stand. Deciding that it wouldn’t do me any bad, I bought myself a strawberry-flavored ice lolly.

Despite the cold weather, the popsicle brought a strangely comforting feeling of security.

Maybe that’s just how ice cream makes you feel. Happy and nothing else.

I sat myself on a bench near the park—and I realized it was the exact same one Xander, Giselle and I sat not long ago.

When…you know…Xander…kind of…t-took my first kiss.

The taste of strawberry flavoring on my tongue lingered. And I felt my face redden at the thought of Xander’s lips on mine.

Wow. I’m just like some girl from a Romance book or film. Foolish. Blind. Stupid.

Someone who never thought they would be a victim of Love.

I never understood Kim when she used to say that she missed her boyfriend—when they only just met an hour before. It’s logically impossible.

But for some reason, the fuzzy feeling in my chest defied all that logic.

.

“Chip? Is that you?”

While I was focusing on my ice lolly, a voice sounded out of nowhere—causing my head to jerk up in surprise.

“A-Ace?”

“Yeah! It is you!” Ace beamed, pulling down his hoodie as he strode over to the bench. “What brings you here?”

“U-Um…well…I was just…eating a popsicle.”

Ace laughed. “Yeah I can see that,” He took a seat beside me, “you live around here?”

“Kind of…” I smiled sheepishly.

Ace leaned back on the bench and closed his eyes—leaving us in a type of silence that I couldn’t put my finger on.

I decided to keep quiet and continue on my ice lolly instead.

“How’s Xander doing?”

“…” There was an odd clench in my chest which I ignored, and somehow, I couldn’t seem to find a suitable reply.

“He’s…He’s good. He received a sports scholarship.”

Ace straightened up and turned to me with widened eyes.

“What? Are you serious? That’s friggin’ awesome!” He grinned.

I was upset.

And suddenly I was guilty.

And then I was furious with myself.

Why couldn’t I be happy for Xander just like everyone was? What was wrong with me?

Where did this sense of desperation come from?

.

“Chip? You…okay?” Ace waved a hand in front of my face and snapped his fingers.

I turned to him in a daze. “I…I’m fine…”

“Something wrong with Xander?” He guessed.

I paused, silent for a moment. “I guess so,” I replied, sighing as I licked the final remains of my strawberry-flavored lolly.

“Um…Ace?”

“Yeah?”

“Remember when you…told me that you had a crush on…y-you know, Xander?” I asked awkwardly, my voice strained.

Ace smiled. “Mmhm?”

“What exactly do you like about him?”

“I..hm…I guess it was his looks at first? He’s…cool. But then after that I hated him because he was just so friggin’ good at Volley—I saw him at his previous matches and the practice match between Rivendell and Ashton, but…ah, I didn’t dare to talk to him.”

Ace paused, looking up at the canopy of leaves above the bench.

“I thought I was just jealous at first—but then I realized I was just upset that I couldn’t be worthy of him—as an opponent, or even as a…you know, boyfriend.”

I fidgeted in my seat, and I was suddenly reminded of the overwhelming number of competitors I had.

.

“Well—ah, I’m just saying that…uh…Love can’t exist without Hate."

I felt my eyes widen slightly.

“You know, sometimes it’s just that way. Bitter-sweet you know? Sometimes you just gotta Hate before you Love, and then Love before you Hate.”

I stared at Ace, wondering whether this was the person I saw at the beach Volley match.

“Oh wait—but I’m not saying that I love Xander or um…anything like that,” Ace waved his hands frantically, smiling sheepishly, “I’m already over him now, you see—ha ha ha…”

I felt something hot prick my eyes.

“So…yeah, it’s just a small crush. No biggie,” Ace grinned, turning to look at me but stopped short by the look on my face.

“Ah—I-I’m sorry, I just…couldn’t…” I rubbed my eyes with the back of my hand, sniffling.

Ace was lying. It was so obvious.

“Nononono, it’s my bad. What the hell am I doing, talking about your boyfriend like that—argh I’m hopeless—so sorry.”

I shook my head furiously. “N-No it’s my fault please don’t—“

His words made me realize something.

That I was afraid I was left behind by Xander.

That I would never be good enough for him.

That I was going to lose him.

That Xander was really, really, far away.

*******************

(15 minutes later of non-stop apologizing)

.

“So…you going home?” Ace asked as I got up to throw the popsicle stick into the bin.  

I nodded, feeling slightly weary.

“Want me to walk you?”

“U-Um that’s okay, you don’t have to!” I said, a little too quickly.

Ace raised an eyebrow. “Hmm…sure then. But I’m going this way too—“

I nodded and mustered a smile.

We walked in a comfortable silence, different from before.

“U-Um…how’s Vicky?” I asked tentatively.

“My sister? Haha, she’s fine. Thanks for asking Chip,” He laughed, but then continued, “oh but she came home the day after the party with a huge rash. She’s already half-dead at home.”

Ace shrugged. “Not surprised though, with her type of brains, anything stupid can happen.”

I blinked in disbelief.

And then asked the burning question.

“A-Are you guys really siblings…?”

Ace laughed heartily again. “Yeah! Adopted. Our parents died…um…in a civil war when we were two.”

I felt heat rush too my cheeks in embarrassment as I quickly apologized and looked at my feet.

“S-Sorry! I…I didn’t mean to bring that up…I’m really sorry.”

The tall figure squared his shoulders, as if talking about the weather.

“Nah—I’m not a kid anymore,” He smiled.

Vicky and Ace were adopted…

All of a sudden, I felt bad for making Vicky angry and upset all the time.

.

I was too absorbed in my thoughts that I didn’t exactly hear what Ace was saying. Until the words caught my ear.

“—my Mom wanted me to get some bread from the Bakery nearby.”

My eyes widened.

“E-Eh? Bakery? Um…th-the one near school? Or…”

“I’m not too sure. She just told me it’s near the junction over there—at the convenience store.”

We were nearing home.

Just round the corner.

All of a sudden, my senses were far too aware of the fact that Ace was going to our bakery—and there was absolutely nothing I could do about it.

W-Will he tell Vicky?

Oh no.

********************

A/N: Oh my cupcakes I’m so terribly sorry for making all you lovely people wait oh gosh *bows a hundred times*

I finally got over the horrible block I had, thanks to so so so many people here. Thank you Papa and Daddy for your constant support! ^0^/ And all the wonderful readers out there who were here for me in the heart <3 It broke me every time one of you comment about waiting and I felt so hopeless ;__;

So well, here’s the surprise!

I created a Tumblr account just for Baked Love, where I would be posting my current and past covers of Baked Love, all the fanarts you guys have worked so hard to make (credited, of course. If you have a tumblr account please link me to it so that I can reblog the picture! ^^), and I will also be posting short stories of Xip (XanderxChip), Ace, Kim, Jack, or Dicky (DeathxVicky JKJKJKJK).

The name of the blog is Baked.Love, and my username is ‘HisAngelChip’ ^0^

I hope you guys enjoy it!

Love you so, so, so much.

-Cuppiecake.