In The Ring Of Love

6. Him?

The day of the workshop had finally arrived. As I gathered everything—props, a music playlist, and snacks for the kids—doubt suddenly crept in. I paused, staring at the pile of colorful materials I had spent hours preparing.

What if this was a bad idea? What if the kids didn't like it?

The thought gnawed at me, making me second-guess everything. For a split second, I even considered postponing it.

But then I shook my head. No. I couldn't back out now. The kids had been looking forward to this.

At least, I hoped they had.

I pulled out my phone and quickly sent a quick text to Clara. Because if anything, she was the only one who could motivate me.

I let out a breath and typed back.

I stared at her message for a moment, a small smile creeping onto my face.

I took one last look in the mirror before heading out. My outfit was simple but cute, a white top paired with flared jeans. Just in case, I had packed a pair of sweatpants too, knowing they'd be much more easy a when showing the kids the basics.

My hair was styled in neat French twists. Delicate yet practical, keeping it out of my face while still looking put together.

Walking wasn't an option today. With all the things I had to carry especially with the props, snacks, and music player so it made more sense to take my car. I carefully loaded everything into the backseat, making sure nothing would slide around, then hopped into the driver's seat.

I turned the key, the low hum of the engine filling in. As I pulled out of the parking lot, a mix of excitement and nervousness settled in my chest.

The drive to the orphanage was short, but my mind kept racing with what-ifs. What if the kids got bored? What if they didn't want to participate? What if I completely embarrassed myself?

I shook my head. Nope. Clara was right. I just needed to make it fun, and everything would fall into place.

When I arrived, I saw a few kids playing outside. The moment Noah spotted my car, his face lit up, and he bolted to the gate, waving at me.

"She's here! She's here!" he yelled, his excitement contagious.

I barely had time to step out before a small group of kids rushed over, their eager faces making my worries melt away.

"What did you bring?" Lily asked, trying to peek into the car.

"Secrets, surprises, and a little bit of magic," I teased, grabbing the first bag.

Ms. Whitaker walked out with a warm smile. "The kids wouldn't stop talking about this workshop, I think they're more excited about you than the workshop itself."

I laughed. "Well, let's hope they're excited about both."

But then, Ms. Whitaker's words caught me off guard. "I also called my son to help you out," she said, setting down a stack of coloring books. "The kids adore him!"

The rich and scary one?

I raised my eyebrows. "Your son?"

She nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Yes, he's got a bit of a tough exterior, but don't let that fool you. He's got a soft spot for the kids here."

I wasn't sure what to make of that. If he was anything like his mother, he couldn't be all bad.

I headed towards the kitchen to grab a tray for the cookies I'd baked earlier at home. I arranged them neatly on the tray, the sweet smell filling the air.

I then carried everything outside to the backyard, where I spread a mat on the grass, creating a cozy, inviting space. The sun was starting to dip lower in the sky, casting a soft glow over everything.

I carefully placed the dream tree, positioning it right next to the cozy little area I'd set up.

The moment the kids started walking into the backyard, the excitement in the air was noticeable. I could hear their high pitched squeals as they spotted the dream tree and the colorful props I'd set up.

"Look at the tree!" one of the kids exclaimed.

I gathered their attention, smiling brightly. "Alright, everyone! I'm going to explain how the dream tree works," I began, making sure my voice was clear so they could all hear me. "This tree is special it's where all of your dreams come to life!"

The kids eyes sparkled with curiosity as they moved closer, their little faces full of excitement.

I held up a handful of brightly colored paper apples. "Each of you will get one of these, and you'll write or draw something you dream of! Something you want to do, be, or have one day. Then, we'll stick them onto the tree!"

Noah's hand shot up. "Like.. if I wanna be a superhero?"

"Exactly!" I grinned. "Or a dancer, an astronaut, a chef! Anything you want!"

The kids buzzed with excitement, grabbing their apples and running to the little table I'd set up with markers and stickers. I watched as they got to work, their tiny hands scribbling away.

I grinned as I saw the kids furiously scribbling down their dreams, their excitement bubbling up. "And after you're done writing, guess what?" I added with a wink. "You all get cookies!"

"Now, don't rush," I laughed, "Take your time. This is about your dreams, not just the cookies!"

I crouched down in front of the dream tree, carefully adjusting the paper leaves of the tree, where the kids would paste their dreams.

Just as I was about to check on them, I felt a presence behind me. A tall, looming shadow. I got up and turned, and there he was.

Xavier fucking Hayes!?

No way. Hell no.

Why was he here?

I froze as he stood there, arms crossed, looking as stoic and intimidating as ever. His sharp eyes scanned the setup, then landed on me.

"You're the one running this?" His voice was deep, almost uninterested.

I swallowed. "Uhm.. yeah?"

He hummed, but then his gaze dropped to my hands, where I was still clutching a stack of dream apples.

"Ms. Whitaker is your mother?" I asked trying to break the silence.

He just gave me a quick, almost bored glance. "Yeah."

I raised my eyebrows. "So, Ms. Whitaker asked you to help, and you just agreed?"

Xavier looked unimpressed. "Obviously."

I blinked. "No offense, but you don't exactly seem like the volunteering type."

"Yeah, well. She asked. I said yes." His gaze flickered to the kids, who were still writing their dreams. "Not a big deal."

Not a big deal? This was Xavier Hayes the same man who looked like he'd rather punch people in the face than help with a kids workshop.

I narrowed my eyes. "Are you secretly nice?"

"No."

I huffed. "Right. Of course not."

His eyes flickered over to the kids. "Anyways, what do you need me to do?"

"If you're going to help," I started, crossing my arms, "You can supervise the kids while they hang their dreams on the tree."

"Fine."

He agreed? That easily?

I watched as he walked over to the dream tree, where the kids were already scribbling on their little paper apples. To my surprise, he crouched down to their level, his usual cold expression softening slightly.

Every now and then, when one of the kids struggled to reach a higher branch, he would easily lift them up without a word, letting them place their dream wherever they wanted.

"Careful." he murmured when Noah nearly tripped over his own feet in excitement. His voice wasn't rough like I expected, it was softer, patient.

When Lily hesitated, clutching her paper apple like she wasn't sure where to put it, Xavier crouched down beside her. "Where do you want it?" he asked, his tone surprisingly gentle.

She pointed to a lower branch, and he nodded, letting her stick it on before giving her a rare, approving nod.

I watched, arms crossed, trying not to look too stunned.

So he does have a heart.

I then arranged the cookies and distributed it to the kids who had now stuck their dreams on the tree. "Alright, one at a time!" I said with a laugh, handing out cookies.

Noah took a big bite and grinned. "These are so good!"

Chloe nodded, munching on her cookie. "Dream tree and cookies? Best day ever!"

"There's more to come!" I said, with excitement.

As the kids were busy munching on their cookies, it gave me the perfect moment to sneak away to the dream tree. I crouched down, brushing a few paper apples aside until one caught my eye.

I want to marry a princess and eat cake every day.

"Life goals." I let out a laugh.

I want to ride a dragon to school so I never have to take the bus again.

I want to be rich so I can buy a zoo and live with penguins.

"Priorities."

And that's when I heard a soft shuffle behind me.

Xavier crouched beside me, one arm resting lazily on his knee. I glanced at him before saying, "Wow. You crouch? That's new."

He gave me a flat look. "You're talking to yourself."

"I'm appreciating the imagination of children," I said, pointing at the penguin one. "This kid's got it all figured out."

"These kids got serious dreams." He said, looking at the tree.

The tree looked vibrant and alive, filled with all the hopes and wishes of the kids. i got up and, stepped back to admire it, brushing my hands on my jeans. The moment was perfect until he obviously decided to utter something-

"I still can't believe you're the ballerina my mom's been yapping about all week."

I looked at him, trying to raise an eyebrow, "She was talking about me?"

"Non-stop. Apparently, you're her new favorite person."

"Well, I guess she has excellent taste."

He let out a low chuckle, surprising me. "Confident, aren't you?"

"Confident enough to know I'm not just some ballerina she's talking about. I'm the ballerina she's talking about." I smirked at him.

What's the square root of 64?

Before he could retort back-

Noah ran up to Xavier, his little legs moving as fast as they could. "Xavieee!" he called out, his smile stretching ear to ear before he turned his attention to me. "Amieee!"

I crouched down, opening my arms as he ran straight into a hug. "How is my favorite soccer player doing?" I smiled at him." Looks like someone's had too many cookies," I teased, poking his tummy.

He giggled and shook his head. "No way, only three!"

Xavier smirked, watching the scene unfold. "Three? Are you sure about that?"

Noah turned to him with wide, innocent eyes. "Okay, maybe four."

I got up and then Noah grabbed Xavier's hand, tugging at it with excitement. "Xavie, did you see the tree? Did you put your dream on it?"

Xavier raised an eyebrow, clearly not used to being interrogated by a seven year old. "No, I didn't."

"Why not?" Noah asked, his tone almost accusing.

"Yeah, Xaviee," I said, with a teasing grin. "Why not? Afraid your dream might not fit on the paper?"

Noah, still tugging on Xavier's hand, said, "Come on! You gotta do it! Everyone has a dream!"

"Fine." he muttered, walking over to the table where the papers and markers were.

I watched, surprised but amused, as he picked up a piece of paper. He stared at it for a moment, his pen hovering over the blank surface.

"You can't take all day, Xaviee." I teased.

"Quiet." he shot back without looking up.

I was curious about what he was writing so I tried to to peek in. "Come on, show me!" I said, leaning closer, trying to peek at the paper in his hand.

Xavier immediately angled it away from me, his steel-grey eyes narrowing in mock annoyance. "Back off."

Of course. He is rude. Ugh.

"You're no fun." I said with sigh.

"It's not meant to be fun." he replied, scribbling something quickly before folding the paper in half and sticking it in his pocket.

I gasped. "Wait! You're not even putting it on the tree?"

He shrugged nonchalantly. "Not everything needs to be shared."

"Wow." I said, rolling my eyes. "Such a mysterious dream. Are you planning to take over the world or something?"

He smirked faintly, the corner of his mouth lifting just enough to be noticeable. "If I were, I definitely wouldn't tell you."

Before I could retort, Noah came bouncing back, grabbing Xavier's arm. "Did you write it? Did you?"

"Yeah, I did." he said, patting his pocket.

"Why didn't you put it on the tree?" Noah pouted, looking betrayed.

Xavier crouched down to meet his eye level. "Because some dreams are better kept private, kid."

Noah tilted his head, clearly trying to understand, but eventually he nodded. "Okay, but I still think you should put it on the tree. It's more fun that way!"

Xavier ruffled his hair and stood up, ignoring the way I was glaring at him. "I'll think about it."

"You'll think about it?" I tried to raise an eyebrow, hands on my hips.

"Yeah."

Noah look up at both of us, "You two fight a lot" he observed casually.

I gasped. "This is not fighting. This is-" I turned to Xavier, who raised an eyebrow like he was so above it all. "-a conversation."

Xavier looked down at Noah. "If this is her idea of a conversation, I'm terrified to know what fighting looks like."

"Order pizza." I said with a sigh, shaking my head, as I walked off towards the little dance corner I was setting up. My arms were full of ribbons and scarves, "They like cheese-"

"I know what they like," he said simply, voice flat as ever. "Cheese burst, pepperoni, and extra fries for Noah. He throws a fit otherwise." He then took out his phone from his pocket.

I blinked, caught off guard. "Wait, how do you-"

"I'm not you," he cut in, eyes still on his phone. "I actually listen when they talk."

Ouch. That hurt. "Well, I do listen to them!" I shot back.

"How would you listen when you are the one talking all the time?"

My jaw dropped. "Excuse me?"

Xavier finally looked up, his expression annoyingly unreadable. "I'm just saying," he shrugged. "You talk a lot."

I blinked, stunned into silence. "Wow. You're actually meaner than I remembered."

He raised an eyebrow. "You remembered me?"

Ugh.

I just walked away from him and headed inside for a quick outfit change.

I slipped out of my flared jeans and pulled on my sweatpants.

It was soft, and sat comfortably on my waist, letting me stretch and bend without feeling restricted.

Paired with my white top and braided hair, I was ready, not just to teach, but to dance.

I carefully placed the remaining props aside, making sure everything was neat and out of the way. "Alright, let's go inside, everyone!" I said, motioning for them to follow.

The kids cheered, their excitement bubbling up as they gathered around me.

The orphanage's spacious activity hall was perfect for the session. The sunlight streaming through the large windows lit up the polished floor, creating an inviting atmosphere.

"Alright, everyone." I said, walking over to the center of the room. "We're going to start with some stretches. Remember flexibility is key in ballet!"

"Flex-a-bility!" Samuel repeated, making the other kids giggle.

"Exactly, Sam." I said. "Let's see who can stretch the farthest!"

Noah immediately raised his hand. "Can we do that twirly thing too, Amie? You know, like a ballerina!"

I laughed. "We'll get there, Noah, but first, let's make sure we're all warmed up."

Once they were ready, I clapped my hands again. "Okay, now we're going to learn a few simple moves."

As I started demonstrating basic positions and moves, their laughter and attempts some clumsy, some surprisingly graceful filled the hall.

"Everyone, gather around! We're going to use some of these fun props to make our session even better!" I said

Their eyes lit up as they saw the colorful ribbons, hoops, and soft scarves I had brought. I picked up a long ribbon attached to a stick and gave it a gentle twirl, causing it to ripple through the air.

The kids cheered as I handed out the ribbons. "Now, let's try this, hold it like this," I said, demonstrating a gentle twirl with my wrist, "and make it look like waves in the ocean."

"My ocean has big waves!" Sam said, flailing the ribbon wildly.

I laughed. "That's okay, Sam. Just try to move your wrist more gently, like this." I crouched next to him and guided his hand, and soon he managed to get a smoother flow.

One by one everyone got the hang of it and started swirling their ribbons in circles and some in zig-zags. It was perfect.

From the corner of my eye I spotted Xavier, leaning against the wall, watching. His lips in a small smile as he watched- no admired- the kids. It was small yet noticeable.

Maybe he does have a soft spot for the kids here.

Shaking the thought out of my head,"Xavier?" I called out, his eyes met mine. "Can you get the dream tree from the backyard?"

He raised an eyebrow, clearly not thrilled to be given a task, but didn't argue. With a short nod, he pushed off the wall and walked out of the hall.

"Thanks." I muttered under my breath, even though he was already gone.

Xavier walked back in, the dream tree held carefully in his arms. He glanced around the room before his eyes landed on me. "Where do you want this?" he asked, his tone flat as ever.

"In the center." I replied, pointing to the cleared space in the middle of the hall. Without a word, he carried it over and set it down exactly where I'd shown.

"Okay, everyone! I want you all to stand around the tree and imagine your dreams coming true while you dance," I said with a big smile. "Think of it like dancing with your dreams!"

The kids quickly formed a circle around the tree, holding their ribbons. As soft music played in the background, they started to move, spinning and swaying with excitement. Their happy faces and bright smiles made my heart feel so full.

Just as the music faded and the last ribbon twirled to the ground, the door swung open followed by the unmistakable scent of pizza.

"Pizza's here!" Ms. Whitaker's voice rang out.

The kids dropped their scarves mid-spin and ran to the door as if it was a race. Leaving me and Xavier all alone with ribbons, scarves and hoops scattered around which I had arranged for the next activities to be held.