5. LYCA
Chapter 5
LYCA
“ M om, watch this!” Lucas exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with excitement as he carefully stacked a tower of blocks.
“I'm watching, champ!” I responded, feigning awe at his architectural prowess. “That's a masterpiece right there!”
It was a bright Saturday morning, and I was having fun playing with my son as we always did on the weekends. We were currently busy building a makeshift fort out of blankets and cushions, and just seeing him so happy and proud was enough for me to feel happy too.
In the background, the familiar tune of his favorite cartoon soundtrack played, providing a backdrop of comfort. As Lucas continued to build his creations, he occasionally sang along with the music.
But then, just as our fort reached towering heights, the abrupt intrusion of loud music from next door disrupted our playtime.
“Mom, what's that noise?” Lucas asked, his brows furrowing in confusion.
I sighed, trying to choose my words carefully. “Looks like our neighbor is having another one of his parties, buddy.”
Lucas pouted, “But Mom, they're too loud.”
“I know, sweetheart. Let's finish our fort, and then I'll talk to him about it, okay?” I suggested, hoping to alleviate his concerns.
As we resumed our game, the rhythmic beats coming from next door became a persistent backdrop. Lucas couldn't help but voice his frustrations.
“Why do they have to be so noisy, Mom?”
“I'm not sure, honey. Sometimes people have different ways of having fun. But we'll find a way to make it better for us, alright?” I reassured him, determination settling in my voice.
After a while, I marched over to Xander’s door and took a deep breath before knocking. He opened it immediately.
“Lyca, hey…” For a few seconds, it felt as if the noise had faded into the background and it was just the two of us standing in front of each other.
But when I remembered the reason why I’d come to him in the first place, I frowned and then glared at him.
“I’m sorry about the noise,” he quickly said, looking as if he was genuinely apologetic. But then, his serious expression began to change into one of amusement. “But you’re welcome to join us. Perhaps it’s time for you to meet my friends.”
“No, thanks,” I answered firmly, shuddering at the thought. This type of crowd was certainly one I usually stayed away from. He and I were just so different. “Please, it’s still so early and you’re already having a party?”
“Well, we figured, it’s probably better to be loud in the daytime, right?” He gave me a lopsided grin. This charm would have worked on Jessie, Phoebe, or some other girl, but not me.
“Are you kidding me?” I replied in disbelief and frustration. “My son and I are trying to play, and this is really bothering him…”
Before I could utter another word, a young lady appeared behind him, her arms encircling him in an affectionate embrace. I stood there, frozen in shock, as the reality of the scene was unfolding before me. Behind her, two men began horsing around and then waving at me. My eyes widened with incredulity.
Xander literally peeled the woman’s arms from his body, throwing her a warning look. Then turning back to me, he said, “I’m really sorry. We’re about done now, anyway.”
In a louder voice, he announced, “Guys, it’s time for you to pack up and go! Party’s over!”
“What? But we just started!” one of the men complained.
Xander shrugged. “You know, Phil, you guys should hang out more at your place than here. I don’t want the neighbors to get disturbed.”
I couldn’t tell if he was just playing with me, though he looked quite sincere. The guy called Phil gave him the dirty finger and then laughed. “Alright, guys, let’s go. Our man Xander wants some time alone with his neighbor.”
The other guy chuckled while the lone lady frowned. It was a strange and uncomfortable situation, so I just mumbled a quick thank you before moving back to my apartment hastily. But before I could open the door, I felt a warm touch on my arm, causing a burst of electric energy to shoot through my core. I gasped and turned around.
“I’m so sorry, Lyca,” Xander said, standing in front of me and looking absolutely irresistible. “Next time, I’ll make sure it’s quieter. I really don’t want to be a bother to you and your kid.”
“It’s your business, but just be considerate of your neighbors.”
“Bye, Xander!” his three visitors said as they passed us in the hallway and hurried to the elevator. “We’re going to have tons of fun. You can join us later if you want.”
“Yeah, maybe,” was all he said.
“I’ll call you, darling!” the woman called out with a giggle.
When they were finally gone, Xander said, “I really apologize. I hope that you and I can learn to eventually get along, especially since we work together and we’re neighbors…” He trailed off, waiting for me to respond. I hesitated, surprised that he was suddenly being kind and friendly. It was just bizarre.
Ding! It was the elevator doors opening. I looked in that direction and couldn’t believe my eyes. Striding toward me was my ex-boyfriend Jonathan, the father of Lucas.
“Hi, Lyca,” he greeted, completely ignoring Xander. His focus was on me. “I’m here to see Lucas. I know I should have given you a heads up, but…”
“Yes, you should have,” I answered curtly, greatly annoyed and feeling exasperated. This day was turning out badly, and it had just begun.
I saw Jonathan's eyes flicker toward Xander, making him frown. But he didn’t say anything to him. Instead, he faced me and said in an insistent tone, “Listen, Lyca, I want to take Lucas to this baseball game. It's a father-son bonding thing, you know?”
I glanced down at my watch, trying to hide my frustration. “Lucas and I already have plans for today. We can't just change them at the eleventh hour.”
Ignoring my plea, Jonathan reached out, grabbing my arm, his grip tight. “Come on, Lyca. It's just one game. It won't take long, and he'll enjoy it. He’s a boy, after all, and he needs his dad.”
“A dad who comes and goes whenever he wants, who disappears for weeks without a word, who can’t keep his promises to his son?” I couldn’t help lashing out, my heart hurting for my son. I freed my arm from his grasp. “You can leave now, Jonathan. Just come back another time, but you have to call me first.”
“But Lyca!” he said, raising his voice and taking a menacing step forward.
“Hey, I think she clearly told you to leave for now,” Xander suddenly interjected, moving closer to me.
Jonathan's gaze swept over Xander, a piercing glare that seemed to size him up from head to toe. “Who the hell are you?”
“Lyca’s boyfriend,” he replied without flinching. I was stunned, my mouth agape.
Jonathan turned to me, his eyebrows furrowing. “Is that true? Since when?”
“Uh, yes. Just recently.”
To my relief, he began to back away, though he still looked doubtful. How dare he believe no one would love me again!
That thought made me so furious that I linked my fingers with Xander. My heart raced when we touched, and I felt an instant wave of heat shooting through my limbs. And when Xander’s arm rubbed my back and eventually went around my waist, pulling me nearer, my heart almost stopped.
Oh, shit. Why does he have this effect on me? You’re only just pretending, Lyca!
Jonathan snorted and then turned around. But just as he neared the elevator, he checked us out again.
Then, everything happened in a blur. Xander wrapped me in his arms and pressed his lips against mine. Instinctively I closed my eyes and melted in his embrace, kissing him back with great passion. We connected at once, and it felt so right.
I’d forgotten about Jonathan. Xander’s moist, soft lips nibbled on mine, and I was suddenly feeling so alive. In the background, I heard a faint grunt followed by the opening and closing of the elevator doors.
Xander pulled away and looked me in the eye. We were both breathing heavily, needing each other, wanting more. I could feel the desire thickening in the air.
“He’s gone,” he whispered. Then he abruptly turned back to his unit and closed the door behind him.