AT THE SAME TIME
XAVIER'S POINT OF VIEW:
The soup was warm. The laughter was warmer. And then my stomach decided to ruin it. It started with a twist subtle, but threatening. I set my spoon down, ignoring how Adrian was joking with Jaxon about flour warfare. Michael said something witty, and I even tried to smile, but… Oh no. The nausea hit like a wave slamming into a sandcastle. I gripped the edge of the table, jaw clenched.
"Nausea Level: Rising. You're about to hurl, champ. Abort mission."System said.
I stood up too fast. Mistake. My head spun like a cursed carousel.
"Xavier?" Adrian's voice cut through the fog first. "You okay?"
"Mmhm." I lied as gracefully as a goose in a tuxedo.
Michael was already at my side.
"You're pale."He said.
"I'm always pale." I muttered.
"You look like milk." Jaxon added, standing. "Spoiled milk."
"I hate all of you." I groaned. Then I doubled over. Adrian caught me before I even stumbled.
"Whoa, hey, breathe. Don't push it."He said.
