Never Say Goodbye [Complete Story]

Chapter Fifteen

"Happy birthday Claire. "

Today didn't feel really special but my friends never seize making it an happy occasion.

"Thanks. " I muttered giving them a bitful of the melon cake.

Tracy hugged me. I returned the hug and smiled.

"Thanks. It almost never felt like one but you two made it special. "

Drake also came around and we three hugged. I realised we were in the class but really there were only few people in the class.

I pulled away from the hug and then,  few came to give me presents and wish me. I kept smiling back at him while accepting the gift. My eyes travelled around the class.

"Xavier was right here. " I whispered to myself.

Tracy suddenly pulled me at my right hand.

"Let's go,  it's break time. "

"Common,  let's make a treat for you!..... Thanks everyone! " Drake said also taking my left hand.

Shrugging it away, I followed them.
***

I stared at the pasta in front of me. I didn't even feel like eating. Drake hit my shoulder with her elbow to catch my attention,  of course. I turned at her and sighed.

"The school said Xavier will be suspended for a week and Richard will be for just three days,  so? Is that a reason to sulk? "

"Drake please... You don't understand Xavier. He's not a bad person. Besides, it was Richard at fault. Tell me,  don't you want to know why they got into a fight"

"Because of what then? "

"I heard Xavier had a girl friend and she's dead! I also heard Richard was involved in her death but the case was silenced. Even no one knows. "

"Claire,  stop saying nonsense and how the fuck do you know that?"

I was tongue-tied.

But I need to tell her.

"He told me..... I'm being serious here,  Drake"

Drake started to laugh... "Why would  Xavier tell you anything... Don't you hear people say he's unfriendly? He never talks to anyone nicely not to talk of telling anyone but you this. "

"Well,  we're friends now. If you care to know. " I shrugged and turned sideways.

"Nonsense! "

Tracy came around and my gaze returned to her as she sat down bringing three mugs of coffee with her.

"I smell a rat over here. I expected the merry since it's someone's birthday today! " she said and that got an eye roll from me. It didn't feel like a birthday at all.

I couldn't even bunk school because we had a test today.

"Claire was saying Xavier is her friend now. "

"That's not a bad thing. I support her. Common Drake, " she tore open the roll of cookie and dropped one before putting the rest in her in small bag.
"I know you'll be upset but you don't know Xavier from Adam. I'm an old student here and you two are transfer students, so you guys don't really know much about him."

"That's hard to believe,  everyone knows he's a bad guy. "

"Well, I know a lot. "

"See,  not everyone knows nothing. It depends on you perceive it. " I cut in glaring at Drake.

"He had someone he was dating but then she disappeared, that's what I fucking know." Drake said rolling her eyes.

"And I can tell you more Drake. Xavier was a best friend of Richard.But later,  I heard Richard and Xavier started their cat and dog fights. You see why no one bothers to know why they are fighting or not. Well well,  I cared at some points because then Xavier started getting late to classes,  he had those bruises on him every time he comes. You know how bad that is,  so everyone avoided him. Gossips were spreaded and that was when I knew Richard had something to do with the girlfriend's disappearance but no one fought for him. So guys, let's not fight over him because he's not ready to mix with anyone again. "

I sighed and took a mug of coffee. Suddenly my phone pinged and I was startled. I exchanged glances with both of my friends before I checked the phone.

I need your help studying. Can you come up right now?
-Xavier

I smiled broadly.

Okay

But then I was feeling angry he didn't wish me a happy birthday. So I erased it.

I'm busy. Later..... I wrote.

I dropped the phone after hitting the send button and I noticed eyes on me,  that's from my friends.

"Who was that? " Drake the protective friend said.

"It's no one. Actually someone you don't have to worry about. "

I was going to take a spoonful of the spoonful pasta when my phone buzzed.

It was a call. I brought it out of my pocket and stared at the screen. It read XAVIER so widely.

I quickly stood up. "I'll be right back guys. "

"Alright,  take care. " Tracy answered but Drake ignored me.  I knew she was mad at me for choosing Xavier as a friend. I wouldn't want to loose old relationships for new ones either.

***
Stopping at a corner of the cafe,  I picked the call.

"Xavier,  what do you want? "

I heard nothing, there was a dead silent answer.

"Xavier! "

"Meet me at the studio. "

"What? "

The call was ended. I wasn't sure what to think.

***
Thanks for reading.

- 😘

Hikmah