Until We Meet Again

Chapter 29

Calvin

Music blares from the car as Xavier drives; gazing out the window, I catch the sound of a ping from my phone. Retrieving it from my jeans, I notice another text from that unfamiliar number. "Who's texting you?" Xavier inquires. "No one," I respond. "I can tell when you're not being honest, Calvin. So, who is it?" I reiterate, "I genuinely don't know." "You don't know?" "No, I really don't. This person has been messaging me for nearly two months now."Xavier hits the brakes, questioning why I hadn't confided in him over the past two months. "I didn't want to burden you with this," I explain.

"I urge you to block that number," he insists. "Why?" I inquire. "Just do it," he reiterates firmly.I unlock my phone and delete the number, leading Xavier to believe I blocked it. From that day forward, the mysterious texts ceased. I didn't hear a peep, perhaps for the better. A week after spring break, I received an unsettling call. The caller asked for my brother, and I had to inform them of his passing. After the call ended, I resumed my homework.

As the week progressed, I continued to receive calls from the same number until I demanded the person cease contacting me. Following my firm request, the calls abruptly stopped, and I never heard from that number again.

***
Calvin

"Allow me to pamper you," Xavier suggests. I respond with a firm "no." He questions, "Why not?" I reply, "Because I'm not with you solely for your money." "Just let me shower you with gifts once," Xavier pleads. I respond with another "no." Xavier concedes, "Alright, I won't," wearing a saddened expression. I cup his face in my hands, gently squeezing his cheeks. Leaning in, I kiss him, saying, "Baby, I have no issue with you spoiling me, but we're both in college. Save your money." I release Xavier's face as he leans in to return the kiss.

"So, what about your birthday?" Xavier asks. I inquire, "What about it?" Xavier informs me, "It's in a few months. Don't tell me you're planning a surprise party." I reply, "No, but aren't you a fan of surprises?" Xavier remarks, "I love surprises." I gaze into Xavier's green eyes for a few moments before he interrupts, saying, "Time for work." I head over to my bed to grab my messenger bag.

Xavier drives me to work, delighted that today is his day off. During my lunch break, I receive a text from Cody, who informs me about an open barista position at his parents' coffee shop. Learning about the pay and benefits, I ask if he could assist me in securing a job there.Cody is enthusiastic about the prospect of us working together. Shortly before my half-hour lunch break ends, Cody texts me again, stating that his parents wish to interview me today. I call Xavier and request a ride to Cody's parents' coffee shop.

Xavier agrees and drives me to the coffee shop. When we arrive, it's a quiet time in the shop. I grab my backpack, and Xavier follows me inside. Xavier mentions, "I'll order some coffee for myself." I reply, "Okay," and accompany Xavier to the front counter.

"Xavier," Cody greets with a smile, "I'll let my parents know you've arrived." Cody departs, and his mother appears. "Hi, Mrs. Walter," I greet her. She responds, "Hi, Calvin, it's been a while since I last saw you." She gestures for me to follow her to an empty table, and I sit across from her. I reach into my backpack, pull out my folder, and extract my resume. Handing it to her, I mention, "I brought my resume with me today." The interview lasts for fifteen minutes, during which Mrs. Walter provides more information about the barista position and informs me that I got the job. She hands me paper that informs me which days and time I would like to work. I grab a pen from my backpack and fill the paper out. I hand her back the paper, and she told me stay still while she grabs my uniform shirts.

Mrs. Walter reappears with my uniforms shirts "here is three pair of polo shirts with our logo on it". Mrs. Walter hands me the shirts, and I thank her for hiring me. I wish her a goodbye, and I stand I walk over to Xavier. Are you ready to go ? Xavier ask "yes".