The Dark Society

40

News of Sabrina's departure spread quickly through campus, and though close friends felt saddened by her decision, Karen maintained a different perspective. After all, it had been weeks since Sabrina left, yet Luis still seemed infatuated with her memory.

He had never taken the possibility of her leaving seriously until Sabrina boarded a plane and vanished into the clear azure sky.

Barring this in mind, Luis hoped Professor Allen, the dean of students, could confirm the details of Sabrina's transfer. Because, in his heart, he held meaningful memories and wasn't ready to let go.

The sun was setting, casting a natural gloom over the day. As a result, he peered into the darkening sky, angered by her absence. Thus, Luis was determined to balance his grief by finding Sabrina again.

"Good morning, Luis," Professor Allen greeted him. "You're here early."

He forced a smile. "I need some help."

Allen looked puzzled. "Oh?"

Luis managed a weak smile as he fumbled through papers. "Sabrina Kole--has she transferred, or is it still pending?"

"Hmm," she murmured. "As a rule, I don't give out personal information."

Luis groaned as his anxiety intensified. But, with a shallow breath, Allen pressed several keys on her computer and walked to the door.

"If you'll excuse me, I have something to attend to."

After Professor Allen left, Luis quickly inserted a flash drive and copied everything from her computer. Later, reviewing the documents confirmed his fears--Sabrina had returned home for good.

That afternoon, Luis walked through the commons and found Tatum and Lyndsey sitting together.

"Hey, girls. How are you?"

"We're all right. How about you?" Lyndsey answered.

"I've been better."

Luis sounded pessimistic, but given the circumstances, everyone understood.

"We haven't talked to her, if you're wondering," Tatum said, taking his hand.

He pulled away immediately, still upset by the news. Even so, he contained his emotions despite the heartbreak.

"Sabrina made a choice, and we need to accept it," she added. "I don't like it any more than you do, but it's what she wanted."

Luis's face tightened and his fists clenched. "You saw us together."

Tatum looked sad but realized Sabrina had been pushing him away--a choice that revealed her loyalty despite her obvious anxiety.

"You have to tell him," Lyndsey interjected.

Luis turned sharply. "Tell me what?"

"There was a woman named Jennifer," Tatum revealed. "They met on the plane, but Sabrina was upset afterward."

Luis ran his hands through his hair as Alex and Karen arrived. The details were eye-opening because Sabrina hadn't mentioned Jennifer before, so Luis stayed silent as Alex began asking questions.

"Where have you been?"

Luis forced a grin. "Personal issues--I'm sure you can understand."

"I'll see you later?" Alex asked, turning to Karen.

She smiled as Luis watched with a stern expression.

"I have to go. We'll talk later," he announced before abruptly leaving.

"That felt strange," Lyndsey murmured as Tatum shrugged.

"That's Luis for you," she admitted. "Anyway, has anyone heard from Trina or Jasmine?"

Karen scoffed. "No, we haven't."

Sadly, Trina and Jasmine still haven't returned home, but Tatum felt optimistic about their return despite Lyndsey and Karen's suspicious reactions.