Before Together After Forever

Chapter 4 - Rexford Trent, Jr.

Fourteen years ago – Spring Break...

Spring break had finally arrived. Surprisingly, William was still going strong with Ariel—his relationships rarely lasted this long. He remained steadfast, not a single slip-up. Others attempted to vie for his attention, but their attempts failed miserably. Ariel, with her 'I take no nonsense' demeanor, had an unexpectedly contrasting personality behind her sweet and innocent face. She grew on us, especially on me. Like me, she was an only child, navigating parental expectations for excellence while also expecting us to remain ordinary children. Claire, however, was a different story. She started avoiding me about a month ago, sporadically sending dry texts, but no substantial conversations, webcam sessions (a trend before nudes took over), or phone calls.

Will, Ariel, and I chose to spend spring break with Will's grandparents on the stunning Caribbean Island of St. Kitts. I had hoped Claire would join us, but she refused. Those seven precious days were spent not as typical tourists but as locals. We ventured to the market with Will, picking out fresh produce and meats for his Grandma to craft incredibly delicious local dishes. We indulged in all-inclusive parties overflowing with music, fun, and drinks. It was carefree living. Departing felt like a pity, but we promised to return for Christmas to revel in the Carnival season.

Returning to school, I felt revitalized and reinvigorated. That week in St. Kitts had sculpted me a bit, so I took up Will's offer to exercise together a few times per week to maintain it. I even swapped my glasses for contacts, contemplating laser eye surgery that summer. The vacation brought about a fresh perspective on myself.

One noticeable difference was Claire's absence. She had seemingly vanished, ceasing all communication with me. I chose to let it go.

"Something's off," Will began between bites of sushi.

"Ding dong, the witch is dead," Ariel commented flippantly.

I shrugged, anticipating an enjoyable weekend. However, the cafeteria's hushed murmur caught our attention. There she was, the girl I hadn't seen since early March, standing before us.

"Turns out she's alive," Ari quipped.

"Ariel..."

"Will..."

I turned to see Claire, her gaze unwavering.

"Rexford, we need to talk. Meet me at my apartment after school. I'm here only to withdraw since I'm transferring to another school," she stated, holding my gaze before departing.

"Is she leaving the school? That's intriguing," Will commented, finishing his lunch.

"I wonder what happened. I tried talking to her, but she ignored me completely, so I gave up," I said, shaking my head, my appetite lost.

"There's only one way to find out!" Ariel chimed in. "I'll see you boys after class. I just spotted my partner for this project. He hasn't done a thing, and it's due today. Though I completed it solo, I just want to give him a scare," she declared with a smile as she walked off.

Will and I exchanged glances as we heard her shout the poor boy's name, witnessing him sprint away down the hall.

"Could you give me a lift to Claire's apartment?" I asked Will as we headed to our final two periods of the day.

He nodded in agreement.

Math class was, well... math. It came naturally, and I had already completed college algebra the prior summer out of sheer boredom. In fact, I'd even begun my architecture degree at a prestigious university. I attended high school merely for the experience, as my parents had suggested. Only Will and Ariel were privy to my secret—technically, I was a university freshman.

The day concluded, and Will and Ari dropped me off at Claire's place.

"Sure you don't want us to stick around?" Will asked, a hint of concern in his expression.

I shook my head. "Everything's fine, I promise. If I need you, I'll call. Claire's probably been edgy lately, with graduation approaching; she needed some space."

Will relented. "If you say so, man."

If only I'd known the impending stress that would soon engulf my young teenage life, I might've taken him up on his offer.