Before Together After Forever

Chapter 11 - Eva Lewis

After Ariel's impressive introduction, she led me on a swift tour of the campus, showcasing its offerings. She explained that some students followed the regular academic schedule, while others, often the scholarship recipients, were on an accelerated credit-based system priming them for college and university. The better they performed, the more the school invested in their Bachelor's Degree of choice. I noticed many STEM students, which brought a wide smile to my face.

"Yep! Having plenty of STEM kids is a plus. Lately, we've seen an increase in girls, or GEMS – Girls in Education, Mathematics, and Science!" Ariel beamed. "My best friend's daughter was the driving force behind that when she finished middle school. She dreams of becoming a mechanical engineer, and let me tell you, she's determined to make it happen," she said with a laugh.

"She sounds like someone I'd get along with."

"You'll probably meet her before I leave today. She might be in my office. She's young but incredibly bright and genuine. She's one of the trust fund babies who searches for hearts rather than zeros."

"I hope this isn't offensive, but..."

"Why am I fixated on rich kids?" Ariel completed my thought.

I nodded as we entered her office.

"Simply put, I am one. I was handed everything. When I came to this school, they took in one disadvantaged kid a year. As soon as that kid slipped up," she snapped her fingers, "poof! Their chance was gone. All they had to do was talk to mommy and daddy, write a check, and breeze through the system. Granted, not all of us were like this, but I saw some bright minds that could've made a difference in our little silver and gold community if they'd been given a shot."

"I get it. My mom came from Benin and worked tirelessly. Same with my dad. He didn't have much education but utilized what he had, saved every penny, left Trinidad & Tobago to create a better life while sending money home. Neither went to college, but they united, opened a restaurant, and have been successful since. They paid for my Bachelor's and told me anything beyond that, I'd finance myself. And I did. I'm debt-free and loving it," I chuckled.

"Hey, hard work is a hell, but it does pay off," Ariel agreed, ushering me into her office. "Riley... what happened this time?"

"Well... Mrs. Scott kept harping on about her new fiancé, and I sort of snapped and said, 'Whoopee, congratulations on sinking your claws into victim number four... or was it five...?'" Riley recounted, somewhat nonchalantly.

I tried to stifle a laugh. Ariel seemed unfazed, as if this were entirely expected.

"I did tell you she'd likely be in my office," Ariel noted, glancing my way. "Riley, it's the first day, and it's not even noon."

"Can we just pretend I didn't say anything, and you give me self-study, so Dad doesn't decide I'm not getting a car for my sweet 16?" Riley pleaded.

"Tutoring until midterms, and my lips are sealed. Ms. Lewis will monitor you. When I'm gone, any punishments will be up to her, and she won't show favoritism. I'm your godmother; she isn't," Ariel said, grabbing her things.

Riley, embraced Ariel. "Thank you, Aunty Ari!" Then her expression shifted to shock. "I promise I'll behave, Skyler! Sheesh. Why does your kid insist on kicking me?"

Ariel smirked as she exited. "Because he or she already knows you're a handful. Good luck, Eva! Text me if the school is on fire... again!"

Riley and I exchanged a glance. "She's kidding... right?" I asked the teenager.

"Nope!" she said, popping the 'P'.

Crap...