Chapter 40

Not long ago, news of Sabrina's exodus had begun to circulate. And though friends felt saddened, Karen maintained a different perspective. Adding to that, it'd been weeks since Sabrina left, and Luis still seemed infatuated. First and foremost, he never took the idea of Sabrina leaving seriously, until she boarded a plane and vanished into a clear blue sky. Moreover, she'd urged him to forget, but thus far, he'd refused.

Bearing that in mind, Luis hoped Professor Allen (the dean of students) could authenticate Sabrina's transfer. For, in one's heart, he held meaningful memories, and wasn't intent on letting go. All this time, the sun was fading, bolstering the natural dreariness of the day. Given that, Luis peered into a darkening sky, again angered by Sabrina's absence. As if that weren't enough, he aimed to balance his griefs by finding her again.

“Good morning Luis,” Professor Allen greeted. “You're here early.”

Gradually, he forced a smile.

“I need some help,”

Instantly, Allen seemed baffled.

“Oh?”

Following, Luis simpered and fumbled through papers.

“Sabrina Kole -- Has she transferred, or is it pending?”

“Hmm,” Allen mumbled. “As a rule, I don't give out personal information.”

Of course, Luis groaned as the anxiousness intensified. However, with a shallow breath, Allen tapped several keys on the console and headed to the door.

“If you'll excuse me, I have something to tend to,”

Promptly, Luis maneuvered the bureau, embedded a drive, and duplicated everything. Though, while reviewing documents, fears stood confirmed - Sabrina had returned home for good. Later that afternoon, Luis passed through the courtyard and found Tatum and Lyndsey seated together.

“Hey girls, how are you?”

“We're all right; how about you?” Lyndsey answered, smiling.

“I've been better,”

Unbecoming, Luis sounded pessimistic, but under the circumstances, everyone understood.

“We haven't talked, if you're wondering,” Tatum advised, taking a hand.

Right away, Luis withdrew, since the news was something he didn't want to hear. Just the same, he'd contain each emotion despite the heartbreak.

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

In parallel, Luis's face pursed as his fists clenched.

“You saw us together,”

Directly, Tatum sulked, realizing Sabrina hadn't revealed everything. A choice which now compelled her fidelity despite an overt anxiety.

“You have to tell him,” Lyndsey interjected.

Immediately, Luis twisted.

“Tell me what?”

“There was a woman named Jennifer,” Tatum revealed. “They met on the plane, but Sabrina seemed freaked out afterward,”

Anxiously, Luis worked through his hair as Alex and Karen arrived. Above all, the news stood eye-opening because Sabrina hadn't mentioned Jennifer. Not the worse, the truth remained grim, but Luis stayed docile despite feeling ashamed. While waiting, Alex enduringly became the mediator of the inquisition.

“Where've you been?”

Once more, Luis forced a grin.

“Personal issues -- I'm sure you can understand,”

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

Agreeably, she smiled, as Luis watched with a stern but diverse expression.

“I have to go; we'll talk soon,” he announced, before abruptly leaving.

“That felt strange,” Lyndsey murmured as Tatum shrugged.

“That's Luis for you,” she admitted. “Anyhow, has anyone heard from Trina or Jasmine?”

Instinctively, Karen scoffed.

“No, we haven't,”

Sad to relate, as of today, Trina and Jasmine still hadn't come home. Although, Tatum felt optimistic about their return, despite Lyndsey and Karen's recoils.