Chapter 284

If Claire didn’t want company, it didn’t matter who volunteered to stick around. It just wouldn’t work.

“Alright,” Padgett finally agreed, “but stay for lunch, okay p>

“Did you tell Claire you were coming to Cabinda p>

If Claire knew, she probably wouldn’t be going back with the teachers.

“I already called her. I booked us an evening flight. I’ll take Claire back to Apex p>

Padgett glanced at him. “Pandora sent you because she was worried Claire would stay in Cabinda for the holiday, didn’t she p>

Edison smiled. “What makes you think that p>

Padgett wasn’t naive. He saw right through Pandora’s plan.

“Hmph!” Clearly, Padgett wasn’t buying his story.

When Claire got back to her dorm, only Wendy was still there. The moment she saw Claire, Wendy lit up.

“Claire, I’m so glad you’re back. I was honestly scared staying here alone p>

She had spent the night by herself, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. In the middle of the night, she even got up to work on a couple of practice exams. If she couldn’t sleep, she figured she might as well use the time to study.

Claire noticed the dark circles under Wendy’s eyes. “Sorry about last night. I stayed at a relative’s place, so I couldn’t come back p>

“Our teacher said we’re leaving at nine, right p>

It was almost time to meet up. Claire had already packed her stuff, so all she had to do was grab her bags. The few things she hadn’t finished packing, Wendy had taken care of for her.

“Thanks, Wendy p>

“No problem. You even brought me breakfast p>

Wendy dug in, looking genuinely happy.

“Claire, you’re honestly so nice. I never really had friends in our class before. I’m pretty quiet, so everyone just thinks I’m that nerd who only knows how to study p>

Claire sat down and smiled. “You just haven’t gotten close to people yet, that’s all. Being a little quiet isn’t a big deal. Focusing on your studies in high school is totally fine. Things Will probably get better in college

“I heard almost everyone joins clubs or activities in college. You’ll have the chance

to try new things and meet people p>

Wendy looked hopeful at the thought of starting college.

After breakfast, they wheeled their suitcases downstairs together. The boys were already waiting outside Honestly, this group of guys wasn’t bad at all. They had packed up their own things brought their luggage down, and even offered to help the girls.

The teacher who was leading the trip looked pleased.

Len looked totally wiped out. He was exhausted from all the fun yesterday and having to get up so early today. Leo still seemed energetic, and Alva looked alright too.

Once everyone was together, they headed for the school gates. Their teacher was waiting for them.

“Mr. Adolph, I might come back a little later. My uncle came to Cabinda, so I’ll leave with him,” Claire said.

She’d planned to go with the teachers, but since she suddenly changed her mind, she had to get their okay.

“Where’s your uncle?” The teacher looked a little worried, like he was wondering if this was just an excuse.

“Do you want to talk to him on the phone?” Claire asked.

The teacher nodded, since it was really the only thing he could do.

Claire called Edison, then handed the phone over.

“Hello, Adolph, this is Claire’s uncle, Edison p>

The two of them quickly worked it out. Edison promised to take Claire home himself and said someone

would be coming to pick her up net

soon Adolph couldnt exactly keep everyone waiting just for Claire’s de to arrive, so he let her go.