Chapter Eighteen
A Slight Change in Plans
Clare and Noah reached the classroom just seconds before the bell rang.
Both were slightly breathless, trying not to look suspicious.
They slipped into their seats.
Jack was already there.
Watching.
The moment the teacher turned to write on the board, Jack leaned slightly forward and whispered,
"Where were you two?"
Noah pretended not to hear.
Clare avoided eye contact.
Jack narrowed his eyes. "During lunch."
Clare sighed softly. There was no point hiding it.
"We went to the university," she admitted quietly.
Jack blinked. "University?"
"To meet Daniel," Noah added casually.
Jack straightened in his seat. "Without me?"
There was something in his tone — not anger exactly, but hurt pride.
Clare turned toward him. "It was just lunch break. We ran and came back quickly."
"You could've told me," Jack muttered.
Noah crossed her arms. "You live next to him. You see him whenever you want."
"That's different," Jack argued.
"How?" Noah challenged.
Jack paused.
He didn't actually know how.
"It just is," he finished, leaning back dramatically.
Clare smiled faintly. "You were busy this morning being 'always on time.'"
Jack glared playfully. "I was."
Before the teasing could continue, a quiet voice interrupted.
"My parents are coming on Saturday."
Alice.
She stood beside their desks, her expression calm but serious.
All three of them looked up.
"This Saturday?" Noah asked.
Alice nodded. "They arrived in town earlier than expected. They're staying for a few days."
A small silence fell over the group.
Clare's shoulders dropped slightly.
"But… that's the picnic day," she said softly.
Jack looked between them, sensing the shift.
Alice noticed Clare's expression.
"So… you won't come?" Clare asked gently.
There was no accusation in her voice — only quiet disappointment.
Alice adjusted her books.
"I've been in the school hostel for months," she explained. "They wanted to see me properly. I can't refuse."
Noah nodded understandingly. "That's fair."
Jack added, "Family is important."
Clare quickly forced a brighter tone. "It's okay! We understand."
The silence still lingered though — not heavy, but slightly awkward.
Alice hesitated for a second before speaking again.
"You can meet them," she said. "If you want."
Clare looked up. "Really?"
"Yes. After your picnic… you could come."
Noah smiled. "That sounds fine."
Jack shrugged. "We'll judge them."
Alice rolled her eyes, but a small smile escaped.
Clare clapped her hands lightly. "Then it's settled. Picnic first, meeting parents later."
The bell rang again, saving them from the strange atmosphere that had briefly formed.
As everyone returned to their seats, Alice sat quietly.
She wasn't sure why she had felt nervous announcing it.
Maybe because she knew how her parents were.
Maybe because she didn't want comparisons again.
Noah resumed writing notes confidently.
Jack tapped his pen absentmindedly.
Clare stared out the window for a moment.
Saturday suddenly felt more complicated than just a simple picnic.
And none of them noticed—
The smallest changes in routine often begin the biggest shifts in friendships.
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