Regret: Volume Two of Ebb & Flow [Psychological Superpowered Thriller]

3 hours remaining til Friendsgiving

Eightish hours have passed since the incident with Violet. I've mostly put it behind me as I assemble a delicious feast for the coming evening. If I can just get through dinner without any other problems like that popping up, then I'll be happy. The roast is going and will be ready in time for dinner, and the baked mac and cheese is staying warm inside one of the many ovens. The vegetarian options and sides are all done too. I still have to make the charcuterie board, but I'm waiting until everyone arrives before I start it. I've decided that whenever I finally build my own place, I will definitely have a kitchen like this. The rest of the obnoxious expenses I can do without, but this place is a dream. A dream that is interrupted by Violet slowly creeping into the room, trying not to disturb me.

"How can I help you, Violet?" I asked coldly.

"Just checking in on how things are going; it smells so good in here, my mouth is watering," she replied.

"Everything is going according to plan and will be ready by the time everyone's here. Don't worry, I wouldn't let people go hungry. If that is all you need, then I'll get back to this," I said, dismissing her.

"Okay," she murmured, turning around to go back up the stairs.

I'm surprised by how little I want to be around her after what happened. It isn't just the regular feelings of obligation that relationships cause. Having her near me is actively ruining my good mood. What she did isn't something that I'm going to be quick to forget. The question becomes not whether I should tell Emma about what happened, but when. Do I want to go nuclear in the middle of dinner?

Aubrey POV

2 hours remaining til Friendsgiving

Violet spent the night at her parents' other place, making sure it was spotless for today. The idea of having a second house that no one lives in is another example of her blessed life. No matter how hard I try to squash the envy I have for her life, it remains. Well, at least I don't lie about my relationship status because I'm embarrassed. I sigh in frustration. That was such a bitchy thought. I have to chill before I freak the fuck out. I need to talk to her and give her a chance to defend herself. But we've both been busy, and I don't want to bring it up tonight.

I'm ashamed to admit that I don't want to have this conversation with her. She's our team's leader, and depending on how our talk goes, it could really fuck up the team's dynamic. Sydney, Violet, Doug, and Raf have all known each other for much longer than they've known me. There's a possibility that they'd choose her and ice me out. I'd have to move and transfer just to find another probationary team. That's not even taking into consideration that her connections are incredibly important for my career in the Heroes' Union. A legacy Cape with two parents still serving in Heroes' Union is guaranteed to join, and she can definitely bring the rest of our team with her. Eryk is my friend, and I've known him for years. But the Heroes' Union is my future.

Thank God for Jean-Luc and Rafael. If I didn't have them, I'd be in a real pinch trying to bring all these decorations myself. Today will be the first time I've seen Jean-Luc since we fought at St. Augustine's. It was weeks before we started texting again, and then several more weeks before we were friendly again. Even now, my being a Cape is a sensitive topic, and one we've avoided talking about. It sucks to have to hide such a large part of my life, but our friendship is more important.

Speaking of Jean-Luc should be here any minute. I'm having him come over before Raf, so I can have him vet my outfit. I went for something alluring, but not too risque. Slutty, but like in an innocent way. A tan sweater dress with a high collar to hide my scars. It's a damn shame that the one who did this is already dead. Lee Daeshim, I'd make you pay tenfold. The black tights I have on make my legs look incredible, and the above waist belt over my sweater makes my boobs look bigger than they actually are. I look hot, but I still want Jean-Luc's opinion. I can always count on him to give me a reality check. I've been waiting for Raf to make a move on me for months now, and nothing has happened on that front, so I'm taking the initiative. I'm kissing that boy tonight. Rapping at the dorm door signals Jean-Luc's arrival.

I let him in, and we both take a second to look over each other's outfits. He's growing out some facial hair, and it's actually working for him. It's a little patchy, but if it comes in more, it'll look great. He's rocking a monochromatic polka dot button-down trucked into slate gray jeans and a violet bowtie. He looks good: healthy and happy. That's all I can ask for.

"Okay. First off, love the outfit. Raf is going to be drooling for you like a dog in heat," Jean-Luc exclaimed.

"I hope so. After this long, I've started wondering if I'm imagining the vibe. And thanks, I knew you'd tell it to me straight if I looked trashy or bad," I laughed.

"Not trashy at all. It's very mature, sexy, upstanding lady of the night," he said.

"What the fuck? You think I look like a prostitute?" I asked.

"No. Sorry, I meant like clubbing, vamp-chic type of girl," he quickly responded, scratching the back of his head.

"Oh, thank God. Fuck, dude. You had me legit defconning, and the last thing I need tonight is to freak out. My makeup took too long to have to redo it," I said.

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

"My bad," he said sheepishly.

"It's fine. But look at you growing a lil beard," I said, elbowing him lightly in his side.

"Yeah," Jean-Luc said, moving his chin around and tracing the beard with his hands. "What do you think? Is this working or should I just shave it?"

"Dude, it already looks so GOOD. You have to keep growing it. Turns out you can rock a beard," I said enthusiastically.

"I've missed you, Aubrey," he said, hugging me.

"I missed you, too. Thanks for driving all the way here just for a party."

"It's no problem. I'm happy to drive the distance to see you guys."

1 hour until Friendsgiving

"So when is loverboy showing up?"

"Raf will be here soon. And please do not call him that when he gets here," I said, checking my phone. "Just help me finish packing everything up."

"Yes, ma'am," he said, saluting me.

"You're being a real bastard, you know that?"

"Have to make up for lost time," he replied.

"I get enough sass from Eryk's biting sarcasm."

"How is he doing? He's terrible at responding to texts, and I didn't even know that he and Maria broke up until you mentioned him bringing a date," he said, clearly frustrated.

Damn. I didn't even know that. I've been seeing Eryk constantly, but Jean-Luc's been the odd one out. Eryk might genuinely be the worst person to get a hold of. The entire time I've known him, he's never been a punctual texter or responder. Which feels insane given how much he obsesses about being early to everything. He doesn't check his phone often, and it's so annoying how he doesn't pay attention to the groupchat.

"He's good. He's doing that thing where he doesn't seem to be even slightly fazed by how much fucking classwork we're given. I'm struggling to keep up with school, hobbies, friends, and uh, other stuff. But yeah, Maria is gone for good. He finally understands what I've been trying to tell him for years: that bitch is psycho. Good riddance," I said.

"Jeez, why don't you tell us how you really feel?" he said, giving me a look.

"What?"

"Listen, I'm not exactly going to be reaching out to her, but they were together for over two years. You've never been good at disguising your feelings toward Maria, but you could tone down the glee you have that her and Eryk broke up," he said, taking a seat on my bed. "Sorry. I'm not trying to lecture you."

Fuck.

"No, you're right. I'm acting like a bitchy mean girl, dwelling on the past for no reason," I admitted.

"So, spill, what do we know about his new date? Is she his girlfriend, fuckbuddy, or is it something casual? I need to know whether I should bother remembering her name," he said.

The two of us burst out laughing.

"It is really good to be back together again," I said, wiping the tears forming from laughing so hard.

"It is. Thanks again for thinking of me and for the invite."

"Of course, dude. Truthfully, I don't even know her name. I don't know what she looks like or anything. He just said he was bringing a date, and that's all he told me. I'm going in as blind as you," I said.

"That sounds exactly like him. Good to know the big city hasn't changed either of you too much," he said.

Knocking at my door interrupts our conversation. He's here. I spring up, mouthing at Jean-Luc to ask him if I look good. He gives me two thumbs up, and I slowly approach the door, opening it for him. Why the hell am I suddenly so nervous? Where's the badass who declared she was going to take initiative? I pray to God, and then any god that may be listening, to give me courage and strength. And boy, do I need it, because Raf walks into my room looking so freaking hot. Holy shit. His messy mop of hair is out of his eyes. He's clean-shaven, with a mid-tapered fade into box braids. A gray t-shirt underneath an open blue flannel and ripped navy jeans. GET A HOLD OF YOURSELF, GIRL.

"Hey, Raf. You look nice," I said. Nice? The best word you can come up with is nice?

"H-h-hi, A-Aubrey. You look b-beautiful," Raf said, turning red.

My heart is beating like a drum, and I'm briefly worried that it might be audible. The hot feeling in my face means I'm probably a red as Raf is. He called me beautiful. All possibility that I might be imagining our chemistry evaporates. With everything that's happened in the last six months, from Davis' attack, to Marcus' death, to my trigger event, lightning scarring, and subsequent memory loss, to becoming Stinger, joining my team, and starting the journey to becoming a full-fledged Heroes' Union member, I haven't had a real chance to just be a normal college freshman. Tonight's going to be awesome.

"Hey, sorry to interrupt your whatever is going on, but are the two of you going to continue to stand there mumbling at each other?" Jean-Luc asked.

"Sorry," we said at the same time.

"Jinx. Hey, Raf. I'm Jean-Luc, Aubrey and Eryk's friend from high school. Nice to meet you, man," he said, dapping Raf.

"Same. Likewise, Jean-Luc. How long are you in the city for?" Raf asked him.

"Just today for the party, and then I'm making the drive back home. Aubrey, should we get going? We're supposed to set up all these decorations, right? We don't want to arrive after other people," he said.

"Oh, fuck. Yeah, let's get going. Can you two bring down all these boxes, and then I'll do one last look to make sure we aren't missing anything?" I pleaded.

"Yes, ma'am," Jean-Luc said, snapping a crisp salute again.

"You are unbearable. Now go. Shoo, shoo," I said.

"I'll show you where I parked," Jean-Luc said as he and Raf walked out with all the boxes.

I quickly scan the room to see if there's anything I'm missing. I have my phone, my purse, and I can't think of anything else. That is, until I spot the pair of yellow lens glasses on top of my desk. Oh, don't want to forget that. I grab them and put them on. The glasses are actually Tinkertech I made; they function a lot like my helmet does, but without any of the weapons. Also, they let me snap photos and record. My ability considers them a helmet, which means that the term helmet is a lot looser than I previously thought. I take one last look in the mirror, doing a twirl to make sure my outfit's still perfect, and then run out the door. The first of many Quinstin Friendsgivings is almost here. I can't wait.