Chapter Six, Bad Decisions

Grace’s Point of View

"They filmed that!" I chuckled with my friend as we recalled the events leading to her visit to the hospital where Rei was on duty that night.

"Rei still looks stunning despite everything she's been through. I had high hopes that Greg would give her the world, not bring it crashing down," Lillianna lamented.

"He was a good-looking man with potential. They created three awesome kids, even with the unique names Rei chose," I nodded in agreement.

"How did she never catch on?" Lillianna burst into laughter, joining me in amusement.

"Rei was deeply in love, or what she believed was love. I wonder if she'll ever allow herself to fall again," I whispered.

I took on a job to befriend Rei. She needed new friends because her old ones were moving away for university. I saw this as an opportunity to take classes at a post-secondary institution and make some money in the process. If I could become Rei's friend and help her make new connections, I would fulfill the purpose of my assignment.

Lianna and I have been friends for years. Our lives haven't been easy, and finding employment where we did was both a blessing and a curse. The assignments were complex and demanding, and if we weren't careful, they would eat away at our souls. Lillianna was tasked with helping me find someone suitable for Rei Draven, a romantic interest who would capture her heart.

While attempting to fulfill the task we had been given, we chose Greg Ravenscroft as the potential romantic interest for Rei Draven. Our employer was not pleased with the choice but authorized us to create a scenario where the two could meet. As a result, Rei married Greg, dropped out of school, had three children, only to be abandoned a few years later by Greg for a younger, richer partner. I often questioned whether our actions had ruined Rei's life, or at least what her life could have been. We didn't directly interfere; we simply encouraged Rei to embrace new experiences she might not have considered otherwise. All we did was arrange for them to meet.

But, I became emotionally invested, and it was no longer a job. I stepped back when Rei got married because I was ordered to. I never knew who my employer was, only that he was not one to cross.

I unexpectedly ran into Rei again when I was supposed to meet Lillianna for coffee, but she had canceled on me. Just as I was about to leave, Rei arrived looking defeated with three small children in tow. We reconnected naturally, not out of obligation, because I genuinely cared about Rei Draven.

In the past ten years, I've become like an aunt to Shiloh, Onyx, and Salem. I supported and nurtured them as they grew up, and it became more than just a job to me. I genuinely cared about those kids and their mother. Unfortunately, that meant cutting ties with my former employer and Lillianna. When I heard from my old friend tonight, asking if we could meet up again, it was a surprise, but I drove out to meet her.

"The nurse Lillianna worked with at the desk tonight influenced her positively. I believe her name is Mary. The dress she selected for Rei was stunning; it will suit her beautifully," Lillianna said with a smile.

"Was it strange seeing her like that?" I inquired, intrigued.

Lillianna had never directly engaged with Rei, so it was unclear if they had ever formally met.

"I still haven't talked with her, can you believe it? We cross paths and exchange glances, but that's about it. The boys couldn't stop talking about her the whole night, except for X. He remained quiet," Lillianna shared.

"Wait, did you say X?" I questioned.

It seemed unlikely that X was the same person Rei had been dreaming about for the past decade. Or was it?

Lillianna looked surprised and nodded.

"One evening, while watching romantic comedies and drinking, Rei shared her dreams involving a mysterious biker named X. Could they possibly know each other?" I probed.

Lillianna hesitated, then shook her head.I accidentally grazed my lip, feeling a slight twinge of pain, and furrowed my brows as I contemplated the situation. That was my friend's tell - hesitating and shaking her head to avoid answering something she shouldn't. When Lillianna had a secret, she wouldn't share it, even if asked. I sighed. I knew I couldn't directly interfere. I hoped she hadn't crossed that line. The consequences could be significant for any of us with our former employer, especially for Lillianna, who had already been cautioned. It just wasn't worth the risk. What was she thinking?

“Mary told X it was Rei’s birthday and where you would celebrate on Saturday. Our group will be there. Maybe I'll have the chance to talk to Rei then," Lillianna said with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes.

"I wonder if any of them might be interested in Rei. I've stopped trying to arrange dates for her. However, if one of them were to show interest, I would be delighted," I mentioned, cautiously hopeful that Rei might entertain the idea of a casual encounter. She needed to find someone. Desperately.

“Oh, they are all interested. Even X,” Lillianna grinned.

“Well, this should be a fun night then,” I cackled, laying my head on my friend’s shoulder.

I missed Lillianna greatly. My attention had been on Rei after our paths crossed again, and she needed me.

“I missed you, Lillianna. I promise not to disappear on you for so long again,” I sighed, content to be with her again.

Lillianna leaned in and whispered softly, "I missed you too," as she planted a gentle kiss on my head.

We watched the sunrise together, and then we went our separate ways.

Lillianna’s Point of View

This was awkward as fuck. I had a genuine fondness for Rei. When Grace and I decided to assist her, it was with the purest intentions. I believed Greg would be an ideal match for her, but I was utterly mistaken.

Xavier Woods and I coincidentally crossed paths, and from that moment, I was captivated. He had observed Rei from a distance, never approaching her. Had he done so, their lives may have taken a different turn.

He was exceptionally talented and seemed to attract trouble effortlessly. Challenged by a dare, he ventured into hacking secure websites and got caught. Despite his actions, his remarkable skills led the government to view him more as a valuable resource than a danger, recognizing that X was a good person deep down. At that time, I was already spending time with him, Matt, and Tom, yet I chose not to interfere. Instead, I became his closest companion, mirroring what Grace had done for Rei.

I found myself falling for Xavier. Who wouldn't? He was stunning, strong, inked, intelligent, and attractive. Xavier was also exceptional in bed. We casually hooked up a few times, and he had some impressive skills. It was a risky game I was involved in. Despite being aware of the dangers, mainly due to my feelings for X, I couldn't find the courage to step back. I convinced myself that being his closest friend was enough, and I struggled not to feel envious of his casual encounters and fascination with Rei Draven.

I understood why Rei Draven was forbidden to Xavier, and I chose not to disclose this to Grace. It wouldn't lead to anything positive. Xavier had set this boundary for himself, and I was not involved in it, but I had no issue supporting him in upholding it. However, I may still resent that it was her name he called out tonight before I went to find Grace. Xavier was caught up in the moment and was unaware of his actions. He would be embarrassed if I confronted him, so what would be the purpose? Both of us acknowledged that she was not an option for him.

Xavier’s Point of View

I needed to get Rei out of my head, and Lillianna was there, eager and willing. One thing led to another, and in the moment, I called out Rei’s name. Lillianna didn’t react, but I think she heard me. Maybe she didn’t care, but I did. I shouldn’t be doing this with my best friend. Lines got blurred that way. No wonder Mary thought we were together.

I departed Lillianna's apartment while she was asleep, leaving a note to inform her that I would reach out later. Cycling through the quiet streets, I attempted to sort through my thoughts and feelings.

Rei appeared stunning, and reconnecting with her after a long absence made my mind and heart whirl. Waiting with her in the rain until the tow truck arrived marked the last time we saw each other. Though I caught glimpses of her, we never exchanged words.

Tonight, after a decade, I finally spoke to her. Her eyes held a hint of recognition, but it didn't feel like the right moment to jog her memory of our past connection. Perhaps it was a memory best left buried.

Every twist and turn on the road became a release, letting me channel the storm of emotions within me. My thoughts raced as fast as my motorcycle, a torrent of what-ifs and past chances that vanished into the night as quickly as they arose. Would things have been different if I had followed my heart and pursued Rei Draven?

As the first light of dawn started to brighten the horizon, a sense of tranquility washed over me. The journey, the night, and the speed had provided a momentary break, giving me space to confront my emotions at my own pace. Slowing down the motorcycle gradually, the engine's once deafening roar transitioned into a soft purr as I pulled over to the roadside.

I took out my phone and dialed Lillianna’s number. I held my breath and released it with gratitude when it went straight to voicemail.

“Alright. I believe I owe you a voice message. And I’m super sorry for making you wait for it,” I said, my voice low and weary, with a hint of fatigue.