Four brows raised as Rowen approached the staircase with Aubree in his arms. She was babbling about how she didn't like to mix up the drinks. Their faces were flushed due to the alcohol in their system. 

Xahria, Angel, Kenric and Kai followed him. Once they reached the girl's room, Rowen waited for Xahria to open the door. Xahria held the door open for Rowen as he walked to the bed that Aubree was sharing with Xahria. On the other side― Ezarah looked at them in surprise. She placed her book aside and watched everyone.

Kai waited outside the door. Aubree's voice became muffled as soon as her head hit the pillow. Rowen removed her slippers and covered her body with the comforter. He looked at Aubree for a second before walking out. 

"Where were you guys? Ryder went ballistic for a moment when he didn't find Aubree at the bonfire," Xahria said. "Why would he go ballistic? She wasn't drunk."

"A party was happening― Some boys crashed into our bonfire. They kinda spilled Ryder's drink. Nikolai and Kreo rushed them out, but Ryder got tensed when he couldn't find Aubree. He believed Aubree left for the party," Angel explained. 

"Thankfully, Xahria mentioned that she went to Jolly's with you." Rowen's brows frowned in confusion. "Why would he go ballistic?"

"They were high on drugs, and everyone else in the party was taking drugs," Angel replied. "Oh." Rowen looked at them. "How did you two end up drinking? Where did you guys go?" Xahria asked. Ezarah stepped out of the room and closed the door behind. 

"We met hippie girls on our way back. One of them asked if we wanted to join for a drink, and we agreed. We got carried away; they were fun, and the drinks were good." 

"Where are others?" Rowen asked. "Ryder and Nikolai went to bed. Xaiden, Kenric, Elwen and Kreo went for a car ride." 

"Why didn't you girls go?" 

"Not interested, as Aubree was out."  

"What are we going to do now?" Rowen asked. "We plan on hitting the bed. You call the boys if you want to join them." Rowen shook his head and looked at Kai. "Want to have a beer in the basement?"

"Sure." 

"Good night, boys. See you two in the morning," Xahria said. Angel said the same and followed Xahria. 

*

Aubree put on her shades, which her Dad brought from Paris and the cap that Xaiden had gifted her last summer. She's wearing a simple red floral dress and flats. Angel watched her from bed. "Babe, when are you going to return?" 

"I will return in an hour. . . Rhys is here, and I will spill some tea, so he comes prepared." Aubree winked while Angel laughed. "What am I going to do?" 

"You can go out with Ezarah and Kreo. I heard they are going to that waterfall." 

"They are going?"

"Yes." 

"Cool, I will just join them." Once Aubree was ready— She picked up her bag and made her towards the living room. She could listen the music coming from the living room. Kai and Ryder were talking in the background. 

Rowen saw her first. Unintentionally, he checked her out before looking away when Aubree gazed at him. "Are you going somewhere?" Kenric asked. "Yeah, meeting a friend who would be joining us in the evening."

"Rhys?" Aubree smiled and nodded. "Cool." 

"Aren't you going to drive her?" Kenric asked Rowen. "Should I?" Kenric hummed. "Aren't you her servant? You should tag along and drive her." Ezarah slapped Kenric on his head. "She's going on a date. You want him to tag along?"

"Date?" Rowen asked. He watched Aubree as she excitedly spoke with Angel. "Yeah, Rhys is her date tonight. He will be joining our Thanksgiving dinner." 

"Oh." 

Aubree waved goodbyes before stepping out of the house. She had taken Ryder's car keys. She would meet Rhys for breakfast and give him directions for the night. She couldn't help but feel excited to meet Rhys. 

As she was about to open the car door— She felt a shadow fall on her. She turned her head to see Rowen staring down at her. "What?" A confused expression took over her face. "I'm gonna tag along and drive you everywhere."

"Why would you do that?" 

"Because I'm your servant?" Rowen questioned back. Aubree chuckled and patted his arm. "You don't have to be my servant, Rowen. I'm cool with you doing nothing." Rowen shrugged his shoulders. "I want to come with you, and I'm not going to disturb you."

"What's the point of you coming?" Rowen raised his brow. "You want me to disturb you?" Aubree shook her head. "What's the point of you joining me? I don't want that."

"I'm going to join you. . ." Rowen took the keys from Aubee and unlocked the car. He opened the car door for her before walking back to the driver's seat, leaving Aubree bewildered. She didn't know how to respond, and it was getting late. She quickly got into the car and looked at Rowen. 

"This is so not needed. I hope you wander off after reaching the cafe." Rowen hummed. "Where are we going to?"

"To the cliff."

"Which cafe on the cliff?" Rowen was looking at her. "I will walk to the cafe." 

"Sure." Rowen doesn't know why he is keen on joining her. In his mind, he knew he wasn't really happy with Aubree meeting Rhys. He doesn't want to acknowledge the thought or accept it. 

Aubree looked at Ryder, watching them, and she believed that Ryder had put Rowen up to drive me to the cafe. She knew Ryder wasn't pleased with the decision that she was meeting someone from the university and that I had invited him to their family Thanksgiving.

*

Rowen watched as Aubree rushed towards the tall guy. The guy always laughed as he wrapped his arms around her and whispered something they could only hear. Rowen saw how Aubree's face lit up as she listened to the guy.

"What would he possibly say?" he muttered under his breath and ordered a press coffee. "Will you be having anything with your coffee?" the waitress questioned. Rowen glanced at the menu. He had missed eating his breakfast and was slightly hungry. 

"Hmm— Bring me breakfast set 3." 

"Alright, it will take about ten minutes." Rowen hummed, and the waitress left. "Why am I behaving like a stalker?" Rowen asked himself before shifting in his seat. Now, he wasn't facing Aubree. He was facing the cliff view. A few tourists were strolling on the cliff. 

The cafe he was in wasn't as packed as Aubree's. The cafes were side by side, and he could turn around and call out Aubree whenever he wanted if Aubree wasn't planning on moving to another cafe. 

*

Aubree couldn't help but chuckle as Rhys joked about their meetings. Rhys shook his head. "I must say— I was surprised by how cool you guys were. From what I have heard, I thought I wouldn't hold any chance of speaking to you all. Though— Kreo was the only one who seemed friendly."

"What do you mean? Weren't we friendly to you, Rhys?" Aubree munched on her fries. Rhys threw his hands in the air. "I meant that Kreo was the one who walked over to everyone and greeted them."

"Kreo is outgoing while we try to sit back and let him bring his friends to the table. I agree that we are slightly introverted." 

"You mean arrogant?" Aubree laughs. "Not entirely. We come off as arrogant, but we aren't. Xahria is friendlier and easygoing than anyone in our group. She has more connections than all of ours combined."

"Oh, yeah. . . I spoke to her on our orientation day. She's cool."

"She is." The conversation went on. Aubree enjoyed how Rhys shared about his high school memories and the relationship he had in high school but had to break up due to her moving to another country.