A Sudden Flashback

*Jenny*

Before the holiday, I was informed that Wolfeland Industries had then contracted bus vehicles for all of its employees with their plus-ones for a smooth journey to their thanksgiving locations, and first up was to the beach.

Taylor and MJ said that the buses were like tourists' buses with all those fancy utilities present inside. These two ladies are the staff members that I work with at the IT department of Wolfeland Industries. Though I didn't get the chance to ride on one because Noel had picked me up straight from our apartment.

To my surprise, Noel will be driving himself and the car is different than the usual one that he uses for transportation. Which was a black Ford Mustang that is very different from this blue Chevrolet Camaro that he has parked near our building. This had quite intrigued me.

"What is this?" I asked him while he helped me get my luggage into the trunk of his car. "Is Johnny not coming with you?". Both of us then hopped in the car, with me in the passenger seat.

"He is coming." He replied as he starts the engine. "Just not with us. I wanted to show you my driving skills.". His what? Heh, is he showing off to me? I giggled due to my amusement but then I got flustered by his next words. "Plus, I wanted to have you by myself.". I briefly bit my lower lip as he smiles teasingly at me, I can't with this man.

"Is this car yours…? What happened to the black one?". I asked him when we stopped at a traffic light.

"Yes, it's mine. The black one is used for work. I use this one for special occasions.".

"Going to the beach and camping are special occasions…?". I asked amusedly. He looked at me for a moment then said, "Any moment alone with you is a special occasion." I blushed at his statement but it was short-lived when some random pickup truck stopped beside us by the driver's side. Along with two breaded men at the driver and passenger seats.

"Hey, baby." The one by the passenger seat said. There were no other cars on the road at that time except us and them. And he's clearly addressing me unless he's referring to Noel. "Why don't you get your pretty little face out of that car and come join us, instead?". He then gave me kissing gestures, "I know your driver won't mind.". His driver then joined him in giving me lewd gestures and they were maniacally giggling. Urgh, it's disgusting how they see women like that. Their laughter is really making me uncomfortable until Noel turned to them.

"What? Do you have a problem, driver…?" The male conversed with Noel very differently, clearly not interested in whatever Noel had to say. But I was then confused when their faces turned pale after a few seconds of facing Noel. Noel has his back on me so I really can't tell what is happening. Is he talking to them…? Why can't I hear him say anything?

"W – We're sorry! We won't do it again!" The male by the passenger seat exclaimed while his driver drove away as quickly as possible when the traffic light turned green.

"What was that about?" I asked curiously as Noel started to drive. He just shrugged his shoulders and replied, "I don't know, maybe they saw something on my face…?".

On his face…? I then suddenly had flashbacks of my attack. It's something I saw before I passed out. It's somehow similar to what's in my dream. It was… It was Noel having claws and fangs; that horrific transformation –

"Hey, you okay…?" Noel asked me, snapping me back to reality. I slightly panicked and babbled to say something, "I – It's nothing! – I mean, I'm okay! I'm okay…".

"Oh, okay…" He resumed his sight on the road, "Just tell me if we need to stop for a moment.".

"Okay…" I replied in a low voice. Why on earth would I remember that? It wasn't even real, was it…? No, Jenny, you have to calm down. This isn't the time to think or to remember random things. I should clear my mind or else I won't be able to enjoy this first trip with Noel by my side. That's the only thing I need to focus on today.

Our ride was mostly quiet until Noel announce our arrival, "We're here.". And wow, the view of the beach was picturesque. With clear skies and cool breeze, it was a perfect time to go for a swim.

I took a moment to appreciate the view as we got out of the car. But then someone from behind me covered my eyes with their hands, "Ah! What the –".

"Guess who is it…?" What? Wait a minute, this voice…

"Ebony!?" She then released my eyes from her hands, I turned around and saw her in her two-piece bikini. "What are you doing here?".

"Surprise…! Well, it's your BF's idea to have me here.".

"Noel did…?" I took a glance at Noel who was getting our luggage out of the trunk of his car, and of course, Johnny was there helping him with it.

"He said that you might want to have someone close to you other than your colleagues at Wolfeland Industries, so here I am!" She explained to me and also added, "And don't you worry about Clay and Chloe, they're with my sister.".

"Thank you…" I smilingly said to her.

"Oh no, don't thank me, it's Noel's idea… Oh! And I came as Mr. Lace's plus-one… if ever anyone asks who am I.". I nodded at her.

"Why, hello there, ladies…" Olive then came to greet us. Wow, she looks stunning in her body-hugging light yellow maxi dress. We both greeted her, and she also commented on Ebony's look. "Wow, looking good Ebony."

"Thanks, you too.".

"Thank you… Join me for a little ladies' chat…?".

"Sure, why not?" Ebony replied while I nodded. Though before I go with them, I glanced back at Noel who was already smiling at me. He gestured for me to go on and that he'll take care of our belongings.

"Hey, Jenny! Are you coming or not…?" Ebony yelled as they wait for me to join.

"I'm coming!".