Chapter 21

Two weeks has passed since Rebecca's meeting with Mark Jefferson. The new semester is just around the corner as well as Rebecca's friends arrival. However, those are the last things on Rebecca's right mind now as she is totally focused on her mission. Rebecca and William have officially entered into a romantic relationship and the two of them have become basically inseparable. However, Rebecca doesn't mind that much since she is having a genuinely good time with William. They just arrived from a small vacation trip visiting Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, and the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Hiking, gambling, shopping,drinking,walking around the various cities, and experiencing obvious tourist bait places and events have consumed the last week or so.

During the trip, she gained some intel about his parents, including their past, financial status, family history, and their future goals. She has learned that Chloe is into the stock market, is a multi-millionaire, and is looking for a replacement to be her admin assistant/secretary. William has indicated to Rebecca that he will try to get her that position to build her resume and help her career. Although the idea of working for her enemy disgusts the hell out of her, she can't dismiss the many opportunities and possibilities the job might bring. The work experience can't hurt either. However, despite her best efforts to stay away from Max Caulfield for now, she is unable to get out from having dinner with William's family tonight. This evening William will announce his relationship to his parents, will ask Chloe to get Rebecca the job, and will reveal a surprise that William has hinted all week long.

Rebecca patiently waits inside William's car trying to stay calm by mediating and taking deep breaths. They're currently outside Rachel's school to pick her up to have dinner at a 5-star French restaurant where they will meet the Caulfields.

Alright Rebecca. You can do this. If shit gets out of hand, just protect yourself at all costs. You're going to be in a public place. Nothing bad is going to happen. Just act cool. Just act like yourself. Treat them...with respect. Just endure it. Your time will come soon enough. Here they come.

From a distance, Rebecca sees Rachel happily running towards William's Tesla and tries to ride shotgun. However, as soon as Rachel sees Rebecca she gets spooked and her joyous smile disappears. Rachel walks away backwards and gets stopped by William. They exchange a few words until Rachel finally agrees to get into the car. She gets into the back seat and puts her My Little Pony backpack away and doesn't say a word to Rebecca. William gets in the car and begins to drive away from the school's parking lot. There's awkward silence in the car for a long minute until William breaks the ice.

"How was your day today Rach?"

"Umm I don't want to talk about it."

"Why?"

"I just don't want to talk about it."

"Something happened today?"

"Yes."

"Tell me what happened Rach. What is it a teacher? A bully?"

"Later okay?"

"You can tell me right now. Rebecca's my friend. She's cool. If something happened or if somebody did something to you, I need to know."

"No, later."

William looks at Rachel's clearly disturbed face and changes the subject. Rebecca just listens to their conversation and looks outside the window.

"What did you have for lunch today?"

"French toast."

"French toast for lunch!?"

"Yeah that's what they gave out today. Anyways, I didn't have any of it because some jerk stole my chocolate milk. I know who did it too. Oops."

"So that's what happened huh?"

"Kind of. Let's talk about something else please. I'll need to talk to mom about it later anyways. I got detention."

"Detention!? How?"

"I stole my chocolate milk back. Let's not talk about it please? I had a rough day. Where are we going to eat?"

"Whoa Rachel. I'm not sure how Mom will react to you getting detention. Pretty sure we all know how Chloe is going to react. Max is another story. Anyways, we're going to Red Cow-French food."

"That sounds great Will. I can't wait."

The awkward silence and tension returns inside the car. Rebecca feels obligated to say something but has nothing to say and knows that Rachel is not in the mood to talk. Before she can make small talk, she is surprised to hear Rachel asking her a question.

"Have you ever had French food Rebecca?"

"No, I don't think I have. Unless you count French Fries." Rebecca and William chuckles but Rachel doesn't laugh or smile at all.

"French Fries are not actually from France. They're from Belgium. So they are not French food."

Rachel's impudent response completely surprises Rebecca and William. Rebecca turns around to look at Rachel, who is staring right back.

Smartass kid. I knew that.

"You're pretty smart for your age. You know a lot of things don't you?"

"Yes, you can say that. I'm the smartest in my class actually."

"That's good to hear. Intelligence runs in the family I guess."

"Oh yes, my parents are VERY smart just like me. By the way Rebecca, why did you ran out screaming like a little girl at the party? You kind of freaked everybody out when you did that. Did something scare you?"

Rebecca's eyes widen in shock and she turns away from Rachel. William gets confused on Rachel's sudden flamboyant and coarse behavior.

"Whoa Rach! I know you're mad about what happened to you today but don't act like a rude brat. Rebecca got...sick...that's all. I'm sorry about that Rebecca, not sure why she's taking her bad day on you. She's not normally like this."

"No need to apologize Will. Rachel, I'm sure you didn't mean to be rude. Everybody has a bad day once in a while. It's part of life. Anyways, as William said, I got very sick at the party so I needed to leave immediately. I wanted to stay longer but I just couldn't. Do you get it now?"

Rachel smirks and nods her head.

"Don't worry Rebs, I totally get it."

They finally get to the French restaurant with the Caulfields already waiting for them. Chloe and Max both stand up and look eager to greet her. Rebecca remains calm and walks towards their table, holding hands with William. Rachel runs towards her parents and hugs both of them. Max and Chloe both smile and kiss Rebecca on the cheek as they greet her. Rebecca doesn't return the kisses and just smiles at them as they all take their seats. The waiter arrives to bring them the menus and get their drinks. She takes a good look of the menu but has no idea what to order. The feeling of being carefully observed by everybody at the table doesn't help either.

Okay what the hell do I order? None of this sounds good. Fromage d"Affinois? Vol-Au-Vent? Pâté de Campagne? I can't even pronounce half of this. I found a burger with fries option but do I really want to eat a burger right now? Ugh. I don't like how they are looking at me. Especially that brat Rachel. She's giving me the evil eyes. I could crush her heart right now if I wanted to. She needs to learn not to take out her frustration on others. Besides that though, so far so good. I don't think Maxine and Chloe are onto me yet. Everything is fine. Right. What the hell do I order then? Filet Mignon? That sounds fancy...and I know for sure I have heard that word before on food videos on Youtube. I hope it's good.

As they wait for their food and specialty beverages to arrive, William finally announces his relationship with Rebecca. Max and Chloe seem to be very excited for them. They even propose a wine toast.

"Congrats you two. I wish you guys well." Max Caulfield says.

"Finally had the courage to ask her out eh Will? Good job dude." Chloe winks and smiles as they touch wine glasses.

"Thanks guys." William says as he puts his arm over Rebecca, who smiles back and kisses him in the cheek.

Just play your role Rebecca. Just play your role.

"Oh! Before I forget! Mom, do you think you can give Rebecca here a job at your company? She needs to build her resume and get work experience."

"Well that depends. What kind of job do you want Rebecca?"

"Oh...umm...William mentioned to me...that secretary or assistant position you have available."

"Well actually, it's currently fulfilled but the person who I hired isn't doing a very good job right now. It's a very tough position though. I'm not the best person to work with to be honest, that's just who I am. I try to only hire and keep the most hard-working, determined, and skilled people. The person I hired is very experienced but I feel she doesn't really care about her job at all. Do you even have experience in business management, healthcare, or in fast paced office environment?"

"Not really. No."

"Then I don't see how you'd be a good fit. Sorry Rebecca."

"C'mon Chloe. Give her a chance. She doesn't have any relevant work experience but trust me, she's very bright and resourceful." William pleads but Chloe shakes her head indicating NO. Rebecca is a bit disappointed but at the same time, is relieved that she doesn't have to work for her enemy. However, Max Caulfield steps in and intervenes as she realizes that Rebecca looks upset.

"Chloe, why not give Rebecca a shot? I see potential in her. Don't you have another position available?"

"Well, I do have a backup receptionist and office admin position available but I don't think Rebecca even qualifies for that one either."

Max looks at Chloe's eyes and touches her hands.

"Chloe, the poor girl needs to find a job. Remember how hard it was for us to even get an entry-level job? She's about to start college as well. Let's help out somebody that our son really cares about."

"Please Mom."

Poor girl? You little..

Chloe looks at Rebecca, thinks it over, and nods her head.

"Fine. I'll give you that office admin position. However, just because you're my son's girlfriend, don't expect special treatment from me. You'll be treated the same as any regular employee. Your welcome Will."

"Great! Thanks Mom! I really appreciate it!"

Rebecca smiles and thanks both Chloe and Max. She shakes both of their hands.

"Thank you...Maxine...well...Miss Caulfield"

"No problem dear. Just call me Max please. It's never Maxine."

"Okay...Max..."

Meanwhile, Rachel has not taken her eyes off Rebecca during the entire conversation. Rebecca notices Rachel's glare and smiles at her but Rachel doesn't respond at all.

Stop staring at me you freaky little shit. Ugh just ignore her for now. Well, I got a job at the Caulfield company. That's neat I guess. I'm in the inside now. Step by Step...my revenge is getting closer and closer. As much as I hate to say it, I need to get that secretary position. It will draw me even closer to the Caulfields.

The food finally arrives and Rebecca enjoys the Filet mignon she ordered. She takes a quick glance on Rachel who seems to have observed how she eats but as soon they meet eyes, Rachel stops staring at her and behaves normally the rest of the evening. After they all eat, William once again breaks the silence.

"Since we are having such a good time together, I wanted to reveal something special. Rebecca, how would you like to go Paris and London before school starts?"

"What!? But we just went on vacation?"

"Why not another? College starts in a week. Why not enjoy the free time we still have left? We need to leave by tomorrow afternoon though. So do you want to go to Europe?"

A Paris and London Vacation as well? This guy knows how to treat a woman well. I'll give him that. Well...since college is coming up and all. Sure.

"Yeah, why not? I never been to Europe before. Why didn't you tell me earlier though?"

"I wanted to surprise you that's all. That look on your face made it all worth it."

"Have fun you two!" Chloe winks at them.

"Enjoy yourselves. You're in safe hands Rebecca. We've been to Paris and London countless times. William knows exactly what to do and where to eat over there." Max explains.

"That's...amazing. I can't wait for the trip."

"Glad to hear that Rebecca."

After dinner, William drops Rebecca off at her dorm room. Exhausted and relieved from the overwhelming tension and anxiety from having dinner with the Caulfields, she immediately goes to bed and calls it a night. After a nine hour sleep, Rebecca gets up and prepares for the flight to London. She packs everything she needs and walks around campus to get something to eat. On her way, she notices William texting on his phone and standing right next to the statue of George Washington.

Hmm...that's odd. He's here already? It's early still. Looks like he's waiting for somebody. What's going on?

Rebecca approaches William from behind which spooks him.

"Ah! Don't do that Rebecca!"

"Sorry, I couldn't resist. Why are you here?"

"I told you. I'm waiting to meet a friend from Portland."

"No, you didn't. A friend huh?"

"Yes I did! I texted you this morning to remind you that I was meeting an online friend today so if you needed me I would be close. I guess you weren't listening and didn't get text. Anyways, she'll be here any minute now."

"Oh it's a she?"

"Yes, it's a she. No worries. She's only a friend."

"Oh, I'm not jealous or anything. Just curious. I must've forgotten about your little friendly meeting. I haven't checked my phone in a while either. Because you know...all the fun we been having lately..."

Rebecca smiles and gently caresses William's chin. They begin to make out in front of the statue when William's friend, Stephanie, arrives. Stephanie, Rebecca's childhood friend, stops in her tracks once she sees them kissing. She immediately starts to feel heartbroken and is in complete shock. She drops the gift she bought for him and begins to breakdown. She recognizes the girl he's kissing, it's her best friend Rebecca. She wants nothing more but to walk away but ultimately decides to confront them. She tightens her fists, wipes her tears, and approaches the couple. She taps William on the shoulder and he turns around. Rebecca is completely surprised seeing Stephanie in front of them and is lost for words.

Oh shit! I forgot all about Steph and Roger. I forgot to tell her about my relationship with William. Oh fuck, this isn't good.

"Stephanie! Steph! It's you! Oh my god, it's so good to finally meet you! Sorry...I was...um...you know.."

"Hi William. I see you're busy now. Let's meet later okay?"

"No no no! Don't go. Sorry, this is my girlfriend-"

"I know who she is. Hi Rebecca, I guess you didn't get my text?"

"Wait, you guys know each other?" William asks as he steps aside from Stephanie approaching and facing Rebecca face to face.

"Oh, she's just an old friend from Portland. Hey Will, can you leave us girls alone? We need to catch up...in private."

"Well-okay then I guess. I'll text you later?"

"Yeah...sure."

"Alrighty then. Rebs, I'm coming to pick you up at 3 okay? Please check your phone and be ready. I'll see you later!"

Rebecca doesn't say a word to William as he leaves. The two of them stare at each other for a long minute until Stephanie finally breaks down.

"How...could you Rebecca? How can you do such a thing?"

"Sorry Steph, it just happened. He was there in my time of need."

"You knew damn well I liked him! You knew about my feelings towards him! You even promised me! You could've at least let me know about it!"

"I'm sorry Steph. I guess I just forgot about you..."

"You forgot about me? After everything we've been through together? No wonder you stopped texting me for weeks! I can't believe this Rebecca. I never would've imagined this!"

"Listen Steph, he clearly didn't reciprocate your feelings. You would've never been his-

Before Rebecca can finish her sentence, Stephanie's left hand connects with Rebecca's cheek causing her head to snap to the side. The slap was so loud that everybody near them stopped what they were doing to figure out what caused that noise. Rebecca clutches her face as the stinging pain from Stephanie's heavy blow overwhelms her. She looks at Stephanie straight in her eyes with anger and shock.

"YOU DON'T KNOW THAT REBECCA!" Stephanie shouts with tears flowing from her eyes.

I need to rewind that. She hit me real good. It fucking hurts so much. Alright, let's rewind this.

Rebecca rewinds time before the slap but is completely surprised to feel that the pain has not gone away. As soon as she realizes this, she can see Stephanie's left hand ready to strike her again.

What!? Why didn't the pain go away? Oh fuck!

Stephanie once again slaps Rebecca in the face causing her to fall on the ground. The force behind the two slaps completely overpowers Rebecca causing an ugly red slap mark to be formed on her face.

"We're no longer friends Rebecca. It doesn't seem like you care about our friendship anyways. I really hope we don't get a class together. I never knew it would come down to this. I'm really heartbroken and disappointed right now. Goodbye Rebecca."

Stephanie walks away as Rebecca struggles to get back up. For a moment, Rebecca thinks of seriously injuring Stephanie in retaliation but ultimately decides not do so.

I deserved that for being stupid. I should've texted her about my relationship with William. I should've known better and checked my messages. Dammit all. I'm not going to try to rewind that slap anymore, I don't want to be bitch-slapped again. It seems like my powers have limits of their own. I need be more careful from now on. How am I going to explain my mark to William? I don't want to be seen in London or Paris like this! I hope I have the proper makeup to cover this. Ow ow ow ow.

Rebecca returns to her dorm room and gets ready for her European vacation. Despite her best makeup efforts, there's still visible traces of the slap mark causing William and others to look at her with strange and worried looks at the airport. Despite all of that, Rebecca and William board their flight en route to London.

TO BE CONTINUED IN CHAPTER 22. CONSIDER THIS CHAPTER TO BE END OF "EPISODE 2".

CHAPTER 23 PREVIEW: College has started and it's very easy with time manipulation powers! First day working for the Caulfields wasn't too bad. Pretty boring company but they are making millions! I need to get rid of Mayra first. How can I convince Chloe to replace her with me? If only I could go to the future...wait...you again!?

Next chapter: Title TBA