Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson)

"Don't embarrass yourself!"

"Huh?"

When Steven opened his eyes, he was startled. "Jane? What are you doing here? Uh..."

Then, scratching his head awkwardly, "Well, you're here too."

"Yeah, just came to hang out with Christine. Make yourself at home." I teased, pointing at the shoe rack.

Judging by his reaction, this wasn't his first time here. No need for me to fetch him slippers.

Turning back, I shot Christine an inquisitive look.

Christine just shrugged. "It's not what you think. Still flying solo here."

"Jane, just wait for the good news from me!"

Steven had bounced back from his awkwardness, slipping into some slippers, all grins and banter.

Christine rolled her eyes. "Get lost. Why are you even here?"

"You said you were feeling under the weather. Came to check on you."

"Who visits the sick without bringing anything?"

"Well, you caught me off guard. I rushed over. Hold on, I'll order something right now."

Sensing it was my cue to leave, I grabbed my sketchpad and settled by the bedroom window, immersing myself back into work.

It was the time when kids were let out from school, and their laughter and play from the street below were distracting.

I couldn't help but wonder about my future kid.

If I had a boy, I'd want him to look like Bryant, with his one-in-a-million handsome face and long legs. But definitely not his personality. But his personality? Absolutely not. No deception, moodiness, or wishy- washiness.

And if it was a girl, let her be like me, but with more love to keep her forever basking in the sunshine.

Not treasuring the faintest glimmer of light like I did.

After who knows how long, Christine barged in. "Jane, wanna get some fresh air?"

"Where to?"

"You'll see."

She tugged at me. "Come on, let's have some fun. If you don't come along, I might end up drinking again..." "Alright, alright."

I gave in, hoping to keep her from drinking her woes away.

Steven drove, with Christine and me in the back.

"Alright, they're waiting for us at the usual spot," Steven glanced at his phone, then, multitasking, texted back in the group chat. "Bryant and Mark are MIA though." Looks like he was rounding up the crew.

After a few traffic lights, I knew exactly where we were headed.

Indeed, the "usual spot" was the same private club where I had to fetch Bryant in the dead of night last time.

Christine fiddled with her earring. "Give Mark another shout, would you? Jane's entering that design competition, might be good to network a bit."

Before I could object, she quickly added, "Not like last time. Just thinking ahead, you know? If you win, you'll have to collaborate with their team, better to get on good terms now." I smiled. "So sure I'll win, huh?"

"Absolutely."

Her words had barely left her mouth when Steven cursed in surprise. "What the... silent as the grave, and suddenly they're both in?"

"Who?" Christine chimed in, both of us having ignored the group chat.

Steven, "Bryant and Mark. You told me to nudge Mark, so I mentioned Jane was joining, thinking he'd want to liven things up. And boom, both replied in seconds, saying they're in." Christine wore a puzzled look. "What's up with Bryant?"

After a moment's thought, she turned to me. "Must be because of you, right?"