MR WRONG

Chapter 1

CHAPTER ONE

   "Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, dear Jolie... Happy birthday to you..."

While I listen to my parents sing, I'm chewing on my nails. It's because I hate it. I find that when people sing to me, I get really uncomfortable. I know they mean well, but seriously, just give me my card so I can get outta here. The bonus is when I get my card. It's always filled with money. It's always a plus for birthdays. Well, for mine it is. No, I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but I'm supposed to be meeting my friend today.

"Thanks, guys, that's great. Um, is it okay to go out? I know we normally spend the day together, but Karah wants to meet up in town. We'll do a little shopping, and then maybe hit the cinema."

Their smiles falter, and it made me feel bad, but we've already made our plans. Besides, my parents had seventeen birthdays with me already, so this one won't hurt, right?

"Oh," mum said while my dad tilts his head. It's like my question was in another language.

"Sorry, I kinda made plans with her. You guys don't mind, right? I mean, we can do something later. It's just, we kinda want to go out and shop."

While I wait on their response, I chew my nails again. My mother tells me off about it all the time. Apparently, I'll get "boy fingers." Yeah, she's nuts.

"Well, I guess it is okay. We planned to watch your old baby videos and maybe look through a few old photos. We-"

Before she can say any more guilting words, I'm up and out of my seat. I also thank them before they change their minds. I know they mean well, but come on, I've already watched those videos and those photos, a million times. I can't face looking through them again. Believe me, they aren't that special. While thanking them, I also gave big hugs. As soon as I tell them, "I won't be late" I'm outta there. Oh boy, that was easier than I thought.

***

When I finally got to the town centre, I head to the music store. I'm still a little early so I thought I'd check out their selections, old school being my favourites. I adore the seventies and eighties stuff. I know they're way out of my era, but they're just so funky. I love a bit of rock too. My parents think I'm too innocent for that kind of music, but I still listen to it - just not around them. You see, my parents are pretty strict. They don't allow me to do much. Well, not without their say-so anyway. They're pretty much church lovers, so everything they deem "bad" is a sin. I have to stay clear of it - including boys. Yet, there is a boy I'm having trouble looking away from. He's standing by the register, looking like sin. Oh lord, have mercy. He's beautiful, and also out of my league. He looks like your typical "popular guy." You know the ones, right? All the girls swoon over him, but he only has eyes for the popular girl. Mostly ones who we mere mortals have no luck getting a sniff of his cologne.

After sighing at the sight of him, I turn back to the CDs in front of me. I can't decide if I want the eighties remix or a bit of Wham. Yeah, since George passed away, I'm fascinated with his music. I just have to hear more.

"I'd go with Wham. It's got pretty decent remixes on it."

My head snaps up when I hear a smooth male voice wash over the back of my neck. Yet when I turn my head and find his eyes; my stomach danced while my hands trembled. It's him, the godlike creature. He's standing behind me just off to my left. He's so close I can smell him. Yep, this mere mortal is getting a good whiff of him. Lord, he smells so good.

"Oh,"

Oh, seriously? That's all I've got? Come on, woman, you're better than this.

"Y-yeah, I've heard good things about it. I'm kinda wondering why you'd like it. You don't look like a 'Wham' kind of boy."