This Only Happens Once *partial edits

Secrets

Chapter Six

Maria POV

For my birthday celebration they took me to the bowling alley. Everyone knew I sucked at bowling, but that didn't mean I couldn't enjoy it!

We played a few games. As usual I lost all the games. My highest score was 81. Dylan won the first game, Caden won the second, and they both tied on the last one. That did not make them happy.

After we finished bowling we headed back to Ashley's house for cake and presents.

When we got there Ashley and Ariana got out the cake and of course it was my favorite kind. It was ice cream cake from Dairy Queen! I absolutely love this cake. I, of course, got the first and biggest slice since it was my birthday.

After we ate the cake we decided to open up my presents. First, I was dragged upstairs by Ariana and Ashley because they didn't want to give it to me in front of everyone. They told me they thought it was best if they didn't find out what it was. I had a confused look on my face as I was being dragged upstairs and let me tell you, those stairs are steep.

I was given a little box wrapped in pink wrapping paper. I ripped it open and saw what it was. It was a red lacy thong.

"Oh my god you guys really?" I half screeched, half whispered.

"Yep!" They both answered in a chipper voice while grinning like maniacs. I hit them both on the head so hard they were rubbing it in pain.

"Well then we better get downstairs. Let's go."

As soon as I stepped off of the bottom step I saw how many presents I had gotten. They were piled up in a big mound in the center of the room. All of the guys had to have helped bring them out because they were not there before I left with the girls.

I went to the pile and picked up one.

"Wait! Wait until I get back to open any presents!" Caden yelled behind him while he ran out to his car. I saw him digging around in the back seat, trying to get something out. I could tell it had to be big if he was having trouble getting it out.

When Caden came back in he was carrying a giant box that was wrapped in sparkling wrapping paper. There was a bow on top, completing the wrapping. He must have gotten it after I left and came over here.

I went back to digging into the pile of presents. The first one I got was from Caroline. I opened it and saw an adorable pair of high heels. They were a sparkling gold color. When I moved them around I saw that they shimmered in the light. I love them!

I grabbed another. I opened it up and saw it was another one from Ashley and Ariana, but this one included Dylan too. Once it was opened I saw that it was a bunch of make up! It was so much. There had to of been at least fifty different things.

Blake and Jason had gotten me a necklace with matching earrings, sunglasses, a new iPhone case, and a big fluffy purple blanket.

Alex and Chase got me another iPhone case, money, and a blue zebra striped pillow.

I had three more presents to open. I opened one that was from Dylan. It was a beautiful gold necklace with matching earrings! The necklace and earrings were simple enough that I could wear it everyday with anything.

I grabbed Caden's next. I ripped it open. There was a humongous teddy bear in it! I pulled it out and noticed it had the most exquisite diamond necklace around its neck. I also noticed it had a beautiful bracelet around its paw.

"Here let me put the necklace on you." Caden said like a polite gentleman. Reaching over and taking it off of the bear, he came behind me and I moved my hair. He placed it around my neck and did the clasp. It landed in the middle of my chest, just where it was supposed to be.

After he finished, he turned me around and looked me in the eye. I kissed him letting him know how much I loved it.

"Uh hello? Maria you still have one more!"

I broke our kiss and got the last present. I noticed it was from everyone including Caden.

It was tiny though. nothing I've ever gotten was this small. I wonder what it is. I reached for it and saw that it was in a flat box. I opened the box and saw 2 front row seats and back stage passes to the One Direction concert!!!

"OH MY GOD NO WAY! I LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH RIGHT NOW!" I yelled at the top of my lungs. This wasn't even close to how I'm feeling right now.

I ran over to all of them and hugged them as tightly as I could.

I finally let go and smiled like crazy.

"Thank you guys so much! I love everything I got!"

I said my chorus of thank you's before Caden spoke shortly after.

"Maria, we need to get back to the pack house. The meeting is soon." Caden informed me.

"Okay let's go. I'll see you guys at the meeting! Bye and thanks for all the presents!!"

"Bye!" I heard a chorus of voices say behind me as I left.

I walked out with Caden's arm around my waist.

I could definitely get used to this. I thought smiling to myself. This was the best birthday I've ever had.

Caden and I split our separate ways, heading to each of our vehicles. I followed Caden's car. We made one turn and I noticed this wasn't the way to the pack house. I picked up my phone to call Caden.

Ring.

Ring.

"Hello?" I heard his voice.

"Where are we going? The pack house is the other way." I asked him in a worried voice.

"Don't worry about it. It's a surprise. Just follow me."

"Okay. I'll see you in a bit them."

"Bye"

I ended the call and continued following him.

Caden made a few more turns before stopping and parking. He got out and before I could open my door, I saw that he was already there opening it for me. I hopped out of the truck and grabbed his hand. He led me into the woods and towards a group of trees. I noticed a small building in the middle of them.

"What is this place?" I asked him. We were climbing the stairs that wrapped around and went up. They led to the little house.

"This place is my special place. Only a few people know about it though. I thought I could share it with you now because you are so special to me. I used to come here all the time as a kid. It helps me relax and think about life. I made it with my dad when I was only about five years old."

Wow. So he's had this place for about thirteen years.

"I've grown up with this place. It has helped me through a lot of tough times. It was always my secret, but now it's your's as well."