Step

Chapter 2: Birthday Parties and Surprises

"Happy Birthday!" I heard and literally almost fell out of my bed. I opened my eyes and saw my mom and sisters standing in my room, grinning.

"Really? You couldn't let me sleep in? It is my birthday," I grumbled, getting out of bed.

"No! You have to get ready for the party!" Nika chirped.

"And Yaser and his daughters will be here in a little bit," my mom added. "Zayn is coming later," she said, answering my unasked question. Zayn had told me that he was coming to my party so i was confused when my mom only said Yaser and his daughters. I nodded and looked in the mirror. Nika was right I did need to get ready.

"Okay, I love you all. Now get out so I can get ready for my party," I said, pushing them out of my room. I showered and blow dried my hair, leaving it in it's natural waves. I put on some simple make-up, mostly just some black eyeliner, mascara, and lip gloss. Then I put on my undergarments and smiled at the outfit I had picked out the night before. It was a simple, loose, white tank top that I paired with shiny, black shorts, and a pink blazer type thing. I slipped on my sandals and went downstairs. My mom had breakfast sitting on the counter for me. The girls were no where to be seen. I heard British accents from the living room and realized that Yaser was probably here. I ate then made my way to the living room. My mom was talking to Yaser, Doniyah, and Waliyah. I joined them after hellos and happy birthdays were exchanged. Soon my mom started cooking the food for the party and my friends started to arrive. I introduced my two best friends to my soon to be step family but other than that I didn't really introduce my friends to them. I was talking to my best friends when I heard them gasp as they looked behind me. In fact all my friends were looking behind me. I looked at them confused then I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around and gasped as well. Zayn was here but he also brought Perrie and the other boys.

"I hope you don't mind that I brought a few friends," he said smirking.

"Not at all. Thanks for coming Z," I said, hugging him. He introduced me to the others and I introduced my friends. Eventually the shock of One Direction showing up at my party wore off and everyone went back to their own conversations. Zayn and Perrie pulled me aside from everyone else.

"We have a present for you but we wanted you to open it now," Perrie explained.

"You guys didn't have to get me anything. You guys showing up is more than enough," I replied. Zayn just shook his head and handed me a bag. I opened it and quickly tried to give the bag back to him. "No I can't accept this. It's way too expensive." Zayn chuckled.

"Compared to some of the things we could have gotten you this is cheap. It's just a phone Ani. It's really not a big deal," he insisted. I looked at Perrie even though I knew she'd side with him.

"Don't look at me. It was my idea as soon as I heard you didn't have a phone," she said smiling. I sighed and nodded.

"Thank you guys so much." I gave in then gave them both hugs. I went over and saved Liam, Louis, Niall, and Harry from my friends. After a few more hours, my friends all left and I was helping my mom clean up. Once we were finished I sat in the living room with the boys, Perrie, Doniyah, and Waliyah. We just relaxed and got to know each other. Okay it was mostly them getting to know me. Harry was actually pretty funny and he was much sweeter than I imagined. Perrie was so excited for her and Zayn's wedding. And Zayn's face when he looked at her... it was adorable. I loved getting to know the boys and Perrie. I was about to go upstairs and change into pajamas when there was a knock at the door. I opened it and there was a man standing there. "Can I help you?"

"Wow you look so much like your mother. You've grown up into such a beautiful young woman," he said and I looked at him confused until it hit me. My father. I called for my mother and she came to the door quickly then glared.

"What the hell are you doing here Jason?" she growled.

"My little girl turns 18 today. You didn't really think I'd miss it did you?" he asked. That's when I lost it.

"Didn't think you'd miss my eighteenth birthday? Why would we think you'd show up? You ran off ten years ago! You missed ten birthdays! You missed my first boyfriend, my first school dance, my first day of high school! My best friend's dad taught me how to drive! You have zero right to show up here after ten years! Ten fucking years!" I screamed at him then ran upstairs to my bedroom. I heard footsteps behind but I ignored whoever it was and threw myself on my bed crying loudly. Someone sat on the edge of my bed and rubbed my back. I looked up slightly and saw Zayn. I sat up and leaned into his chest.

"He's an ass. How dare he show up like this after ten years," he said softly and I slowly stopped crying. He kept saying mean things about my father in my ear. I eventually cracked a smile.

"Thank you," I whispered, not trusting my voice if I tried to talk louder.

"Don't worry about it An. I don't know what it's like to have a dad like that but you're gonna be my sister and I'm always there for my sisters." I smiled a little bigger and looked up when there was a knock at the door.

"Zayn do you mind if I talk to my daughter for a minute?" my mom asked.

"Not at all Jana," he replied. He kissed my head and stood up. "I'll be right downstairs if you need me okay?" I nodded as he left and my mom took his place on my bed. She rubbed my back gently.

"Why? Why now?" I asked softly.

"I have no idea baby. And I don't blame you for screaming at him. I made sure he left and he knows he isn't welcome here again." I nodded and wiped my eyes. "You okay sweetie?"

"I will be," I replied. She nodded and left me alone. I changed into my pajamas and washed my face so my eyes weren't as red. I slowly made my way back downstairs. The others all gave me comforting hugs which definitely helped me feel better. Harry insisted I sit next to him but so did Doniyah and Waliyah. I ended up sitting between the two girls much to Harry's dismay. We spent the rest of the night watching movies and goofing off. Even with the one unwanted visitor I ended up having a really great birthday.

The song for this chapter is I Wonder by Kellie Pickler. I know it's about her mom instead of her dad and the feelings are different but it's the only one I could find that I liked that kind of went with the chapter.