Unexpected

16 - birthday pt 2

EMMA POV

I felt like I had just been reborn. My newly highlighted hair fell in waves down my back. My nails had never looked so perfect. My muscles had never felt so relaxed. All the tension I had built up from going public with Ethan, struggling to meet deadlines with my videos, and trying to juggle a new relationship had melted into a pool of bliss. I would be sure to thoroughly thank Ethan later on today...

I had even splurged and gotten a spray tan, something not on Ethan's agenda, but James had assured me I had barely made a dent in Ethan's bank account. Swiping his card made me feel guilty at first, but with James instance I felt giddy with the endless possibility. It wasn't until he suggested we stop at a lingerie store that I had to put a stop to his madness. There were certain lines I was far from ready to cross.

"You have to try this on." James said, shoving a red sequined dress into my arms. It was short and completely backless, extremely out of my comfort zone. I couldn't disagree with him when he said my style was boyish, but it was what i liked the best.

"When am I going to wear this?" I asked staring at the slinky garment with a frown. I only left my apartment for food and to hangout with them which didn't really involve formal wear.

"Mmm I dunno a date with Ethan or something. Just try it on." He gave me a I-know-something-you-don't-know grin, but I decided not to question it. It was probably just James being extra as usual.

I reluctantly agreed, pulling my sweat shirt over my head and slipping into the dress. I didn't recognize the girl in the mirror. She looked hot and confident, 2 things I wasn't exactly familiar with. Maybe it was the fresh tan or my skin radiating from the facial, but I felt incredible. It was shorter than what I was used to, but it made me look like I actually had curves.

"Holy fucking shit" James' jaw dropped when I stepped out of the fitting room. He was clearly just as shocked as I was. "Emma you look incredible you have to get it!"

"I don't know, it's a bit much." I tried to play it off, but the excitement was plastered all over my features. I had to get this dress, even if it never saw the light of day.

"It's perfect, you can wear it tonight."

"Tonight?" I asked in confusion. Why would I need to wear such a thing to sit on my couch and gorge on takeout?

"Look I wasn't supposed to say anything, but I don't know how Ethan expected me to convince you to dress up tonight if I didn't give you a little hit. Just trust me and wear this tonight. Think of the Instagram opportunities."

—

"Emma if you don't stop squirming I'm going to poke your eye out." James huffed, slamming the brush down. He brought his fingertips up to his forehead, pinching the skin between his eyebrows.

"I'm just excited." I replied apologetically. I wasn't that excited. It was the ache to see Ethan that was keeping me from sitting still. The faster I got out of this makeup chair, the sooner I could be in his arms again. He let out an aggravated sigh and began working on my face once again.

I tried to sit as still as possible, not wanting to face the wrath of James. He promised he wasn't going to do anything crazy, but his idea of natural makeup was far from light handed. Either way I didn't have a choice. He claimed this was also part of Ethan's plans, but I knew this was all him.

"Okay perfect!" He squealed, clapping his hands together. He picked up a can of clear liquid and instructed me to close my eyes. "Final touch annnnnd...there! Oh my god sister this is kinda good and fresh."

"Okay, help me get dressed so we can go!" I jumped up from the chair before he could add any more "finishing touches" and ran to his room to change. I pulled the dress on letting James do the zipper and finally allowing myself to look in the mirror.

The dress was beautiful. Magical almost. I felt like a different person while simultaneously feeling the most "me" I had ever felt. Hopefully Ethan would love it just as much as I did.

—

"Why do we have to go to place again?" I asked James' for the millionth tome. I figured if I pestered him enough he would give up and drive straight to dinner so we could meet up with Ethan and Grayson.

"Emma, ask me that question again and so help me God. I told you, I left my lipgloss there and there is no way in hell I'm going out in public without it. My look won't be complete!" He shot me threatening look and continued driving towards my apartment.

"Are you sure I don't look ridiculous?" I tugged on my dress, my sudden doubt making me feel exposed.

"Emma, I'm wearing leather pants. If you haven't guessed it, we're not exactly going to in-n-out."

"You'd wear that even if we were going to in-n-out." I grabbed my phone and keys trying to gather myself before we pulled up to my apartment.

"Let's go or we'll be late." James said quickly, all of sudden wanting to rush.

James walked briskly despite his tall platform boots, leaving me struggling to keep up. I knew these heels he had coaxed me into wearing were a bad idea.

"God, could this elevator take any longer." He tapped his foot impatiently, checking his phone before shoving it back into his pocket.

"What's the rush we still have ti- jeez, hey, ouch!" James pushed me out of the elevator, shoving me towards my door. I fumbled with my keys, trying not to drop this and further anger James. I pushed the door open, welcoming the familiar darkness and scent of my apartment.

Just as I was about to hit the light switch, flashes of lights bombarded my face.

"Surprise!!!" A crowd of people screamed, popping cans of confetti and throwing balloons into the air.

Oh my God.

(Hey guys this is gonna be a 4-5 part series so I'm going to try to upload more frequently so I can move forward with the rest of the story. I don't want you guys to miss Ethan's POV too much either 😉 also if you guys could give me a little feed back. I don't know too much about California so I hope I'm doing okay describing things! Let me know please hahah x)

(Oh my gosh I've just seen my story is trending #1 under the Emma chamberlain tag thank u so much for your reads and comments 💖)