Unexpected

17 - birthday pt 3

EMMA POV

"Surprise!" The words were still ringing in my ears.

Ethan ran out from the crowd and lifted me into his arms by the bottoms of my thighs before I had a chance to fully absorb everything. Hopefully I wasn't flashing anyone.

"Happy birthday Emma" he said looking up to meet my eyes. I brought my face down to meet his with a kiss. Maybe it was all in my head, but this kiss felt different from the rest. It tasted of love and longing. When he set me back down I was still reeling.

"Happy birthday bitch"

"Grayson!" He wrapped me tight in a hug before delivering me back to a tense Ethan. He clearly hadn't completely worked through his ridiculous jealousy.

"How did you guys do all this?" I asked, truly shocked. There were decorations, food, and people everywhere. I waved to Bryant and some of my friends from back home and continued scanning the room. Oh my God, they had even gotten my parents here. I was suddenly embarrassed, remembering my extravagant display of affection with Ethan.

"It was all him." Grayson answered, pointing a thumb at his brother. Ethan looked at the floor shyly, shrugging his shoulders like it wasn't a big deal. "The kid hasn't slept in days and he's been driving me and James crazy with all his planning."

"Alright I think that's enough." Ethan shoved his brother away. "I hope this is okay I know you were looking forward to a quiet night in."

"Are you kidding me? This is...this is...thank you."  I wrapped my arms around him, hoping it would make up for the loss of words.

"Well I really hope you have fun tonight. Go say hi to your parents I'll catch up with you later."

I nodded giving him one final look. He looked incredible in his tight white button down. I was reluctant to leave him after being away from him all day, but I hadn't seen my parents in months.

"Oh and Emma," He caught my wrist just as I was walking away and pulled back closer to him. He whispered in my ear, "you look in credible tonight."

His words sent shivers down my spine. I had to use all my willpower to keep me from locking him in my room and tearing his clothes off.

—

"I can't believe you guys are here!" I shrieked, throwing my arms around my parents. I didn't want to let go.

"Your boyfriend planned the whole thing" my mom smiled, her eyes brimming with tears.

"Boy I never thought I'd hear those words, kid." I gave my dad a frown, but I agreed. I never thought I'd hear those words either.

"How long are you guys here for?" I grabbed some chips from my father's plate and shoved them in my mouth. I was starving. 

"Just for the night." They replied.

What? I had only just gotten to see them and they were leaving already?

"Oh dear, I'm sorry. I wish we could stay longer, but your dad has a gallery opening tomorrow morning and they just wouldn't let him reschedule it." My mom pulled me into another hug, running her hand over my hair. I missed her perfume and her soft skin. I didn't want to cry, but my emotions were all over the place.

"Go have fun kiddo. Don't spend your birthday hanging out with two farts in the corner." My dad nudged back towards the crowd. I looked back and gave him a big smile. I couldn't believe all the work Ethan had put into this.

—

I danced with Grayson and James till my feet felt like they were gonna fall off. I had eaten more than my stomach could take and my body was tingling from a sugar rush. Everything was amazing, aside from not being able to find Ethan for the past hour. It was like he had completely disappeared.

I felt selfish. I knew this party was for me to enjoy, but I got gotten so caught up with seeing my parents and thanking guests for coming I had almost forgotten my own boyfriend. What if he wasn't feeling well and I had spent all this time partying instead of making sure he was okay?

"I'm gonna try and find Ethan" I mouthed to James who was probably too ecstatic from dancing with Grayson to notice. He nodded and waved me away.

My apartment wasn't that big, so it shouldn't be too hard to find him. I pushed through the crowd with no luck. He hadn't been with the group of guys he had introduced me to earlier, he wasn't in the kitchen, he wasn't on the balcony. Where the hell was he?

I had given up. If he wanted to spend my birthday hiding from me, I would let him. I walked towards my room, wanting a second to sit and maybe take off these ridiculous shoes. I smiled and laughed, making small talk with everyone who stopped me on my way.

Finally, I had made it to my room.

"Oh."

Ethan.

—

Fire had replaced the blood running through my veins. Not even the dress's ability to give me an alter ego could shield me from this pain. I once thought my world was crashing down on me when I had to face the public with my relationship, but it didn't come close to this. They say everything in life happens for a reason, but some things have no just cause. Some things hurt beyond repair, leaving wounds that may never fully heal. The girl I saw in the mirror earlier today was fearless. She demanded attention and respect. The girl my body carried inside of me now, bore no resemblance to the fantasy of the person I had been living.

—

Everything felt like a blur.

"It's time to cut the cake Emma!" James grabbed my hand, pulling me back into the crowd I had just narrowly escaped. He didn't take a look back to see the tears staining my cheeks.

They were happy tears. I was overwhelmed with everyone's love and well wishes. That is what I would say, if anyone asked.

I plastered a smile on my face, my cheeks burning from the forced gesture. I was used to pretending to be okay. Tonight would be no different.

I blew out my candles, posing for pictures, laughing when Grayson smeared icing on my nose. I had friends who loved me, what more could I need?

I hugged my parents goodbye. My tears wetting my mother's blouse. They're happy tears, I repeated for the tenth time tonight. They left without a second guess, my ruse had worked.

I danced. I ate. I carried on like nothing was wrong. It wasn't until the guests started leaving and place was nearly empty that the realization began to hit.

'I'm sweaty from dancing, I just need a long shower. I had a great time. Thank you for coming. This was the best day ever.' How many more lies could I tell before someone would see right through me?

My empty bed had never looked so comforting.