by N. Natishna
He nodded, amused at my excitement.
After I came back down from that high, I opened the big gift from my sister and her family. When I read the card I laughed.
“Wow, Jon, this looks like your actual signature,” I teased. Last year he was out of town and Kat had to sign the card for him. I poked at him for months about it.
“It is,” he huffed and gestured to the present. “Just open the gift.”
I chuckled as I un-wrapped it, finding a beautiful box under it. The mahogany box had intricate designs on the sides, a glossy feel, and an old-fashioned gold lock below the lid. For a second I just stared at it and then fingered the lock.
“This is so gorgeous,” I said softly as I ran my hands over the carvings.
“Go on and open it, Piglet,” Kat told me and I did as she said. My eyes got bigger as I took in the box’s contents. There were all kinds of metal tools and brushes, along with what I knew were heating tools for hot wax painting. I lifted one of the jars that were stacked to one side and smiled as my eyes took in the wax.
“I’ve always wanted to try hot wax painting,” I said breathlessly. I looked up at my sister and Jon. “Thank you so much.”
Kat beamed. “You’re welcome, Piglet. I just knew you’d love it.”
Of course she did, that’s what was great about having her as a sister. I mentioned hot wax painting to her about a year ago and never said anything about it to her after that. The woman had impeccable memory.
I shook my head and shut the lid to the box.
“I love my gifts, thank you so much.”
I watched as Kat clapped her hands together and grinned at me. Jon wrapped his arms around her, rubbing her belly as he kissed her temple. I sighed, content with my life right now. I don’t think I realized how much love radiated in this family until now. As complicated and different as we are, we’re very close knit and loving. Deklan fit right in with us – a perfect fit actually.
Feeling emotion welling up inside me, I pushed back my chair and stood.
“If you guys will excuse me, I’m going to change for the party.” I bent to kiss Deklan. “I’ll be quick so you don’t feel abandoned with them.”
“Hey!” Kat scoffed and crossed her arms. I laughed and rolled my eyes as I turned to run back in the house, and up to my room. I stripped and then put on the white lace panty and bra set I’d bought to go with my new dress. I had a little trouble with the strapless bra, because my hands were shaking from the nerves. I was still praying that tonight with Deklan went just as I wished. I’d gone with Aria and Bianca to get on birth control. It didn’t hurt at all and I just had to go back in three months for another shot.
On my bed lay my new dress that my mom brought back for me; an early birthday present. It was a white, nylon spandex dress that stopped mid-thigh and had a black lace panel, capped-sleeved top that was see-through above my chest. I slid it over my body and checked it out it in the mirror as I ran my hands down the sides. My curves were very defined in the outfit and I bit my lip as the thought of Deklan’s hands sliding the dress off of me came to mind. He’d be so gentle; I had absolute faith in that.
I stepped into my black, open-toed pumps and then swept my curls to the side, clipping it with a black diamond clip. I reapplied my lip gloss and looked over at Snow and Twinkle lounging on my bed.
“Well, what do you girls think?” Twinkle started licking her paw while Snow looked at me with a bored expression. “I’ll take that as a positive.” I kissed their fluffy heads and headed back downstairs. Deklan was at the foot of the stairs talking with my dad. By the look on my dad’s face I could tell that it was a serious conversation, and I picked up my pace. They both looked up when they heard my heels on the stairs.
I mentally praised my mother for this dress when I saw the look on Deklan’s face. I had a feeling that getting into to this rocker boy’s dark, worn-out Wranglers would be easy.
Piece. Of. Cake.
✽✽✽
Deklan
I’m so screwed, I thought to myself as I watched – or more like gawked – at my hot-as-sin girlfriend make her way to me. My eyes raked over her more than a couple times, but I tried not to; not while Dr. Van Buren was just in the middle of tearing me a new one. Whew, that man could make a drill sergeant sound like Tinker Bell when it came to his daughter.
“Hey,” she said softly and slid her hand down my arm to capture my hand. I had to clear my throat and ignore the shiver that ran through me from her touch. That’s the last thing I needed with her dad standing right beside me.
“Hi.”
She looked around me and smiled at her dad. “I’ll call later to check up, Daddy. Love you.”
“Happy birthday, Princess.” He bent and kissed her forehead. “Love you, too.”
His sharp eyes cut to me and I swallowed the large lump in my throat. Shit, this man scared the living piss out of me. “Deklan, remember what we talked about.”
I nodded and squeezed Emma’s hand tightly. “I’ll take good care of her, Sir.”
As she pulled me to the door, Kat and Cecile scuttled into the room. Well, Kat more waddled than walked.
“Wait, wait!” Kat said with excitement. “We want to get a picture of you guys!”
“Just go with it,” Emma said and turned around. “They’ll follow us to the party if we don’t.”
I chuckled and did as the women instructed. After they were satisfied with the shots they took, Emma hugged them and then kissed TJ on the cheek.
“I had so much fun today,” she told them. “Thanks again for the gifts. You guys are the best.”
“Be safe, sweetheart,” Dr. Van Buren told her. He tweaked her nose playfully, and I saw the noticeable softening of his features as he spoke to her. “You look beautiful.”
“Thank you, Daddy.”
When we got out to the car her eyes were glistening with unshed tears. I reached over the console to cup her cheek, rubbing my thumb over her softness.
“You okay, Pixie?”
She nodded and gave me a shaky, but sunny smile. “I always cry when I’m happy. My family just means so much to me.”
I nodded and lowered my head to kiss away the tears that had escaped. Seeing her family, and how loyal and devoted they were to each other, had me wishing I’d had the same thing growing up. Not as much for me, but for Molly. She was the one who needed the comfort and support, with her gift and all. Finding out at such a young age that you have such a rare gift would be hard on any child.
I didn’t begrudge Emma, though. Knowing that she grew up around so many people that cared so much for her and seeing how happy she was made my love for her grow.
“You’re so lucky,” I whispered against her lips. “I’d give anything to have such a loving family.”
“Oh Dek, you do have one.” She pulled back and I got lost in the intense way she looked at me. “You’ve got Molly and you’ve got me, and our friends. We all love you so very much.”
Did she just say she loved me? I blinked and then she pulled back to put her seatbelt on, turning her eyes from mine. The way her skin tinted a pretty pink gave me some insight.
I shook my head and started the car. She didn’t have to say it for me to know. I already knew she did, and tonight I’d tell her just how much I loved her as well.
“What do you say we have ourselves a birthday bash, Pixie?”
She sighed and relaxed, dazzling me with her thousand watt smile. “Let’s do it.”
✽✽✽
Emma
We got to the beach house just five minutes early, and my eyes went wide as I took in the bunch of cars parked around the place. I bounced excitedly when Deklan helped me out of the car.
“You guys are going to be so great tonight!” I cheered as we made our way to the back of the house. I had seen the guys setting up on the concert stage that was on the beach as we drove up. I always got amped up whenever my guy was about to play his heart out.
“Look who it is
! Let’s give it up to the birthday girl, ladies and gentlemen!” I heard Zane’s voice boom over the loudspeakers as we came into view. A round of clapping and whistling rang out and I bounced on my toes with glee. Luke, Bianca, Aria, and Molly were standing behind the tiki bar on the deck. I waved at them and then at the other guests, trying to hold back my happy tears.
I gripped Deklan’s hand tighter and made my way through the throng of people, smiling at everyone as they wished me a happy birthday. Just like at school, people are quick to make a path. I found it comical that there were people who were actually afraid of my sweet and gentle giant, but I had to remember that not everyone knew him the way I did.
“Happy birthday, Baby doll!” Bianca squealed as she launched herself at me. I laughed as Molly and Aria joined her, squeezing the stuffing out of me.
“Everything looks perfect, guys.” I gave Luke a one-armed hug as he kissed my cheek. “Thank you all so much.”
“It’s gonna be a great night!” Aria giggled and nodded behind me. Reggie came running up, throwing his arms around my waist and hoisting me in the air. I squealed and put my hands on his back, lifting my head so I could see somewhat behind me. Jeff’s grinning face came into view and he leaned in to kiss my cheek.
“Happy birthday, Slim!” he said cheerily. I smiled back joyfully and then pushed up so I was straight. Everyone was cheering louder and clapping, making my face flush.
Reggie hooted loudly and threw his fist in the air. “Let’s hear it for our girl, Emma!”
Whistling broke out with the cheering and I gave a dramatic bow. “Thank you!” I yelled. Reggie set me back down and kissed my cheek like Jeff had.
“Happy b-day, girl,” he said with his mischievous smile.
“Reg, you ass,” I said on a sigh, and then hugged him, muttering, “Thank you.”
“Happy birthday, Emma!” I jumped when someone slapped my butt with force. I whipped around when another one landed right after that. A group of guys passed by with perverted smiles on their faces.
“Are you fucking kidding me?” I heard Deklan shout angrily on the other side of Reggie. He took a step toward the group as they hustled off. I hurried to stand in front of him and pressed both of my hands against his chest. He glared down at me with rage I’d only seen once, and that was also when someone had put their hands on me. As much scum as they were, I feared for their lives as I took in my boyfriend’s tenseness.
“Let them go, baby,” I said softly and smoothed my hands over his chest, trying to soothe him. “Their idiots and not worth the time.”
“I don’t give a flying fuck,” he said harshly. I tried to pull him down for a kiss, but he stood firm as he glared out at the crowd. I frowned when his stormy eyes came back down to me. “You think I wanna see dudes have their hands anywhere on my girl, let alone her fucking ass?”
My eyes popped and I glanced around at some of the people that were staring at us. “Deklan, lower your voice, please,” I whispered fiercely and pulled him into the house, ignoring Aria’s look of sympathy. I’m sure she knows just what I was feeling. Zane never knows how to lower his voice when he’s pissed, either. I didn’t want to argue with him in front of everyone. That was the one thing I actually didn’t want the whole school to witness.
I didn’t stop until we were upstairs and in one of the guest rooms. I closed the door and turned to face him. “Deklan, you need to calm down, okay? Guys like them are ignorant and egotistical. They aren’t worth it. It’s no big deal.”
“No big deal? It’s a big deal to me when I have to watch guys touching you where I thought only my hands were allowed to touch!” His voice rose higher and I started to get frustrated.
“You are being completely unreasonable. Please, calm down, for goodness sakes! Why are you being this way?”
He ran his hand angrily through his hair. I swear, I was so close to stomping my foot. “I’m being this way because my damn girlfriend thinks it’s okay to let a bunch of guys feel her up like she’s some damn whore!”
I gasped and took a step back, instant tears, that definitely weren’t happy ones, welled up and rolled down my cheeks.
Deklan squeezed his eyes shut. “Shit,” he cursed and reached out to grab me, but I stepped back again. “Baby, I didn’t mean that. I’m just upset and -”
“Get out,” I whispered on a choked sob and walked farther out of his reach.
“Emma, baby, I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking!”
“Get out!” I said louder and walked into the connecting bathroom, slamming and locking the door. I slumped back against it and covered my face with my hands, ignoring Deklan’s pleas for me to open the door.
Not even ten minutes into my party and my night was already ruined. It was like I was cursed…doomed to never have a decent birthday bash.
A whore. My boyfriend called me a freaking whore! Sobs shook my body as that sunk in. Of course I didn’t think it was okay for guys to put their disgusting hands anywhere on me, but the last thing I wanted was Deklan getting into a fight. I knew he could take care of himself, but I don’t think I could stand by and watch guys taking a swing at him.
“Baby, please open the door,” Deklan said in a husky voice. I knew he was upset, and I wanted nothing more than to comfort him. The image of tears on his beautiful face had my gut twisting. But he was the one to call me something horrendous. I just couldn’t look at him at the moment. I had to stay strong, damn it!
“Deklan, just go away. I honestly can’t talk to you right now, okay?”
I quickly turned the sink on full blast to drown out anything more he’d want to say. I leaned over the sink and took a few deep breaths. This was our first argument and I didn’t like it one bit. Of course, nobody likes to argue with the one they love. I thought back to the few fights my parents had, wanting to know how I was supposed to deal with this. I had to resist the urge to pull out my phone a cry to my sister. But this was one problem my sister couldn’t help me with.
When I finished my ridiculous crying jig I shook my head and looked up at my reflection. My eyes were puffy and red, but no running makeup. I silently thanked the inventor of waterproof mascara. I swear, if it wasn’t for them I’d go through a tube a day with as much of a crier that I was.
I took a deep breath and ran a washcloth under the water. I wrung it out before lightly holding it on my face to help bring my swelling eyes down. It was times like this that I wish I carried cucumbers with me. Although, in my defense; I don’t usually cry like a darn watering pot on a daily basis.
I had to pull myself together and go enjoy my party that my friends worked so hard to put together for me. As much as it hurt me to be away from Deklan, I knew being around him right now would dampen my spirit more. I loved him…my gut told me I’d most likely always love him…but his words had cut, deeply. I wanted to make sure he knew that. I wasn’t a stupid girl; I knew I’d eventually get over this, mostly because being apart from Deklan sucked. I hated this, and when I finally got over being upset, I was going to tell him fights were just unacceptable.
After about ten minutes of holding the warm cloth to my face I tossed it in the basket by the door and opened the black clutch purse I had with me. I reapplied my lip gloss and turned off the water before opening the bathroom door and peering out.
Deklan was nowhere in sight and I sighed with relief, but my shoulders hunched in disappointment. He was just giving me the space I had asked for, so I shouldn’t be so put out. When I passed the full-length mirror next to the dresser I stopped to make sure I looked okay. I smoothed down my dress and then remembered the sexy panty and bra set I’d put on. I wanted tonight to be special, but things were turning around for the worst.
I groaned and shook those irritating thoughts away. No, I didn’t want to think that way. The night was still early and Deklan and I just needed to cool off, then we’ll be just fine.
CHAPTER 12.
I primped my hair and walked out of the bedroom. The music was blaring and I
peered over the railing of the stairs to see that the kitchen was already full of people. Through the back door I noticed just how huge this party had gotten. Before I came to the bottom of the stairs I quickly scanned the crowd for my tall, buff boyfriend. Liam had told me that Coming Undone wasn’t performing until after I got my birthday cake, so I didn’t see Deklan by the stage.
I walked around inside to hang out and chat with others. I noticed a lot of people who went to my school, but there were some that I didn’t know at all, and a few college students. I laughed and conversed for an hour and a half while keeping an eye out for Deklan. After that, I got the feeling that if I wanted a damn apology, I’d have to go and get it instead of sitting and waiting for him.
“Emma!” I turned towards the voice calling me. Molly pushed passed a couple of guys and pulled me into a shaded corner. “Is everything all right with you and my brother?”
The concern so clear on her face had me softening towards her. I smiled warmly and placed my hand on her arm.
“Every couple has a first fight, Moll. It’s nothing to worry over, I promise.”
She looked so relieved that I chuckled.
“I was so worried.” Her face that normally had a scowl had completely disappeared. She looked so young and vulnerable, and Deklan’s words whispered through my mind.
“Yeah, well it was three years ago, but she came through a lot different than anybody thought.”
“She started putting on this I-don’t-give-a-shit attitude and locked up her emotions.”
That was still her normal attitude, but right now the walls were down and the innocence in her eyes was clear. My throat choked up and I hurried to look away from those eyes as intense as her brother’s. I looked down at the strapless, black silk dress that hugged her chest and swayed around her thighs, stopping inches above her knees. Bianca had lent it to her and I had to give Flame some credit; the dress was so Molly – innocent yet sassy.