Today's day was nothing but a bliss. Thanks to Ethan. And sorry to Ethan as well. Mom told me that dad had a fifteen minutes long conversation with him, and I can just imagine what they were talking about.
It's almost midnight and I'm laying sleepless in my bed, still processing today's events. It's hard to believe that I actually kissed Ethan! What's more is that he kissed me back!
I start smiling unconsciously whenever I think about it. I just can't get this feeling out of my head.
Just like all good things come to an end, my open eyed dreaming was interrupted as well. I received a text. But on the brighter side, it was from Ethan. He was asking if I was up.. smiling like crazies, I replied I was awake.
He immediately texted back, asking if he can call me...
I felt a tingling sensation in my tummy, and my cheeks were hurting because of the grin as wide as Australia, plastered on my face. First I wrote 'why not', but then I thought I was sounding too desperate, so I changed it to a simpler, 'okay'. He doesn't has to know how sweaty I'm feeling right now.
When my phone strated to vibrate on my bed, I just kept looking at it wide eyed, taking deep breaths, trying to control my heart rate. I picked up only after it was normal.
"Hello?"
"Hey. I hope I didn't wake you up?"
"Nope. I wasn't sleeping."
"And I also hope, that you enjoyed today's day with me?"
"I did. I enjoyed myself after a very long time, all thanks to you. And sorry too. I don't know what dad said to you, but it definitely wasn't sunshine and rainbows."
"To be honest, it was better than what I was expecting."
"That's nice."
"It surely is. Do you mind checking the time for me?"
"Sure. It's... Twelve. Should you be doing something else now?"
"Yes. I should be wishing you a very happy eighteenth birthday."
My eyebrows shot up in surprise,
"Who told you?"
"You not used to people giving you birthday wishes?"
"Other than my family, no one knows about my actual birthday. I keep a fake date on all of my online profiles."
"Why's that?"
"I prefer celebrating my birthday with my family only. Others can wait. But you didn't answer my question. How do you know it's my birthday today?"
"Your dad told me."
"Really? That's surprising. Was he like, 'its my daughter's birthday and you better take care of her?'"
"No. He was like, 'its my daughter's birthday and you better stay away from her.'"
A short laugh escaped my lips. I love my dad...
"So you are going to listen to him?"
"I'm afraid I have to.."
"Oh?"
"Yeah. There's this press conference at Miami this evening, and I have to attend it. I'll have to leave for airport around nine, and I won't be back till the next evening, but I promise I'll make it up to you."
"Okay."
"Grace... You are not sounding sad at all."
"Because I'm not. It's good for you that you'll be out. I'd have spent my birthday with my parents anyway. There's no way I'll abandon them for anyone."
"You are one real cruel person."
I could imagine his alluring smile while he was saying this.
"I never said I'm not."
"That you didn't. Anyway. You should take some rest now. I'll try to see you tomorrow before I leave, okay love?"
"Okay..."
Did Ethan just called me love?
How the hell am I supposed to sleep now?
My day started with my parents wishing me a happy birthday. This year, they aren't the first ones to wish me, but they don't have to know that. Mom made my favorite breakfast and a beautiful cake for me. The cake was covered with rose patterned frosting, with a crown at the top. Dad was listing movies for the movie marathon we'll have, after I'm back from school. Ethan did say he'll try to come, but he never said he surely will, so I left for school without waiting for him.
I picked up Ave on my way. She didn't know it's my birthday and was very angry with me, because I never told her what happened after she left the party.
By the time we reached school, I was done with Jason's story. Telling her about that incident was like reliving it again, and it made me shiver a little. Now when I was so close to facing him again, I'm not sure if I want to forgive him anymore..
While we were walking towards school, a voice called us from behind.
"Am I too late for a hug?"
We turned to see Ethan walking towards us.
"No, you are not."
I said as I hugged him when he was close enough.
I'd like to take this moment to appreciate him, and tell everyone how appealing he looks in his business attire. His tailored grey and white business suit, with thin rimmed clear aviator glasses is a look, which should be made illigal.
He hugged me tightly, kissed the top of my head and wispered an almost inaudible, happy birthday, to me.
When we parted, I saw Ava's jaw crashed with the floor and her eyebrows higher than the clouds.
Being the polite person I am, I took this opportunity to introduce them.
"Ethan, this is Ava, my best friend, and Ave, this is Ethan."
"You didn't mention what I am to you."
Ethan wispered to me.
"What do you want me to say? Boyfriend?"
"No. That sounds too immetur. We'll discuss this when I'm back."
I nodded and looked back at Ave who was still awe struck. Well, at least her mouth is closed now.
"Ave? You gonna say anything?"
"Can I take a picture?"
Ave said, finally coming back to her senses and taking out her phone.
She took a picture of her standing in the front and Ethan and I in the background. Ethan had his hand around my waist which was clearly visible in the picture. He was disappointed when I asked Ave not to post that picture online, but he hid it well.
"Okay ladies, I think I should be going now."
Ave stood there calling everyone and asking them to report early to our lunch table, while I walked Ethan to his car.
"Grace, are you not comfortable to be in public with me?"
"What gave you that idea?"
"You won't define our relation, that I can understand. But you won't let your friend put our picture online, so I assumed-"
"No Ethan. It's just... Day before yesterday, I told Jason I'll go to the prom with him, in front of the entire School. If Ave posts that picture, without knowing the whole story, everyone will just assume that I'm a gold digger. That I left the younger brother for the elder one. You have no idea what type of comments I'll have to face if that happens."
Ethan made a face which he generally makes to hide his thoughts, and spoke,
"You don't really have to go to school today, you know.. what do you say we go to Miami? I'm using my private jet, so your parents can come as well. We'll have a huge beach party there. It's your birthday after all, let's make it memorable and-"
There's only one reason for which Ethan can suddenly get off the topic.
"Jason will be at school today."
I said stopping him mid sentence.
The few seconds of silence told me I was correct.
"Grace, I haven't met him today, but as far as I know him, he'll do something stupid.. stay away from him for a few more days or at least till we have a talk with him, then-"
"Ethan, listen. My entire life my dad kept protecting me from everything. I'm grateful for that, but I want to learn things now. I don't want to be dependent anymore. And if you say you care about me, you have to let me face my problems. Support me as much as you want, but don't shield me, please. Take it as my birthday wish, okay?"
Saying Ethan wasn't happy with this would be an understatement. Like any other man, he wanted to protect me and keep me safe from everything. But it's important for him to understand that I'm not fragile and can take Care of myself. He can't look after me always..
"Are you sure I cannot change your mind?"
"Yeah."
"Okay then, see you tomorrow. Be safe."
"Will do."
And with a final peck on my cheek, Ethan left for Miami.
Today's day at school was full of gossips. I haven't faced Jason yet, but I know he's present today. I heard many students talking about me, though I'm clueless what the topic is. There were many other news as well, like, Lucus and Kiara getting together; rumors of principal Evans cheating on his wife, but those weren't the most unexpected ones. The most unforseen headline was that Natalie dropped out from school. I don't know the actual reason but I have a feeling that I'm somehow involved.
She won't leave school just because Jason didn't asked her to prom, would she?
As instructed by Ave, everyone reached our table sharp after the bell. As we settled, I asked Abby if she knows about the news related to me. I was dead shocked to learn the answer. Someone is spreading rumors that I slept with Jason at the night of the party.
"That's a bull!"
Ave shouted slamming her fist on the table.
Everyone at the table were now looking between me and Ave. Ave looked at me, asking for permission to tell everyone what had actually happened, but I denied. I didn't want to go through that again. I shortened the story to a single line discription, only saying,
"That didn't happen. I went to Jason's room but left within minutes.."
There was silence for a few seconds which was broke by Kyle.
"So Ave, what was the big news you wanted to talk about?"
"Well...."
Ave pulled out her phone and put it in the center of the table. On it's screen was the picture she took this morning. Both the boys whistled while Abby gasped and shouted,
"Is that Ethan Reyes? Grace! Spill! Now!"
Their reaction almost made me laugh.
"Okay, okay.. So, yesterday morning..."
After my narration was complete, the first ones to react weren't Ave and Abby, they were Noah and Kyle.
"So you are telling me that you met Nadia Normandy, and you didn't take a picture?"
Noah asked, sounding very surprised.
"And... You met a private detective, who is also a billionaire, and you still didn't take a picture?"
Kyle mimicked Noah.
"I can't believe this. I know someone who knows Nadia! Am I dreaming?"
Noah asked looking at Ave.
"No honey, you are drooling."
Ave earned a laugh for her answer.
"So did you learn anything about the famous personalities there? How are they in person?"
Abby asked taking a bite of her apple.
"Most of them are just like us. Normal people in bit too expensive clothes. Infact, the bride's brother, Reyansh, he-"
"Hey there, beautiful!"
Jason shouted as he walked towards us. He had a few scratches on his forehead, and judging by the sudden change of hairstyle, a considerable injury on his scalp. I'd say he got the taste of his own beer.
He sat beside me and his hand immediately went to my knees. While I was sliding it away, he stopped me.
"C'mon Grace, you won't be able to resist forever.."
"Oh yeah? Try me."
I stood up and left the table. I was on my way out when he shouted again.
"You allowed me to do a lot more at the party. Why not now?"
I can't believe my ears..
I abruptly turned and shouted back,
"You are the one spreading rumors?"
"It isn't a rumour if everyone believes it."
He said gesturing across the room. All eyes were on me. Unable to think what to do next, I stormed out of there. My friends joined me, but Jason wasn't done.
While we were walking through the corridor, Jason stopped me by pulling my hand back.
"Don't you dare walk away like that!"
"Hey now, no need to get physical buddy."
Kyle tried to interfere, but Jason ignored.
"Jason. Let go. She doesn't wants you here."
Noah said with a Stern look on his face. Noah and Kyle both stood beside me, staring at Jason directly.
Jason left my hand and scoffed at us walking away.
"What's mine, is mine. The sooner you understand, the better for you."
After that, I was never left alone.
My friends gave me constant company between classes, in the parking, and also during the drive back home. I don't know what I did to deserve such great friends.
Rest of the day was Cool. Some freaky messages from Jason, after which he got blocked everywhere, but that's it.
The movie marathon was going pretty well. Dad chose the best of every genre, other than horror. I try to avoid horror. We were done with two movies and ready for the third one. Before the movie starts, I went to the kitchen to fill the bowls of popcorn and nachos. I had placed popcorn in the microwave, when dad entered with his phone.
"Do we need anything other than these?"
"How about Choco chip? A little sweet can never hurt."
"You are officially the best dad!"
I walked to the other counter to take out Choco chip. When I returned, dad was ready with a video on his phone.
"This was uploaded an hour ago. You should take a look at it."
He placed his phone on the counter and left.
The video was Ethan's. It was a seven minutes long video. One of those many parts of the conference he attended today. In the first few minutes of the video, Ethan was asked about his partnership with some local company and his plan on it.
Ethan is very skilled in his field. He very smoothly answered all the questions and tackled the unwanted ones. I had a tiny smile while watching the video, and my smile widened when one of the lady reporter went off the topic.
"Mr. Reyes, would you like to say something to the newlyweds, Angela and Chris Hemming?"
"I'm sure they have enough support already, mine included. I did went to their wedding to congratulate them."
"That you did sir, and with a very beautiful company."
"Yeah....."
A slight glow crept on Ethan's cheeks as he tried to hide his blush.
"Do you mind sharing your mysterious date's identity with us?"
"I'll do mind that. I don't want to interrupt her privacy with the paparazzi, just because I wanted to boast the wonderful woman I have by my side."
"That's very sweet of you sir, but still, if you could tell us just one thing about her, what would that be?"
A huge smile spread over Ethan's face as he said the next line,
"She's special."
I'm Soo happy right now, that I don't think my mortal body can contain this much of happiness. I couldn't breathe because of the giddy smile I had.
I was so lost in my thoughts, that I didn't notice mom at the kitchen entrance.
"Don't tell me you burnt the popcorns while admiring him."
"Mom! You scared me! And no, the popcorns are out already."
"That's nice. I see you've taken out some sweets too."
"Dad suggested."
"Of course he did. C'mon now Gigi, the movie is waiting."
"Mom; have you seen this video?"
I asked, showing her dad's phone.
"Oh yes. I've seen that. You should have seen your dad's face while watching this. It was hilarious."
"I don't understand why he hates Ethan so much."
"He doesn't hate him. He's just jealous."
"Jealous?"
"It's going to take him some time to accept that someone else can love his daughter, as much as him. But don't worry, Ethan's a great man, and your father knows it."
"Are you sure about that?"
"Very. In fact, your dad was very eager to show this to you. I honestly didn't wanted to interfere... But let's talk about it later, the movie's not gonna see itself."
I feel like my parents ship me and Ethan. And I'm not sure wether to feel happy or weird. Is it normal for parents to ship their child? I don't know. But if birthday wishes do come true, I want my parents to love Ethan, just like they love me.
The next day passed slowly.
My friends were by my side and that helped me go through the school gossips. I had to go through some nasty comments because of the scene created by Jason, yesterday at the cafeteria. A ripple of wisper automatically started wherever I went.
The mortification ended with school.
I took a long breath of relief when I reached home.
Soon it was evening and my heartbeat accelerated as the time to see Ethan again approached. His plan was to come straight to my home as he lands, but I suggested him to have some rest before that. I know he has had a hectic day and controlling my excitement is the least I can do for him.
Around nine, I received a text from Ethan, asking me to come outside my house. I did as I was asked, and found him waiting on his cruiser outside.
He spotted me and opened his arms, I ran straight into his embrace. The level of safety I feel locked inside his hug is wondrous.
"I missed you.."
Ethan wispered to me and that made me chuckle.
"Ethan, you weren't gone for even two complete days."
"Time doesn't matters when you have someone worth missing."
"........was that the best you've got?"
"It's a good thing it's not. I have something better."
Ethan pulled out a box from his jacket. It had a beautiful pendent inside it, and the box is telling me that it's very expensive.
"Ethan; is that a-"
"Yes, I know a tree shaped pendent is a bit odd, but I can explain"
"Well, I was going to say 'platinum pendent', but now that you've mentioned it, I'd like to listen the story behind it."
"I was told that each of these hold a meaning. Like, lotus for good karma, three pearls for three little words, and tree for support, meaning that you can lean on me."
"So you chose 'lean on me' over 'three little words'?"
"I did. I don't think I have a need to remind you how much I love you. But you do need a reminder that I'm here to help, and there's no need to face things alone."
Can anyone even dream about a man better than him?
I tiptoed and planted a small kiss on his lips. His arms tightened around me and I could feel him smiling under my kiss.
"Two days in this relationship and you are already spoiling me with your gifts."
"And I promise you, this is just the beginning."
Our moment was interrupted as I received a phonecall. I frowned while Ethan just laughed and let me receive my call.
It was from an unknown number, and that gave me goosebumps.
"Hello?"
"Happy belated birthday Holland! You didn't forget me, did you? But it's okay if you did. I was busy planning a birthday game for you, after which you'll never forget me. I call it 'the ugly duckling'"
"Is this some kind of joke?"
"Are you deaf?! It's a game! And you'll soon know what it is in a few days."