"And by the way, Happy Birthday!" I whispered rolling my eyes. Eros had no idea how he just broke my heart or that he did it on my birthday. I didn't have any energy to cry though.
I crashed back to my bed and picked up my book. At least these people in my fictional world seem to be happy. My head still hurt from last night, but I needed an escape so I kept reading until my parents dragged me to dinner.
"You ready for a night of fun? Be there in an hour." Dylan texted me just as I was finishing dessert with my parents. We spent two hours speaking mostly about the drama at their work. My dad tried asking me questions, but they both knew I wasn't in the mood to talk. I wanted to let it go. I couldn't pretend I didn't just get the ultimate rejection though.
When we got home Amber was already in my room reading my book. "Hey."
"Hey, cool book. Was dinner good?"
"Yeah, I'm going change. Dylan will be here in twenty."
"Ok. Everything good? You seem, sad."
"Fine, just still a little hung over from last night." I gave her a small smile and went to my closet. I took a few deep breaths. I was ok. I never even had him. I can't be this upset we ended... whatever we were.
I grabbed my leggings and a silver sweater to throw on with my boots. Amber was in a cute purple dress looking like she was about to go clubbing all night. I knew she would complain I didn't wear one too. I didn't feel like dressing up though. My black boots had little heels and my sweater was fancy. This will have to do for tonight.
"Really!" She looked at me disapproving of my outfit.
"I don't even think I want to go, Amber. I'm definitely not wearing a dress too." I went to my bathroom and started putting on some makeup.
"Here let me help. You look beautiful by the way." She smiled with soft eyes to me. Those same eyes Eros had. She knew I was not feeling tonight and I was glad she didn't press any further to be more than I am.
"Thank you!" I blinked my tears away and took a deep breath.
Today is my birthday. I need to go out and just try to live in the real world. I can't spend another one crying myself to sleep. My dad was never coming back and Eros would never want me like I want him. It just how life was and I can't change it. I can move on though. I can try, even if it's just a little.
"Perfect! What do you think of the wing look?" Amber moved my chin to face the mirror. She did a really good job with the eyeliner. My eyeshadow was perfectly blended with brown, green, and a hint of gold.
"I love it! My eyes look mysterious." I turned from side to side.
"Yeah, they do. Let's go get in trouble."
"Yes, please." I giggled walking down the stairs. I needed to feel something other than pain and sadness tonight.
Dylan picked us up in his mustang and Amber loved him instantly. Why? Because solely of his hair. I knew rainbow hair meant a good guy and she agreed.
The second he pulled into the townhouses I started hyperventilating. Of course it was Seth's house.
"What's going on?" Dylan asked me noticing the panic coursing through my body.
"I hate Seth." I looked out the window holding back my tears. One night I wanted, just one night, and it was my birthday. I can't ever get a break.
"What did Seth do? I didn't think you hated anything." Amber asked putting her hand on my shoulder from the back seat.
"He just creeps me out. Back in high school he got a little handsy with me. Eros..." I didn't want to think about him.
"What? I'll rip his dick off if he comes near you!" Amber shouted.
"I'm sorry, Ella. I had no idea. I don't really know Seth, just that he throws the best parties. We can leave though." Dylan looked at me with so much guilt.
"No! I want to go." I said with all my confidence. "Just don't leave me alone." I crumbled about to cry.
What am I doing? I don't even like parties.
"If it's boring or anyone tries anything we will leave, ok. Just tell me and we are out. I got your back, I promise." Amber squeezed my shoulder a little to reassure me.
"I know. Let's go get into trouble." I opened my door taking a deep breath. I wasn't some twelve year old kid. I can go out and handle creeps. Seth will be sorry if he tries so much as to touch me again.
The second the door opened my heart failed. Seth was in just boxers gawking at both of us. How did someone like him get this far in life? Luckily he seemed half in the bottle and didn't seem to recognize me.
We headed outside and Dylan got us some drinks. We spent a few hours dancing and it was actually fun. Dylan chugged a beer funnel and Amber and I won two rounds of pool pong. Yes, I stripped down in my bra and underwear, jumped in a heated pool, and played a drinking game. Amber and I were definitely a little more than tipsy and decided to stop drinking for a while. We were in flamingo floats twirling each other laughing at nothing.
"Is it normal to not feel so awkward after a few drinks?" I said spinning around Amber.
"Yup! There is a reason it's called liquid courage."
"Liquid courage." I giggled. "I like that. I like alcohol."
"No more alcohol for you." She laughed.
"Amber!" I heard a familiar voice yelling at us. I popped up with Amber looking at an annoyed Lucy, and guess who was with her. I was having so much fun.
"This isn't fair." I whined looking at Chrissy then plopped back onto the float.
"What big sis?"
"Last time I checked the legal drinking age is 21! I think you're in enough trouble after the shit you pulled last night with Jackie, and now you're here getting wasted again." Lucy had her hands on her hips scolding her like a mother.
"Well in France the legal drinking age is 18 so...."
"You're in America! Get out of the pool."
"Make me, I dare you!" Amber teased then cracked up.
I started laughing watching her and we both fell right off the tubes.
"Amber! I'm so done with you. Eros, come to Seth's and get our little sister before I kill her." Lucy was on the phone and panic was racing through me again. He can't come here. Why? Why can't I have one night?
"You bitch!" Amber grabbed Lucy dragging her fully clothed in the pool.
"You little brat! You're so spoiled and disrespectful." Lucy screamed back at her. They were full on wrestling in the pool, pulling each other's hair and all. Sometimes I wish I had sibling, but than I see them and I'm thankful I don't. Too much drama.
I should probably help Amber. I shrugged my shoulders, she looks fine. Lucy was her sister after all. I climbed out of the pool and Seth was right in front of me, still in just boxers. Shit!
"You... little Ella." He slurred approaching me. Oh god, please no.
"Ella? Why are you everywhere?" Chrissy looked pissed at me. What did I do to her?
"Hi!" Seth turned to Chrissy and she batted her eyelashes at. Ew, but I was thankful I was off his radar now. "You having fun? This is my place and I want everyone to have a good time. Even if you need some personal attention."
"This is your party? It's so cool. Love the fire dancers." She touched his bicep and he looked at her like he was about to eat her. What am I witnessing right now? Good luck Chrissy, he likes those dancer too.
I looked back to the pool and Amber just dunk Lucy under. They weren't stopping anytime soon. I need a drink.
I saw Dylan by the keg and he nodded to me to come down. I moved past Seth and Chrissy trying not to touch either of them. I just needed to get away from them and everything will be fine.
"Wait! Ella, where are you going? I wanted to play a little, like in high school." Seth grabbed my arm licking his lips. God his breath smelt horrible.
"Uh, no thank you. My friend is calling me." I tried pulling away, but he grabbed me tighter. Shit! I looked back to Dylan and he was talking with some guy. Should I scream? That would be weird, right?
"Just a few minutes." His knuckles brushed over my cheek and I clenched my jaw tight. I'm so tired of this. I looked up and there was Eros with eyes trained on me as he sped towards the pool. Fuck this! I don't need him to save me anymore.
"No thank you!" I said sweetly then shoved him hard in the pool.
"Ella! What is wrong with you?" Chrissy shouted at me. I never liked her either. I shoved her in the pool too. I smiled as they both came back up from the water. Serves them right!
"Go Ella!" Amber shouted. I gave her a look of pure happiness then saw Chrissy and Seth heading to the steps. Shit! Then I ran.
"What are you doing?" Eros grabbed my arm. God, I can't handle this.
"Nothing. Leave me alone." I pulled my arm out of his grip. I don't know why but I hated everything about Eros DeClare right now.
"Ella! Were you drinking?" He looked so pissed. But you know what? So was I. He didn't want me so why does he care.
"Yes, I'm allowed to do that, so walk away like you normally do." I shooed my hands at him and stepped towards Dylan. He handed me a cup of beer with a grin. I took a big sip. Definitely liquid courage. I love this stuff!
"That little bitch!" Chrissy came barreling towards me. Ok, maybe I had a little too much courage.
Eros grabbed her waist picking her up. "Whoa! Slow down killer." He said in her ear and she immediately relaxed in his arms. She saw this as a perfect opportunity to try and get him back. Good for them! God, I'm so bitter.
"Are you ok Chrissy?" Lucy checked her over like she was ran over. Please, she fell in the pool. Fell, pushed, whatever.
"Awesome girl! Love you even more now." Amber kissed my cheek then stole my drink to chug.
Eros grabbed it from her mouth spilling it everywhere. "What the fuck Amber?"
"Oh god, you too. We are just having fun. What is everyone's problem?" Amber rolled her eyes which just pissed Eros off more.
"What's the problem? You're fucking eighteen and this is the last place you should be." Eros was in her face screaming.
"We are going to get some dry clothes." Lucy guided Chrissy inside.
"Eros, I'm allowed to drink in France and my mom doesn't care. We were just blowing off steam. You and Lucy aren't twenty one and I see you two drinking all the time. You're being a hypocrite."
"A hypocrite! Get your shit, we are leaving. You too Ella." He looked at me and god it was pure venom he was giving me. His eyes raked up and down my body and shit I forgot I was in just in a bra and underwear. Shit! So was Amber.
"I'm not your sister, Eros." I stepped a little closer to Dylan. I wasn't sure I could stand up to him alone.
"I'll take her home. Ella is fine." Dylan threw his arm around my shoulder.
"I'm not fucking playing. Get your shit and let's go!" He stepped right in my face not even glancing at Dylan.
"No!" I felt my eyes tearing but I wasn't backing down. "You don't want me, Eros. So, just go!"
"You're going to regret this in the morning."
"That's my choice. I trust Dylan and I was having fun before you showed up."
"Yeah, I saw how much fun you were having with Seth."
"I took care of it. Didn't I? I don't need you to save me."
He looked at Amber and her eyes were glued to us. "Fine, Ella! Stay, do whatever the fuck you want."
"I will. You don't want to have to worry about anyone anyways. Works perfectly for you." I crossed my arms over my chest staring him down. My anger was coming back.
"It fucking does work perfectly." He spit back to me. He was so pissed. Why do I want to grab his face and kiss him? Shit! No more alcohol. My emotions are everywhere.
We stood a moment caught in a staring contest. He wanted me to cave like I alway do to him. I can't do that anymore though. He didn't want me. Shit! Don't cry! I'm doing so good.
"Ooohh, I get it now." Amber pointed between the both of us.
"Let's go!" Eros grabbed her hand and dragged her behind him. He reached the door frame and glanced back at me. His eyes trailed over my body and I could see his little dimples ticking in frustration. He wanted to rip me out here too, but he made his choice. I wasn't someone he wanted to worry about, someone to care for, someone to try and love. I was nothing to him but a girl to warm his bed. Chrissy was more than happy to do that for him.
I hate Eros! My stare turned to pure anger. He shook his head and walked out.