I wake up to a loud buzzing noise which I soon make out to be my phone. It's a text from Brittany wondering if I'd like to hang out. I reply in the affirmative before getting out of bed.

Since I've slept through the better half of a fine morning, I hurry to brush my teeth and freshen up.

Brittany lets me know what time to come over and I shoot off a quick reply before heading downstairs to make myself some breakfast. An omelet and some bacon sound just about right.

I smile sadly a few minutes later while eating alone in my room. Mum never let me eat upstairs. She had this rule where no one could eat anywhere in the house except at the dining table. She wouldn't let me eat bacon either, so dad and I had to sneak the stuff around. Going out most times we craved the greasy goodness.

"Bacon's not even a real food." Mum would chide when we made our return. She always knew what we had been up to. "It's just fat you know, and not the good kind either."

I wish she was here to nag me now. I'd take that any day as opposed to the silence that is eating me up right now.

Halfheartedly, I polish off my food and get dressed in proper clothes before heading out. It's going to take quite a while to get to Brittany's.

***

"She's here!" Brittany screams, letting me in.

"Emma!"

"Em"

"Emmanuela"

"Emma!"

The voices bombard me so fast so that I feel a bit disoriented as a barrage of my friends make their way towards me.

"I'm so glad you're okay." Piper smiles, as she pulls me in for a hug. Her familiar scent envelopes me and I begin to feel a tad bit nostalgic.

God I missed her

"You, young lady, have some explaining to do." A deep voice chides before pulling me flush against a rock hard body.

"Eric!" I squeal, holding on tighter.

"The one and only." He smirks when we pull away. "I'm glad you're safe." He says, voice dipping with concern. "I missed your big head." He pats my hair.

"Jerk." I laugh, pushing his hand away. "But I have to say, I missed your misshapen head too."

We start laughing again and I don't notice that someone slipped behind me until a pair of hands covers my eyes.

"Who is that?"

"Shhh." The voice whispers in my ear and I smile in recognition.

Another pair of hands grabs both my arms and leads me forward. I know who it is as well.

We come to a stop after a few seconds and my sight is returned to me.

"Surprise!" my friends yell and I nearly fall backwards.

"Oh my gosh, you guys." I squeal, trying to sift through the swirl of emotions having a kickboxing match in my stomach.

The whole living room has been decked out in gold and purple decorations; streamers, balloons, you name it.

They've also tied a big sash with the words 'Welcome back Emma' printed in beautiful cursive.

There's a cake, cookies, some brownies and a couple sodas, ice cream, popcorn and are those cream filled croissants and oh my, some deep fried tortellini's?

Food!

"We know its late Em." Brittany says. "But we're all so glad to have you back safe and sound."

"I don't even know what to say." I reply, rubbing a stray tear out of the way. "You guys are the best!"

Everyone comes in for a group hug and we all start chattering happily while helping ourselves to the snacks.

Needless to say, I make a beeline for the croissants and gulp down three in succession.

Next, I get some tomato sauce to dip my tortellini in. These ones have been filled with pork and taste heavenly in my mouth. My mum used to make tortellini's just like this.

While I sit, eating a bit of everything, my friends vote on a movie and Eric puts in on. We end up watching 'Carrie' which isn't so great but turns out to be perfect for me because I love Chloe Grace Moretz and it feels nice to drool over Ansel Elgort.

A few hours later, when I've had my feel of food, laughter and fun, I prepare myself to leave but Eric pulls me to the side, handing me a parcel.

"They remind me of you." He smiles as I hastily unwrap the package; eager to get to the present like a dog chasing after a bone.

Underneath is a beautiful gift box and I gasp when I lift the lid up to reveal a pair of gorgeous pearl earrings. They are tear-dropped shaped with the pearls encased in a gold cage.

Eric helps me put them on and I can't help the squeal that escapes me as I view myself in the hall mirror.

"I love them Eric. Thank you." I jump in for a hug and he holds on tight.

"Anything for you, bighead." He smiles. "Promise me you'll have them on always?"

"Always?" I quirk my brow at him.

"For me Emma." He begs. "Please?"

"Fine." I smile, punching him playfully. "I promise I'll always have them on."

"Thank you." He says, flashing his great whites once more.

Just then, the rest of my friends reappear and as expected, they immediately start gushing.

"Omg are those new earrings?" Brittany squeals.

"They look so nice!" Mia reaches for me but I duck, aiming for an escape instead of having to explain anything.

"Bye guys." I call, hugging each one in turn as hurriedly as possible so they don't have time to react.

"Bye big head." Eric smirks, patting my head.

Will he ever stop doing that?

"Bye Emma." All my friends call unanimously as I head out.

Lord knows it's been one of the best days I've had in a while.

***

When I get home, I spot Edward's car in the garage before getting in.

"You're always here." I shake my head, letting myself into the living room. "It's like you practically live here."

"I know you want me to." He smirks. "But I'm cool with my house."

Smiling, I roll my eyes, before dipping my hand into his bowl of popcorn and helping myself.

"So, how was your day?"

"Honestly, it's been awesome." I squeal, getting ahead of myself.

"Laying it on a bit thick are we?"

"Yeah well." I shrug. "So you remember my friends from school right?"

"Right."

"They threw me a surprise welcome back party"

"Really?" He muses. "That must have been nice."

"Yeah and it was really really nice. I had a good time."

"Good for you." He says, doing his cute sideways smile thing. "Meanwhile, I spent the better part of my day working my butt off and then I had to come here because we have that friggin' journal to translate."

"Awwwn, aren't you the little workaholic?"

"I wouldn't say little." He smirks.

"Yeah, well I would." I laugh, helping myself to more popcorn.

Hey lovelies...I've just updated and will also put the next chapter up as well. Thanks so much for all your support, you guys are the best!

I know it was more of a filler chapter but I just wanted to give you a feel of her circles. 

Also, who else loves the minions?

If you loved this chapter, please don't forget to vote, comment and stay awesome.