Chapter Seventeen: The Birthday

Aesha’s POV

“Aesha, honey, where are you going?” Mom asked when she saw me about to rush out of the door.

“Just going out!” I answered. Which was one hundred percent true.

“It’s your birthday, honey! Be back before lunch!”

Every birthday of mine since I met Cylene, I’d always go to the cave to freshen up and release the cold. I enjoy my alone time there then the rest of the day, I hang out with my family and friends. I don’t know how it’s going to be like now, when my life’s different, though.

I walked towards the usual spot of the cave. I wore a baggy t-shirt and some leggings along with a pair of flats.

I always kept on wondering since last night how this birthday is going to be. Without Brent, with Cole, my siblings fighting and my mom dating someone.

Well, speaking of Sean, I did a little thinking and advice from Kennedy and I finally decided it was Shaelon who’s the jerk. It turns out that one night – while he was completely sober – Sean kissed Shaelon’s lifetime crush, Nick. Shaelon was so mad when Sean accidentally let it slip while they were in the library. My sister threatened to tell everybody and Sean happened to be holding a pair of scissors…

I tried talking it out with both of them, but their fights have become worse. I won’t be surprised if one day they’ll end up killing each other.

I walked inside the cold cave, savoring the breeze that greeted me there. The cave was in perfect condition with the help of the winter season. The ice walls were smooth and mirror-like, a fresh and soft coat of snow cooled down my feet and – of course – the majestic fountain where the ice cold water sparkled.

I raised my hand up, controlling the water. I soon levitated a ‘piece’ of the water and made it swirl around the cave. With my other hand, I took out another strip of water from the fountain and together, the waters swirled around each other, rising to the top. Soon, the water exploded into tiny cute snowflakes.

I smiled proudly at my tricks and proceeded to sit on the ground.

Nothing could go wrong in my birthday, right?

~~~~~~~~~~~~

 Cole’s POV

I’m so stupid, I’m so stupid, what the hell am I going to do? Today was pretty much the seventeenth birthday of the girl of my dreams and I freaking nothing to give her. I promised her a gift and I have nothing.

Smooth, Cole. You promised her and you can’t keep that.

I just wanted to give her something really awesome that she’ll finally kiss me. I want her to be really happy on her birthday. I want to make her happy.

But how?

How the hell am I going to do that?

“Hey, Cole! What is wrong with you?” I was jerked out of my brainstorming by my sister. Cylene, why?

I gave her an annoyed look, “What?”

She smirked, “You’ve been lost in your thoughts for a while.”

I panicked inwardly. All Cylene knew was Aesha and I weren’t hanging out anymore and we just continued on with our lives.

“Are you going to that party Dad mentioned?” I asked.

She looked irritated. She knew I knew the answer the answer to that. I just asked her to make sure she won’t see me with Aesha there.

“No,” she said.

“Okay,”

I turned to her but she stood up to leave, “Now, where are you going?” this time I asked her.

“It’s Aesha’s birthday today. I have to get to her house.”

Of course, and I’m not there. It’s bad news if Cylene, Aesha and I will be in the same room.

So I was back to brainstorming for gift ideas. I know I should give her something icy, cold or whatever that involves her powers, but how will I know if she’ll really like it or how will I know if I don’t pass out while wrapping it? I can’t even prevent it from melting.

I grabbed the black leather jacket Aesha gave me for Christmas and headed out the door moments after Cylene left.

~~~~~~~~~

I knocked on the door, so desperate to get help. I hope this is the right house.

Thankfully a girl with glasses and still in her pajamas opened the door. “Cole? What are you doing here?” She yawned, one hand on her hip.

I ran a hand through my hair, “Can I come in?”

She nodded and let me in. “You do know that Aesha’s birthday is today, right?”

I sat on the old couch, “Exactly why I came here. Can you help me think of a gift, Ken?”

She crossed her arms, “Whoa, Cole. Aesha told me you already had it all prepared. You persuaded her to let you give her a gift. And now you’re here in my house, asking for a gift idea.”

“I know, I’m stupid.”

She took a cup of coffee and sat cross legged in front of me. “You really like her, don’t you?” she snickered.

“Yeah,” I said, “Now the gift?”

Kennedy shrugged, “Just give her something cold, icy, snowy.” She took a sip from her drink.

“I want something more special.” I said, “something romantic.”

Her mouth made an ‘o’ shape, “I see…”

“So what now?”

“Wait, are you going to that party she’s attending?” she asked.

I replied, “Yep.”

“Then,” she thought, “probably dance with her during the party, stay with her, talk to her. That’s all you need to do.”

I cocked an eyebrow, “That’s it?”

“If you’re lucky, you two will be ending up kissing…”

Kissing her again…something I dreamt of doing since the first time I did that.

“Are you sure that would work?” I asked. She nodded, “You don’t have to give her material things to make her happy. Just give her the best time of your life.”

I sighed, is this really going to work?

~~~~~~~~~

Aesha’s POV

I twirled around in front of my mirror, is this girl on the mirror really me?

The white dress we bought it me perfectly and went along with the high heels. Mom had done my makeup nicely, it wasn’t that much. It was just red lipstick, little blush and some mascara. She also did a good job styling my hair: the tips were curled beautifully.

“Aesha, you look awesome!” Kennedy complimented.

I beamed at her, “Thanks Ken.”

My best friend was wearing a cherry red dress that went above her knees. It was sleeveless, and she wore a fiery red flower on her hair – which she styled up into a tight bun. Sadly, she should’ve taken off her glasses and wore contacts to make her look better. She didn’t wear makeup either.

“You look good, too.” I told her.

“Girls, the limo’s here!” Mom called from downstairs. Kennedy’s eyes widened, “A limousine!? Dude, your future stepdad is filthy rich!”

I rolled my eyes, “Right. Let’s go.”

When we got downstairs, Mom was waiting for us by the door. She told me that the twins went there earlier. The party was in some fancy hotel and it was’t really supposedly just for me. It was a celebration of New Year for Mr. Leigh’s business partners. It just happened that my birthday was on the first day of the second month of winter.

 Kennedy and I went inside the limo along with Mom, “I’m sure you’ll have the best birthday ever, Aesha.” She had that sneaky gleam in her eye.

I narrowed my eyes, “How can you be so sure?”

She shrugged, “I just know.”

~~~~~~~~~

The door of the limo opened, and I was surprised by the one who greeted me.

“Hello, m’lady,” Cole said. He was wearing a white tuxedo – matching my dress – and a tie.

I ran up to hug him, “I didn’t know you were here.” He laughed and hugged me back, “I wouldn’t miss it, would I?”

I turned around to see my best friend with a smirk on her face, “I’ll be inside.”

Cole took his hand in mine, “Shall we go inside?” I laughed, “Sure.”

The party was held inside some kind of ballroom inside the hotel. Classical music was playing in the background and a buffet was set up on one corner. People, mostly adults, were chatting and some were dancing.

Cole led me to a vacant table to eat. The food there was already set up. “Do you like the party?” he asked me.

I smiled at him, “Kind of.”

We ate for a while a watched people there. I managed to find Sean stuffing his mouth with dessert and Shaelon, drinking a few cups of wine. I was already sure that we were the only teenagers there in the party.

“Do you want to dance?” Cole asked. He stood up and reached out his hand. I hesitantly took it and he guided me to the dance floor.

I wrapped my arms around his neck while he held my waist. I took small steps each time, careful not to mess the birthday dance.

“You look beautiful tonight,” Cole whispered, looking straight into my eyes. I blushed, “Thanks. You look good, too.”

He began to rub circles on my back, “Just relax, Aesha. It’s your birthday, don’t be too tense.

I tried to relax a bit, “S-sorry. I’ve never been to parties like these.”

He leaned forward and kissed my forehead, “Don’t worry. I’ll make it the best birthday party for you.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cole’s POV

With her this close to me while we’re dancing, I just wanted to kiss her right there. But I just satisfied myself by kissing her on the forehead. I can tell she’s already happy with me, and I wanted to make it even better.

 We stopped dancing soon, and that’s my cue to make my move.

I grabbed her hand and led her outside, where the pool was and a garden. “Cole,” she said, worry in her voice, “I don’t think we’re supposed to be here.”

I gave her a smirk, “Exactly, we can be alone.”

We sat on the edge of the pool, with our legs dipped in the water. I don’t want the fight to start all over again.

“Uh, I don’t mean to sound demanding but, where’s my gift?” she pleaded.

I snickered, “Isn’t this all enough for you?”

Her brows furrowed, “This is it?”

“Yeah. If I’m not here to give you a good time, then you’ll be bored out of your mind.” I said, “But look up.” I squeezed her hand as midnight fireworks danced in the night sky.

“Happy birthday, Aesha.” I said.

She looked up at me, gratitude dancing in her eyes. “Thanks.”

“I like you.” I suddenly blurted out. I mentally slapped myself for saying such nonsense.

Her face changed, into a look of worry and hesitation. She nervously fiddled with her fingers.

Her gaze was on her lap and she refused to say something. After what seemed like forever, she said,

“I don’t feel the same.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Noooo!!! Aesha’s stupid again. Sorry if you’re irritated that they fought then made up then something came up again. If you’re frustrated then….peace…*holds up to fingers*.

They were supposed to fight after this but…I changed my mind. Aesha was lying in this chap obviously but you know the reason ;). I won’t make them too bipolar or something.

-Vireen