"Happy Birthday!!!!"
I blushed and looked at the people that had just shouted at me, my parents and my best friend Alice. I smiled broadly to show my gratitude and hugged Alice. She was the real mastermind behind this surprise party I was sure. I was now 17 but I didn't feel much different than I did yesterday when I was only 16.
"Thank you" I stammered quietly too embarrassed to say any more than that.
"Come on Bella open your presents," my mother encouraged almost as excited as Alice was. Of course nobody could get as excited as her but my mom definitely gave her a run for her money. We gathered in our decent size living room with me in the center on the love seat. Alice put a huge pile of presents in front of me to my utter horror. I hated when people gave me presents but on my birthday I had to pretend I didn't mind.
"Aw thank you" I said again stupidly. I grabbed the first one I could lay my hand on and it said from mom and dad on the top. I looked up and smiled at them. My mom looked like she was about to burst with suspense my father just looked proudly at me. I opened the outer paper and held a little box. When I removed the lid I saw the most beautiful necklace I had ever seen. I could feel the tears pooling in my eyes. I got up and threw my arms around my parents. "Thank you so much." I said to them. My father kissed my cheek and I sat back down. After that I was starting to actually look forward to opening the rest of the presents. After all the presents were opened I walked to the dining room assuming next they would want to give me a cake. Instead they stayed in the living room awkwardly quiet as if waiting for something. When the bell rang I realized they intended this to be just a small family celebration. My friends from school poured in the door and ran over to hug me. Well at least they didn't have presents with them.
"Surprise" Alice said coming over to my side. She guided everyone to the backyard where I was shocked to see my parents had a hired a DJ.
"This all really isn't necessary I mean I'm only 17" I complained to Alice.
"Oh come on did you actually expect me to just have a small party for my best friend."
I
hated when she said things like that it always made me feel bad for
not being more grateful which I'm sure she was aware of. She
dragged me to the dance floor that was also set up and gave the DJ
the go ahead. I swayed to the music looking around me to see who had
shown up. I saw my friends Jessica and Angela from school and Mike
who I'm sure has had a crush on me since we were in middle school.
I would have to avoid him tonight. After a while I actually relaxed
and didn't feel so self-conscious. I walked over to the table with
snacks and drinks to get some soda. I noticed Mike heading over and
tried to think of a way to escape but I was too late.
"Hey
happy birthday" Mike said giving me a hug. I didn't miss how he
held on a little longer than was necessary.
"Thanks"
I said sheepishly and looked at my shoes.
"This is a really
great party thanks for inviting me"
"Don't thank me Alice was the one who planned everything" I looked around to give her a dirty look but I couldn't find her so I returned to looking at my shoes.
"Well uh…" he seemed nervous of what he was about to say which didn't make me feel any better. "I know the invitation said no presents but I bought you a little some." Great. Any hope I had they Mike had gotten over his puppy love for me were dashed. "Here" he said quickly thrusting out his hand dropping a bracelet into my outstretched hand. It wasn't expensive thank god but it wasn't junky either. I smiled at him and leaned over for an awkward hug.
"Thanks. This is really pretty." I put it on to show him that I really liked which I hoped he didn't take as a message that I wanted more than friendship from him.
"Bella!" I looked over and saw Alice waving at me. Oh she is such a great friend saving me from having to say something to Mike that could hurt his feeling. This wasn't the first time she had done that either.
"Thanks again for the bracelet," I said and hurriedly walked over to Alice.
"I see Mike still isn't over you."
"Yeah it looks like it." I didn't want to be mean to Mike he just wasn't the guy I wanted to go out with.
"Soo how do you like the party?" She asked me knowing obviously the answer already.
"Alright I admit…" but I didn't finish my thought because I had just spotted someone I never thought I would see here tonight. The most exquisitely handsome boy I had ever laid my eyes on and the absolute most forbidden.
"What?" Alice asked clearly getting nervous.
"Edward Cullen is here"
