I didn't mean to fall in love with him. It was all kind of an accident. No one ever really means to fall in love, but they do. It just kind of happens. And when it does, it hits you like a ton of bricks. It happens at the most random times, and sometimes, for no apparent reason whatsoever. But that's what makes it wonderful- being a mystery. Every new love is like a present, waiting to be unwrapped. You just have to hope it's a good one.
You would think, that on your sixteenth birthday, you should get to do whatever you want. Which may, or may not, include sleeping in till two in the afternoon, or going to bed at six. Contrary to popular belief, these were not the apparent rules.
Or at least, not in my household. No, in my household, on your sixteenth birthday, it was okay for your parents to let your friends sneak in to your room at six in the morning and scare the living shit out of you as a 'suprise.' In my household, that was okay. In a normal household, it was not.
It's not that I hated it- it was just kind of all, well, a suprise. I was having the perfect dream- opening up my presents only to find a car, a vacation, and a new pair of shorts. Not to mention, a gigantic chocolate cake was waiting on the counter located less than ten feet away from me- and every type of sugary drink ever created at my disposal. I was even wearing my comfy Peliper pajama pants I had gotten on my previous birthday- they were made of real cotton
And then the cake fell, sode exploded, and pants spontaneously combusted. Not literally, but it sure felt like it when the lights came on and three people were instantly in my face, screaming 'Happy Birthday!' loud enough for my neighbors to hear. Then, without warning, I had boxes and boxes shoved on to my lap in my face. Not only was I laying down and practically suffocating, but they were the pointy kind of box, too.
As I mentioned before- I'm really trying not to make it sound horrible. It was just really loud, bright, and painful. I am not a morning person by far, so that probably didn't help, either. But after I got over my suprise hangover, it was really quite enjoyable. I managed to slide the boxes on to the bed, breathe, and relax.
Although the stares of my family and friends were really intimidating, and I wasn't quite sure what exactly to do. I had only woken up thirty seconds prior. So, like any reasonable idiot would do in the same situation, I fumbled over my words until someone stopped me.
"Uh, thanks guys. This is really really sweet. I mean, unexpected, but totally sweet. Did you spend a lot of money on those presents? You better not have, because you know I-"
"White." Cheren said at last, ending the misery. "Shut up and open them."
Blinking, I closed my trap firmly and sighed deeply- I meant what I said about the presents. I really didn't like people spending a lot of time and money on me, although it was apparent they always did. Despite the scowls, I always felt quite loved afterward. And ignored.
"Uh, sure, sure." I said, grabbing the first one next to me. The box was covered in a hideous bright pink bunny wrapping paper- tied with a nauseating pink bow. This could only be the work of one person- Bianca. Looking at her, I could see her bouncing with excitement. For a moment, I almost forgot whose birthday it was.
"Go on!" She smiled, shaking her fists with eagerness.
Undoing the bow neatly, I began to unwrap the paper carefully. First, the tape, but I had to be careful not to rip the paper- I could reuse it on a homemade gift for one of her summer parties- she loved that type of thing. Next, unfold it neatly, careful to smooth out the crease-
"My God White. Open the damn thing already." Cheren hissed, a friendly scowl perched upon his face.
Rolling my eyes, I tuned out my inner OCD and ripped the paper away- cringing as it tore in half. Focusing on the paper as I tore it off completely, I took a breath as I looked at it. The with Bianca's presents, was that you never knew what it was going to be. It was always creative- that was sure. But sometimes it wasn't exactly your taste- sometimes it was. It all depended.
Clicking open the cardboard, I reached inside and took out the object inside. Wrapped in pink paper, I undid it carefully set it down slowly, staring at the object in my hand. My breath was momentarily sucked away, I couldn't believe what I was holding. A Designer Carrier Bag- made by the Louis Vitton. It was pink- but absolutely gorgeous. From a glance, not a stitch out of place.
Swallowing, I hated to think of how much she spent on it. As I looked up to thank her, however, I realized it didn't matter. The look in her eyes as she watched me roll it over in my hands was priceless. You could light up the entire planet with her smile.
Returning the emotions, I held it out to inspect it closer. Each clasp had a diamond jewel encrusted in to the pure silver. Every sti wachs hand sewed, and the dye was hand made. Feeling slightly sick, I clutched it to my chest. "I love it!" I said, my voice squeaking slightly.
She squealed back, closing her eyes. "I knew you would! I knew it!" She chanted, turning to Cheren. "I told you." She said, sticking her tongue out.
He rolled his eyes, looking at Black. "Girls and their purses. I'll never understand."
With a nod for agreement, Black turned back toward me. "Open another one, silly."
Still slightly dumbfounded, I couldn't seem to get my body to work. My brain was still telling my eyes to gawk at the bag- while my arms were flailing as they decided what to do next. Finally setting it on the bed next to me, I shook my head and grabbed the next one, which was wrapped in similar blue paper.
Looking up, I cocked my eyebrow at Bianca. "Two?"
She shook her head, her hand at her mouth to attempt a concealed giggle. "No, it's Cheren's."
Looking up at him, I gave him a suspicious look. "Uhhh."
He blushed and looked away quickly. "I ran out of wrapping paper, so I had to borrow some from Bianca."
Laughing, I nodded and tore into the paper- the last present completely locking up my OCD in the asylum it belonged in. Careful not to cut myself on the sharp edges, I undid the paper and set it smoothly on the bed with the other shredded remains. Opening the box, my heart dropped to my scrunched-up knees. More of a rollercoaster hill than a cliff, but same feeling.
Picking up gifts, I let a faint squeal slip out. I held the boots to my chest- crushing them against my sleep shirt. Black ankle boots with pink laces and rhine stones. (The real ones, not the shitty Bedazzler kind.) Looking at Cheren to say my thanks, my hands ran over the boots in an illegal fashion- touching every inch of fabric possible.
"God, they're so awesome." I said, staring at him.
Smiling, he shrugged. "I figured they'd match the purse."
"Thanks." I replied, setting them atop the purse unwillingly. It was nearly painful to watch them leave my grip- but I knew they weren't going anywhere. Stacking the box in the other, I felt as if my heart were going to explode. Regardless of the rude awakening, it was a damn good birthday so far.
Eyeing the two boxes left, I picked up the one wrapped in sparkly green paper next. Looking up, I looked at Black first- little shocked. Sparkly didn't really seem to catagorize him.
Seeing my obvious contemplation, he chuckled and stuffed his hands in his pockets. "That's not mine."
Switching my glance to my parents, I smiled as I received a wink from mom and thumbs-up from dad. Curiously, I unwrapped it quickly, not even bothering to sort the paper. Undoing the lid, my heart plumetted further- if that was possible.
I unfolded the clothing eagerly- amazed already by the smooth texture on my skin. It was definitely silk. Rubbing it between my fingertips gingerly, I looked it over and smiled brightly. It was a smooth, light vest that matched my purse and boots. It has lace ribboning on the pockets and a cute rhinestone at the top. The chocolate color matched my boots and the pink accessories matched everything else.
"Thanks, guys!" I said, folding it gently against the gifts already laying on my bed. My body was still shaking from excitement- I could not believe this was real- whether it was obvious they had planned this or not.
Staring at Black, I picked up the last box gingerly, actually somewhat frightened of what lay inside. He wasn't one to go with the crowd, but you never know. Bianca might have used Chinese water torture on him or something. He waggled his brows, geturing down at the box in hand.
Peering down, I studied the paper closely. It didn't match the others- it was a plain sky ble background with Peliper's on it. Looking suspiciously like my pajama pants, I pursed my lips and ripped it open- anticipation aboslutely murdering my insides. This could not be healthy for my heart.
Opening the top, I held back a scream. I scooped up the present and held it high- the fabric waving in the motion breeze. The denim felt itchy against my skin compared to the silk- but I didn't care. They were the exact pair of shorts my mother forced me to throw out the previous week- they were old and had holes everywhere. Alas, they were my favorite pair, and giving them up was excrutiatingly painful. I tried to explain that to her, but she wouldn't buy.
Looking at Black, I folded them gently. "Thank you." I said, unable to keep the excitement out of my voice. "How did you know which pair was right though?"
He glanced at my mom. "I had a bit of help."
My mother waved her fingers, dismissing the claim. "Pish posh."
Rolling my eyes, I kept staring into Black's. "Thank you, really." Sliding my glance to Bianca and Cheren, I swallowed deeply. "All of you. These are amazing presents."
Bianca smiled brightly. "Amazing presents for an amazing girl."
Blushing, I looked at the pile, folded neatly. Just as I was about to cuddle them, my stomach lt out the loudest, most obnoxious growl on the planet. Blushing harder, I looked up guiltily. "I forgot to eat dinner last night."
Cheren rolled his eyes. "Typical."
Pretend-scowling, I put the gifts into a single box and set in on my nightstand, throwing the empty boxes and paper on the floor. Launching my blanket off of me, I swung my feet to the edge of the bed and wriggled my toes. "Shall we eat cake?" I asked.
My mother gasped lightly and clasped her hands together. "How did you know?"
I laughed. "It was an expression. But now I mean it." I said mischeviously, holding back a wink.
Turning to head down the stairs, everyone began filing out of the room quickly. Standing up, I stretched my legs and let out a yawn. Mumbling to myself, I almost ran smack into Black, who was approaching me slowly.
Cocking my head slightly, I gave his a questioning glance. "Er, yes?" I asked.
He held up one hand to shush me, and reached in to his jacket pocket with the other. Fumbling around for a moment, he finally pulled out a smaller box, wrapped in a velvet covering. A slight bow atop it, my heart began thudding in my chest.
"Two presents?" I asked lightly, pursing my lips.
He smiled. "I just saw this and thought it looked like you. I knew you wanted new shorts, so I figured I'd just get you both."
Blushing slightly, I sat back down on the bed, rubbing my toes into the carpet lightly. "You know I don't like when people spend money on me." I said, furrowing my brow slightly.
He sighed lightly. "I know- but trust me, you're worth it."
Heart still out of control, I undid the bow slowly. For some reason, I knew it was a special moment. I wanted to savor it- treat it tenderly. Afraid of impatience as the enemy, I opened the lid immediately, choking as my eyes laid sight upon it's treasure.
"Oh my God." I said, jaw flabbing open.
Black smiled, stuffing his hands in his pockets again. "I take it you like it."
Looking up, I resisted the urge to drool. "Like it? I friggin love it." I replied, my tone not quite matching my words. But when your hearts is dying slowly and your insides are upside down, it's kind of a hard thing to accomplish.
Running my hand over the smooth crystal, I let it sit in my hand for a moment. I couldn't believe my fingers- they had to be lying. This all had to still be a dream- I would wake up to the real screaming and birthday horror any second.
But as the seconds ticked by and nothing happened, I forced myself to believe it was real. Mouth still slightly agape, I picked up the heart pendant, wrapping my fingers around the hollow center.
"Black, I-... I-I don't know what to say." I stuttered at last.
Still smiling, he gestured upward. "How about you try it on?"
Nodding vigorously, I stood up quickly- giving myself a slightly free buzz- and ripped it out of the box. Undoing the clasp, I pulled up my hair from my neck.
"Here, let me help." He responded, stepping behind me. Still holding up my hair, the air parted for a moment, as he closed the clasp and let the necklace go. Pulling away, his fingers brushed the back of my neck- sending a shiver down my spine. Already standing in front of the mirror, my eyes focused on the gorgeous piece of jewelry dangling from my neck. This really had to be a dream.
Turning around, I couldn't contain it any longer. Squealing, I launched myself at him- wrapped my arms around his torso like tentacles. Not that they were slimy- but I imagine they were pretty constricting and slightly frightening. I mean, I was squeezing with all my might.
"God, thank you, Black. Thank you." I replied, pressing myself against him.
Caught off guard, he took a moment to respond. "You're welcome." He replied at last, his voice floating precariously close to my ear. Holding the hug for just a second longer, I finally stepped away, unable to wipe the ridiculously large grin off my face. He grinned back. "Glad you like it."