Chapter 9: Sweet Six-Teen

After I got home from school, I was sent straight to my room to get ready. Everyone would be here soon, so I had to be presentable. It wouldn't take me too long to get ready but I had to dress Bella up as well – which could take some time. For the party tonight I was going to wear my thigh length dark purple dress, with my black lace high heels, with a purple clutch, I was just going to put some moose in my hair and let it curl that way. After I finished my hair and make-up I ran to get Bella. I was dressing her in a dark blue knee length strapless dress, with black pumps, and a blue clutch, with her hair straightened, and some make-up. But not too much because her skin is way prettier without it all on. It was only about 10 more minutes until the party! I was so excited! My very own Sweet Sixteen! I wasn't aloud to go downstairs or look outside in the backyard. So I just sat in my chair and read my book, The Summoning by, Kelly Armstrong. It's one of my favourite books. I think I have read it over 30 times, at least. Finally Alice came up to my room and knocked on my door.
"It's time, it's time!" She sang jumping up and down clapping her hands. I didn't have any words for how I was feeling so I just screeched.
"So your going to go first so that everyone will be ready for me right?" I asked Alice.
"That's right. Are you ready? You better not trip on the stairs or something…!" We both laughed.
I watched Alice go all the way down the stairs before I went. When I walked down the stairs everything just hit me. The room was perfect! There was purple and gold every where. There was a huge dance floor. A giant stage! There were different light colours on. Alice did an amazing job! As I was descending down the stairs I head all the gasps and the "ohhs and awes." It almost made my blush – almost, but not quite – I love having the attention on me! It makes me feel like a star!
I reached the bottom of the stairs and the first person who got to me was Charlie.
"Hey Dad! Thank you so much!" I had tears in my eyes – happy tears.
"Well, now Lainey. Don't you just look beautiful. My little baby girl is all grown up." Charlie started getting all teary eyed. I gave him a big hug!
"Awe Dad! Come on now! Don't cry, you'll make me cry too!"
"Who's crying? Not me, that's for sure!" I just laughed at him while rolling my eyes.
"Well Dad I am going to mingle for a while. I'll talk to you soon!" I gave him a peck on the cheek and ran off. The next pair of arms to claim me were the arms I was looking for. Emmett.
"Happy Birthday babe!" He whispered in my ear.
"Thanks boyfriend!" I wrapped my arms around his waist, but he pulled me away to look at me. As his eyes glided down my body he let out a low whistle. And he then pulled me close again.
"You look very sexy tonight, by the way. Nice…Urge I hear Alice, Edward and Bella coming. Are you ready for the next batch of guests?"
"Isn't this perfect? I think it is! And I know you think it is too!" Alice chirped from in front of me. A gave her a huge hug and squeezed her as tight as I could.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you Alice! It is perfect! I couldn't have pictured a Sweet Sixteen any better than this! You're a genius!" She just laughed at took a mock curtsy.
"Thank you so much for dressing Bella this evening Lainey. She looks amazing." And with that she turned a bright red.
"Yeah. Thanks Lainey. I love it. Well except these heels. I am going to kill myself this evening!" Complains again.
"Not if you have someone like Edward with you. He would never let anything bad happen to you Bella. You need to start accepting that fact." I rolled my eyes at her.
"Okay now go and mingle. I think you might find some interesting people out in the crowd tonight…" Alice gave Bella a sly look. I looked at them confused.
"Um…okay…?" Alice just pushed me on my way saying something like "oh just go all ready!" but I couldn't be sure, the music was too loud.
As I was walking through the crowd I saw a girl there. She had long blond hair falling into little ringlets neatly on her back. She was wearing a light green thigh length dress, with white strappy heels, and a white clutch. After a few minutes of just staring at her, trying to figure out who she is, she turned around so I could see her face.
"MEGAN?!" I screamed her name. I then ran as fast to her as I could. When I got to her we gave each other a huge hug and just sat there screeching like birds.
"Oh my gosh! Lainey I have missed you so much! HAPPY SIXTEENTH BIRTHDAY!" My best friends from Medicine Hat came all the way to Forks for just my 16th Birthday! Now I know what Alice and Bella were so sly about!
"I have missed you so much too Megan! I still can't believe your really here! All the way down in Forks! How is everyone?" A look flashed across her face, but she blinked it away before I could be sure.
"Why don't you ask them yourself?" She step sided so I could see past her. There was a shorter girl with bright blond hair that was just straight. She was wearing a knee length hot pink strapless, with black pumps, and a black with pink clutch. The other was sort of tall with her long brown hair in larger curls than Megan's. She had a light blue floor length V-neck dress on, with a white clutch.
"Leslie! Kennedy! Oh God! I have missed you ALL so much! How are you guys?" I had tears in my eyes, happy tears. I had a feeling I would be crying a lot tonight. I had complete forgot that Emmett was standing next to me still holding my hand. The only reason I remembered this was because all three of them were staring at him, eyes wide, mouth hanging open.
"Now, now you three. This is Emmett. My boyfriend." When I said that it almost looked like there eyes were about to fall out.
"It's a pleasure to meet you three lovely girls." He winked at them. I knew what he was doing. He was trying to mess with them.
"Um.." Was all Megan got out. "Hum…" Came from Leslie. And "Mhm…" Was all Kennedy said. The thing I think is silly is that all of my girls have boyfriends back in the Hat. I wonder how Marcus would feel about Megan all over Emmett. Or Semir with Kennedy. And I know Logan wouldn't be too fond with Leslie for doing this.
"Come on you guys! You all have boyfriends back home! Close your mouths and blink, or your eyes will stay like that forever. Anyways! Emmett, this is Kennedy, Leslie and my best friend Megan. Girlys this is Emmett Cullen."
"Hello." Said Kennedy – I normally know her as Nini. Leslie said "Hey! I'm glad Lainey found someone finally!" And Megan – I know her as Meggy Rae – said "You better impress me. I am the best friend after all. She comes to me for my opinion!" She was with a laugh.
"So how long are you guys down here?" I was really hoping they could stay here for a while.
"Well we are on our Reading Week break so we are here for… a week!" We all jumped around screaming.
Just after that I saw my Dad up on the stage with the microphone in his hand. I wonder what he was going to say…? Hum, this could be interesting. Me and Emmett moved our way up to the front of the stage.
"Okay, so as you all know, this is Lainey's Sweet Sixteen, other wise you wouldn't be here…Anyway. We have a few special shows tonight before we start with presents and all that. And now for our first act."
Oh. My God! For the first "act" Kennedy, Megan and Leslie all went up on the stage and sang Hillary Duff's Sweet Sixteen song. Right now I am sort of frightened. Emmett and Edward both howled with laughter at that show. I can't wait to see what they have! Just as Kennedy, Megan and Leslie's show ended Charlie came up and introduced our next performance. Edward, Jasper and Emmett. But all they did was Edward played Happy Birthday on the piano, Jasper played it on the guitar, and Emmett sang (that gave me shivers). It wasn't anything too big, special. But I couldn't have asked for anything more perfect! When Charlie introduced the next show I had to listen to extra carful just to make sure I heard him right. And when I was positive on what he said I nearly chock on my food. The next act was…ME! I was supposed to sing a song! In front of people! But I can't sing in front of people!
"Who planed this?!" If it was Alice I swear to God!
"Me and Alice are to be guilty for this one…"
"You." I tried to say something but all that came out was just squeaking noises. "I-I can't! I wouldn't know what to sing anyway!" I was just looking for an excuse to get out of this.
"How about this?" Emmett held out a bunch of papers. I realized it was one of my songs! I wrote it not to long ago about Emmett and me.
"N-no I still can't! That isn't even a song! It's a poem!" Another lie. I didn't hear when Edward came up behind me and whispered "No it isn't. It's a song!" Before I knew what was happening Emmett and Edward grabbed me and brought me up to the stage. I finally then, noticed my new microphone on the stage all set-up and ready for me to use.
"All right everyone! Lainey here is going to sing us an original song. It's called Caught Up In You." Emmett was telling everyone. I couldn't do this. I just couldn't! I looked at him as he walked back off the stage with a icy glare that probably could have frozen even a Vampire.
"Um, y-yeah. This is an original song. I just recently wrote it. It's about me and my…boyfriend."

I'm so in love, and I can't fight this feeling
My heart is helpless and I can't resist
I still remember when the world stood still babe
The first time we kissed

Your all I see, when I think of forever
Me minus you just wouldn't make much since
Boy I believe, we were ment for each other
So lets give it a chance

I'm caught up in you
I'm facing the truth
What else can I do
With all these emotions, cause I'm
I'm falling deeper in every way

I can't sleep at night
Cause nothing feels right
I can't deny, my heart when your near me
My love grows stronger everyday

Ohh, ohh yeah
Caught up in you

Before your love, my heart was broken
I didn't think it would ever mend
And then you came into my life
Boy now I don't need to pretend

I'm caught up in you
I'm facing the truth
What else can I do
With all these emotions, cause I'm
I'm falling deeper in every way

I can't sleep at night
Cause nothing feels right
I can't deny, my heart when your near me
My love grows stronger everyday

Ohh, ohh yeah
Every time I look into your eyes
Every time I take your hand in mine
I know there's nothing else I need

I'm caught up in you
I'm facing the truth
What else can I do
With all these emotions, cause I'm
I'm falling deeper in every way

I can't sleep at night
Cause nothing feels right
I can't deny my heart when your near me, my love
My love grows stronger everyday

I'm caught up in you
I'm facing the truth
What else can I do with all these emotions, cause I'm
I'm falling deeper in everyway

I can't sleep at night
Cause nothing feels right
I can't deny my heart when your near me, my love
My love grows stronger everyday

Caught up in you,
Caught up in you,
Caught up in you,
Caught up in you,
Caught up in you,
Caught up in you
Yeah
Caught up in you,
Caught up in you,
Caught up in you,
Caught up in you,
Caught up in you,
Caught up in you

I had to admit, I really had a lot of fun up there tonight! I don't know what I was so scared about. When I finished my song the crowd roared. It was electrifying! I took a few bows and posed for a few pictures, I felt like a star! As I ran off the stage I was met by every Cullen and Charlie and Bella.
"Wow that was amazing!" "I didn't know you could sing like that!" "Why haven't you ever sung before? You're amazing!" "I love the song. It almost made me cry!" That was everything that was surrounding me as soon as I was off the stage. It was crazy.
"Babe that was beautiful." I think Emmett was awestruck.
"Thanks. I wrote it about us before we started to go out. Now you know how I really felt." I shrugged. He out of no where pulled me into a tight hung on his chest, and crushed his lips to mine. It was perfect! But of course, my Dad had to make an announcement.
"Okay everyone. Now that we finally got the performance of the night it is time for presents!" All of a sudden Jasper and Edward came out on stage carrying a huge thrown. I'm guessing for me to sit in while I open presents. W-o-w. I was escorted up to my "chair" and was told to sit down and enjoy the rest of the evening. The first present was from Carlisle and Esme. They got me a purple Chanel bag. I have been looking at this purse for months! It costs over $500! My second one was from my…Mom. She couldn't make it but she still sent me a lap top, and a Hurley bag to keep it in. The third was from Kennedy. She got me this amazing tiara with purple Amethyst jewels on it. Fourth was from Edward and Bella. They got me an I-Phone! Alice and Jasper got me some P.J'S, a blue dress, a pair or jean shorts, a purple medium length shirt, a pair of green Converse's, And a workout outfit. My third last present was from Megan and Leslie. They got a Siberian Husky puppy! She is only 3 weeks old, and I named her Topaz, so I can remember Emmett and his glorious eyes. My second last present was a charm bracelet from Emmett. It all ready had 5 charms on it. There was a volleyball, a microphone, the letter L, and the letter E, and a heart with a message in scripted in it, it said "Forever is not enough time to be with my soul." I had tears in my eyes after that one. I loved it so much. And my last present was from Charlie. He got me a Silver Chevrolet Corvette Convertible! OH. MY. GOD! This has been the best Sweet Sixteen party anyone could ask for!
I ran to my new car and turned to Charlie calling my name just as he threw the keys at me. I told Emmett to hop in. But once again Charlie stopped me from enjoying my first free ride ever, to say that he has one more surprise for me. I walked back to him with a shocked look on my face.
"Dad, I can't take anything else from you. You have all ready spent far too much money on me all ready!" We all knew that was a lie but it was kind of true. I know Charlie doesn't spend money like this normally.
"No, no. It's nothing that will cost a dime. Just a lot of self-control!" I waited so he continued. "I just want to let you and Emmett know that he is able to stay the night tonight for a special occasion." Then away from me to Emmett. "Don't you try anything smart there Cullen!" He tried to look sever but I just laughed. Little did my Father know. But I pretended to act surprised and thanked my Dad and threw my arms around Emmett. After asking a few more times if I can finally go on my free ride Charlie alas said yes. I jumped in my car and yelled to Emmett to get in. Megan, Kennedy and Leslie both jumped in the backseat. I turned on the radio and blasted it. Suspiciously it was my favourite song, Sugar by Flo Rida featuring Wynter. All of us – except for Emmett - were screaming to it on the top of our lungs.
I had my head thrown back screaming to the courses when all of a sudden Emmett pulled me out of the seat and hammered on the breaks. I didn't see it. I had no idea. But right in front of my new car was a…person?
"Girls, stay put and put on your seat belts."
"Seat belts?" They all asked together.
"Yes. Seatbelt. So he or she can't just grab you." Though he muttered something like "It wouldn't help anyway." Emmett got even closer to me and whispered so low that I had to strain to he what he said, but he said "Vampire." As soon as I heard that I froze. Emmett walked out of the car and started toward the stranger.
None of us could hear what they were saying, but it looked like they were…arguing? Emmett was throwing his hands in the air above his head and the other Vampire was gesturing helplessly towards us. After a few minutes of this the other Vampire got fed up with Emmett and what he was saying and punched him in the face. Emmett flew back a few years and hit a tree causing it to come crashing down. Emmett was uncauntious.
I didn't see when the other Vampire came running to me; I couldn't take my eyes off where Emmett was lying. Not that I could see him anyway. I had far too many tears in my eyes. All I heard was three different and very distinct ear splitting shrikes. I saw something black go flying from beside where I was, I then felt the draft on my thigh as though my door was no longer there blocking the wind. I was being ripped out of my seatbelt, and grabbed into a pair of unfamiliar arms. It felt like I was flying, but since I have all ready been on this road before, so to speak, I knew what was really happening. I was in the arms of the Vampire running away from where Megan, Kennedy, Leslie and Emmett, were. I can only hope that the girls try to help Emmett!

The song that Lainey sings is Caught Up In You by Cassi Thomson