Minkus parks his car in front of a jewelry shop, that is apparently Ella's favorite in LA, and they both get out of the car. Minkus wraps an arm around Ella's waist.
"I hope we find something that suits Caitlyn in here." Minkus says.
"I'm sure that we will, babe… Don't worry." Ella assures him. He gives her a smile then opens the door for her, like the gentle man he is. "Thanks, love."
"Mr. Minkus, Mrs. Ella! Welcome to our store." The store's manager greets them with a smile and they give him a polite smile and a nod in return. "How can I help you?"
"Um… It's my daughter's birthday so we're looking for a present for her." Minkus informs and the manager nods then leads them to another part of the store.
They look at a few pieces that might suit a girl her age and Caitlyn's taste as well. They look at earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets and anklets.
"I think this one is very nice." Ella says as she holds up a simple necklace. She's been eying it for a while until she decided to just pick it and look at it more closely. "It's simple, yet chic and still fun at the same time."
"Yeah… I like it a lot as well." Minkus says with a nod of agreement after taking a good look at it.
"Oh… These earrings are very nice as well." Ella says and picks up a pair of gold earrings. It was a hollow oval shape that had a smaller hollow oval shape linked with it and hanging through it. "But I think it's very fancy for a girl her age, isn't it?"
She jokes and puts the earrings back on the clear glass table. The manager takes the necklace they chose and goes to put it in a velvet box.
"Ella, Thank you so much for coming with me… If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have decided whether to get this or that." Minkus says as he takes her hand in his then plants a kiss on the back of her hand.
"You're welcomed, babe… I had so much fun." Ella gives him a smile and then the manager comes back and hands them the bag. Minkus pays and then they make their way out. He opens the passenger door for her and waits until she sits down.
"Ta da!" He says happily and takes out a velvet box from the bag that he had.
"Honey! What is this?" Ella asks in surprise.
"It will suit you very well, babe… I'm sure." He gives her a grin.
"You didn't have to, love! Didn't we come here to buy a present for Caitlyn?"
"Don't I have the right to do things to make the women in my life happy?"
"You're amazing!" She says with a soft smile before opening the velvet box and giggles upon seeing what he got her. You guessed it, the pair of earrings she liked. He had gestured for the manager that he'll buy it when she'd put it back down. "It's very pretty…" She looks around them. "Thank you." Then she leans in and pecks his lips when she finds that the coast is clear.
He smiles and closes her door before going around the car and getting into the driver's seat and driving off.
*GMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMW*
Kayli couldn't sit still after hearing what the makeup artist at the salon had said a few days ago. So she sent her friend to get information from that girl and information is what she got. After getting the information, she started looking for a way to drop the bomb and decided to start with getting on Miley's nerves.
"Hey, Miley! How are you?" Kayli said with a smirk on her face when Miley picked up the phone.
"Hey… I'm fine." Miley answers back as she adjusts the shopping bags she was holding.
"Did you start getting ready for tonight?" Kayli asks as she lays a few dresses onto her bed to choose one to wear at the party. She'd already showered and gone through with her pamper session.
"What is there tonight to get ready for?"
"What do you mean? Caitlyn's birthday party is today, duh." She was having more fun as the seconds pass. "Or… Did Farkle not invite you?"
Miley takes a deep breath, not wanting to lose her cool and satisfy Kayli, knowing well what she's trying to do. "Of course he invited me, love… I just forget for a minute there… Anyways, unfortunately I can't join you because I have a very important meeting that I can't cancel since I promised to go before even knowing about the party."
"Oh, I'm so sad to hear that but what can we do? We'll just meet later." Kayli says and Miley just hangs up and huffs. "She has a meeting! Liar…. It's good that I called her…. What do we do now? Since we won't be able to see you at the party then there's no need to wait to drop the bomb."
She opens her twitter app, using an unknown account, and tweets the pictures that the girl gave to her friend. They're picture of Miley and her co-star kissing, hugging, holding hands, and being all couple-like. She tags Miley and then tweets it.
*GMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMW*
"Riley! Are you leaving?" Farkle asks when he sees her making her way out of the restaurant.
"Yes." She answers with a smile.
"I'm leaving too… Let me drive you to where you're heading if you want."
"Oh, I don't want to tire you…."
"Oh, there's nothing from that sort… Come on." She nods and they both head out together.
To Riley's -or Lucas'- bad luck, Lucas happens to be heading towards the restaurant so he sees them getting into Farkle's car. He was going to the restaurant to see her but all he got was his blood boiling. He gets even more furious when he notices the smile on her face as Farkle drives off. His hand form into tight fists.
"I think I've spent enough time here for today." He mumbles through greeted teeth and gives a huff before heading towards his car.
"Caitlyn will be very happy with tonight's surprise." Farkle said with a grin after a few minutes of silence.
"Yeah… She's very excited." Riley agrees with a nod.
"Did you talk to her today?"
"We did… I'm even going to her right now because she asked for my help with choosing her hairstyle and makeup at the salon."
"That's the first time I saw her getting this close to someone other than Sofia." Farkle says softly.
"She probably feels comfortable around me."
"It might seem normal to you because you don't really know her… No matter how much of a kid she seems to people… What she really is, is a cold girl that has walls around her that barely anybody can climb…. What I want to say is that it's not easy for her to be close to someone."
"I think… putting aside whether she loved me or not… I think she loved us a lot." Riley says before realizing what she said. "Um! What I mean by us is… Um… She didn't know that we were only pretending to be boyfriend and girlfriend…"
"For example, she didn't feel comfortable around Miley and I can't even say that she liked her let alone loved her… Even when she finds out that we're back together, she won't be anywhere near happy for us… I didn't invite Miley to the party just so that I don't annoy Caitlyn."
"Off…"
"Unfortunately." Farkle says with a sigh and they stay silent for a few minutes until Farkle's phone dings, indicating that he got a message. It was a DM on twitter so he opened it while driving, not expecting what he saw. He felt his blood boiling and greeted his teeth to try to hold his feelings in. He hands started shaking and he threw his phone back into the cup holder with force that it'd be a surprise if it's not broken. Riley looks at him in surprise.
"Farkle, are you okay?" She asks worriedly. He just chews on his lips and grips the steering wheel tighter. One of his fists punches the ceiling of his car hard, startling Riley. He punches it again even harder and Riley stares at him in fear. She was afraid that he'll end up hurting himself not that he'll hurt her.
Farkle finally seemed to realize that Riley was with him so he gave her an apologetic gaze. "I'm sorry…"
"It's okay… What happened? Will you tell me?" She asks softly.
"Can you just give me some time to cool off?"
"Of course… Just don't drive the car in this state…. Let's pull over somewhere…. Please." He nods then parks his car near the first park/playground he sees. They both get out and Farkle sits down on one of the benches. Riley sits down next to him in silence, giving him the time he needed to cool off. When she notices that his breathing has gone bake to normal, she talks. "Are you better now?"
"I am… Thank you." He gives her a thankful smile.
"I'm glad you are… Do you want to walk for a bit?"
"Okay." They both stand up and start walking.
"Do you want to tell me what happened?" She asked.
"Miley…" He trails off with a sad smile. "She lied to me…" He takes his phone out and shows her the pictures. "That's her cast mate in a show she made… She told me that nothing was going on between them but as you can see… These pictures say otherwise."
"I don't know what to say…"
"I shouldn't have given her a second chance."
"How could you have known that this was going to happen?"
"My dad told me that whoever makes you sad once will do it twice and thrice…. I should've listened to him."
"I think that you shouldn't blame yourself… Besides, it's not your lose, it's hers."
"Yeah… This time she really did lose me… I don't understand why it's this hard! Shouldn't everything be easy as long the two people love each other?"
"I honestly don't know… I've never been in a relationship before."
"How?" Farkle asked in disbelief. "You've never had a boyfriend before?"
Riley gives him a nod before giggling, "I never had except for that one time when we pretended that we were dating."
"It's very strange that a girl like you doesn't have a boyfriend…. I mean you're nice, funny, cute, and very beautiful…. It must be that you're very picky then."
"Honestly, it may sound childish to you but… I believe that I have a soulmate out in this world, waiting to meet me… Having an eternal love where you'll be together forever… I want that kind of love and you can only find it with your soulmate… The one you're fated to love from the day you were born…. Of course, finding that person isn't very easy… In fact, some people live their entire lives without finding their soulmates…" She trails off then notices Farkle smiling widely. "What happened? Why are you laughing? It's funny, isn't it?"
"No, that's not why I'm laughing… It's actually because I agree with and that's why I liked what you were saying." Riley gives him a smile before her phone starts ringing.
"Oh, it's Caitlyn."
"Please, don't tell her about what happened." Riley nods and answers the phone.
"Hey, Cait… Yeah, I'll be there soon… Okay, bye!"
"You're late because of me…"
"That doesn't matter… You're better now, aren't you?"
"I am… Thank you."
"Let's go, then." They both head back towards the car and he drops her off near the dresses shop. She chooses three dresses, a blue one, a pink one, and a white two-piece one. She tries the pink and the white one and takes pictures and sends them to Maya. When she puts on the third one, she's instantly in love with it so she video calls Maya.
"Oh la la!" Maya immediately says when the picture of the call if clear. "I like this one!"
"Me too! Did you see the other two as well?" Riley asks.
"Yeah… They're nice but not as nice."
"Okay… Which necklace goes with it?"
"Neither…. The silver one that you're wearing with your initials on it suits it better."
"Shoes and bag?"
"Do you have anything silver?"
"Yeah, I do actually…"
"That's good… Wear yours instead of renting then."
"Alright… I gotta go now, Caitlyn is waiting for me… Thanks, peaches! I love you!" Riley blows her a kiss.
"I love you too, pumpkin! Enjoy your night! Bye!" With that they both hang up. "My lovely pumpkin… She'll drop some jaws tonight."
After paying and signing the renting papers, Riley makes her way out to the streets. Luckily, the salon is only a few building away from the shop so within five minutes, she arrives.
She walks into the salon and looks around her in awe of how big and fancy it is.
"Riley!" She hears someone calling so she turns around to find a very excited Caitlyn coming towards her. Caitlyn hugs her tightly before pulling away and kissing her cheeks.
"Cait, I'm sorry for being late…"
"It's okay, I haven't been here long anyways." Riley gives her a smile that she returns.
"Welcome, sweetie! I'm Tyler." A guy introduces himself to Riley with his hand extended.
"Hello, I'm Riley! Very nice to meet you." Riley greeted back with a smile and shook his hand.
"Very nice to meet you too, babe! You girls are gonna have to wait for little bit though… Have a seat here please." He leads them towards two empty chairs for when the stylists start on them. "What would you like to drink?"
"Ah! Should we drink coffee? And then we can read each other's fortune/fate!" Caitlyn suggests excitedly to Riley as they sit down.
"Coffee is good but I don't know how to read fortunes/fates."
"We'll have coffee then." She says to Tyler and he gives her a nod before leaving to two girls alone. "Riley, I'm very glad that you came… Thank you so much."
"You're welcome." Riley said and gave her a smile.
"I thought that you wouldn't even come to my birthday party after what happened but you didn't bring me down, thankfully."
"Look… What happened, happened… It's done and over with so we can't do anything about it…. I came because I'm your friend." Riley grabs her hand and gives her a smile before adding, "Just for you!" Not for Farkle or Lucas, Maya! Riley added in her mind.
"I know… I promised you that I won't try to do anything, don't worry."
"Okay, so there's no new surprise, is there?"
"Well… even if I tried, I'll fail anyways." They both giggled before Caitlyn continued in a more serious, soft tone. "I consider myself very close to you… I feel like you're just… Real... You act naturally and realistically."
"So are you, Cait!"
"So I know that I can trust you… I want to share something with you but… If it can stay just between us…"
"Of course it will." Riley reassured her with a nod.
"There's a guy that I like." Caitlyn said with a shy smile and Riley couldn't help but smile as well. "He's also coming to my party tonight so that's why I'm so excited."
"Now I get it… All these preparations for him."
"Yeah… I'm planning to confess to him… He's so blind to the point where it's like he doesn't see me…. But I decided to just get some courage and talk to him."
"I hope that he feels the same too… You deserve this much, Cait."
"Yeah, me too…. One sided love is very painful." Caitlyn says and Riley's smile slowly falls. "The person is so close that if you reach your hand out, he'll catch it… yet, he's so far away… You want to see him all the time…" Tears were filling Caitlyn's eyes now. "You make all kinds of plans to see him… You think about him all the time but… He's just oblivious to all that." Riley gives her a tight smile and a small nod. "He has to know how I feel… Even if I'll end up being let down, I'll tell him how I feel."
Riley reaches out and holds her hand once again. "Caitlyn, Love requires courage and patience… It is apparent that you'll love him a lot… I hope he's someone worthy of your love."
Caitlyn gives her a smile and then her phone starts ringing. She sniffs and answers, "Hey, dad! I'm at the salon right now… I'll be done in about two hours at most…. Oh, you'll come take me? Okay, that's great!" Caitlyn grins. Riley feels her smile dropping again as she remembers her father. She never got to experience seeing the look on her father's face when she's all dresses up for a party or things like that. "Alright, we'll talk later then… I love you, daddy! Bye!" She hangs up before turning to Riley who was just staring at her lap. "My father is gonna pick me up so if you want, we can drive you home as well."
"No, it's okay… I have a few things to do around here anyways." Riley gives her a tiny smile.
"Alright then, as you like."
"Alright, pretty ladies! Shall we start?!" Tyler says with an excited clap of his hands.
"Okay!" Caitlyn gives him a grin.
"No, I'm not going to do anything." Riley says hurriedly. The salon is so fancy that she knows she won't be able to afford it if they just put lip gloss on her.
"That's not possible, Riley! We came here so let's get pretty." Caitlyn says.
"No, no need."
"Babe, this is the only place in LA where you can't step out of it just like you stepped I, sorry… It's Caitlyn, the birthday girl, and you're her friend… I don't want to hear any complaining, you both are my responsibility." Riley couldn't help but giggle at the way he was moving his body as he talked. He was so sassy that she was sure that he was gay. She didn't mind though, the guy was cute.
"Wait! We can't do this without music! We have to get motivation!" Caitlyn says in all seriousness and takes her phone from her bag.
"From your phone?" Riley asks in confusion. Caitlyn nods and Riley watches as she switches her Bluetooth on and connects to the salon's speakers.
Baby, this is what you came for
Lightning strikes every time she moves
And everybody's watching her
But she's looking at you, oh, oh
You, oh, oh, you, oh, oh
You, oh, oh, you, oh, oh
You, oh, oh, oh, oh
Riley smiles and guy starts on Caitlyn while Tyler starts on Riley. She had her bangs pinned back so he unpinned them and started putting her in different styles messily until she decided what she liked. He asked her what her dress' color was and when she told him, he started on her makeup, after removing what she had on of course. Every girl had two guys working on her, one doing her makeup and one doing her hair.
"Guys, put this table here." Ian said as he pointed at a table then pointed at the place he wanted it to be moved to.
"Ian! When did you arrive?" Farkle asked when he made his way into his backyard.
"A while ago."
"By the way, your decorations are very good!" Farkle said with a smile as he looks around the fully decorated backyard. Ian gives him a grin. Farkle's phone dings so he opens the message.
We're on our way, Ian can call now. –Dad.
"You can call Caitlyn now."
"Oh, alright." Ian takes his phone out of the pocket of his blazer and dials her number. "Hey, Cait!"
"Hey Ian!" She says with a grin.
"Cait… I have some bad news for you…" He says quietly.
"What is it? What happened? Are you not gonna be able to come to the party?!" She asks in panic.
"No… Something happened to the place so we can't have the party tonight."
"W-what?!" She asks in disbelief. "B-but why-y?!"
"Some problem happened with its license so they closed the place for a few days… we can have the party after we open it again… Anyways, I have to go… Excuse me." He hurriedly hangs up, not able to keep the act up any longer.
"AHHH, Dad! What am I gonna do now!?" She cried out to her father. "I invited everyone, EVERYONE! What am I gonna tell them? Offff, I can't believe this!"
"Baby girl, don't get mad… We'll go home and see what we can do… Just calm down."
"Offf, dad! I really can't believe this." She huffs and fights hard not to cry.
Lucas makes his way into the party, wearing a simple pale blue short sleeved button up and a pair of dark grey jeans along with a pair of dark blue vans.
He greeted the two men, "The birthday girl isn't here yet?"
"They're on their way." Farkle answered with a smile.
"The place looks amazing… Good job, Ian!" Lucas says after taking a look around him and gave Ian a pat on the back. Ian gave him a thankful smile.
"Where's Kayli?" Farkle questioned.
"She'll come on her own." Lucas answered simply with a shrug.
Farkle's phone dinged again.
We're here, get ready –Dad
"They're here, everybody!" Farkle said loudly with a loud clap of his hands to attract everybody's attention. They all gathered away from the backyard's door so that she doesn't see them when she walks through the front door.
"Sofia is not answering her phone either… I have to tell her at least!" Caitlyn complains when they walk into the house.
"Cait… Let's go take a look at the backyard… Your brother is probably there." Her father said.
"Does he know that it's cancelled? What is doing home?"
"I don't know, let's go and see." He puts a hand on the small of her back and guides her. Luckily for her, her nude pumps were not hard to walk in.
"SURPRISE!" Lucas, Ian, and Farkle say loudly at the same time while everybody else claps. Caitlyn grins and takes a step back from the surprise before hugging her father.
"Daddy, I can't believe this!" He gives a chuckle and shoe goes to hug Farkle.
"Happy birthday, little sister! I'm so glad that you're my sister!" He tells her with a grin and hugs her tightly then plants a soft kiss on her cheek.
"Thank you so much, Farkle." She goes on the person next to him which is Lucas and gives him a hug as well.
"Happy birthday, little thing! I'm so glad that you were born!"
"Thank you." She says with a grin and goes on to hug the last person, and her favorite, which is Ian.
"Happy birthday, baby girl! We're so lucky that you were born and came into our lives!"
"Thank you…" She trailed off with a grin before walking back towards her father. "I really can't believe this! Thank you, daddy!"
"Shall we go inside for a few minutes?" She nods so he led her back into the house.
"What's wrong, daddy?"
"Cait… There's something that is missing here."
"What is it?" She asks where her eyebrows frowned in confusion.
He grins and takes his hand from behind his back to reveal the rectangular shaped velvet box. "This."
"Oh dad! You didn't have to!"
"I just hope you like it."
She opens it to reveal a rose gold necklace that had a small rose gold butterflies with tiny diamonds in it. She gasps in awe. "It's really beautiful! You have such a great taste daddy! It's so simple yet elegant and chic…. Thank you so so much, daddy!"
"You're welcome, baby girl… I'm so glad you like it." She gives him a grin. "Come on, let me put on you!"
"Alright!" She turns around for him and he clasps it around her neck. Luckily, it went well with her dress.
Her dress was a short dress that had an oval neckline. It was all in a pale champagne/nude kind of color but the top had royal blue lace on it that kind of dripped into the tulle, a little flared, skirt of the dress. She'd paired it with rings and a royal blue clutch along with her nude pumps. Her eyes were smokey and her lips were coated in a nude pink shade. They'd curled her hair before pinning it up in a messy but fancy up-do with a few pieces of hair framing her face.
"It suits you very well, baby girl."
"Thank you, daddy." She says softly.
He gives her a smile, "Come on, go to your friends… I'll join you guys in a bit." He gives a hug and she heads into the backyard and stands with her brother, cousin, and Ian at their table.
"Everything is even prettier than I'd imagined it to be…Thank you so much, Farkle."
"Sofia and Ian helped me a lot." Farkle says with a nod.
"Thank you as well, Ian… Everything is perfect." She says with a soft smile.
"I'm glad that you liked it, babe." He says with a small smile of his own.
"Where is Sofia? She didn't make me feel like anything is going on."
"I thought that she wouldn't be able to keep it and will end up telling you…" Farkle says with a chuckle and Caitlyn giggles as well.
"You're right…. And where's Kayli?"
"She'll come on her own, little thing… I didn't have time to pick her up because I came here straight from the club." Lucas answers simply and she nods before looking at everyone at the party.
Where's Riley? Or does she not know that the party is here? Even if she does, does she know the address? Caitlyn thought to herself as she searched the place with her eyes.
"I think that everybody is here, brother… but I… invited someone else and I can't see them."
"Who?" Farkle asks in confusion.
"Riley." She says casually.
Farkle gives a chuckle while Lucas frowns, "Don't worry, I talked to her today and gave her the updates… Actually, I drove her to you at the salon today."
"Did you make up!?" She asks excitedly.
"No, Cait. Riley is your friend, that's all… Don't make me regret inviting her." Although he was smiling, she knew that he was serious.
So that's why they left together… Lucas thought to himself. Still, she could've asked me to drive her. It didn't have to be him.
"Okay, okay."
*GMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMW*
"Cathy, is Lucas going to be late?"
"Probably… Caitlyn's birthday party is today."
"Oh really?" He asks with raised eyebrows.
"The guys are celebrating today but I say we have dinner together tomorrow." She suggests with a smile.
"That'd be great… You work on organizing that, okay?"
"How can I not? She's my little girl… Caitlyn is like a daughter to me."
"Yeah… You did a lot with Caitlyn as she grew up."
"I still can't believe that woman, you know? When she left, Caitlyn was still a little baby… How can a person just disappear and not even call once? I don't see our son for two days and I almost die from missing him…. She never called to check on them all these years."
"Believe me, Cath… Not seeing her is a lot better… What could a woman like her possibly give to these children?"
"No, Joseph… Motherhood is really different… When you give birth to a child, you just get this connection with them, to them… A connection that is only between a mother and her child…. I can't explain it well enough, but it's just a feeling that makes you want to be with your child all the time… how did she get rid of that?"
"Um… Anyways, let me call Cait… I didn't tell her happy birthday." He decided to change the subject then takes his phone out of his pocket and dials Caitlyn's number. "Hey, best brother's daughter ever! How are you?"
"I'm great, thank you… How are you?"
"I'm great as well… Happy birthday, cutie!"
"Thank you so much, Uncle!"
"But I can't just say it dryly… We'll celebrate together as soon as possible, and I also have a present for you."
"Thank you… It's enough that you thought of me and called me." Caitlyn replied, the smile evident in her voice.
"Alright, sweetie… Oh, here's your aunt, she wants to talk to you." Joseph passes the phone to his grinning wife.
"My lovely girl with the pretty eyes! Happy birthday, sweetheart! May the upcoming years be great for you…"
"Thank you, Aunt Cathy."
Cathy was about to reply when Joseph received another call. She took the phone away from her ears to see the caller. Jessic. "Alright, sweetheart… I'll be seeing you soon, baby! Enjoy your party…"
Cathy hanged up with a frustrated look on her face and dropped the phone on the couch beside her and Joseph sighed upon seeing the caller ID. They sat in silence, drinking their tea, until Joseph's phone started ringing again.
Before Joseph could reach for it, Cathy did angrily. "But why does this Jessic keep calling you, Joseph? I'm starting to get mad because of this… You'd barely get a phone call after work but lately, he calls you every single day! What's his deal?!" Joseph cancelled the call so the phone stopped ringing. "He's not your friend nor a usual client of the company. Despite that, he keeps calling and calling… What the hell does he want?"
"Cathy…" Joseph said calmly, preparing for the worst. "I have to tell you something."
At that, Cathy's eyes rolled. "What is it, Joseph?"
Joseph gave a sigh before talking, avoiding eye contact. "I didn't tell you so that you don't get mad… But keeping it away from you is also not okay…"
Now that got her worried. "What happened?"
"That caller… Jessic…" She gave a nod for him to continue. "It's actually Jessica."
Jessica… Jessica… who's- "Jessica! As in Jessica, Minkus' ex-wife!" She exclaimed in disbelief. Joseph gave a curt nod. "Unbelievable! Where did she suddenly appear from? What does she want?"
"If you want the truth, I don't really know what she wants either… I haven't told Minkus about it… Himself, Ella, and the kids are very happy so I didn't want to make them worry… But she suddenly appeared, what do I do?"
"How could she call though?! What does she want after all those years for God's sake?! Does she want to see the kids?"
Joseph scoffed, "I don't think she came back for something so innocent and noble like that…. It's different."
Cathy's eyebrows frowned in confusion. "How is it different?"
"When me and Jessica met-"
"When you met her!"
"Yes, we met." Cathy looked away from him in anger. "Didn't your friend see me? I was talking to Jessica, not Jessic, at the time."
"So I was right with my suspicions, Joseph… And you lied to me." She stood up from the couch.
"Please… I had to, Cath… I had no idea what to do…"
"Whatever the reason, you shouldn't have lied to me, Joseph! Just because you had no idea what to do… That doesn't justify the fact that you LIED to me." With that, she stormed out of the living room. She took went downstairs and onto the backyard.
"Oh, Damn you, Jessica! You appear and the problems appear with you… God, Damn it!" Joseph threw his phone onto the couch in frustration. He waited a few minutes before sighing and going after his angry/hurt wife. He found her standing by the pool like he knew she were. "Cathy… Come on… Let's go out and have something to drink."
"No." She said without turning around.
"You don't want to go out? Or are you still mad at me?"
"I don't want to do anything with you anymore, Joseph."
"So you're still mad… Okay, you have every right to be… But don't make it bigger than it is…"
She gave a sarcastic laugh and turned around, "Make it bigger?!" She folded her arms and turned her back towards him once again.
"Alright… I'm sorry… You're right but believe me when I tell you that I was annoyed with myself for the fact that I lied to you… I was just waiting for the right time to tell you… I didn't tell you from the start because I don't even want to talk about that woman… Cathy, would I ever lie to you because I want to? Have I ever lied to you?"
Cathy sighed and turned around, "Joseph… Yes, you've never lied to me before… But don't lie to me again as well…. Don't ever do that again."
"I can't even if I wanted to… I love you too much to lie to you…" He gave her a smile and cupped her face. "My beautiful wife…" He kissed her cheeks. "The love of my life." Forehead. "My one and only." A Peck on the lips. "Oh, you look so good even when you're mad… I feel blessed to have you." That earned a smile out of his wife. He pulled her into his chest and wrapped his arms around her in a hug. "Do you forgive me?"
Cathy gave a laugh and with it, he knew that she did.
*GMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMW*
"My little baby is now a young lady!" Farkle said playfully as he wrapped and arm around Caitlyn from behind, surprising her. He laid a gentle kiss on her cheek while she giggled.
"Yeah, brother… Now you finally admit it!" She said making her brother laugh.
"Happy birthday once again, Caity cait!" Lucas said with a grin and gave her a wink making her grin.
"Thank you one again, Lukey luke!" Lucas laughed at the mention of his nickname that she gave him when she was a lot younger.
"You look super pretty!" Sofia whispered to Caitlyn who had adverted her eyes towards Ian who was at the bar talking to the bartender.
"I do, don't I? It's a very important night!" She whispered back.
"Yeah it is, I'm very excited, Cait!"
"Me too! Especially because I asked my father about the flowers and the bear that I received and he said that he didn't send them… It must be Ian!" Earlier this morning, a guy dropped of a bouquet of tulips, her favorite flowers, along with a medium sized white teddy bear but there was no card attached.
"Girls, what are you whispering about?" Kayli asked with a smirk. She was wearing a simple grey body-con dress that had lace detailing on its halter neckline along with a pair of black pumps.
"Oh, nothing… It's just too loud for us to hear each other so we're whispering… We're not trying to hide anything, if that's what you mean." Caitlyn answered.
Kayli gave a laugh, "I'm just kidding, Caitlyn." She turned towards Lucas who was talking to Farkle. "Hey babe…" He turned around to look at her. "Come on, let's dance."
"We can do that later, Kayli." He said with a tired expression on his face and turned back towards Farkle.
"Off Lucas… Something happened to you today! You're not being your usual self!"
"I'm just tired, Kayli. Can you understand that?"
"Of course." She said with a tight smile on her face. "Girls, come on, let's have some fun, shall we?" She said to Caitlyn as Sofia as if nothing happened.
"We shall." The girls answered at the same time and the trio headed towards the dance floor.
"Where's Miley?" Lucas asked curiously. "Isn't she coming?" Farkle looked down at the table and clenched his jaw, which didn't go unnoticed by Lucas or Ian –who'd just joined them. "Did something happen?"
"Is everything okay, bro?" Ian asked.
"Yes it is… Let's close this subject." Farkle said simply.
"Why? Everything was just fine until yesterday." Lucas pressed.
"Everything is over." Farkle stated with a shrug.
"But why?" Ian asked.
"Because she lied to me… She is really in a relationship with her cast-mate and that was the last chance I gave her… So don't ask any more questions." Lucas laid a supporting hand on his cousin's shoulder but Farkle just walked away from both of them.
"I'll go see him." Ian said and went after him after Lucas gave him a nod. Kayli then joined him while Sofia and Caitlyn joined Farkle and Ian.
"So, where is Miley?" Kayli asked, trying to appear curious.
"Don't ask, Kayli… This time they really did break up for good."
"Well, I'm not surprised that they broke up after those pictures… Farkle wouldn't have taken that."
"How do you know about that?"
"It's all over all social media sites, Lucas… She really has something going on with her cast mate… Those intimate pictures and such couldn't imply anything but that."
"You just adore digging into people's private lives, don't you Kayli?"
"Farkle is our friend, Lucas… It's possible that he's sad now but he now sees Miley's real face." Lucas just gave a huff and clenched his jaw before looking away from her.
The hours passed and the day turned into night quickly. Everyone was finally enjoying their time. Some guests were dancing, others were just talking to each other, a few were at the bar enjoying the drinks, while others just stood at the tables and watched.
Everyone seemed to stop what they're doing upon the entrance of one particular girl. Lucas was the first to notice her walking through the glass door and it seemed to go in slow motion.
His eyes trailed up from her nude pumps that made her legs go on forever then up to her beautiful dress that looked even prettier simply because she's the one wearing it. It was a smile yet unique light blue dress that had a lace bodice with a printed layered skirt that had what looked like various geometric shapes on it. His eyes finally trailed up to her face and he didn't think that she'd get any prettier. (AN: Nina Debrov's dress from the 2nd annual NFL in new Orleans by Zuhair Murad)
Her chocolate brown eyes were so intense with the smokey eye-shadow she had on and her face was slightly bronzed along with a pretty pink blush. Her lips were coated in a nude pink lip gloss. Her hair was up in a messy but elegant ponytail with a few strands of her framing her highlighted face. She was clutching a black clutch in one hand, and a blue gift bag in the other.
They both looked eyes and Lucas couldn't help the small smile that took place on his face. Time seemed to stop for both of them as they stared into each other's eyes and Rile couldn't stop the butterflies that erupted inside her upon seeing his smile. She flicked her eyes to the ground before looking back up at him and giving a very small smile.
Farkle, Ian, and Kayli followed Lucas' eyes and the three of them held surprised expressions on the faces. Caitlyn was the last one to notice but when she did, she grinned and hurriedly went over to her.
"Riley! I'm so glad you came!" Caitlyn greeted her with a kiss on the cheek and grin.
"Happy birthday, Cait! I hope you like it." Riley said with a smile as she handed Caitlyn the gift bag.
"Thank you so much!" Caitlyn said happily and opened the bag to see what's inside.
"Riley, thank you for coming tonight…" Farkle said after he's approached them. Riley just smiled and gave him a nod.
Caitlyn opened the box that was inside the bag and gasped in awe upon seeing what's inside. It was a framed drawing of a blonde little girl driving a bike that had many colorful balloons tied to it. The drawing looked so colorful and happy.
"You drew this for me?" Caitlyn asked in awe. "Thank you so much, Riley! This gift means a lot to me! I'll be hanging this in the prettiest spot in my room and it's never coming down." Riley gave her a wide smile and Caitlyn hurriedly handed the gift to their mad telling her to put it in her room. "You look so pretty! You even look prettier that all the girls at this party… including me!" She whispered to her excitedly.
"Thank you…" Riley didn't know why but she felt overwhelmed with everything. She didn't know whether it's because she's at a party that is full of rich people or If it's because of Lucas' burning stare that was still fixed on her.
"We have to take a selfie considering how pretty you look." Caitlyn went back to the table and got her phone. Riley casually looked towards Lucas to find him still staring at her with the same smile on his face. Caitlyn came back and raised her phone up, making sure that Ian, Lucas, Farkle, Kayli and Sofia are in the picture as well. "Riley, smile a little."
Riley grinned and Caitlyn took the picture. "It looks so good!"
"Yes it does." Riley said with a smile and watched as Caitlyn posted it on her Instagram and then on her snapchat.
"Come on, let's dance and have fun! You join us as well, Brother!" Caitlyn said excitedly before approaching Ian with a more quite tone. "Shall we dance?" She asked shyly.
"Of course, babygirl." He said and took her hand in his and led her to the dance floor. Riley watched them with a grin on her face, not noticing the two men who were currently watching her.
"Riley… Would you like to dance?" Farkle asked and both Riley's and Lucas' eyes snapped towards him. He reached his hand out towards Riley and Riley flicked her gaze towards Lucas who had turned his gaze back on her, waiting for her answer. Please say no… I don't think I can see you with him. Lucas thought.
Riley took her eyes off of his and held her hand out and slowly slipped it into Farkle's waiting hand. He watched as Farkle lead her to the dance floor as the soft melody of a piano started.
Everybody's laughing in my mind
Rumors spreading 'bout this other guy
Do you do what you did when you
Did with me?
Does he love you the way I can?
Did you forget all the plans?
That you made with me?
'Cause baby I didn't
Oh great… that song out of all songs had to be the one they dance to. Lucas thought to himself as he watched them with his jaw clenched.
That should be me
Holdin' your hand
That should be me
Makin' you laugh
That should be me
This is so sad
That should be me
That should be me
He hated watching them dance. He hated that it was Farkle's hands wrapped around her waist and not his. He hated that it was Farkle who was having her hands wrapped around his neck. He hated how Riley seemed to be avoiding eye contact.
He briefly locked eyes with Riley. He saw guilt in Riley's eyes, and he hoped that she could see the anger and jealousy in his. In which she did, which made her tear her eyes away from his.
That should be me
Feelin' your kiss
That should be me
Buyin' you gifts
This is so wrong,
I can't go on,
Till you believe that
That should be me
That should be me
You know what he hated most? The fact that she knew. She knew about his feelings, yet she's dancing with another man. He's quite sure that she feels something, anything, towards him, yet she's denying it every chance she gets.
He moved to the other side of the round table, hoping to stop looking at them but felt Riley's eyes move with him.
Damn why did she have to be so damn beautiful and great? It would've been easier to stop myself from liking her!
You said you needed a little time
For my mistakes
It's funny how you use that time
To have me replaced
But did you think that I wouldn't see you out at the movies
What you doin' to me
You're takin' him where we used to go
Now if you're tryin' to break my heart
It's working 'cause you know that
"I believe that Riley still feels something towards him… Or else she wouldn't have showed up at all." Kayli said with a smirk as she also watched them. "She's actually better than that Miley, you know?" Lucas felt his hands form into tight fists. "With her all dolled up and dress up, she actually looks somewhat pretty and decent for him…. I think she made sure she looks good for Farkle… I believe they're going to make up after tonight."
"Kayli." He said in a warning tone. Kayli nodded and unlocked her phone with a huff. He went to her side with his hand held out and she locked her phone and gave him her hand silently.
That should be me
Holdin' your hand
That should be me
Makin' you laugh
That should be me
This is so sad
That should be me
That should be me
That should be me
Feelin' your kiss
That should be me
Buyin' you gifts
This is so wrong,
I can't go on,
Till you believe that
That should be me
They were now dancing beside Riley and Farkle.
That didn't stop both of them from looking at each other every chance they got as if they were playing a game of who would turn his eyes away first.
Riley couldn't stop that weird sensation, that she couldn't describe or name, from arising into the bit of her stomach as she watched the couple dancing together, with Kayli's head laid on Lucas' chest.
What is wrong with me? Why am I feeling this way?
I need to know, should I fight for love or disarm
It's getting harder to shield
This pain in my heart
That should be me
Holdin' your hand
That should be me
Makin' you laugh
That should be me
This is so sad
This was the verse Lucas related to the most. He just wanted to know whether she'd give him a chance or not. Whether she likes him for sure or likes someone else.
He needs to know if he should fight and try to make her his, like he really wants, or not.
That should be me
Feelin' your kiss
That should be me
Buyin' you gifts
This is so wrong,
I can't go on,
Till you believe that
That should be me
Holding your hand
That should be me
The one making you laugh, oh baby
That should be me
That should be me giving you flowers
That should be me
Talking for hours
That should be me.
"Do you feel better now?" Riley asked, and because of how close he was to her, Lucas could also hear her.
"I am… Thanks to you." Farkle answered with a smile which Riley returned.
Everyone suddenly started clapping as the maids rolled the cake into the back yard on the tray that has wheels. Caitlyn grinned and hurriedly went towards the cake. She held her hands into a praying position and made a wish before blowing the already lit candle.
"Yes?" Maya answered her phone. "What would I be doing? I'm just chilling on my couch… Of course I'm home… I just came home… What about you? What are you doing?" Right then, the doorbell rang through the house. "Josh, can I call you later? Someone is at the door…. Alright, bye!"
She opened the door and gave a polite smile. "Hello, may I help you, ma'am?"
The woman in front of her just grinned.
"Who are you, ma'am?" Maya asked in confusion but the woman just started laughing. "Why are you laughing?" Maya said in annoyance before going back into the house and shutting the door which the lady stopped her from doing.
"Maya, Maya! It's me, Josh!" Maya's blue eyes widened in shock before she hurriedly moved aside.
"Come in!" He did as she asked, struggling a bit because of the heels he was wearing. Maya closed the door and took a look at his appearance. He was wearing a pair of bright printed leggings, along with a bright pink button up and a pair of green heels. An outfit that no girl would ever think of putting together or even wearing every peace individually. He finished off his look with a blonde wig and bright pink lipstick and a foundation that is way too dark for his skin. "Babe, you look so pretty!"
"Hey! Don't laugh!" Josh said warningly as she doubled over in laughter.
"How can I not? Did you look at yourself?"
"What else could I do? You said that the neighbors can't see us so I thought about just coming like this… No one says anything when your female friends come over, do they?"
"No… they don't." She said through her laughter.
"And I took this from my brother's wife closet…" He says proudly.
"I must say, it fits you perfectly."
"It is but I can't take it… It's so fucking tight and it's hella hot out there… I feel like my stuff are getting cooked down there."
Maya reached out and touched the fabric of his leggings. "Off, these are ones we were during autumn and winter because they're a bit heavier so they keep us warm… Why did you wear that?"
"I can't walk around with hairy legs, what girl does that?"
"But I could've shaved it for you, babe." Maya said with a wink.
"Don't make fun of me, Maya… Look at what I did to myself, just for you!"
"Aweee… Did you want to see me that bad?" Josh couldn't help but smile and nod. Maya reached towards him and locked their lips together in a kiss.
"She kissed me! You just kissed me! Oh my god! There's proof as well… You kissed me!" Josh exclaimed in excitement.
"I have lipstick all over my lips now, don't I?"
"No, that can't happen… Our first kiss! I didn't imagine for our first kiss to be like that! I really didn't! Come here!" He yanked her to his chest and kissed her deeply using her surprise and slipping his tongue inside her mouth.
When they pulled away, Maya stumbled a little, feeling dizzy.
*GMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMW*
"Thank you once again for tonight, Ian… Everything was spectacular…" Caitlyn said after Sofia had left them alone.
"Yeah… That's what I think too… Everyone had a lot of fun."
"What about you?"
Ian gave her a smile and pinched both her cheeks like he always does. "Of course I did too, baby girl."
Caitlyn smiled and decided to tell him. It was now or never. "I have something to tell you." Ian nodded for her to continue.
"I'm listening, Cait…" He said after a few moments of silence from Caitlyn's part.
"Well… First off, you look very handsome tonight." Face palm.
"Thank you, I dressed up for you." HE said with a light chuckle.
"Ian, I really like you… Like… I really really like you." She said and the smile dropped off of his face immediately. "For a long time now."
"Caitlyn… What are you saying, Caitlyn? Cait, I…" He struggled with his words, not knowing what to say. "You're like a sister to me… You've always been and you will always be." Caitlyn couldn't stop the tears from welling up into her eyes. "Oh, don't cry! Come here, baby girl." He took her hands in his softly but she immediately took them away. "Caitlyn… I'm so sorry… Let's forget that we ever had this conversation, can we?"
Caitlyn walked past him and hurried into the house, passing a very concerned Riley. Riley took her clutch and hurriedly went after Caitlyn.
"Caitlyn, are you okay? What happened?"
"I told him how I felt, Riley…" She said through her tears.
"I think that didn't go too well, huh?"
"I wish I didn't say anything… Now he knows and he doesn't feel a thing for me… He probably feels sorry for me… I don't think I'll ever be able to look him in the eyes once again."
"It's Ian, isn't it?"
"Yes… Unfortunately."
"Caitlyn… You shouldn't be sad and you definitely shouldn't cry… You acted very bravely… Maybe he didn't expect something like that so suddenly."
"He would've staying silent then… He ignored it… He told me to forget that we ever had this conversation."
"Cait… Leave things for time to handle them… If it's meant to be, It will happen… At the right time, sweetie… We don't know what might happen."
"It's over, Riley… He doesn't like me." Caitlyn whispered through her sobs.
"Oh, Cait…" Riley pulled her in a hug.
"I'm leaving, guys." Ian announced as he reached Farkle, Kayli and Lucas at the bar.
"It's still early." Lucas said.
"You know I have work tomorrow…" Ian said.
"We have work tomorrow as well." Lucas said with a smirk.
"Anyways, I'll see you later… Bye." Ian said and left them. Of all people that had to be getting out of the house, it was Riley and Caitlyn that were getting out of the house as he was heading inside. "I'm leaving." Caitlyn just looked right ahead with her jaw clenched. "Good night."
"Good night." Riley answered politely.
"Good night." Caitlyn said curtly before storming past him. Riley gave him a small smile which he returned with a weak one before leaving. Riley made her way towards where they were all standing.
"I think it'd would be best if I leave as well… Can you call a cab for me, please?" Riley said to Farkle.
"I can take you home… I mean… we can take you home." Lucas said, meaning himself and Kayli, without looking at her.
"No, you don't need to that… Thanks for the offer though." Riley said.
"But you can't just take a cab by yourself." Caitlyn said.
"Riley… I'll drive you home." Farkle said.
"There's really no need for that… I can go home by myself."
"No, you can't… I'm driving you home." Farkle insisted.
"Alright." She said with a nod before turning to Caitlyn. "Cait, Happy birthday once again, sweetie! It was a really great party."
"Thank you for coming, Riley. I'm so glad you did." Caitlyn said with a grateful smile and riley gave her a nod.
"Shall we go?" Riley nodded once again. "I'm gonna take her home and come back… Goodbye."
"We'd be gone by then." Lucas stated and didn't turn back at the pair left.
"They suit each other really well… I hope they make up." Caitlyn says with a hopeful smile.
"That's what I think too… Because Miley is history now." Kayli said with a giggle.
"Kayli… Let's get going, I have to wake up early tomorrow." He stood up, not giving her a chance to complain.
"You've become quite boring ever since you started working, Lucas." She said with a huff as she stood up while Lucas said goodbye to Caitlyn. She did as well and followed him.
*GMGWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMW*
"It was a very nice birthday party, wasn't it?" Farkle said, breaking the silence.
"Yeah… I couldn't see Caitlyn's first entrance but I'm sure that she was very surprised."
"She really was." He said with a chuckled and another wave of comfortable silence approached them. "By the way, thank you once again."
"What I did was nothing compared to what you did to me…"
"I'm so glad that you were by my side when I received that message and I'm so glad you were by my side tonight as well…"
"Thank you…"
"I feel better when I'm around you…" And once again silence invaded the car.
Unlike the peaceful journey the pair was having, Lucas' and Kayli's were nowhere near peaceful.
"Lucas, would you slow down a bit!?" Kayli exclaimed as she clutched the car door. Lucas was driving very fast and she was sure that he was waaaay past the speed limit.
"I am already driving slowly, Kayli."
"Oh yeah? You're driving as if you chasing something very hurriedly! Just slow down! We arrived anyways."
"Alright, I didn't notice." He said and slowed down the car a bit.
"Are you sure that you're really okay?"
"How many times do I have to answer that question, Kayli? I'm okay. I'm just tired."
"Alright, I'm not gonna press on it." Uncomfortable silence occupied the car for a few minutes until Lucas parked in front of her house. They both got out of the car. "Thank you, babe… We're doing something tomorrow, okay? You've been neglecting me ever since you started working."
"We'll see." Kayli gave him a smile and went to give him a peck on the lips when he hurriedly looked away, giving her his cheek instead. She pulled away slightly to look at him before kissing his cheek anyways and going inside the house.
Lucas went back into his car and drove back to his house and noticed that he arrived before them. He heard the sound of a car nearing their house so he hid behind a bush.
Farkle parked the car in front of the house and got out to open the door for Riley. They shook hands with smiles on the faces and Riley waited until he drove away before going inside.
Lucas waited until she passed him before grapping her arm and stopping her, making her gasp. "You scared me! What are you doing here?"
"Where were you? Why did you take so long?" Lucas asked.
"How is that any of your business?" She asked in confusion and yanked her arm away.
"What do you mean by that?"
"I mean exactly what the question means… It's none of your business… I don't need to tell you my every move."
"Will you answer my question?" He said sternly threw gritted teeth.
"I left the party and came home right away… That's all I did… Where did you come from? You were still at the party when I left."
"I may have driven a bit fast." He said with a simple shrug.
"Someone is going to catch us, what do you want?"
"Did you think about what I told you?"
"Yes, I did. I'm not going to help you." She knew that wasn't what he meant.
"No, not that… The other thing I told you." She gave a small nod.
"Will you stop mocking me?"
"I'm not mocking you."
"I don't have an answer to give you." She turned around to leave when his hand stopped her by grabbing her arm once again.
"Riley." He said.
"Will you let go of me?" She whisper-yelled as she yanked her arm away. He only took a few steps closer to her and took hold of both her wrists, gently. Here are the damn butterflies and shivers again… Would you stop coming? She thought to herself.
"I know why you're acting like that." He said softly while looking into her eyes that were trying desperately to avoid his, while his thumps rubbed circles on her soft wrists.
"It's because you like me as well." He said with a soft smile and she just stared at him.
Why does sound real when I hear it from him?
Why does it make me want to agree with him?
I don't like him…
…. Or Do I?
DANG! I feel so bad for leaving you with a cliff-hanger when I have no idea when I'll update again but eh... better than no update at all, huh?
I just finished two weeks of midterms so my mum allowed me to take a break on my laptop so that's why I'm updating. It's almost 3AM And i'm afraid that she'll wake up and find me awake and still on my laptop lol... So imma make this AN short.
I feel like a lot happened this chapter but most importantly, you finally know who Jessica is. Also, Cait finally tells Ian what she feels and we get to see a little cuteness between Ella and Minkus, and Joseph and Cathy.
I'm honestly quite happy with this chapter, especially the ending. The only thing I'm not happy about is my song choice *Insert laughing emoji* I HATE Justin beiber and I think that this song specially is so cheesy but it's the only one that seems to fit the most. But I want you to listen to this cover as its supposedly the one that was playing at the party, not Justin's. It's a cover by 'Josh wright' and I think it sound beautiful so listen to it.
Anyways, like I said, I don't know when I'll update next so we'll have to wait and see...
Oh and if you're wondering, Senior year SUCKS for me... I have an exam every other day and studying in Arabic is so damn hard. I'm pretty much depressed all the time nowadays and I work as a full-time Zombie lol.
Anyhow, I'm so sorry for any mistakes but I don't have time to re-read it.
Until next time,
Haneenxx