Chapter 2

Just as I was walking out of my room, after getting ready for my party, I'd caught sight of myself in the mirror and… I'd been amazed. What an effect the dress had! And I'd used the scarf as decoration, tying it around my neck. My hair was loose and wavy, dropping to my waist, and I had silver hoops in my ears. Daddy's locket was just visible, which I was thankful for, and I'd finished off with make-up and a pair of white high heels. I felt beautiful, and as I walked downstairs, Momma caught sight of me and her eyes lit up.

"Oh, Luke… didn't I tell you that dress was perfect?" She asked my father. Daddy just smiled and nodded approvingly. I blushed a little, and tried to change the subject.

"Has anyone arrived yet?"

"Yes… your friend, Emma and her parents are here. Paul's escorted them outside." Momma answered, before looking down at her watch. "I guess it's early. Go say hello and then come and greet your guests as they arrive."

I shot her a grateful look before rushing outside. As I saw Emma standing underneath the marquee, I also saw the band setting up, getting ready to play as people arrived. Well, at least they were here... one less thing for Momma to worry about.

"Kairi!" I heard my name being called and turned just as Emma ran up to me and enveloped me in a tight hug.

"Emma! Hi! I'm so glad you're the first one here." I said, as I hugged her back. Emma Ruthwell and I had been best friends ever since I moved here, about seven years ago. We'd never argued once since then, and a lot of people said we'd have made great sisters.

"Happy birthday!" She cried as she stepped back. "I gave your present to your mum and… wow! You look absolutely amazing! Vincent's gonna have to follow you around today, to beat off all the guys who are gonna wanna dance with ya!"

"Maybe." I grinned. "And you look pretty hot… anyone special you trying to impress?"

She was wearing a short, pale yellow dress… definitely an outfit to draw attention. And, as she turned away to hide the fact she was blushing, I saw Paul standing by the band, admiring Emma. Well, it looked as though she'd got the guy she wanted. Along with almost every other girl in our year at school, Emma had a huge crush on my brother… however unlike almost every other girl in our year… Emma tried to hide her crush.

"So, um, when's Vincent gonna be here?" She asked, still looking away. I decided to help her change the subject.

"I dunno. Hopefully not till later… I don't think I can cope with him today."

Vincent Meyers was the guy I had been going steady with for about three months now. At first, it had been really fun… Vincent was a popular guy at school and it made a lot of girls envious when he stopped in the middle of school to give me a kiss. But, for the last month or so, he'd been nagging me to go "all the way" with him, and when I'd told him I wasn't ready, he'd stormed off angrily. Emma was the only one I'd told about this, and her advice was to dump him before he went too far.

"Well… let me know if he gets too much and I'll drag you away from him, alright?" She looked up at me and grinned.

"Well… I'd better go play my role of hostess… I'll find you when I'm done." We hugged again and I began to make my way back to the house. When I reached the back doors, I looked back and saw Paul approaching Emma. Well, good. My brother needed a nice girl like Emma to keep him on his feet.

"Kairi! There you are!" Daddy said as he saw me. "Your mother wants you. More people are starting to arrive."

Knowing Momma would probably have a heart attack if I wasn't there to greet the next set of guests, I rushed through the house to the front door. As soon as I got there, I wished I hadn't bothered.

"Mr and Mrs Ravencliffe. It's good to see you. And Marie! How are you dear?" Momma's cheery voice reached me and I came to a halt just as I was about to step out.

"I'm good, Mrs. Stevens. You look beautiful. Where's Kairi? Shouldn't she be greeting people at her birthday party properly?"

She sounded so angelic… and yet, she was the most evil person I knew. Momma had wanted me to invite her, and in the end, I'd given in to please her. As I heard my name, I stepped forward and put on my warmest smile.

"I am sorry Momma. I'll take over now. The band is doing a great job setting up." I turned to Marie and her parents, and I was pleased when I saw Marie scowl. "Mr and Mrs Ravencliff! Marie! I do apologise for my absence. If you'd like to go through to the back snacks are prepared and music will start shortly."

I didn't stare as they walked past me, but I was able to see what Marie was wearing. Well… it was kind of hard not to notice really. It was basically a bright red boobtube, which showed more than enough cleavage, and a blank miniskirt. With her dark red hair and her black leather boots, she looked more like a stripper than a friend coming to a birthday party. I threw my mother a look, and she just sighed and shook her head.

"I'll go and make sure there's no trouble."

"Just keep that away from Paul." I said. I had high hopes for Emma and Paul today, and Marie definitely wasn't going to ruin anything.

"What were her parents thinking?" Momma remarked as she trailed after them.

I took up my position by the door and was surprised to see Vincent and two of his friends making their way up my path. Vincent usually liked to wait till everyone was here, and then make a grand entrance.

"Hey babe…" He said as he reached my front door. He kissed me briefly on the lips.

"Hey, Vince, she's pretty hot." One of his friends commented.

"She," I said, turning to him. "Has a name."

"Fiery too!" His other friend added, laughing. "She been keeping you on your toes, Vince?"

"Pretty much." Vince grinned at me and my legs nearly gave way. Damnit, why did I turn into such an airhead whenever I was around him?

"Umm… you guys can go through if you want." I finally said. Vince stepped up beside me and slipped his arm around my waist.

"I think I'd rather stay here with you." He turned to his friends. "You two go ahead. Don't do anything I wouldn't do!"

They walked off, laughing, and I smiled gratefully at Vince. "Thank you."

"Anything for you, babe." He pulled me closer to him and kissed me deeply… It was at that moment, that I decided Emma was wrong. I couldn't break up with him. I just… couldn't.