First off, I can't wait until a few more chapters to give you guys massive thank yous and replies, but I just want you all to know, I'm seriously dying over here. If its not from laughter, its from 'awing' at how you guys are so amazing and leave the best reviews. And as for you, LEATHERnGOLD, I'm dying of laughter on this end, and I thank you for that long review. And to those others who families think they're crazy upon getting a update of mine, I'm sorry, sort of. Ha-ha, enjoy.
Also: Whoa, we're on chapter 40? STOP THE PRESSES. Just kidding, I'm even excited to know what'll happen next. Yes my brain is the mastermind behind all of this, I know nothing.
At this moment I found myself smiling like an idiot. I had Max pressed against me, as I danced in a circle with him. He was light on his feet, which was something I didn't quite expect. Alex was talking to Justin at the booth and Harper was ready to cut into the cake across the floor. I watched everyone twirl before my eyes as the music stopped. The few of us on the dance floor parted as food was served. I made it over to one table where Mackenzie, Harper, Alex, and I would be sitting.
"So how is this party so far?" Harper asked as I gave a thumbs up. "Well we're glad you're enjoying yourself, it feels awesome to just relax and…oh my, they have crab legs." Harper darted from the table as I shook my head giggling, spotting Mackenzie's eyes drifting off into the distance.
"Hey, Earth to Mackenzie, what's up?" I waved my fingers in front of the girl as she smiled at me, shaking her head before pulling her plate close.
"I was just…nothing."
"Yeah, right." I turned to spot Alex still doing something with Justin. Coco was on the floor eating something, and the table right across the floor from ours sat Claire, another boy from school, Joshua I think, and a girl I barley spoke to, Amanda. I couldn't spot out what Mackenzie was staring at.
"Mitchie its nothing." She repeated as I faced her, lifting my fork as different foods were sat before us.
"I'll believe that when pigs fly."
"Pigs fly?" Alex asked, as she sat next to me. I nodded, before placing random things onto my plate. Harper had returned as well, taking her spot to the right of me.
"So should we open gifts next?"
"We?" Harper asked.
"Yeah, you se that pile of stuff? I'm not going through that one by one." I sipped on some water before everyone agreed they'll help.
"We can do the presents last. We still have to dance remember?"
I faced Alex after Mackenzie and Harper smiled, looking down quickly when my eyes landed on theirs.
"O-kay." I said as Alex pulled my fork into her direction, eating the contents on it. "Aw."
"Hey Mackenzie, I have to ask you something." Alex faced the girl as she nodded.
"Shoo."
"Claire told me that she knows you. How?" I was new to this conversation so I ignored it, as Harper continued to crack open different crab legs.
"Calm down there sparky," I tapped the girl's hand, stealing some meat form her plate.
"Hey!"
"Well Alex stole mine," I laughed just before a bark echoed from the other side. "I'll be back." I left the table, running over to Coco as Justin tapped his fingers against the turn table.
"Your dog is a menace."
"She misses me that's all," I faced Coco, "I can't rub you right now, but just know that I love you and you have to be quiet, okay?" I watched as the dog whined, rubbing against my leg before she laid back down.
"So any requests?" Justin asked as I faced the table I just left.
"Maybe, do you have any good slow songs?" I watched as he shifted through his laptop that sat open.
"Uh, I have, three actually." He signaled to them as I ran over the names.
"Play the seconds one, oh and don't forget to give more attention to Coco, she gets lonely fast." I pointed to the boy as he nodded, placing his headphones back on as if he was actually mixing the music himself. I walked two tables from where mine was and sat against an empty chair. My parents were actually sitting with Alex's parents, and Kelly, our babysitter, slash aunt since we we're practically five, sat with them.
"So birthday girl, are you having a great time?" My mom asked smiling as I nodded.
"Good because pretty soon there's something special we have for you."
"Special?"
"Yes. Although your father was the one who decided to do and get it without my permission, I finally accepted it for you."
"I'm so clueless," I truly was as I hugged my mom before sliding more into Jerry. "So big guy, I'd like to personally thank you for the necklace. The both of you." I faced them both, Teresa as well, before they told me it was no problem.
"Mitchie!" I saw Claire waving at me.
"Guess its time to mingle," I moved from the table and across the floor, sitting next to the blonde and the other two kids I barley knew. "Hey."
"Hey, I was just wondering if you opened your gift yet?"
"Actually no. Once I came back inside I was busy dancing and stuff. Do you want me to open it now?"
"Yes. Where is it?"
"I'll go and get it." I made it back to Harper, Alex and Mackenzie, passing Conrad eating by himself.
Alex's P.O.V
Mitchie had left the table and Harper and I was staring at Mackenzie as she kept her mouth closed.
"Don't lie to me, how do you two know each other?"
"It's a long old story."
"I want to hear it,' I crossed my arms as Mackenzie sighed.
"Promise not to get mad at me?"
"It depends, but why would I get mad?"
"Just promise me. Its before I even knew either of you."
"Either of who?" I was on my guard, as I watched Mitchie sit with her parents and mine.
"Huh. Okay, so back in April, I was working for CR records. It was my job to show a school around the lot before we went to Disney land."
"Hey that's where I saw you from," Harper cut in as I shushed her.
"Continue," I encouraged.
"Well after showing the school around the lot we went back to the hotel so everyone can get money or whatever. That's when I met Claire. She asked me to do a favor for her. She told me that it was important to separate her girlfriend from some brunette, at the time I didn't know it was you."
"This story is getting nowhere hurry it up." I was impatient, I can admit that.
"Okay. So when the school left for the trip, Claire and I stayed back, I had another girl take the school to Disneyland. So Claire and I basically spoke of ways to separate you and Mitchie. That's when I met the Michelle girl."
"Wait," I leaned into the girl. "You knew Claire and Michelle?"
"I heard Claire say that there was a girl following the school, and she met her, finding out she liked Alex. It was up to me to give Michelle information about your whereabouts while also getting Mitchie away from you. I didn't know that she was your girlfriend at the time. Claire was lying to me, and I felt sorry for her because I was going through things with Conrad that made me hate everyone who did their partner wrong."
I sat trying to soak in the information, before Mitchie move over to Claire's table. I focused on the group before refacing Mackenzie.
"And then what?" I asked.
"So, when I heard yelling from your apartment room, I told Claire to leave since the school would be back soon and blend with the crowd. I called Michelle up and told her that Mitchie had just left the room, and that you may soon leave. I heard you yelling an screaming, and then I heard stuff crashing to the floor. So I was about to leave when you left the room, but you didn't remember me, so you left. And I told Michelle you were leaving." Mackenzie's eyes grew wide before she glanced at her plate, quickly putting something into her mouth.
"Hey guys. I'll be back." I watched as Mitchie reached under the table for something. She rose the bag Claire had gave to her. I quickly held her wrist gently.
"Hurry back please." I said as Mitchie nodded, before I let her walk away. "Harper, watch Mitchie. Mackenzie finish."
"I don't know what else to say. I only knew Claire for the week that the school was in L.A. When I heard that some girl names Mitchie Torres, had won the Final Jam, I was excited, but also worried because the name sounded familiar. When I saw you two come to the studio, I felt bad for Claire once again. So I admit that I tried to break you two apart, but you see that's when the both of you explained things to me and….I'm sorry Alex." I watched as she bowed her head, before Harper signaled to the table across the floor. Before I turned I had to forgive Mackenzie, even though those months in L.A. I was pissed, and it could of ruined Mitchie and I, we actually came out on top of it. But what about Claire? I couldn't forgive her, because what if this was still her plan to break us up?
"Mackenzie."
"I said I was sorry."
"I know, you're forgive. Get close to Claire and see what she's up to. See if she's trying to do anything. I don't trust her anymore."
"But you trust me?" She asked smiling as I nodded.
"Don't make me regret it."
"Oh I won't I promise."
…. … … …. ….. …
Mitchie's P.O.V
I sat next to Claire once again, before placing the bag in my hand on the table. Everyone seemed excited for me to look inside of it, so I quickly began pulling the paper out. Once I dropped the tissue-paper onto the table I saw a small box.
"Another necklace?" I asked, referring to the one Jerry and Teresa gave me.
"Open it. It took me forever to find it."
"Okay." I pulled the box open, spotting a silver necklace with a teddy bear as the pendent. On the bear's paws were teardrops. I quickly smiled, brushing my fingers over the object a few times.
"Thank you." I whispered as Claire nodded.
"It was no problem. I knew you wanted it for a while now, so I got it."
I nodded, before standing.
"I have to go back to Alex, but thank you." I gave the girl a hug, waving to everyone at the table before heading back to my own.
"So what was in the bag?" Alex asked, as I rose the necklace to her.
"Remember when I said I wanted this in our sophomore year? But then they sold out and Waverly is just so small that they didn't put anymore in stock?" I was still smiling as Alex nodded, before she plucked the necklace from my hand. I lowered my head as she slid her fingers through my hair, and across my neck before snapping the jewelry into place.
"Should we dance now?" She asked as I nodded. I was barley hungry anyway, besides we would be having cake soon and I could eat more, and share some with Jerry like promised. Alex slid her hand through mine as Max made it past me, sitting at the table with Conrad. I giggled, before Justin played the song I requested. I felt a bit shy standing in the middle of the floor, just dancing with all eyes on me. I glanced at Harper as she nodded, tugging Mackenzie along with her. They too were now in the middle with us. I smiled, walking into Alex, laying my head against her shoulder, as she locked her fingers behind my back. I couldn't help but smile as we moved along to the music. My mom and dad soon walked into the middle of the floor, and even Jerry who complained of false back problems began to dance with us. Justin dimmed the lights, bringing up this small yellow glow as everyone danced to the pace of the music. With every side glance of Harper and Mackenzie, I knew both girls felt awkward, Mackenzie more then Harper though, but they were good friends. I could finally see Mackenzie as a friend, she was willing to help with all of this, just for me.
"Alex." I whispered.
"Yeah?"
"Bring your hands up a little bit higher." I could feel her fingers sliding down as we both giggled. She held my waist with one hand as I placed my fingers in her other.
"Time to pick up the pace!" Justin yelled through the speakers just before the music began to roar. The lights went up and everyone was dancing faster. I left Alex to dance with Max, and she didn't mid much, or at least I couldn't tell. And soon she rejoined Justin again, nodding as I saw her put on a worried face. I wondered what she was up to. I parted hands with Max and held onto Harper, as we twirled onto the other die of the room.
"Okay Mitchie, you have to go on stage with Alex." Harper told me as I finally took a good look at the stage. I had totally forgot that Alex was going to sing to me. Now my heart was racing, and my fingers were feeling clammy.
"Can't she sing later?" I asked as Harper shook her head no.
"Its important that she does this now. We only have this place until five. Its already four." Harper informed me, as my heart continued to pound. I moved away from her and onto the sidelines as Alex searched the crowd for me. I avoided eye contact as I listened to the drum of my heart, pound in my ears. I was actually afraid, and she was the one willing to sing to me. I could feel my knees getting weak, and although it was rare that I passed out, it could happen at any minute. It was weird, I just knew something was going to happen, but I didn't know what. As the song was coming to an end, Alex spotted me. She moved through the sea of people as I tugged on my necklaces. I ran my fingers through them as Alex placed her hand out in front of me. I shook her fingers.
"Nice to meet you." I said before she giggled, taking my hand in hers as we moved past the few tables in our way. Once we were on the stage, Justin was waiting for his sister's signal to stop the music. I was holding my breath the entire time as Justin announced that Alex had something special she wanted to perform. I froze, staring out at the people knew and almost going into a panic. I finally took a breath of air, when Alex squeezed my fingers. I knew she could sense I was afraid, of what? I was even clueless on that. But she seemed to erase her own fears to tend to mine. I faced her, smiling as she plucked the microphone from her hand. My mom and dad were on Alex's side of the stage before, and vise versa with her parents. Coco, rose her ears up when she saw Alex and I on the stage.
"I wrote this song a while ago, and although I'm very nervous right now. I'm going to sing it for you. And I hope you like it." Alex signaled me to a chair that was on the stage. I happily took it, too nervous to even stand any longer anyway. Music began to play from the speakers as Justin adjusted the sound and Alex nodded to him. Conrad had followed the boy out of the ballroom, and I refaced Alex as she took a deep breath.
"You can do it baby." Jerry chanted a few times as I giggled, waving at him to let Alex be. I didn't think her voice would song so perfect, but I could feel through every word, she meant every one.
"It's just you and me and there's no one around
Feels like I'm hanging by a thread, it's a long way down
I've been trying to breathe but I'm fighting for air
I'm at an all time low with no place to go
But you're always there when everything falls apart
And it seems like the world is crashing at my feet
You like me the best…. when I'm a mess
When I'm my own worst enemy
You make me feel beautiful
When I have nothing left to prove
And I can't imagine how I'd make it through
There's no me without you."
Everyone was smiling hard off the stage, and I was just mesmerized by Alex's voice. I studied her, as she sung, holding my breath, not wanting this moment to end. I erased the crowd from my min, and it was really just Alex and I there.
"You hear what I say….. when I don't say a word
You are my rising sun, you're the place I run
You know how it hurts when everything falls apart
And it seems like the world is crashing at my feet
You like me the best when I'm a mess
When I'm my own worst enemy
You make me feel beautiful
When I have nothing left to prove
And I can't imagine how I'd make it through
And there's no me without you
And when you say, "Baby, it's gonna get better"
I believe you and I wish that somehow
I could see me the way you do,"
Alex walked over to me, holding her hand out as I grabbed it, unaware of what was happening. I stood up as she squeezed my fingers. I now knew her nervousness was back, but I encouraged her with my eyes to go on.
"With my imperfections, you think I'm perfect
When it's not easy, you make it worth it
When everything falls apart
And it seems like the world is crashing at my feet
You like me the best when I'm a mess
When I'm my own worst enemy
You make me feel beautiful
When I have nothing left to prove
And I can't imagine how I'd make it through
There's no me without you
No me without you….."
After the last note, everyone below cheered as Alex took a breath of fresh air. I smiled, wrapping my arms around her, and hugging her tightly. I pressed my lips against her ear.
"Thank you." I told her, as she nodded. Her arms holding onto me just as tight as I was gripping her. I pulled back, kissing her right there on the stage, I didn't care who saw it. These were my personal friends anyway, they wouldn't mind. Alex smiled, I could feel her lips turn up into a grin, and when I pulled back she took another deep breath.
"Thank you." She said into the microphone as everyone cheered once more. Jerry was clapping louder then anyone. I giggled as he signaled Alex over to him. She let my hand go, as I watched them. He handed Alex something, as Justin and Conrad walked back into the room, covering something from my view. Coco had faced whatever they had, barking loudly before Justin shushed her. Alex was back in front of me. I smiled, hoping that was the only song, because although I was calm now, I wasn't before she began. It was like we were switching emotions between each other.
"I really hope I don't mess up." Alex giggled placing the microphone down. I suppose whatever she had to say was close loud enough for the people in the room to hear it. Alex cupped my right hand as I focused on her.
"What are you doing?" I whispered, as my ears began to burn. Its like my heart was pounding louder then it ever had, causing my ears to feel hot and on fire.
"Mitchie," she took a deep breath, "Mitch, we've been friends for-ever." I nodded to her words. "We've been best friends forever, and we've been through a lot."
"I know." I whispered, panicking on the inside.
"We tell each other things we don't even want to hear. And we make the best of every situation."
I could hear something down below, off the stage but I didn't want to look away from Alex. Her heart had to be pounding just as hard as mine.
"You make everyday worth it. You make me happy. And you're very important to me." I felt Alex's fingers shaking between mine. No amount of time on stage could prepare you for a moment that leaves you guessing.
"You know I love you."
I nod as my heart works overtime. I feel like I'd pass out any minute, and just as I think we're going to be done, and get off the stage, and have all eyes diverted from us, Alex does the unthinkable. She crouches down onto one knee, and stares up at me. It's a nice view if I do say so myself, considering that I could see straight down her strapless dress, but beyond that, she rose my hand and pulled up something shiny. I didn't want to guess what it was, but I knew. I swallowed hard, not trying to lose focus on reality.
"Mitchie Torres, I've spent my entire life with you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you."
I couldn't imagine the expression on my face, as I bit my bottom lip.
"I want you to be my awesomely, amazingly, beautiful wife." Those words finally left Alex's lips, before she took one last breath, "will you marry me?"
I heard 'awes' and 'yes's' come from the people below as my vision began to blur a bit. I felt myself shaking as I smiled, brushing my hair from my face, and facing my parents. My mom was in tears, and my dad was smiling, as I refaced Alex.
"Yes." I whispered, before nodding as everyone cheered. Alex stood to hug me after placing a ring onto my finger. I shook from her touch as my heart continued to pound, but at least my ears were cooling off. I held onto Alex tight as Justin's voice echoed through the speakers.
"So now that we're all happy, we have a cake to cut, so everyone come this way." Justin yelled through the speaker before people walked away. I pulled back to glance at Alex, before raising my hand up to my view. I could see my fingers shaking.
"Wrong hand." I giggled as Alex nodded.
"I know, I was too nervous to grab you left one."
We both giggled as she switched the ring onto the left hand, as we walked off the stage.
"I have something for you." She didn't let me go, as I wobbled behind her. My fingers and legs still shaking. "Justin." Alex held her hands out to her brother as he smiled, nodding, before reaching back for something. Coco was barking again as I shushed her, and Justin rose a small dog carrier up.
"What's that?" I asked, as Alex opened the thing up, lifting a small yellow lab up.
"This is Roger, he's the new addition to our family." Alex hovered the puppy over Coco as she barked once more. "Now Coco be nice, this is your brother. And the only man in our life." I smiled at Alex, cradling the puppy before running my fingers through Coco's fur.
"What else is up your sleeve?" I asked as Justin smiled.
"Who cares, but I have something up mine. But first. To the cake." He shouted, pointing into the direction of the crowd. He left Alex and I with the dogs as I smiled. Coco was only a month old, but two puppies are better then one. I bent down to introduce the two as Max ran over to me.
"Hey, Mitchie, now you really are my new sister." The boy smiled, handing me the box I saw him grab earlier from the car.
"What's this?"
"Your gift." I grabbed the object from him, sitting next to Coco with Roger in my arms. It was a golden box that took no time to open. Inside was a charm bracelet, with three charms on it.
"So that first one represents Coco," he signaled to the bone. "But I guess it can symbol roger as well." The boy smiled. "And the heart with the 'A' and 'M' on it represent you and Alex." I nodded once more before he signaled to the last one, "and the key represents security. In other words, me. If you have a problem with this girl," he pointed to Alex, "don't hesitate to call me." I giggled before placing Roger next to Coco, she was pretty calm with him around now.
"Max I'll go and cut the cake, watch them please." I pulled Alex along with me as the boy pouted.
"I gave you a awesome gift and you abandon?"
Man, this party is taking forever to get over with. Well I have school in less then a hour, and I just spent two of my waking hours typing this for you guys, so enjoy. And everything is so awesome on this end, I hope it's the same for you guys. Thank you a million times over for reading, reviewing, and being amazing.