A/N: I don't really have an author's note since I update last night. umm... Merry Christmas everyone!
Disclaimer: I do not own Degrassi or its characters. But I do own a $25 gift card to AMC =)
Today is the day! Today is an INTERNATIONAL holiday! This day 21 years ago a baby girl was born. A baby girl that would not only change a nation but would change TWO nations. That's right, today is my birthday. Not only is it my birthday but it's my 21st birthday, and in the United States of America 21 is a big deal. I can now legally purchase and consume alcoholic beverages, though I've been drinking since 18, and I can now gamble. And to celebrate such a big birthday I thought it was only appropriate to throw a big birthday bash.
I've decided to throw this bash where it all started. That's right, we're in Tampa baby! Everyone is here, friends from T.O., friends from FSU, and family of course. Mom, Brian, and Major flew out here earlier in the week. Mom and Brian of course went to visit their parents. Grandpa and Grandma Johnson haven't seen Major since the week he was born. The Johnson grandparents don't travel much.
The party tonight is going to be HUGE! You know those Sweet 16 parties you see on MTV? Well imagine that times 10! Mom and Brian got me this HUGE venue. There's going to be booze galore at this place, though you have to have special stamps on your hands and a blue wrist band to drink any alcohol. I would hate to get shut down and go to jail for having underage drinking at this party. This party is strictly for me and my homies. I already had a family party earlier today. Now I must admit that it was hard to get some of my FSU friends out here to Tampa because school is out so most people went back to their home states but I was able to get most people, including Josh and some of his KAP brothers. It wouldn't be a party without the KAP boys.
Mom and Brian are at the venue right now to make sure everything is in place. Alex and I are currently in the hotel room and I got for me and Beth. Now unlike those Sweet 16 parties you see on MTV I told people that they could dress casual. It's too hot to be dressing up nicely.
"Tonight's party is going to be sick!" I tell Alex.
"I still don't see why you're having this huge bash," she says.
"This is my 21st birthday Alex. Turning 21 is a big deal here in the states. It means that I am no longer a child. I can do anything I want now."
"I thought turning 18 meant you were no longer a child."
"Turning 18 just meant that I could stay out past midnight. Being 21 tells people that I can make my own decisions and that I stand by them."
"Wow, I didn't know a number could say all that," she says sarcastically.
"I could disinvite you to this party," I say seriously. "You'd miss the biggest party Florida has EVER seen."
Alex approaches me. "You wouldn't disinvite your own sister would you?" Alex is giving me the sad eyes puppy dog look.
"No," I tell her. Now she's smiling. "But only because Mom and Dad wouldn't allow it."
"Doesn't matter to me, as long as I get to go." Alex plops down on the couch.
Knock, knock.
"It's open!" Alex yells.
Alex is so lazy sometimes. Beth and Sage walk into the room. Wow, it just got ten degrees hotter in here. Alex looks at Sage and immediately stands up. Sage is wearing a black taffeta sweetheart dress. It's strapless and very short. Sage has her hair down, slightly curly, just the way Alex likes it, which I shouldn't know but I do. But enough about Sage because my full attention is on my lovely sexy girlfriend, Beth. Beth is wearing a very hot blue halter dress that is hugging her in all the right places. I look down at what I'm wearing. I'm wearing rolled up cargo shorts and a short sleeve button down shirt. I feel completely underdressed now.
"You look amazing," I tell Beth.
Beth smiles. "Thank you. You don't look too bad yourself."
"Really? Because you look hot and you look like you're ready for the club. I look like I'm about to go skating or something."
Beth walks over to me and kisses me on the cheek. "You look good Jordan. Besides tonight is all aboot you so you're going to look good no matter what."
"See this is why I love you so much."
Beth and I share a very loving kiss. I look over at Sage and smile.
"You look very nice Sage," I tell her.
"Thanks Jordan," she says happily.
Sage reaches into her clutch and pulls out an envelope. She hand the envelope to me. It says Happy Birthday on it.
"Sage you didn't have to get me anything," I tell her.
"I know but I wanted to. Plus I think you're REALLY going to like this present."
I open the envelope. Oh my God! Oh my God!
"Oh my God!" I exclaim. I take the tickets out of the envelope. "These are tickets to the Orlando-Cleveland Conference Final game!"
Sage is smiling and nodding her head. "Yeah, I know. My dad sold a car to one of the players on the Magic for a really good price."
"Oh my God! One of these teams is going to play L.A. in the Finals!"
"You don't know for sure that L.A. is going to be in the Finals Jordan. Nuggets could beat them."
"Psh yeah right, in their loser dreams. Sage, thank you so much."
I hug Sage, showing my appreciation for the tickets. So far this has been the best birthday EVER.
Knock, knock.
"It's open!" Alex yells. She's too occupied looking at Sage to open the door I guess.
Paige, Ellie, and Marco enter the room. Yep, Paige, Ellie, and Marco flew all the way down to Tampa for my big birthday bash. Paige was able to get time off from the movie, but only for two days. My parents paid for Ellie and Marco's flight down here but Marco has to be back in Toronto Sunday afternoon because believe it or not he's a student teacher at Degrassi so he has to work on Monday. Unfortunately Riley could not get time off from the movie but she sent me a virtual birthday card. To my knowledge only Marco, Beth, and I know about Paige's relationship with Riley. Hey I know what you're thinking but there is no way in hell I'm telling Alex about it myself. I'd rather not die at the tender age of 21.
"Of course you two look fabulous," I tell Paige, Ellie, and Marco.
Ellie is wearing ripped jeans with a grey spaghetti strap shirt and a black spaghetti strap shirt underneath. Marco is wearing dark fitted jeans with a grey short sleeve button down dress shirt and a black bowtie. Paige is wearing a simple short black and white dress but with a few touches of her own. Paige also has her hair down, slightly curly. I look over at Alex. It seems that I'm not the only one that thinks Paige looks nice.
"Beth hon, you look amazing," Paige tells Beth. "I LOVE that dress on you."
"Thanks Paige," Beth says. "As always you look fantastic."
Paige smiles. "Thanks hon." She turns her attention to Sage. "Sage you look very nice," Paige says and it sounds like she actually means it.
"Thanks Paige," Sage says. "You look nice as well. I love the necklace."
Paige touches the necklace she's wearing. "Thank you. My friend, Paul Scott, designed it for me."
A look of surprise and shock appears on Sage's face. "You know Paul Scott?" she asks.
"Yep," Paige answers. "He actually has a house in Vancouver. He's been helping out with the movie. He's really nice and funny."
I feel a vibration in my pocket. I pull out my phone and flip it open.
"Limo's downstairs waiting for us," I announce to the group. "Let's go party!"
Birthday Bash:
The group and I just pulled up to my party. If you want proof that this is the biggest party in Florida then I have your proof. As soon as I got out of the limo I heard cheering. There's a red carpet and there's guests and photographers acting like maniacs. I told you my birthday was a national holiday. The rest of the group gets out of the limo. We all pose on the red carpet for a group picture. There're a few reporters here from Fashion Weekly and other fashion outlets. Someone might have tipped them off that Paige Michalchuk would be here.
After spending sometime on the red carpet we finally all go inside. Damn this place is packed and it is hoppin! The DJ is playing some awesome music and everyone is out on the dance floor.
"The birthday girl has arrived!" DJ Incredible announces.
A bright spotlight finds me and I have now been blinded for life. Everyone is clapping and cheering. I grab Beth's hand and make our way to the stage. DJ Incredible hands me the microphone.
"How's everyone doin tonight?" I ask.
The crowd explodes into cheers and woo's.
"That's what I'm talking about!" I yell. "I'd just like to thank EVERYONE for coming out tonight, especially those who travelled. My birthday has always meant a lot to me and I'm so happy I could spend it with all my friends and some strangers this year! But remember that there are two rules: number one, no underage drinking!"
I hear some aws and boos.
"I'm serious y'all!" I yell. "I don't want to go to jail tonight for having underage drinkers. If you are over the age of 21 then you got a special stamp on your hands and a blue wrist band when you entered the party. If you're under 21 then you got black X's written across your hands. Do not try to wash that off because the bouncers used a special marker that doesn't wash off for two days. Legal drinkers do not give an underage person a drink. I'll be very sad if my party is interrupted by someone's stupidity. Rule number two, no fighting! Seriously, the only fists I want to see tonight are fists in the air pumping to the music. Other than that I want everyone to have a good time tonight!"
I hand the microphone back to DJ Incredible.
"Now let's get this party started!" he yells.
Lady Gaga's "Just Dance" starts playing through the loud speakers and everyone starts dancing. Beth and I get off the stage and join the others on the dance floor.
Couple Hours Later:
The party is still going strong. There are a few people who are little wasted but nothing serious. We cut the cake about an hour ago. HUGE cake, very beautiful, very good. Right now I'm on the dance floor with Beth, Ellie, Alex, Sage, Paige, and Marco. Paige and Alex are clearly a little tipsy. Did you know that Alex and Paige both love tequila? Yeah, it's true.
"So this next song was requested by the birthday girl," DJ Incredible announces. "I wanna see some hot dancing out there!"
Throw Ya Belly by Evren starts blaring through the speakers. Hell yeah I requested this song! I see both Paige and Alex smile at each other. Paige points at Alex and does the "come here" motion with her finger. Alex walks over to Paige and they start dancing together. Beth presses her body against mine as we start dancing. Man, I LOVE this song! Alex and Paige are almost doing the exact dance moves that they did those many years ago at the after party. I look over at Sage. Damn, someone looks very unhappy.
"You asked for this song?" Beth yells in my ear so I can hear her over the music.
"Yeah!" I answer. "It's the perfect song for everyone to dance to!"
"You just wanted to see Paige and Alex dancing together!"
"Not true but hey it was a plus!"
We continue our very hot dancing. I should have asked the DJ to play this last because now I just want to take Beth back to the hotel and have my way with her. The song ends and another one begins. Alex and Paige are laughing and hugging each other. I feel the need to get another drink.
"I'm going to go to the bar!" I tell Beth.
Beth nods her head. "Ok!"
Beth grabs Marco and begins dancing with him. Good, that means I don't have to worry about anyone trying to get on her. I grab Alex's arm.
"Let's go to the bar!" I tell her.
"Yeah!" she yells back. Yeah she's definitely tipsy.
Alex and I make our way to the bar. We show the bouncer of the bar our stamps and wristbands and then when we get to the actual bar we show the bartender our stamps and wristbands. Like I said, I'm trying to have no underage drinking at this party.
"Four shots of tequila Bobby!" I tell the bartender.
"Four shots?" Alex asks.
"Two for you and two for me of course!"
"Of course!" Alex starts laughing.
Bobby hands us the shots. Alex and I count to three and take the first ones.
"Woo!" I yell.
"Time for the next ones!" Alex yells.
We each take our shot glasses and raise them in the air.
"Here's to you turning 21!" Alex yells. "You are an awesome sister and an amazing person!"
"No, you're amazing!"
Alex and I clink our glasses together. We throw our heads back and drink our shots.
"So you and Paige dancing was a hot scene," I tell her. "Bit of a flashback too."
"Yeah," Alex agrees. "I forgot how much fun it is to dance with her." Alex places a hand on my shoulder. "Thank you for playing that song. You're the best."
"I know right!"
I turn my head and look out into the crowd. Everyone is still having a good time. Now I know what you're thinking. There is a drinking limit and no one is driving home tonight. I already have something set up with a taxi company that's going to take everyone home. Uh-oh, I see a very angry girlfriend heading our way.
"Yo, your girlfriend is coming this way," I tell Alex. "And she doesn't look too please."
Alex looks in the direction I'm looking. Slight fear appears on Alex's face. Wow she must really be afraid because Alex just took another shot.
"Hey beautiful," Alex greets Sage.
"Lexie what was that out there?" Sage asks.
"What are you talking aboot?"
"What am I talking about? You and Paige, dancing to that song. That was an awful steamy dance between two friends."
"Exactly, FRIENDS. Paige and I are just friends. I don't understand why you get upset aboot her all the time."
"Because she clearly still wants you and for some reason you're too blind to see that!"
"No I see it but I ignore it!"
A look of shock appears on Sage's face. I'm also kind of shocked, but I'm also kind of drunk right now so… I think Alex is also drunk because she's not being very smart right now.
"I know Paige still has feelings for me but it doesn't matter because I'm with you," Alex tells Sage.
Alex places her hands on Sage's arms. Sage shakes off Alex's hands.
"It does matter Lexie!" Sage says. "How do I know Paige isn't planning some plot to try to get you back?"
"Try to get me back?" Alex asks in disbelief. "How is Paige been trying to get me back when she has spent the last five months in Vancouver? This whole thing is aboot you not trusting me!"
"That's not true Lexie! I trust you, I just don't trust your friendship with Paige."
Alex throws her hands into the air. "Why not?"
"Because I know what you had with her Lexie."
"But what I had with Paigey is nothing compared to what I have with you. We've been together for two years now Sage. I love you and I just don't understand why that's not enough for you."
Sage's eyes have narrowed and she has her arms crossed.
"You just called her Paigey," Sage says. "There's my point."
Alex runs a hand through her hair. "I'm tired of this," she says. "I'm tired of you feeling so self conscious whenever Paige is around. You should trust me and if you can't then maybe we shouldn't be together."
A look of sadness appears on Sage's face but it is quickly replaced with anger.
"Fine!" she yells! "Maybe we shouldn't!"
"Fine!" Alex yells.
"Fine!"
Sage is now walking away. What just happened? I look at Alex.
"What just happened?" I ask her.
Alex sighs. "I think Sage and I just broke up," she says sadly. Alex turns to the bar. "Bobby, give me a Tropical Orgasm with extra rum."
"Umm Alex, you don't think that's a bit much?" I ask.
Alex is shaking her head. "It is a party after all," she says.
Bobby hands Alex the drink. Whoa! Alex just chugged the whole thing.
"Another," she tells Bobby.
I lean over the counter. "Bobby this one will be her last one," I tell him.
Bobby nods his head. I pat Alex on the shoulder.
"Just relax ok?" I tell her. "And don't do anything stupid."
I walk back into the crowd. I have to find Beth and tell her what just happened.
Hours Later:
It's two in the morning so the party is starting to wind down. It's really only about fifty people here now. I'm looking for Alex. I have no idea where she is. Beth was watching her but then she got really tired so I told her she could go back to the hotel. Jeez, there are so many goddamn rooms in this place. I walk to the bar to see if Alex is still there, I hope she isn't.
Whoa! Is that Sage? Who the hell is she kissing? Sage is kissing some girl I've never seen before in my life. Wow, been broken up for like two hours and already Sage is rebounding. That girl is fast. I definitely need to find Alex now.
I walk into a hallway that has a bunch of doors. I hate these kinds of hallways. I'm opening door after door. Two have them have been bathrooms and one of them was the janitor's closet. They should really label these doors. Maybe Alex is in this one. I open the door. Well I found her, and I also found Paige. I crack the door open so they don't know I'm here.
"Lexie, you're drunk," Paige says slightly slurred. I think Paige is only a bit tipsy.
"No," Alex slurs. "I'm under the influence of alcohol."
"That's the same thing hon."
Alex looks at Paige. "Paige you look really perdy."
Did Alex just say "perdy"? Oh lord.
Paige laughs. "Thanks hon, you look nice as well. Maybe we should go find Sage."
Alex is shaking her head. "No," she says firmly. "I don't want to talk to Sage, I don't even want to see her."
A look of concern appears on Paige's face. "Did some happen between you two?" she asks.
"I don't want to talk aboot it," Alex says.
Alex is looking at Paige really weirdly. Why is she looking at Paige like she's about to do something? Alex pushes a strand of hair behind Paige's ear. Now she's leaning into Paige.
"Paigey I'm really glad we're friends again," she says. "I really missed you."
Paige smiles. "I really missed you too hon."
Alex just closed her eyes and she's still leaning in. Alex places her hand on Paige's cheek. Oh my God, she isn't…
HOLY! OH MY GOD! They're kissing! Paige and Alex are kissing! They're actually kissing. Paige's eyes open and she pulls away. She's shaking her head.
"I can't do this," Paige says. "I'm sorry Lexie but this isn't right."
Paige gets up and she's heading this way. I run down to the end of the hallway. I'm walking back down the hallway like this is my first time down here. Paige is walking toward me. She's looking down at the ground.
"Hey Paige," I greet her. "Have you seen Alex?"
Paige looks up at me. She has a look of shock and guilt on her face.
"Um yeah hon," she says. "She's in the room down there. Aboot four doors down."
I nod my head. "Thanks Paige. Hey, are you ok?"
Paige nods her head. "Yeah I'm just going to go to the hotel now. Get some rest. Happy Birthday Jordan."
"Thanks Paige. I'll see you later."
Paige walks away. I'm walking back to the room where Alex is. I enter the room and Alex is passed out on the couch. I'm shaking my head.
"Or Alex," I say.
I can say one thing. This was an eventful birthday. I wonder how eventful the morning after will be.
A/N: What consequences will the group have to face in the morning? hmm...