Chapter 13:
"The Big 18"
September 18th, 2014…10:05am
Part 1 of 2
Today's final the day I've been waiting for…
The day where where I transition from a teenager to a young adult…
18…
I'm finally 18 years old. I could believe it. I have finally reached adulthood, and no longer considered myself as a kid anymore. At this age, I know that it's time to be more independent and make wise choices.
But I have lots of time for that, right now, I just want to enjoy today as much as possible. Despite everything that's been going on lately, I am extremely anxious about tonight. There's only going to be 30 people there, which I don't find its much, but that's not what's making me nervous…
I sighed. 'If he really is going to be there, then all of this nonsense, and what Vanessa and I talked about yesterday, is actually true, and will be answered once and for all.'
But for now, I want today to be extra fun, I know that it'll be a great day overall, I have to enjoy it as much as possible. I can't let this bulls*** get to me. No matter what.
Anyways, I was just getting ready to meet the girls outside as were going to go for a Wine tour today, I was excited for it, especially for the wine part of it.
Some of my folks from back home already wished me happy birthday earlier this morning, which I already replied too already. But the girls haven't said anything yet, I wonder why?
*knock knock*
Just then, I heard my door. I went to go answer it.
Threes party makers were blown right it my face, blaring in my ears, startling me as well.
"What the f*** man?!"
"Well Happy Birthday to you too" Adeline said.
"Guys, just chill, you know she's not used to the 'whole getting surprised/scared suddenly thing'" Vanessa said, spreading her arms.
"Here, take this" Alice said going her a small paper brown bag that had a familiar aroma coming from it, I looked inside to find a Egg McMuffin and a hash brown.
"Ah, now this a good way to start the day"
"You forgot this" Vanessa giving her a small container cup containing cold iced coffee inside.
"Well, thats even better" I said, taking a sip it.
"C'mon, let's just go before you say anything else" Vanessa said, motioning us to follow her.
Luckily this wine vineyard was only about 20 minutes away by bus. This was our first time taking the bus somewhere since Pierre would always drive us everywhere mostly, but he couldn't today as he was gonna help prepare for tonight's occasion. So this will be interesting since I'm more used to taking the bus/subway everywhere anyway.
11:45am
The wine tour was coming to an end. It was really interesting to see how different types of wine are made. Now that it was coming to a close, now comes the best part…
Having some of the wine itself!
They were giving us a few sample wines to try. There were a few varieties sitting close by, some of them ranged from dry to very sweet.
When it came to the last one…oh my god. It was just purely sweet and delicious. From what they said it was made from honey, peach & apricot.
I just let it sit my mouth for a moment, savouring the taste before swivelling down completely.
"Wow, this ice wine is just the bomb" Adeline said.
"I know right?" Alice said. "It's simply…uh, what's the word I'm looking for again?"
"Magnifique" Vanessa said.
"I was gonna say 'awesome' but that works too"
"Don't worry, we'll have plenty more once we hit the restaurant in a bit"
"And do another cheers right?" Alice asked.
"Uh, why wouldn't we?" Vanessa said, glancing in my direction.
3:15pm
After having a nice filling delicious lunch, we headed back to the hotel to kill some time and just chill until Cassandra comes to get us.
Its already been a couple hours and I still felt full from lunch. Those scallops and shrimp with Béarnaise sauce, the small 8oz. steak and baked potato sure bloated me big time, along with my favourite dessert, creme brûlée, which I hope to god there'll be more tonight, along with some birthday cake.
I was watching tv when…
*buzz buzz*
My phone vibrated, it was a group text from Vanessa saying Cassandra was already outside waiting. I went to the window and saw she was already outside of the car waiting.
"Well, time to get pampered once more"
I quickly went to go grab my purse, and shoes before heading out.
Once we were outside, Cassandra approached us.
"Good timing girl, we got about half hour to get there, now I didn't mention to the salon how you girls want your hair done so your going to have to tell them yourselves."
We nodded as we got into the car.
"Well, I already know what I want" Adeline said.
"Me too" Alice said back to her.
5:10pm
We were just pulling up to the driveway, arriving back from the salon to Theo and Aurora's house to get ready.
"Alright girls, be careful when you get out of the car, especially you Vanessa."
Vanessa's hair was much more special than out of all of us and she did not want to get it ruined by all means.
"Yeah yeah, I know"
She went all out on her hair. It turned out really nice actually, not gonna lie. I didn't say anything but I found it very 'extravagant'. Not just hers, but all of ours as well. Well, most of the the stuff including this huge party itself was a lot, so in any case, everything was expensive.
And they said my dress was too much.
"Oh, looks like Belle's already here" Cassandra said.
We turned to see that there was a grey minivan parked next to us.
I can see how she manages to put the dresses in the there now.
"Come girls, there's no time to waste"
We followed her inside the house, only to find Aurora coming from down the stairs with rollers in her hair.
"Oh, Cassie, didn't expect you to come that fast?" She said, unexpectedly
"Yes, well, I told the salon that were in a bit of hurry, so they kinda slowly but rushed it, especially with Vanessa's hair."
Aurora turned to look at how her niece's hair turned out.
…
"Well, can't say I blame her for not wanting to go all out"
Vanessa scoffed. "Well, excuse me for not wanting to look my best, especially on an occasion like this"
"Uh, well anyways, all of you girls look very beautiful by the way"
All of us flattered and blushing slightly.
"Well they'll look even more beautiful in those dresses that are waiting upstairs for them!" Belle said, came from the corner upstairs.
The 4 of us all started squealing at the delight of the hearing of dresses.
Cassandra come in front of us before we could even make a dash for it. "Eh eh, not so fast."
Aurora came down the stairs. "Yes girls, now I know your all excited but don't forget that we still have to get ready too you know." Referring to herself, Cassandra, and even Belle. "So, please don't spend so much time gawking at the mirror, we don't have a lot of time."
In unison: "Fine"
"Alright, Belle! Which one do you want to help out first?" Cassandra asked
"Uh, well I was thinking whoever wants to go first I guess…"
"Oh, oh! Me Me!" Adeline said, raising her hand, and talking like one of those kids that wants so badly to answer a question.
Vanessa sighed. "Yeah, I think Kristina and I will go last if that's alright with everyone?"
"Yeah, I think that's a better since my dress will take a little bit to get on" I said.
"Well, I guess that's fair, whatever you girls want to do, but let's make haste, there's not much time left" Aurora clapped her hands.
"Dress here I come!" Adeline said, rushing up the stairs. Alice following behind her.
"Make way, Mama's coming for the princess dress too!"
Everyone just looked at them .
"Huh, guess they're more excited for this then I am, not that I'm complaining. And it's not even their birthdays either" I said, putting my hand behind my arm, sweat dropping.
"Oh c'mon be happy, it's your night anyway, make the best of it will you?" Vanessa said.
"Relax, I will, geez"
"Don't worry, Kristina, it's like any normal kind of party, just relax and try to have a good time like Vanessa said." Cassandra said
"Yeah yeah, I will" I said crossing my arms, rolling my eyes too.
"You girls can wait down here, until we call you up. Stay close. We'll be upstairs getting ready."
"You don't want to act all party pooper in front of 'you know who' now would you?" She whispered, smirking, almost mockingly.
My eyes widened at what she said, making me slightly blush.
…
"Touche"
It was around 5:30pm already, and most of were ready to head out the banquet hall, well everyone except for Vanessa and I. We were still in the main guest room getting ready. Well Vanessa was mostly ready, looking in the mirror, fixing her self up. I on the other hand was getting my straps adjusted by Belle.
"Is that too tight or do you want me to loosen it a little bit?"
"No, its fine thanks" Belle stepped back when she was done. I turned around so she can see.
"Ah, I got to admit, you really do look stunning in that dress my dear"
I smiled.
"She does" Aurora came in the room with her phone in her hand.
I knew what she was going to do. I rolled my eyes and sighed heavily.
"I know you don't like taking photos Kristina, but please lets just take a couple quickly before we go, this is a big night and you girls just look very stunning" She said.
I took a big breath. "Ugh! Fine, just give me a minute"
"Of course, no pressure, just don't take too long, we have to get going very soon"
I nodded. "I'll stay with her if that's alright?" Vanessa asked.
Her and Belle nodded and left the room, to give us some privacy.
I sat on the bed, Vanessa came along to sit bedside me.
"What are you thinking right now?"
I sighed. "Lots of things"
"Is one of them, him?"
"Yes"
…
"If, he does show up, what're your gonna do?"
"Accept the fact that he's an actual vampire prince and that your folks do know about this"
She turned her head. "I just can't believe that they know about him too"
I turned to her. "Your, not actually thinking of telling them are you?"
…
"Well, when else am I gonna tell them? Never? If they know, then they should know too."
I can't believe she was willing to risk the truth to her folks, tonight even.
"They'll probably get mad at you for knowing first but not completely mad"
"But, what about Adeline and Alice? They'll be shocked the most if they found out. I'm gonna have to tell them at some point too don't I?"
…
"Your one tough cookie"
"You know what they, the truth hurts. But it's better off that way right?" She said, while getting off the bed.
"It always is"
We both smiled gratefully.
"C'mon…" She hit my arm playfully. "We gotta party to catch" She headed for the door, with me following behind her.
I then stopped for a moment. "Oh my mask!" I went to go get it forms the bed.
"Oh, no wonder something was missing from you"
"Haha" I sarcastically laughed.
We both left the room quickly before any one could ask what's taking us so long.
We took a few couple photos before heading out.
"Alright girls, one more then we got to go." Aurora said, this time taking out her iPhone.
We huddled together quickly with our masks off this time.
Aurora got her camera app out from the phone and position it to get a good resolution. "Smile"
She then looked at her phone. "Perfect. Now, get grab whatever you need and let's go!"
We collected our stuff (clutch purses, masks, cardigans in case if we get a little chilly later) and headed out the door for the limo.
Aurora grabbed her things herself and quickly hugged Belle before heading out. "You have fun now my friend, be safe." Belle said. "I will, and thank you again, you always come through with things" Aurora said. "Don't I always?"
"I'm just skeptical about Kristina's attire for this evening. You think she or anyone else will know that's not actually a ball gown?"
"Eh, I'm sure there's going to be lots of other females tonight wearing something similar to what she's wearing, so hopefully they don't notice but she picked it so whatever makes her happy."
"That's what I usually say to my customers: pick whatever makes happy/comfortable…"
Aurora smiled graciously and headed out the door. Belle closed it behind her and went to go collect her things before heading out herself.
5:55pm
We got to the hall with five minutes to spare. As well as other people just arriving themselves too. There were multiple cars in the parking lot too, majority of them limos and cars.
Aurora was mentioning to us that this is not just a any party, but more of an anniversary party for the building being open for a long time. She didn't say what the cause was but I'm sure they'll mention it later on.
"Alright girls, were here" Aurora said. Anxiously awaiting to get out and get inside, I was shaking my legs like hell, even my hands were shaking slightly. Was I honestly that nervous? Yes I was, but not because of the excitement and these people that are here, but because of him…
What if he's already here? If he was then, I think it'd be pretty easy to spot him.
Blue hedgehog, spiked hair, black cape, etc. Even he's wearing a mask too, which obviously he will, I'd still be able to spot him. But can't make it that obvious as to cause a scene.
I had butterflies in my stomach just thinking about it.
*clears throat* "Ahem"
A chauffeur was waiting out the door to escort me outside. "Huh? Oh right" I quickly grabbed my belongings and scooted out towards the door. I slowly took my time getting out while being helped by the chauffeur.
"Thank you"
"Anytime" He tipped his hat, saluting us. "You ladies enjoy the rest of the evening now"
"Thank you we will" Aurora said. "Alright girls, get a move on, c'mon" We quickly moved towards the front doors where people were heading inside them selves.
"Holy s*** this place is huge!" Adeline said.
"Your telling me" Alice said.
She wasn't kidding, this place was huge but very stunning and gorgeous. We headed to the room where the balloons arched over the open doors.
Pierre and Theo were there greeting guests coming in. They smiled when they saw us.
"Ah Darling, you came just in time. You look lovely as always." Theo grabbed her hand and kissed it. "And girls, you all look very exquisite this evening"
We all giggled and blush. "Yes, I agree" Pierre said. "Especially Vanessa, who's hair is perfect for the occasion really" He sweat dropped.
"Make fun of my hair all you want, I just wanted something more fitted for the occasion." She said walking in the ballroom.
"Don't worry about your hair Vanessa, that's not what matters now." Pierre said stopping. "What matters now is that we escort you to the head table"
They walked us over to where the main head table was set up. But something odd I noticed, there were nine seats instead of eight.
"Uh, yeah, your probably wondering about why there's a extra seat" Pierre said.
"Yeah, I thought it was just us eight of us?" Vanessa asked.
"Well, we have a special guest sitting with us, we invited him last minute" Cassandra said coming in from behind.
Vanessa and I looked at each other, already knowing who this 'special guest' already was.
"Wait! Don't tell me…" Adeline said. "He's a famous person and is sitting with the head party of this party tonight?"
"Uh, well he's somewhat famous but long story short, he was gonna be by himself and nothing better to do so we thought it'd be great for him to attend this occasion"
"Well, I'm excited either way!" Adeline said, showing enthusiasm.
"Oooh, I can't wait!" Alice said, getting anxious herself. "This the first time that were sitting next to someone famous"
"Oh yeah, were excited too alright" Vanessa pretending to sound excited, then nudge me with her elbow.
"Yeah, what she said"
They raised eyebrows at us.
"Uh, ok?…" Adeline said.
"Now look, everyone here is probably just anxious about tonight especially you Kristina…" Pierre said.
I rubbed my arm and faked smiled.
"Just stay calm, and relax. Why don't you girls go grab something at the bar there behind you in the meantime" Pierre pointed with his hand.
"Oh yay, mini bar!" Adeline chanted, making her way there, Alice following behind her. "I hope they have that 'screwdriver' drink, I heard its really good." She said. "I'll get us two if they have it" Adeline said.
Vanessa and I looked at each other for moment, relieved for a second. "They're gonna get suspicious with us at some point" I said. "Yeah, but not if I tell them first about it" Vanessa said.
I sighed. "Let's not worry about that right now. Drink?". "Yeah. I could go for another glass of wine." I thought for a moment. "How bout we buy a bottle and split it instead?" I asked. "Alright, I'll get the wine, you get some screwdrivers for us" She said. "Got it" We walked over to the bar.
Pierre and Cassandra stood a few feet away, hearing their conversation.
"I can tell that those two hiding something from us."
"You think they're onto to us somehow?" Pierre said. "My suspicions tell me yes, but let's keep it low for now" Cassandra said. "He's not here yet, so were fine for now."
…
Pierre nodded. "He'll be here before dinner even starts, so we got time. I just hope he keeps a low profile as to not get people suspicious of his presence."
Cassandra nodded and looked back towards us.
6:45pm
Back at a certain castle, the young ageless blue hedgehog was readying himself to to attend the masquerade party, which starts very soon. He looked at his enchanted mirror which was the only place where he could see himself fully.
"Aren't you forgetting something?"
Sonic turned to see his guide owls, one of them holding his masquerade mask in their mouth.
"Thanks" Sonic said, grabbing the blue and gold mask from the owl's mouth.
…
"I haven't worn this thing in a very long time…not since my, 16th birthday…"
The owls looked at each other concerned.
"But tonight isn't about me though…it's her special night, and I'm not going to ruin it for her by being like this." Sonic said determined.
"Things haven't been easy for you over these past 5 centuries Sonic, we get it, we all do, just look at your cat over there, even he gets it…" The brown/white owl said, pointing to the small black cat behind him. Sonic turned to see Midnight sitting on the bed, looking at him with his ears drooped downwards, having a unhappy face on him.
Sonic walked towards him. "I know" He stroked his black furry little cheek. "I want her to stay as much as you do, but even if I convince her to stay, she probably wouldn't. She's got a life back at home, and I can't take that away from her." Both the owls turned their heads, saying nothing at first. But then one of them found just maybe the right words to hopefully encourage the young royal.
"I can tell you really care for this girl, don't you?" The snowy owl asked.
"I do, and so does she. She always did, since I first met her" The kiss then came to mind. 'I can tell right there at that moment, not only did I feel something, but she felt it too. She probably won't admit this, but I can tell she feels the same way that I do for her, even though we just met.'
"Look, if you really want her to stay, then give her a good reason" Snowy owl said.
"But, what reason though?" Realization then came to mind. 'Its me, of course, I'm the reason she should stay. But she needs to realize that on her own.'
"Be strong like you always have Sonic, you go show this girl just how much of gentleman you can be"
"Just try not to scare her off like you've been doing for the past little bit now"
Putting a gutsy look on his face, Sonic put on the mask and took one last look at him before taking off for the night with the present in hand.
6:50pm
"It's almost time for the main event to start. Where is he? He should be here by now"
Aurora said.
The two middle aged couples were at the door waiting for the hedgehog royal to show up any minute.
"Relax dear, he probably just needed time to prepare, especially meeting a 'certain special someone' Theo said, elbowing her.
"Speaking of which…" They looked behind them to see Kristina coming out of the ladies room behind them with her phone in hand, along with Vanessa following behind her. Suddenly everyone felt a flash of wind go by them, even this caught both girls attention.
"What the hell was that?" Vanessa said.
I turned my head around to see where it came from. My eyes widened, along with my heart almost leaping out of my chest. "Uh, V…" She turned to see me facing another direction, she raised her eyebrow and looked in the same direction. Her eyes widened as well.
"Uh, am I too late?"
They looked to see the 'special guest' arrive within minutes to spare. Both girls easily recognized the voice, and judging by the appearance, even with the mask on, the hedgehog that was standing with Vanessa's folks, was none other than The Lonely Prince himself.
"No, actually your right on time" Pierre said. "In fact…" Pierre turned around to find the girls only to see that they weren't there anymore.
Sonic slightly frowned at this. He didn't even need to read her mind as she knew of one thing, two actually…she knew about him, and that she told Vanessa about this too.
"Huh, funny, they were just there a moment a go" Pierre said. "I'll, go see where they went" Cassandra said, making her way back towards the ballroom. "I'll come along too" Aurora said, following behind her.
"Look…" Theo and Pierre looked at him. "This is my first time meeting her, and I don't blame her for being scared about this" Theo put a hand on his shoulder to reassure him. "Just give her a few minutes, I'm sure she's more scared than you are right now"
"Yes, and of course, she'll feel better with that long box you have which I assume is her present?" Pierre said.
Sonic looked at the long red velvet box he had in his hands "It is…"
…
"There's something I have to confess though…"
They looked at him, thinking it was either bad or shocking.
In the female bathroom, Kristina and Vanessa were in the accessible stall, both in shock and freaking out.
"Oh my god, V! I actually can't believe this…" I crossed my arms, with my head turned.
I was literally speechless at the moment.
"Kris look, I know what thinking right now, and that this a lot to take in, but we can't stay in here forever…"
A lot was going through mind right now, I had no words what to say about this, except for these few words:
"I, don't know what to do V…"
…
"I do…"
I looked towards her…
"Girls! Are you in here? The main event will be starting soon…" Cassandra's voice was heard outside the stall.
We both looked at each for moment…Vanessa didn't say anything.
...
I turned my head again with crossed arms and closed eyes. "I guess there's no other option left then…" I whispered.
Cassandra checked the stalls to see if they both were in there, all of them were empty except for one which was closed. Having no luck, she was about to leave when she heard one of the stall doors open behind her to reveal the two girls that were hiding come out.
"Oh, well there you two are, we were wondering where you ran off too"
…
"You girls ok?" She asked, looking at them with concern.
"Mhm, they've been taking little bit to find them, hope they're alright" Pierre was outside the ballroom waiting, along with Sonic standing a few feet from him.
'She's been in there for a little bit, did I upset her that much? No, she can't be, this has become too much for her to handle at this point'
Just then they heard something in front of them, the door opened to reveal Cassandra coming out of the ladies room.
"Oh dear, any luck?" Pierre asked. Cassandra had a worried/concerned look on her face, then went to go whisper something in his ear.
"…Very well. Sonic do you mind waiting here for a few minutes? Your about to meet my god daughter and her best friend. We'll be inside waiting don't be long though, were starting shortly" Pierre and Cassandra left and headed inside for their table.
"…"
The way he said it, sounded like he knew something…He then thought of one thing, she told them.
Just then, the sound of the washroom door was heard again, only to reveal Vanessa coming out, purposely walking stiffly towards him.
She then looked at him with a unfriendly look, with arms crossed "Look, I don't know what your doing or why, actually I think I do know why…"
Sonic gulped.
"You like her, don't you blue boy?" She mocked at him while giving off a smirk.
"Mhm, nice job Einstein, you figured it out"
She chuckled. "Look, she's my best friend, its her special night, so don't ruin this for her got it?"
"Whatever you say" Sonic said.
Vanessa gave off a small smile before walking off for the ballroom.
Sonic just stood there, knowing what was coming next. The door was heard once again to reveal another girl coming out of the ladies room, but this girl, he knew all too well.
"I know who you are"
…
"I know, and I'm so sorry for what I've been putting you through."
"Its alright, at least I now know I'm not going crazy. I know your not doing this to hurt me, but more trying to tell me something. You like me don't you?"
Sonic sighed. "Look, I know we just met, but ever since we first met, I've had this feeling, something I haven't felt in a long time, and you feel it too"
'I didn't have to read her head as I knew what she was already feeling…'
"Look, we barely know each other, but after what I've been witnessing and experiencing, I now know who you really are, and that your actually real"
…
"Your one pretty little thing, you know that?"
I looked away feeling shy and blushed.
"And it's not just that, but your sweet, kind-hearted and would go out of someone's way to do anything for them"
My eyes slowly shifted to look at him, smiling gratefully, but looked down feeling guilty for what I'm about to say.
"I know what your situation is, and I'm so sorry your going through that, but you know there's nothing I can do about it, even if it meant staying here just to be closer to you"
Sonic felt a little rejected at her comment but already understood that she's got her own life back where she came from, and he knows that if he takes that away from her, then he's gonna be the one feeling guilty.
"But, I appreciate you coming tonight, it was really kind and thoughtful"
"Mmph" He grinned. "Well in that case, here" He handed her the red velvet box.
"You actually got me something? You didn't have to…"
"I didn't wanna come empty handed, it wouldn't feel right"
The box felt soft and silky. I opened it, expecting to be a necklace, but instead laid a purple rose, similar could to my skin. I was perplexed at this.
"Smell it, I think you'll like it"
I took it out gently, brought it up to my nose and sniffed it gently.
…
"How'd you…" My eyes widened.
"You liked the smell didn't you? You told me that…"
"The first time I meet you…I can't believe you remembered that"
"Well, I have a pretty good memory if I do say so myself"
"C'mon, we should get going, we shouldn't let our emotions get in the way of tonight" He stuck his arm out for me to grab. "Shall we?" I smiled and slid my left arm under his. Being a gentleman, he then escorted us inside the ballroom.
