A Changed Life (16 page)

The rest of my morning flew by responding to all my birthday texts and tweets from my friends. After a delicious lunch with mom, it was off to the spa for some pampering. I only got a manicure and pedicure. I was going to do my own make-up and hair. I couldn’t decide how to style it, and was beginning to regret my decision to do it myself, but after a couple of hours, it was perfect. Knocking on my door, mom asked if she could come in, I answered her from my bathroom. When I emerged, mom gasped and covered her mouth with her hand. “Oh baby, you look beautiful.” Showing off my best vogue moves, she clapped her hands. You look perfect. I can’t believe you are eighteen years old.”

“Ah yes, and that would make you…”

“Um…don’t even finish that sentence! We don’t discuss my age,
thank you very much
.”

Both of us were laughing uncontrollably now, good thing I was wearing waterproof mascara, my eyes were beginning to tear. She had come in to tell me that Simon was waiting for me downstairs. I immediately went for the door and then she reached for my hand. “Take your time Nicolette, he will wait for you.” Mom winked at me, and then walked out of my room. Why do I get the feeling that was mom’s way of sending me a message without actually saying the words? She could write beautiful songs, but talking about sex with her only daughter, yeah…not so much.

As I made my way down the staircase, there stood Simon, dressed in black pants with an open collard white shirt, and a black jacket to match. He looked so sexy; I didn’t even care what he had planned for me tonight. All I wanted to do was kiss him, and only be with him. When I reached the bottom step, he scooped me up, and into his arms.

The looks of desire in his eyes for me, made me want to wrap my legs around his waist, and have him take me right now. Thank god my parents had gone out. Simon was driving me wild and we haven’t even left my house yet.

Putting me down, Simon stepped back to have a closer look at me. I could feel his want for me. Electric pulses were running through me as his eyes trailed my body from my head to my toes. I have never felt more wanted than at this moment. “You are so beautiful Nicolette. Happy Birthday!” Simon, took my hand, and kissed it. He presented me with a beautiful corsage designed with roses. Do you want your present now or later?”

Squealing with anticipation, I answered, “Now. Please.”

“Close your eyes baby.” I closed them tightly, but when I peeked he waved his finger at me. I behaved and waited. He stroked my neck with his fingers and kissed me behind my ear. He took my earrings out and replaced them
. Simon bought me earrings, I can’t wait to see them
. He walked me over to the mirror and whispered, “Open your eyes, Nicolette.” I was speechless when I saw them. “I knew how beautiful and perfect they would look on your very kissable earlobes. Do you like your present?” Gazing at me over my shoulder, and waiting for my answer. They were lovely. Diamond encrusted earrings in the shape of a rose.
Like them? I love them. How can I not?
“Thank you, Simon. These are so beautiful.”

“Not as beautiful as you. I love you…happy Birthday, Nicolette. Are you ready to have some fun?”

“I don’t know what can top how I’m feeling right now. My day has been perfect with my morning celebration with my family, and you and your amazing gifts. It’s perfect.”

“Well your night is going to get even better, let’s go.” Simon placed his hand at the small of my back and walked me out to the car. “Are you going to tell me where we are going?”

“No. It’s a surprise, and you
need
to stop asking.” Simon kissed my hand and then the inside of my wrist. My insides were on fire with every kiss he placed on me. Leaving my house, Simon showed me what looked like a sleep mask. He asked me to humor him by covering my eyes. He wanted me to be completely surprised. I complied, but the anticipation was killing me. “We’re here.” Simon opened my door, and lifted me into his arms while my eyes were still shielded.

Trying not to sound whiny. “Simon, can I please take this blindfold off now? I can’t take the suspense.”

“Just a few more steps, and then you can…okay? I’m going to remove the blindfold now. Keep your eyes closed until I say you can open them.” I’m led into a room, it’s so quiet, and you can hear a pin drop. I’m kissed on my cheek and my boyfriend whispers into my ear, “Open your eyes baby.”

“SURPRISE!”

I place my hands over my mouth; I am in awe, and feeling beyond thrilled by this wonderful surprise. One by one my party guests come up to hug and wish me a Happy Birthday. Trying so hard to keep from crying, someone is behind me tapping on my shoulder. I turn around to see Uncle Jack standing before me. “Uncle Jack!” I jump into his arms, as he picks me up off the floor. “Oh my god, what are you doing here?” He is spinning me around at this moment, best birthday ever.

“Now you didn’t think I would miss your birthday, now did you? I was there the minute you were born forever vowing never to miss a birthday. I love you Nickel.”

Tears were now falling at a rapid pace, mom was handing me tissues. “Thank you so much for being here Uncle Jack, and I love my bracelet so much.” I lifted my arm to show him that I was wearing it. “Where’s Aunt Sara?” I looked around the room.

“I’m sorry honey, she couldn’t get away, but she promises to see you soon.”

“That’s ok, I understand. I just can’t believe that you all pulled this off without me finding out. I scanned the room again and spot Bailey with Jameson smiling back at me. Now I know who the party planners are, and why Bailey avoided me all week. I turn my attention back to my uncle. How long are you in town for?”

“I fly back home tomorrow night, but we will have the entire day tomorrow. Go have fun with your friends.” I hug him tightly and then re-join Simon who was patiently waiting for me.

“How did you do this Simon?” As I gaze into his beautiful eyes.

“I had lots of help, especially from the girls and of course, Jameson.”

“So that big scene the other day at school was just part of operation surprise party?”

“Yes it was. I can’t believe we pulled it off. I wanted to give you the best birthday party ever, but I just wish some of your old friends could have made it.”

“It’s ok Simon. I have everyone here that I love.” I grabbed Simon’s face and pulled him down to me for a change, kissing him with all of the love that I feel for him. I wanted to show him how much I appreciated and loved him. He has made me so happy, especially tonight with his thoughtful surprise.

“I love you Nicolette. Are you ready to have some fun?”

“Lead the way, boyfriend.” On cue, Jameson walked over to us, lifting me up in the air and giving me a twirl.

“Put me down Jameson!”

“Do you love it? You little minx.”

“Yes, I do and thank you so much.” I hug him back.

We danced all night, and my feet were killing me. Slow dancing with Simon made me forget about the ache, and holding me close to him made me lose my senses. Simon continually kissed me all over my face and neck. I didn’t think this night could get any better. Our dance had ended, and we made our way over to the refreshments, all this dancing made me thirsty. Bailey, had walked up and gave me a birthday hug. She asked to speak to me in private. Winking at me, Simon asked me not to be too long. Um…no way baby, I wasn’t wasting a minute with my hot boyfriend.

“Happy Birthday friend, we are still friends, right?”

“Of course we are. Thank you so much for helping Simon with my surprise.”

“Nicolette, I’m sorry for being upset with you. I should have respected your feelings and not try to change your mind about going to the party with me.”

“It’s forgotten, but why was it so necessary to have me there?” She swallowed hard and began to explain the complicated story.

“Nicolette, Seth had asked me to bring you to the party because he had a friend he wanted you to meet. Seth had warned me, if I didn’t show up with you, then he didn’t want me to come either.”

“Are you serious Bailey? He actually said that to you. Did you go to the party after all?”

“I didn’t and neither did Alexis. Jimmy had invited her to a movie, and she said yes. She told me that she was taking your advice, and giving him a chance. I guess by the looks of it, her blossoming romance with Jimmy is going well.”

We both looked out to the dance floor and smiled when we saw the cute couple. To ask my next question, I led Bailey into the ladies room. I checked the room, and we were alone. With a lump in my throat, I had to ask a difficult question of Bailey.

“Do you know who Seth wanted me to meet? Bailey, I need you to tell me the truth.”

“Nicolette, please believe me that I would have never let you be hurt.” I nodded and waited for her answer. Bailey, beginning to cry was avoiding my question. I asked her one last time to tell me who it was.

Stuttering between cries, she said. “It was Michael St. Clair, Nicolette. He has been behind this from the beginning.”

Gripping onto the sink for support when she said his name I cringed. Deep inside, I knew it all along, but to hear the words come from her mouth, and the reality of it felt like a knife to my back. Bailey was my friend, and I felt so betrayed by her and the lies she told.

“Michael?”

I backed her into a corner with my arms caging her in. My friend couldn’t even look at me. “I can’t believe it, why Bailey? You know I’m in love with Simon. How could you promise him that I would go?” Angry and hurt, I turned away from her.

“Nicolette, I was confused, and I thought Seth honestly cared about me. I was going to sleep with him. Seth was just using me to help Michael see you.” Bailey didn’t know what had happened with Michael at my parents’ party. Now it seemed wrong to be upset with her. She had been manipulated by Seth and Michael. This wasn’t entirely her fault. As my friend, she should have been honest with me.

“Please say that you forgive me, Nicolette? I don’t want us to be angry with each other. I don’t want to lose you as a friend.” She was pleading with me and began to cry. I pulled her into a hug to try to comfort her.

“Bailey, I’m not angry, but I am disappointed. I wish you would have come to me from the beginning, and not take it this far. I have many questions, but this is not the place to have this conversation.” My cell phone pinged.

Simon:
Boyfriend misses you : (

Me:
I will be right out : )

I have to go Bailey, Simon is waiting for me.” I took a moment to steady my breathing, listening to Bailey’s revelations were not easy. I checked my make-up and left to find Simon.

As I made my way back into the great room, I was blocked by Michael. Goosebumps lined my skin as I looked up into his eyes.

“Happy Birthday, Nicolette.” He reached for my hand, but I quickly pulled it away. I tried to step aside, but there he stood preventing me from moving …AGAIN! Panic set in, I was looking around for Simon, why wasn’t he here?

“Nicolette it’s ok... I’m not going to hurt you.”

“Michael, the last time you said that to me, I ended up with a sprained wrist. Please let me pass.”

“I don’t want any trouble, Nicolette. I was already here having dinner with some friends, and then I saw you. I figured I would say hi, nothing more.”

“Michael, I’m not about to get into an argument with you, especially on a night which has been so fantastic. Please stop sending me gifts, the love notes, and just leave me alone! Stop using my friends to get to me. Yes, I know all about it, and what you and your pal Seth did to Bailey. You are such an asshole! If this harassment doesn’t stop, I will tell my parents.”

His lips twitched, as if I telling him off was getting him excited. “Nicolette, if you felt I was harassing you, then why hasn’t your fire breathing father paid me a visit yet? I think you like the attention I’m giving you, and that’s why you haven’t told anyone yet, including your precious boyfriend. How is Simon these days?” Michael gritted his teeth while saying Simon’s name.

“Leave Simon out of this Michael, and leave me alone.”

“I can’t leave Simon out of this Nicolette, not when he is the one standing in my way to you. I love you, and I want you. Why are you fighting it? You soon will realize he is not right for you, and you will come to me.” Fighting the inevitable Nicolette, is just going to make me want you more. I’ll play it your way—for now.”

Shocked I said, “Michael, you are out of your mind if you think I am going to be yours, and leave Simon. It will never happen for us Michael, you need to accept that.”

Michael pulled me into his chest while gripping my arms. He wasn’t hurting me, but strong enough to get his message across. With determined eyes, Michael slammed his mouth down on my lips, as I struggled to get free. Anger fueled my emotions; I slapped him hard across his cheek, and stinging my hand in the process. Michael jerked his head back, as if he enjoyed what I just did. “I love you Nicolette. I will see you soon.” He turned and left me standing there. My mind was in a fog as reality kicked in to what just happened. My hand was throbbing from slapping him and I remained frozen to my spot until Bailey led me back into the bathroom. My lipstick had been smeared over my lips. I was beginning to shake, but tried to get my body under control.
This can’t be happening, not tonight.