New Beginning

CHAPTER FIVE

(6 days later. Adelaide’s Birthday 20 December 2019)

Lina’s P.O.V (Housekeeper)

We are standing here in front of Adelaide’s door. Lydia slept over last night, so she told us that Adelaide is still sleeping soundly. Lydia, some of the housekeepers, Benji, Carl and James and me of course want to surprise her in bed. Some of us are carrying helium balloons some have party horns. I’m carrying a tray with her favorite breakfast, bacon and scrambled eggs with two slices of toast and a glass of orange juice. I also made her favorite cupcakes and put one on the tray with a candle. 

Lydia opens the door silently and takes a peek to see if she is still sleeping. She gives us a thumbs up and we all walk in silently. We all gather around her bed with me standing at the foot end next to her bench which is in front of her bed. 

Lydia whispers “One, two, three…” Everyone blows their party horns, well except for me because I’m carrying the tray with her breakfast. She immediately sits up right, her hair a mess and she looks disorientated, she screams “What the fudge!” She wipes her eyes so she can see properly. Once she notices us she gives us a broad smile and I notice tears of joy welling up in her eyes. We all start singing the ‘Happy birthday’ song to her. I wanted to make her sweet sixteen special for her, since her parents had to leave early this morning, again.

Adelaide’s P.O.V

I watch them all in awe as they sing me the ‘Happy Birthday’ song. I am so grateful for these special people in my life. I see Lina put a tray in front of me, with my favorite breakfast and orange juice. Once they are done they all shout : “Hip, Hip Hooray! Hip, Hip Hooray!” Once they are done clapping hands I blow out the candle on my cupcake. 

“Aww guys! You are the best! Thank you so much for this surprise. I really appreciate it.” I stand up and give each of them a hug, showing my gratitude. I hug Lydia last and she speaks. “Oh this is nothing in comparison to the party we planned for you later on. That is when you will get your prezzies.” She says this in a very excited tone. Oh my gosh, what has she planned for today. “Party Lydia? I told you I don’t want to have a huge party.” Everyone starts laughing. I guess they know something I don’t. 

Lina speaks up next. She addresses the housekeepers. “Come on ladies. We better leave. We have a lot to do today.” I look at Lina with a questionable expression on my face. She speaks up. “It is your sweet sixteen my dear. And we are going to make it a memorable one.” With that said she and the housekeepers leave the room. “Shoo, Shoo. You guys also have to leave. We need to get ready for our spa day.” Lydia tells Benji and the other two guards. They walk out of the room with their heads down, like they are sulking. 

“So Lydia, what else have you got planned for today?” I ask with my puppy dog eyes and cute pout, but I know she won’t tell me. “Uhhh huh… I’m not saying anything. So finish up with your breakfast so we can start to get ready.” She points her finger at me with her other hand on her hip. I start laughing. “Sure mother, I’m right on it, but I don’t know why we have to rush. It’s only 9:00 am now.” Lydia starts laughing. “Addie we are already running late. So move your @ss, because I have a lot planned for today. So come on, eat your breakfast!” I just pout at her and start eating my breakfast.

(8 hours later)

At last we are on our way home at 17:00 pm. Benji, Carl and James had to accompany us the whole time. My feet are killing me. We left the house at about 10:00 am, after that we went to the spa, where we had a mani- and pedicure. We got a full body massage and facial done. We had that mud bath thing done, apparently it’s good for your skin. But let me tell you, I’m definitely not a fan of that. We left the spa at about 13:00 pm. 

Just when I thought we were done, Lydia dragged us to a hair salon. I just had my ends cut and put some blue highlights in my hair, the same color as my eyes. Lydia also cut her hair a bit shorter and put some blonde highlights in. Once we were done there, we went to some boutiques to buy some cute dresses, shoes and accessories. Lydia said I had to pick an outfit for tonight. I still don’t really know what she is planning, but my guess is that it’s an extravagant party.

Home! At last! For some reason we had to enter through the back entrance, through the kitchen where we then walked to the foyer to take the elevator up to my room. When we got there Lydia said we have to get ready, because we are going out. 

I had a nice relaxing bath while Lydia took a shower in her room. (It’s the room she normally sleeps in when she comes and visits me.) After I dried myself off and applied some lotion to my body, I put on a strapless Victoria secret bra, with matching hot pants. I decided to wear the Jovani light blue strapless cocktail dress that I bought. It has a straight neckline. At the top is fits like a glove and has embellished crystal stones on it. From my hips down it has a flare skirt that ends just above my knees.  I went through my jewelry. I put on my Tiffany, Diamond Vine Circle Platinum pendant, with the matching earrings and bracelet. I quickly did my make-up. I went for a smoky eye look and put on a nude color lipstick. I combed my hair and let it hang loose. I went to the shoe cupboard and picked out some Jimmy Choo’s, glittery high heel pumps. I sprayed a decent amount of my favorite perfume on my body. At last I am done. I grab my silver clutch and stash in all the necessities.

Lydia’s P.O.V

After my shower I blow dried my hair and straightened it with the towel still wrapped around my body. I dried myself and applied some lotion to my body. I put my Versace Lingerie on and then I put on my Jovani black halter neck jumpsuit with an over skirt on. I apply my make-up and put bright red lipstick on. Next is my jewelry. I chose a Gucci white gold pendant with a red ruby hanging from it. The ruby is surrounded by small little diamonds. I put the matching earrings, which is also red rubies and the white gold bracelet on. After that I pick the shoes I want to wear. I chose the Gucci Red high heal leather pumps. I grab my clutch with all the necessities and check myself in the mirror. “Damn! I look hot!” I make my way to Adelaide’s room, which is next to mine. 

It’s almost 18:30 pm, which is when the party starts down stairs. I just tricked her. We are not really going out. We are having one massive party in their ballroom. Which Lina and the rest of the staff helped to decorate and set up. We hired a DJ which will be playing the latest hits. I reach her room and walk in, she is in front of the mirror, probably also making sure she looks fine. 

She turns around and looks at me with a wide smile. “Sh!t Lyds you look freaking smoking hot.” I laugh at her. “Thanks Addie, but you look way hotter. Are you ready to go?” She looks at me with a sly smirk. “It depends whether you are going to tell me where we are going.” She chuckles. “No Addie, I’m not going to tell you because otherwise it won’t be a surprise.” I chuckle at her facial expression. “Wait let me just text Benji to let him know we are ready.” I make sure she can’t see what I’m texting. ‘Benji let everyone know they must get ready, we are coming down.’ “Come on, let’s go.” I gesture for her to go first.

Adelaide’s P.O.V

We walk out of my room and decided to take the elevator down. I mean who would want to use the stairs if you have an elevator. Once we get down and walk into the foyer, we see that Benji and the guards aren’t there. Lydia says we should go and look for them. We walk through the foyer, to the other side of the room, past the stairs which is on either side. We walk through the long hall way to the end, where the ballroom is. I have no idea why she thought we would find Benji and the guards here. She opens the ballroom door, but it’s dark inside. 

Suddenly there is a spotlight on me, and I put an arm in front of my eyes because of the brightness of the light. Slowly some of the lights start brightening up and a whole lot of people shouts ‘SURPRISE.’ The entire room is lit up now and a bunch of aqua blue, silver and black balloons falls on me. I start laughing. 

I hear the DJ speak. “At long last the birthday girl decided to grace us with her presence. Happy birthday Adelaide, our wish for you is to have an extraordinary night and also that your future will be blessed by many good things. So what do you guys say? Should we get this party started?” The entire crowd cheers and whistle and the DJ starts playing music. 

I turn to Lydia who has a huge smile, like me, on her face. “Wow Lydia, this is amazing. You are truly the best friend a girl could have.” I give her a tight hug which she reciprocates. We pull away from each other. She looks for something in her clutch. She hands me a small silver box. “Happy birthday Addie. I wanted to be the first person to give you a gift” I give her a wide smile. I open the box and see a white gold pendant, with half a heart. In the front it says ‘Best friends forever’ and at the back it says, ‘Adelaide and Lydia.’ “This is amazing and the best gift ever. Thank you Lyds.” I give her another hug and pull away to put the silver box with the pendant in my clutch. 

“That’s not even the best part. Check this out.” She takes another box out of her clutch and shows me another pendant. It matches mine. It’s two hearts that fit together, and at the back of her pendant it says ‘Lydia and Adelaide.’ “That is so awesome Lydia. Now we will always be close to one another’s heart, no matter how far apart we are.” “Yeah that’s true. Now enough with the emotional stuff. Let’s get this party started. Whoo Hoo!” 

We walk through the balloons, on the floor, into the crowd and everyone wishes me a happy birthday. They did an amazing job with the decorations. There are hundreds of blue, silver and black helium balloons hanging in the air against the ceiling. And there are a bunch of fairy lights hanging from the ceiling which creates a wonderful and warm atmosphere. There are tables and chairs all around the sides of the ballroom so that everyone can dance in the middle. The DJ is set up in one corner with speakers all around the ballroom against the walls. There is a huge banner against the one wall that reads ‘Happy 16th Birthday Adelaide'. In one corner of the room there is a long rectangular table with a blue tablecloth on, like the rest of the tables. But this table is filled with presents, which I guess my school mates brought me. If I look at how many people here are, it looks like the entire school came. 

We walk through the crowd and greet people here and there. “Adelaide, I hope you don’t mind, but I invited David also. We have been spending quite a lot of time together recently. He even told me he is glad that your ankle recovered so well.” She seemed uncertain whether or not I would allow him to be at my party. 

I smile at her which immediately makes her face brighten up. “Of course I don’t mind Lyds.” Just then David joins us. “Good evening ladies. Happy birthday Adelaide.” He gives me a side hug. “I put your present there by the rest of the presents... Hello gorgeous.” He looks at Lydia and gives her a peck on the cheek. She instantly blushes. “If you guys don’t mind, I’m gonna go check what there is to eat. I’m starving.” And with that said I walk away from the two lovebirds to one of the tables. 

Oh and did I mention, there’s another round table, near where the DJ is set up. With a massive 10-layered cake. And it is surrounded with a lot of cupcakes. YUMMY! I bet Lina only made the cupcakes because she knows I love them so much. 

I get to one of the tables and sit down with a few of my class mates, we chit-chat here and there while I eat some of the snacks on the table and drink some champagne. Well, legally I’m not allowed to drink yet. In South Africa the legal age when you can start drinking is 18. But my parents don’t mind me drinking every now and then. I decide to stand up and I say bye to all my friends so that I can mingle with the rest of the crowd as well, but first I want to go and look for Lina and personally thank her for all her effort that she put into this party. 

A lot of the people are dancing, and I see Lydia is still talking to David. I make my way to the kitchen but suddenly bump into someone. Oh no… It’s Daemon. “Baby you look gorgeous tonight. Happy Birthday. He hands me a box.” Before I open it I decided to find out why he is here. 

“Don’t call me ‘Baby’ Daemon, you lost that right the moment you cheated on me with that sl#t. And what the hell are you doing here?! And here take back your gift. I don’t want anything from you.” He stops my hand. “Please just take it. Take it then as an apology gift. Adelaide, I really don’t know what happened that night. I’m sure she drugged me.” By 'she' I know he is talking about Adriana. I can see the regret and pain in his eyes, but I can’t bring myself to forgive him. The pain is still too raw. 

“I’m sorry Daemon, I just can’t trust you anymore. We are over for good.” With that said I walk away from him to the kitchen. Before I go to the kitchen I decide to stop at a table that has a variety of drinks on it. I’m so emotionally upset now, I grab a can of beer and down it. I see someone coming closer to the table, probably also to get a drink. Once I downed the beer, I put the empty can back on the table.

“What is a sexy girl like you doing here, all by herself?” I turn around to look at the guy who just spoke with me. He has dark brown her, and he looks quite drunk. He looks about 1.8 meter tall. He’s not really attractive. He’s not slim built, but also not very muscular. I would say he is in between. The way he is looking at me is freaking me out. I can see the lust in his eyes and the way he eyes my body up and down. 

“Excuse me, who are you?” He takes another step towards me. I can feel my heartbeat in my throat. This guy is bad news. “I’m Dylan… And you better remember that because you will be screaming my name all night long.” Okay now I’m totally freaked out. He takes another step closer to me, I can smell the alcohol on him. 

“I suggest you leave before my bodyguards come.” I try to say it in a threatening tone. He starts laughing. “Oh no they won’t. They are too busy chatting up the girls. I made sure they won’t bother us.” He takes my elbow in his hand. “Come sexy, you are coming with me.” I start to panic. 

The next thing I know Benji is pulling the guy away from me and escorting him outside. I’m sure the guards there will throw him out the gate. 

Benji comes back. “Are you fine Adelaide? I’m so sorry I left you alone for too long. I just thought you would appreciate the space, since it’s your birthday…” before he could continue with his rambling I cut him off by showing him to stop with my hand. He has a panicked expression on his face. “It’s really fine Benji, you could not have predicted that some drunk bastard would flirt with me.” I give him a warm smile. He gives me a small smile in return. “Are you sure you are not angry with me?” he rubs his neck out of nervousness. I can’t help but chuckle. “Benji, I’m not going to repeat myself. I already told you it’s fine. Now go on… Enjoy the party.”

(About 2 hours later)

I’m busy dancing with Lydia and some of our other classmates, when the DJ turns the music’s volume down. Some of the people say ‘Ahhh’ or ‘Booo.’ All reaction I had is why the hell the music was turned down. I walk up to the DJ. 

“Adelaide, I was just about to call you on stage. Please take a look at the entrance" A light shines to the entrance. "Ladies and gentlemen! Please welcome Adelaide’s parents. Mrs Seraphina and Mr Alexander Saunders.” Everyone claps hands to welcome them. 

Wow, I’m in total shock that they are even here. They make their way to us on the stage. Mom and dad both kiss me and says happy birthday. I get a warm feeling in my chest. It’s so good to know that they actually still care. 

“But Ladies and gentlemen. That is not all. Adelaide’s parents have a wonderful gift for her.” I look at my parents with questioning eyes. “Just look at the entrance honey.” Dad says. I turn my gaze and look at the entrance. The DJ starts speaking again. “Ladies and gentlemen. Please give another warm welcome to Adelaide’s grandparents. Mrs Angelica and Mr Angelo Richards.” Everyone applauds them as they walk up to the stage. 

I’m so shocked and glad to see them that I put my hands in front of my open mouth. I feel tears well up in my eyes. I haven’t seen them in a long time. I immediately run up to them and give them each a kiss and warm hug. In the meantime the DJ continued playing the music. 

“I’m so glad to see you grandma and grandpa. I’ve missed you guys so much!” I quickly wipe the tears from my face and look at them. Grandma speaks. “Sweety we will never miss our granddaughter’s 16th birthday. We are sorry we only came now, but we couldn’t get an earlier flight.” She says it in a half sad tone. I know they would have preferred to be here earlier. 

Grandpa speaks next. “My sweet granddaughter, you have grown into such a beautiful young lady. Your parents told us how good you are performing in school. We are truly so proud of you. Come here and give your grandpa another hug.” I don’t hesitate and instantly hug my grandpa. His hugs are always so warm and make me feel safe. 

My parents walks up to us. My mother starts speaking and I pull away from my grandpa and I give him a warm smile. “We are sorry to interrupt your reunion. I hope you are happy about your present Adelaide?” "Thank you mom and dad. It’s the best gift ever." I give them a wide smile. Dad starts speaking. “There is still one more gift we want to give you.” He hands me an A4 size envelope. I look at my parents questioningly. “Come on, open it up.” My mother says with a smile. I start opening up the envelope. I start reading the content of the papers. 

My eyes go wide in shock, once I realize what it is. I talk in a very excited tone. “You guys have got to be kidding me right?” I ask my parents while I’m still in shock. “No sweety it’s true. It’s an all-expenses paid trip for you and nine other people to Malibu, California. And the prize is redeemable anytime, but part of that ten people must include Benji and the two other bodyguards. So you can still choose six other people to go with you.” My dad says. I jump up and down in excitement and give them each a big hug. "Thank you very much, mom and dad. This is a great gift." Mom speaks up again. “Well, I think now is a great time to cut the cake.” 

The rest of the night progressed very well. I spent some time with my parents and grandparents, it was so great spending time with them again. I got time to open up all my presents and I got a lot of amazing gifts. My grandparents said they have a wonderful gift for me, but it’s at their home so I will have to go and visit them real soon. 

The party went on until about 2:00 am in the morning. Luckily everyone has gone home now. Mom said we can also go to bed now. The housekeepers can clean up the place tomorrow. Thank goodness for that. Lydia decided to sleep over. She was too tired to go home. We went straight to bed.

(The next morning. 10:30 am)

Lydia’s P.O.V

I stretch out on my bed and yawn. That was one awesome party. I’m so glad I could arrange it for my bestie. I get up and decide to see if she is already awake. I walk straight into her room without knocking. She is busy taking a shower. I might as well take one myself. I walk into her wardrobe to borrow some clothes, I was not really planning on staying over last night, but I was too tired and I did not want to be alone at home. My parents went away for the weekend. I decide to borrow one of her beautiful, elegant polka dot summer dresses with a floral pattern on and it has a halter neck. At least I know she won’t mind if I borrow her clothes. I take one of her white head bands with a stunning blue flower on it. It matches the flowers on the dress. Luckily I know she always has brand new under wear. So I take a Gucci bra, and thong that still has labels on. I walk back to my room and start my morning routine.

Adelaide’s P.O.V

Once I’m done in the shower, I wrap the towel around me. I blow dry my hair and put it up in a high ponytail. I decide to get dressed in something simple, but yet elegant. I put some lotion on my body and put on a matching lacy red Versace bra and thong. I get dressed in my Jovani red sequenced jumpsuit. I put on some white pumps to round the outfit of. 

I’m so delighted that last night turned out so epic. My grandparents decided to visit for another few days. Having my parents and grandparents at the party, was the highlight of the evening. Except for that one guy who came on to me and the fact that I had to walk into Daemon, the rest of the night was exquisite. 

I wanna check in on Lydia. I went to her room and walked in. Once inside I see she’s busy doing make-up. She always leaves an extra bag of make-up here. Just in case. “Oh Hi Addie, I hope you don’t mind. I borrowed some of your clothes while you were in the shower. You look great by the way.” She says with a smile through the mirror. “Thanks Lyds, and you know I don’t mind if you wear my clothes. You always look good in them.” I say with a smile on my face. 

“Addie are you up for another party tonight?” My eyes go wide. “Are you serious Lydia? We had a party last night…” She looks at me with a sly smirk on her face. “Yeah I know, but this is more like a get together. Only a few people will be there.” I look at her skeptically. “I don’t know Lyds, I’m not really in the mood to go out.” I shake my head left and right to show her no. 

“Oh come on Addie. David invited me to his house, to introduce me to some of his friends. And who knows when my parents will go away for another weekend. You know they won’t let me go out. I already told them I’m staying at your place for the weekend. Your parents won’t mind if we go, because we are taking the bodyguards with. I don’t want to go to David’s place alone. So please come with me. Please… Please… Please… I will even go on my knees if it will convince you to come with me. And the summer holiday just started so it’s a good way to start the holiday off.” I just start laughing at her, she is always so good with convincing people. She should be the one to become a lawyer… 

I pretend to think about it with my pointer finger tapping against the side of my head and my right foot tapping on the floor. I smile at her. “Fine Lydia… Fine… But on one condition…” I have my hand up, my hand in a fist, showing my pointer finger up, showing one. “We won’t come home too late. 12:00 pm at the latest, okay?” I can see she can barely contain her excitement. She jumps up and down and runs to give me a hug, almost making me stumble backwards. “Thank you Addie! You are the best friend ever. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!” I back away from her hug. “So what time does this get together start?” I look at her with questioning eyes. “It starts at 6:00 pm. We can start to get ready at 4:00 pm, so we can look our best for tonight"

Lydia’s P.O.V

I’m so excited to see David again tonight. So we had our coffee date the other day and he explained to me that he is actually only 21 years old now. I guess you guys are wondering how he became a Doctor so fast right? He completed his last year in High school when he was 17 years old. The year after that he started studying at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. They offer post-graduate medical degrees that run concurrently with their undergraduate programs. In this instance, a student having completed an appropriate undergraduate degree with basic sciences can enter into a four year postgraduate program. He has to complete a two-year internship, this is his first year, as well as a further year of community service, before he can register with The Health Professions Council and practice as a Doctor in South Africa. So basically he is still busy studying to become a professional Doctor. The Hospital he’s working at offers student’s internships. So yeah, at least I don’t have to worry about the age gap anymore, but my parents still don’t know I’m dating him. We shall first see how serious the relationship gets.

Adelaide’s P.O.V

It’s currently 17:00 pm now and I’m busy getting dressed to go out with Lydia. She is also in her room busy getting ready. I’m wearing a skinny-fit black Levi’s jean with an off the shoulder, Forever 21, red crop top. I’m going to take my Levi’s black denim jacket with me just in case it gets chilly during the night. I put on some knee-high black boots. I once again let my hair hang loose. I get a red small Prada handbag from my wardrobe and throw in the essentials. I’m really not in the mood for this night, but I won’t let Lydia down. I just can’t get rid of this strange feeling inside of me. The last time I felt like this was when I hurt my ankle at the Talent show…

To be continued…