My Secret I Never Knew

Birthday Cake

Candice POV

“AMAYA, AMAYYYYAA!” 

“SSSHHH My Lovely Princessa, I have you now.”

 ~~~~~~

I jumped up in my bed, sweating. This stupid nightmare just kept coming back night, after night. It’s been more vivid the last two nights since we’ve left the Clubhouse. I never had nightmares there, but at home they plagued me and they are getting more relentless. Sometimes I feel like I’m there, I feel the pain of the dagger over and over again. I sighed and got out of bed walking to my bathroom, I turned on the light and started as I looked at the mirror and saw my nose was bleeding.

What’s wrong with me lately. I took my shower and decided to place two braids in my hair going straight to the back and merged them together into one braid. Today was Friday and the last day of school, I had to admit school yesterday was pretty easy going with nothing major happening. After school I had gone to the A.S., to check on things and work, it was a little busy with tours so I didn’t get to see Nikki but she had text me throughout the day. I think I’ll go check on her today.

I walked to my closet to grab my baby blue sundress to wear when I heard a whisper, “Candice”. I looked around but no one was there. I began to get dressed only to hear the whisper again, “Candice”. Again I saw nothing. I shook my head thinking it was probably just nerves from having the creepy nightmares. 

I went downstairs and noticed my family were already gone for the day, I rolled my eyes at being left behind by them and with no birthday breakfast. I grabbed something to snack on and as I went to grab a couple apple juices I heard a car horn, I knew it was Neesh here to pick me up.

“HEEEELLLLOOO BEAUTIFUL QUEEN, HAAAAAPPPPPYYY BIRTHDAY.!!”I smiled thanking her. 

“You have given me my first official happy birthday “

“Really did you check your phone, your family is usually on it.”

“Yes, at midnight at 1am my Rents then the sibs sent their wonderful and unique texts, but then I come downstairs and no one is home.” I don’t get it, I usually get silly and cute texts from everyone then I would come down to a birthday spread on my favorite breakfast foods. Donzell would always spray me with whipped cream in the face, then we would see who could catch the most cherries in their mouth before the triplets would give me my birthday gift that would somehow catch on fire before I could open it. It was stupid and childish but our tradition, my dad would even put a tiara on my head while my mom took pictures. I wanted to cry.

“It’s your birthday, smile let’s get to school and get this day over with so we can get ready for your party miss lady. I’m sure they have a reason for not being here.” I gave Neesh a forced smile then we were off to school.

Once we got to school we headed to our usual spot by the lockers. “Hey where is Eric, don’t tell me he’s missing today too.” I asked Anthony 

“Yea, he said he wasn’t feeling well again so he decided to stay home again and rest. He’s hoping he’ll be better for tonight.” He replied, I nodded my head. I hoped he was ok, he’s never missed a day since I’ve known him. “Hi there Superstar, where’s your bodyguard today.” I turned to see the devil spawn herself.

“What could you possibly want as you can see I’m busy, but I’m sure that whatever you need Principal Gibbons can help you with it. Since he’s standing behind you.” She looked behind her then turned to me with the fakest smile and wished me a nice birthday before walking off.

My friends and I talked a bit then went to our classes. I got birthday cash from everyone including teachers, I received a few gift cards and candy treats throughout the day. It was nice. They day went by pretty smoothly I must say, and before I knew it school was over. The girls and I wanted to go downtown to get our nails and makeup done for tonight, Anthony tagged along since Eric wasn’t picking up his phone. He didn’t want to go home and disturb his brother so he said he would be our driver since parking in downtown Chicago is HORRIBLE.

Eric’s POV

I was sitting in the rocking chair looking out the window, deep in my thoughts when a pillow hit me in the head. I rolled my eyes and turned to face her.

“What”

“I said you don’t have to babysit me. It’s not ok that you’re missing school to be here Eric. I’ll be fine just come back tonight and pick me up for the party”

“I’m ahead in my classes and we’re about to graduate soon anyway. A couple of missed days won’t hurt me. Besides I want you to be at your best tonight so in about hmmm one hour I’m taking you to the East Cabin so Dr. Pat can take a look at you.”

Just then Bella jumped on my lap purring before laying down to nap. Her mother was curled up on the bed near Nikki, while Nikki continued to try to convince me she doesn’t need to be seen which I disagree about. I wanted to monitor her so I told my brother yesterday I wasn’t feeling well and to head to school without me, our dad leaves so early for work he didn’t know I left out later than usual or that I took the old tv out the garage. I put it in Nikki’s room so we could watch movies. She was hesitant at first because she didn’t want me missing school, but then she saw I brought all her favorite movies and changed her mind. “I arranged for Dr. Pat to meet us out here in the A.S., this way the stubborn girl didn’t have to go into town. She’s been weird about leaving lately says it’s not time yet, but keeps trying to push her body to heal. I don’t understand her sometimes.

“Hey dum dum are you even listening “ her yelling shook me from my thoughts 

“Yes”

“Then what did I say?” I huffed and asked her annoyingly to repeat herself.

“I said that I hate not telling Candice, she’s 18 now she can handle it and I want to tell her. We can’t keep lying to her, she knows everything about me except for this and that’s not fair to her.”

“You telling her doesn’t jus effect you and I don’t think it’s a good idea. She JUST turned 18 today, she’s still the same as she was two days ago.”

“No one gives her enough credit, she can handle this, she’s handled so much already.”

“Not as big as this and not in her own, you’re like her crutch but this time you wouldn’t be able to baby her or shield her because you’ll be the one bringing the pain and deceit to her. Besides so much more will come to light and I don’t think it’s a good idea.

“What’s done in the dark will always come to the light.” She said with a sigh and cuddled closer to Midnight. I know she wants to tell Candice everything and sometimes I do too but I don’t want her hurt or confused when she doesn’t need to be.

I stood up and walked over to the bed placing Bella near her mother, “come on let’s get you to the East Cabin, Dr. Pat will be there soon.” I said picking her up.

Surprisingly she didn’t protest, I carried her downstairs and out the door.

“Maybe she should know but only when the time is right and we’ll tell her together. That way she can’t take it all out on just you.” I said as I carried her through the trees. She looked up and smiled at me before relaxing against my chest.

Candice POV 

Once we finished downtown we headed to the Lee’s place to get ready. Us girls got ready in Neesh’s room while Anthony got ready in the guest bathroom, he said Eric texted him letting him know that he’d meet us at the party. I told my parents that I wanted my party to be an all white party, so us girls wore all white dresses. My dress was a beautiful Princess styled gown that had sheer lace sleeves, my breast line was slightly showing, and I had a beautiful diamond necklace around my neck. My dress was basically what Cinderella wore to her ball but white instead of blue and I had sleeves instead of gloves. We all had the same hairstyle, braided bubble buns with tiny white flowers around the buns. But I had on a Tiara as well.  The girls wore matching sleeveless white corset dresses that were made from Sequin material which matched the bottom of my dress. We all had lace shawls decorated with little stars and a moon in the middle, the only difference between them was the color the boarder each shawl. I had baby blue, Neesh had red, Holly had yellow and there was a Purple one made for Nikki but unfortunately I didn’t believe she would be making it tonight. I sighed at the thought of her missing today but then there was a knock at the door, Holly opened it and in walked Eric. He was wearing a white dress shirt and white dress pants, with a yellow tie. His blonde hair was braided straight to the back and He was very handsome.

“If you ladies are ready your chariot awaits.” He said with a grin and bow. We followed him downstairs where Mrs. Lee stopped us to take pictures, she gave us kisses goodbye and told us she’d be at the party shortly to make an appearance.

We walked outside to an actual white carriage covered in firefly lights being pulled by two white horses and they had a single long white feather attached to their heads. They were so adorable, and I was a little surprised that Anthony was driving them. 

We arrived in the town square and Anthony opened the door for us, helping us down the steps one by one. Everything was so beautiful, twinkling lights hanging in streamers, while balloons floating around, bubbles filled the are from multiple bubble machines near the gazebo. There were tables set up with white tablecloths and candles lit surrounding the square and a few long tables setup with the buffet food.It was just a magical sight. 

A crowd of people walked towards us and one by one as was greeted and wished a happy birthday, we made our way to the dance floor that was made in front of the gazebo. As the second song came to an end we heard gasping and whispers throughout the crowd, I looked up to see everyone looking in one direction and so I followed their gaze to a sight I didn’t except to see.

Behind us standing in the middle of the gazebo was Eric and Nikki, he was dressed similar to his brother except his tie was purple. Nikki was breathtaking, she was always beautiful butshe usually wore dark loose fitting clothing, and tonight she looked more light and elegant. She had a white corset romper that had a strap going diagonally across her shoulder, her back was out and the front of her outfit exposed the top of her cleavage. The corset in the front stopped making a V-line into the connected shorts that hugged her thighs and stopped mid thigh, exposing her big gorgeous silk moth legs, the back of the romper was like a dress from the waist down. Similar to the material the rest of our dresses were made of, and she had her purple shawl that matched ours draped over her shoulders. Her Locs were in a bun like ours with the flowers as well but she had three loose Locs on each side of her that had been dyed purple at the ends. She had bare makeup on her face and a little glitter that made her look almost angelic.

No one has EVER seen her dress so ladylike, not even when her parents were alive. She was a tomboy wild child, but she looked so tamed tonight. I went from being amazed at her beauty to being amazed at the fact I didn’t see any scars on her legs or arms from her being attacked earlier this week. 

I was pulled from my thoughts by Holly, “wow just wow” Nikki and Eric walked over to us.

“Where did you get the outfit and how did you get shawl and the face the hair how, and how.” The words poured out of my mouth. She smiled coyly and began looking towards Eric.

“Well I know you picked out something a little different for her, but I kinda imagined her in something that no one has ever seen on her before, it’s your birthday and I just thought it would be a good opportunity for her to embrace her beauty. I had Donzell bring the shawl from your house and I had Dr. Pats daughter design the outfit plus do her hair and make up. I thought it would be a nice birthday surprise for you and comfortable for her.” He said with a shrug

“I still don’t understand how the creep got my size right.” Nikki added

I had to admit he did a great job, she refused to come home early to get a custom made dress. She refused the dress although at first until I found an ankle length loose fitted sundress that she agreed to, and told me she’d be wearing shorts under it. I took what I could get at the time but now I wished I hadn’t because she looked amazing and we all matched.

“I have more questions but for now everyone to the gazebo and Eric call the photographer over, we need pictures NOW.” I said rapidly before pulling Nikki back to the gazebo. As we walked my brother walked in front of us with two guys I didn’t know and he started to speak but I stopped him.

“Not now Donzell this is probably a once in a lifetime moment. I need pictures and I need them now before I can’t get them.” He furrowed his brows and I rolled my eyes at the i***t before pulling Nikki from behind me to beside me. His eyes widened and he smiled before stepping out of the way. 

We took lots of pictures with multiple poses then I took some with my family. They all apologized for this morning using the excuse of an urgent matter that needed to be dealt with. Mom said it was life or death but my guess is the Frankenstein triplets tried to make me a gift somewhere they shouldn’t have been and someone was injured, since she wouldn’t give me more details.

“Hey Donzell, who were your friends?” Neesh asked as we all headed over to the food tables filling up plates.

“Oh yea I was going to introduce everyone but they had to leave for practice, they play football for the university and have a game tomorrow.” He replied as we found a table and sat down with our plates

“How are they related to you guys?” Nikki asked with furrowed brows, we all turned to look at her and she just stared at Donzell 

“Huh, we’re not related. I met them a few weeks ago at school.” He replied and she looked over to me with a look in her eyes I couldn’t understand. She studied my brother and I back and forth before shrugging her shoulders and saying, “hmmmm”.

We all began to talk about Donzell’s college life and classes while Nikki was quite deep in thought. I didn’t understand it but didn’t want to bother her either so I talked and laughed and joked with the others. 

“Where’s Mrs. Lee?” Nikki suddenly asked while the rest of us were laughing.

“Uhm, I saw my mom by the cherry tree not too long ago. She may still be there.” Neesh said with a confused look. Nikki nodded and got up walking towards the direction of the cherry tree.

“I know I’ve been gone a while, but that’s not normal right? Somethings up with y’all girl, or did she just get stranger.” Donzell asked

“I’m not sure what’s going on but it’s my birthday and my party is still lit so let’s go dance.” We were having the best time, everything was going perfectly. Eric even managed to somehow get Nikki to agree to dance to a few slow songs with him, even a few animals came out to mingle. After a while everyone sang happy birthday and I cut the cake before excusing myself to the bathroom that was inside the community center. I thought I heard someone calling my name but dismissed that thought quickly as I washed my heads and left the bathroom.

I kept having a strange feeling of being watched as I started to walk back towards the square. “CANDACE” I heard again making me jump and turn around but I saw no one, I took a deep breath then turned to begin walking again but bumped into a muscular chest.

I looked up to the guy's tanned face and apologized, he had dimples that deepened as he smiled down at me. He ran his hand through his short curly black hair before grabbing my hand kissing it and responding, ”oh no worries at all lovely Princessa,” I gasped and took a step back.

“Excuse me what did you say, who are you, why did you call me that.” He smiled and looked taking a step to the right. “Well I am just a tourist on his way back to his room, and I believe you look lovely this evening.” He said as he walked around me heading towards the direction of the motel. “Oh and you have on a Tiara, I assumed it meant the same thing here as it did most places but I apologize for the assumption.” He said as he walked away.

“No it’s fine I’m sorry I just overreacted a bit.” I said as he continued to walk away. I shook my head then returned to my party.

As I entered the center of the square there was a loud explosion sound and the ground vibrated, that definitely was not normal and panic began to stir in me as I looked around. Before I could respond to anything I heard people screaming, then everyone began running in different directions around me. Animals were running or flying as well, some even looked to be grabbing small children and running them into buildings with open doors. There were different colored orbs of light flying through the air and smoke everywhere as small fires flared all over. All of a sudden I heard someone scream my name and I turned to see two black orbs of light speeding towards me. I couldn’t move. I was stuck. I closed my eyes tightly and waited for the impact.

I heard a loud roar and opened my eyes looking to the left to see Athena running towards me. I looked in front of me in the direction where the black orbs were and saw a person standing in front of me, protecting me by throwing orbs of their own. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. 

“Get on Athena’s back and let her take you to safety.” I heard the words, I felt Athena nudging me but I couldn’t move. What the hell was happening.

“CANDICE. GO. NOW!! ahhh, damn that hurt”  I still couldn’t move, suddenly I was lifted and placed onto Athena. Instinct at that point took over and I held on to her tightly as she ran into the woods.