Unexpected Connection

CHAPTER 19

    "I pay Brad to be with you" I reveal and her face drops. "I am coming for you Hailey so get ready" I tell her. She walks away from our table looking deflated.

    "Hey Hailes" I call and she looks back. "Don't look deflated, I haven't even done anything yet" I tell her and then wave with a smile. I go back to my seat beside Ian and I notice they are all staring at me.

    "Do I have something on my face?" I ask touching my face.

    "What in goodness sake just happened?" Rachel asks.

    "What are you talking about?" I ask.

    "What you said to Hailey, that's what I am talking about" Rachel says looking surprised. "Is what Lily said true?" she asks the group.

    "News to me" Ian says.

    "It's true. She goes all out for the people she loves and does things in her power to make them happy and comfortable" Asher says, "Like with Hailey" he adds.

    "Think of her like the fairy godmother of everyone" Eli says.

    "But if you betray her trust and hurt her deeply" Asher starts.

    "Then you stepped into a lion's den willingly" Eli completes.

    "I am so glad I am on your side. I didn't know how scary you could be" Heather says.

    "So you actually pay Brad to be with Hailey?" Ian asks surprised.

    "Yes" I answer casually. "He came back to me to apologize the day I caught them kissing and I told him to name his price to remain with Hailey because she seemed happy and satisfied with herself and he did" I explain.

    "Have you done anything for me that I don't know about?" Rachel asks. The guys all look at me but I shake my head.

    "What did she do for me?" Rachel asks.

    "Nothing" I answer.

    "Tell me Eli" she requests with a puppy dog eyes.

    "Do not say anything" I tell Eli. She gives him a bigger puppy eyes.

    "She dealt with that friend of yours who almost hit you" Eli blurts out. Son of a...

    "What are you talking about?" she asks.

    "She sent some people to him to teach him what it feels like to be beaten" Asher explains.

    "You barely knew me then" Rachel says.

    "I know but I didn't like that guy at all" I tell her.

    "Again, I am glad I am on your side now" Heather says.

    "I wouldn't have done anything to you. I am doing something to Hailey because she meant so much to me and she says she's always hated me. I have to say 'thank you' to her" I say.

    "Your girlfriend is something" Rachel says.

    "I think I just fell deeper in love with her" Ian says kissing me. I laugh against his lips.

    "Uhm, Lily" one cheerleader says, I think her name is Kate.

    "Yes, Kate?" I ask smiling.

    "Are we still going to get paid?" she asks.

    "Are we still to be friends with Hailey?" the jock, Scott asks.

    "Yes, she is going to need you more than ever now" I tell them. "She doesn't know which of the cheerleaders and athletes is getting paid. Make her trust you and be a friend to her, she's about to go on a scary rollercoaster" I add and they nod before leaving.

    "Lily is scarier than a fairy godmother" Heather says.

    "Thank you" I say and smile. Ian smiles at me.

    "You know, I always wondered what Ian sees in you, the school wallpaper but now I know. You are the same" Heather says.

    "What are you talking about?" Asher asks.

    "Well, in middle school, there was this new kid who thought he could bully Ian and he did all school year but then close to the exam time, Ian snuck into this boy's house at night and tore out all this boy's note for the whole year. He tore them all out, destroying his projects too, the boy so flunked that year" Heather says.

    "No way" I say smiling.

    "In my defense, he did force me to do those projects for him" Ian says.

    "If I was the one, I would have penetrated the school system and changed all his grades to 'D's' and 'F's'" I say shrugging.

    "You two truly are perfect for each other" Rachel says.  

    "Nobody doubted that" Ian says winking at me.

***

A month has gone by since the cafeteria with Hailey and being friends with Heather. Let me give you updates. Heather has been awesome. She doesn't seem like the same girl who was mean to me. Ian says the new Heather is the Heather he knew before she cheated on him and became different. Heather is cool and she and Asher have been getting closer, it's weird to see. I also haven't done anything to Hailey since then, she needs to relax before I strike. That way she wouldn't see it coming.

    "Morning beautiful" Ian greets walking into my room. 

    "Hey" I say running to him. He picks me up our lips connect.

    "Someone missed me" he says.

    "Yes" I say. I haven't seen Ian in seven days. He was on a business trip. I missed him so much that I snuck into his house and stole a sweat shirt of his, That's what I slept in for the week.

    "Missed you too" he says and kisses me again.

    "When did you get back?" I ask. 

    "Just now" he answers.

    "So what you are saying his you missed me so much you came here first?" I ask still smiling.

    "Yes, love" he replies. I kiss him. "I got something for you" he says.

    "What is it?" I love presents. Ian tells me to shut my eyes. 

    "Open it" he says and my mouth drops. It's gorgeous. You don't know what it is. It's a jade necklace with matching earrings and bracelet. I love it.

    "It's beautiful" I tell him gently skimming my fingers over it.

    "You like it" he says smiling.

    "I love it and I love you" I say then kiss him.

    "I love you too" he says.

    "Now you have to take me somewhere where I would need to wear this" I tell him smiling.

    "What do you have in mind?" he asks his eyes twinkling.

    "Well, there is a company party tonight and I just so happen to need a date" I tell him smiling.

    "Well I would be delighted to be your date, Your Highness" he says and gives a small bow. I smile.

    "The pleasure his all mine, Your Excellence" I give him a small curt.

    "I love you" he says and cups my face before kissing me.

    "I know" I say laughing.

    "Pick you up at seven?" he asks and I nod. 

Ian has breakfast with the family before going home. Mum and I go out together to get ourselves ready for the company party. This party marks the anniversary of the company and it is awesome. Everyone is in a good mood and we all celebrate. The employees love it because they do not have to work on that day, throughout. 

    "Mum" I call.

    "Yes" she answers looking at me. We are currently had the saloon getting our hairs made.

    "Do you think I should cut my hair?" I ask.

    "The decision is yours sweetie but I love your hair long" she says giving me a small smile. I love my hair long too.

    "I think I'd just dye it Ombre" I say and the stylist gets to work.

    "Lily" Mum calls and I look at her. "How are things with you and Ian?" she asks.

    "Great mum, he's great" I say smiling.

    "So..." she says and I raise a brow. "Do you see yourself settling down with him and giving me grandbabies?" she asks. I kid you not, I choked on my saliva.

   "Mum!" I shout and she smiles, even our stylist are trying to hide their smiles.

    "What? You said things were great" Mum says and I shake my head.

    "Things are great and yes, I do see spending the rest of my life with him" I tell mum and she smiles.

    "Your father is having a talk with him now" Mum adds.

    "What?!" I shout.

    "Your father took Ian along to get their hair cut but I think your father is using that as an excuse to have a man to man talk with him" Mum repeats. "But don't worry, Asher is with them". That doesn't make me feel better. Asher is very overprotective. He believes he is older but our parents never told us who came first. They say we are twins and it doesn't matter, I think they are right because it didn't cause any issues except when Asher goes into protective brother mode.

    "What are they talking about?" I ask. 

    "His plans for the future with you and marriage" Mum says. What is happening.

I quickly grab my phone and call Ian, he doesn't pick up.

    "He's with your dad, would be rude to pick up" Mum says with a shrug. I shouldn't be worried, right. Dad like Ian and I don't think Ian will easily get scared off. 

Mum and I have our manicure and pedicure done, we get waxed and have mud baths. It's a full beauty day at the spa. My hair is light brown and golden at the tip, it's Ombre and I love it. There is a clear contrast to my previous all black. We are at home now getting ready for the party. Mum and Dad already left together. I am all dressed up now waiting for Ian. Asher left on his own refusing to tell me his date for the party. My phone chimes.

I'm here - I

I look at my reflection in the mirror again, I have on a white dress, its a plunging V-neck evening dress with sheer inset and long front slit, I pair it with white heels, the jade jewelries Ian bought for me is a clear contrast against the white. My hair is styled in a low bun. I grab my green clutch, a match for the jade jewelries, and head downstairs. I walk down the stairs and Ian is by the door. He has on all black, black suit, shirt, shoe and tie. There is a small gold chain attached to the collar of his suit. The handkerchief in his suit pocket is jade green. He looks so hot, I am happy he's with me.   

    "Wow" he says watching me walk down the stairs.

    "Hi" I greet smiling.

    "You are beautiful" he says, his arm rest on my open back holding me towards him.

    "And you look so good" I say. He bends and kisses my hair.

    "I love the hair" Ian says and I smile.

    "And I love the haircut" I say smiling.

    "Yeah, about that-" he starts.

    "My mum said you had a talk with Dad and Asher" I say and he nods. "They didn't scare you off right?" I ask and he laughs.

    "Would take more than that to make me leave you" he says and I smile.

    "We should get going" I say and we walk to the car. He opens the door for me. "A gentleman" I say my hand on his chest.

    "Again, only for you" he says and puts on my seatbelt for me.

    "Thank you" I say and cup his face before kissing him.

    "Always thank me like this" he says smiling. I raise my brow at him and smile.

    "What did you, my dad and Asher talk about?" I ask him. We are well into the drive to the hotel. Ian looks over at me.

    "About my plans for our future" he says. "Your dad asked what my plan is for us. If I am serious about you or not, if I plan on marrying you and about having children". I groan. I am surprised he didn't get scared away. My family can get pretty intense. 

    "What did you say?" I ask looking at him.

    "The truth" he answers facing the road. Is it just me or does that sound ominous? Everything is fine. Ian loves me and that's what matters.

We finally get to the hotel, Ian stops the car and a security opens my door for me.

    "Thank you" I say taking the outstretched hand of the security, I smile at him. Ian exits the car and hands his key over to the valet. He then walks up to me and puts his arm on my waist. We walk into the event together. The party is in full swing, the room is scarcely lit, tables and chairs are arranged to one side, food and refreshment is on the other side while the center is the designated dance floor and people can be seen dancing. Looking around I cannot help but think about the other times I walked into parties like this but I am always with Eli while Eli is with Heather. Now Heather and I are even dare I say, friends. It's amazing how much things have changed in just a few months and all it took was more me to faint and lose my memory. 

    "What are you thinking about?" Ian whispers in my ear snapping me back to reality.

    "About the times I have been to events like this but seen you with someone else" I say, "It was a party similar to this that I saw you kiss Heather too" I add and his face becomes serious. "Thinking about it now, my heart broke that night and I didn't understand why, we were just friends then".

    "Lily" Ian says all serious. I look at him and his eyes look hard.

I cup his face, "It's in the past Ian" I say, "I am with you now" I smile.

    "I was such a fool back then" Ian says sounding serious.

    "No arguments here" I say and he laughs. I kiss him.

    "What was that for?" he asks.

    "Just because" I say shrugging. He smiles and leads me into the party.

    "You made it" Eli says when we get to our table. I go round hugging everyone.

    "Where's mum and dad?" I ask sitting beside Asher.

    "Either on the dance floor or in a room" he says pointing upstairs.

    "So your secret date is Heather" I say nodding. This is happening. I know they've gotten so close this past month and Heather is different when you get to know her.

    "Yes, hope you don't mind?" Heather says.

    "As long as Ash is happy, I don't mind" I say looking at Ash, he smiles at me and mouths a thank you. I give him a small nod.

    "What about a toast to new friends, old friends and love" Eli says and we all bring our glass to clink.

My phone chimes and I see it's a text from an unknown number,

I am not scared of you. Have fun with your little friends while you can, I am going to take you and all of them down. I will break the wings you think you have. The queen crown you have on will rest on my head eventually - Unknown.

I look around and that's when I see Hailey looking directly at me.

    "You are going down" he mouths at me.

I hold my glass so hard it shatters on the table cutting my hand. My eyes is still trained on Hailey. I think it's time she gets taught a lesson.

    "Dang it!" Ian shouts making me let go of the glass.

    "Lily" Eli says. I can feel the blood pool in my palm. Ian takes my hand and wraps his handkerchief round my palm.

    "What happened?" Rachel asks.

    "Hailey" Asher answers. They all follow Asher and I's line of sight. Hailey gives a cheeky smile and walks away. Ian takes my phone from me because I am squeezing it so tight. He sees the text and reads it out loud for every one.

    "What is wrong with that girl?" Eli asks.

    "I don't think she understands Lily very much" Rachel says.

    "What are we going to do?" Heather asks.

    "Excuse me" I say and get up.

    "What is she going to do?" Rachel asks.

    "What Lily goes best" Ian answers.

    "Repay the favor" Asher says. I walk away from ear shot towards Hailey and Brad. 

    "Lily" Brad says a bit too enthusiastically. 

    "What do you want?" Hailey asks folding her arms.

    "I got your text" I say. 

    "So, it's about time someone kept you in your place and that someone is going to be me" she says.

    "Are you sure?" I ask her.

    "Yes" she says spitefully.

I lean towards her ear, "You cannot bring me down forget that. Besides my being a queen is not because of the crown on my head. I am a queen by blood and that will never change. Even if you happen to take the crown, that wouldn't make you a queen. It would make you an imposter" I whisper and smile. 

    "You are wrong" she says pushing me. Hailey is predictable. Brad comes to my side and catches me before I fall.

    "Brad!" Hailey shouts.

    "You pushed her" Brad says.

    "You are supposed to be my boyfriend" she says. Brad leaves my side and goes to meet Hailey. "See, he will always be mine. He also said you didn't pay him but that you are lying" she adds walking away.

    "Brad" I call and he looks back. I walk up to them and strategically step on Hailey's long flowy lacy dress. "Thank you" I say putting my hand on his chest. His hand covers mine. I kiss his cheeks and he smiles at me.

    "I want you back" he blurts out.

    "Brad!" Hailey shouts and walks away. This time instead of simply walking away, she stumbles and Brad is busy looking at me to notice her, she drops on the floor and her dress tears. The best part is her dress tears when the song was changing so the tear resounds throughout the hall. Everyone looks at Hailey.

    "Oh Hailey" I say faking concern. I get on my knees to examine her. The spot light is on us now as everyone looks. 

    "Get away from me, you did this on purpose" Hailey shouts.

    "I didn't touch you or push you" I say looking sad.

    "It's true" Brad says, "You fell on your on" he adds and Hailey glares at him.

    "I hate you, Lily" Hailey shouts. Everyone is looking at her like she is crazy and she starts shouting at the crowd. "What are you looking at?!" she shouts at the crowd. 

    "That is enough" Hailey's dad says stepping into the spotlight.

    "Daddy, Lily ruined my dress" she says.

    "We were watching you and we saw you push her and you fell on your own" Hailey's mum says.

    "I am so sorry" he dad says apologizing to me.

    "It's fine" I say getting up. I stretch my hand for Hailey but she swats it away.

    "Hailey" her mum says looking surprised.

    "I will make you pay, Lily" she shouts getting up on her own.

    "We are going home this instant" her dad says dragging her away from me. I wave at her and wink smiling.

    "You should go with her" I tell Brad and he walks out with Hailey and her parents.

I walk back to meet my group.

    "That was a lot" heather says when I sit down. Ian takes my hand examining it. For a minute there, I had forgotten about the cut on my hand. It's a small cut but hurts like heck.

    "I know right" I say and shrug. "I cannot believe she blames me for a dress tearing" I add shaking my head. They all stare at me.

    "What?" I ask looking at all of them.

    "What did you do?" they ask at the same time.

    "What do you mean. You saw everything, I didn't touch her" I say.

    "We saw but we also saw you peck Brad's cheeks and we know you did that to frustrate Hailey" Ian says.

    "Sorry about pecking Brad" I whisper to him.

    "It's fine. I know you did it for a reason" he says.

    "What was the reason?" Eli asks.

    "Arrg! Fine! My foot was on her dress" I say with a eye roll.

    "Lily!" Rachel says.

    "What?! She deserved it" I say.

Not kidding you, after I said that, Hailey walks into the hall back and charges at me. She has a cup of red wine in hand and I just know what she is planning. Like I said, Hailey is predictable. I quickly stand up from my seat avoiding the splash from the red wine. The table is not so lucky. The gold table cloth is not stained.

    "What is your problem, Hailey?" Asher shouts. Thankfully the wine didn't touch anyone. Everyone is standing now. She just eyes us and walks away.

    "Told you she deserved it" I say and they all agree. 

    "That girl is unhinged" Rachel says.

    "Let's forget her, it's a party after all" I say and they all agree.

We all move to the dance floor to dance the night away. I see mum and dad across the room, they are talking to Hailey's parents. I see Hailey a distant away and she seems to be having an argument with Brad. I just look at her and sigh. I cannot believe I am saying this but I miss my friend.

    "Look at me" Ian says holding my chin at him. "I know this isn't easy for you losing a friend like that" Ian says looking me in the eyes. I love how he knows me and can feel what I am feeling.

    "I have known her for so long, it feels weird fighting her like this" I tell him, "I didn't even fight her when she started dating Brad, I still tried to make her happy. It might be twisted but that is why I pay Brad to be with her" I add.

    "You still pay him?" he asks.

    "He still got paid today" I tell him.

    "I am just so hurt by her. She is someone I would do anything and everything for and to know that she doesn't just like me but she's always hated me hurts more than I thought it would" I reveal to him.

    "I know, losing a friend especially a childhood friend is never easy" Ian says hugging me. 

I rest my head on Ian's chest and involuntarily, the tears fall.