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Chapter 4

Living with April is so much different than being with my mom. She is such a cool person! Ever since I moved in, we do everything together. She even got me a job at the restaurant where she works. I absolutely love working there! they have already at promoted me to a position as a server. I am so excited to actually be able to make my own money. I have to admit that I really miss not seeing my sister everyday. Sometimes after work I meet up with her so I can give her some cash to help her out. Mom uses all her disability money on booze and drugs. I told her as soon as she is old enough she can come live with us. For the most part my life feels perfect right now. After work April and I go out clubbing. It is so much fun! I mean, it is the first time that I have ever been on my own and I don't have anyone telling me what I can do. April knows so many people and she is always buying new clothes and jewelry. 

One night we tried to get into an after hours party, but they wouldn't let me in because of my age. I just turned eighteen, but so many places are now only allowing people in who are twenty one and over. No worries though because April always has a plan! She told me she would take me down to the DMV to get a fake license. She has a couple friends that will let her use their information for just a small fee. April has some place she wanted me to go with her tonight so after work we are going to get my id. I am so excited! Lori my manager must of been able to tell because she asked me why I was so perky when I came in this morning. I just laughed as I finished cutting up a bowl of lemons. I hate coming and having to prep for the day. Thankfully I only have about an hour left. Smarties is always so crowded that you are lucky to get a break. Right now I have six tables that I am waiting on. Our busser just quit so now I have to clear the tables after my customers leave. It wasn´t long before table four had finished up. As they began to head out the door I started clearing their plates. ¨So gross¨, I thought to myself as I got ketchup all over my hand. Tasha the other waitress came up from behind me as I was grabbing a napkin.

¨Jade you´re up¨ she giggled. I grabbed the dishes and turned towards her. ¨What now¨ I asked curiously? As I looked towards the front there was the most attractive man I have ever seen standing by the door. My face flushed as I headed towards the kitchen with the used dishes. I pushed through the big heavy doors to make my way towards the metal tables. They were already filled with used dishes waiting to be washed. I shoved my stack onto the cold table. Just then Tasha poked her head into the kitchen, ¨hurry up, your boyfriend is waiting¨. She had this mischievous grin on her face. ¨You´re such a child Tasha¨ I replied as I headed back out into the dining area. The hostess had already seated him as I was approaching my service area. With my voice cracking I introduced myself to him. ¨Hi, my name is Jade I´ll be your server today¨, I began reaching for my note pad as I continued. ¨What can I get you to drink¨ now fumbling with my pen cap I wait for a response. When he looked up our eyes locked. He is so handsome! I felt my heart start to race a bit. I quickly looked back down at my pad as I waited a response.

¨I will have a black coffee with some cream and sugar on the side¨ he responded. His voice is so deep and sexy. I looked back up at him. He was still staring directly at me. Our eyes met again. ¨Sure¨, I told him as I pushed my note pad into my black apron pocket. I turned around to rush to get his coffee. I was full of nervous energy now. ¨Pull it together Jade¨ I told myself. I was acting like a little girl. I never feel this nervous with a customer. It was like I was getting butterflies in my stomach. I grab down a coffee cup and small plate. The coffee was just brewed so it was piping hot. I reached to grab a few packets of cream and sugar before heading back to his table. As I looked towards where he was sitting I took a deep breath before approaching him. ¨Oh you´re back¨ he said while looking up at me. My hands began to shake as I reached down to place his coffe on the table. I must of moved to quickly because it tipped over.

¨Oh my gosh, I am so sorry¨ I exclaimed as the coffee spilt all over the mans suit. He jumped from the both pushing me to the side. I grabbed several napkins and began trying to dry up his pants. As I frantically began patting he grabbed my wrist, ¨It´s ok, I´ve got it¨. I began to apologizing again and handed him the apkins. Tasha ran over to try to help. I told her I was going to go to the back to get more napkins. When I returned he was gone. I am so embarrassed I moaned while cleaning up my mess. I couldn´t believe that just happened! Tasha told me not to beat myself up as it was an accident. Thankfully my shift was over and April was waiting for me out front. ¨Come on Jade¨ she yelled.

¨We need to get your id before they close¨  

I hoped in the car and we headed down to the place. When we got there it was so crowded. People were standing along the walls waiting to be called. April had called ahead to make an appointment so it wasn´t long before that we were called up. As I approached the counter, there was an older woman standing there in a blue collared shirt. She looked kind of mean, but I think it was because she was just tired. I can totally understand after the day I have had. The place was a complete madhouse. Standing directly behind her was a police officer that was playing some game on her phone. 

Just then I heard a stern voice yell at me, ¨Ma´am step over there to get your picture taken¨!  April grabbed my arm while pulling me over to the spot. ¨You have got to pay attention Jade¨ she snarled. It didn´t take long and I had my id and was heading out the door. Once we were in the parking lot she told me she was so nervous because it was actually illegal to get a fake id.

̈̈Illegal! ̈  I shouted. 

 ̈Are you crazy? ̈ I asked her.

Although I was mad at her, I have to admit I was excited to be able to get into more places with her. Living with her was the happiest I have ever been in a long time. She was like a sister to me. I couldn't imagine my life without her. She is honestly everything I am not. April is always so confident about her looks. She isn´t afraid to try new things and adventures. I wish I could be like her. Instead I am always so awkward. I feel ugly like what man will ever want me? I often joke I am the ugly duckling while she is a beautiful swan. She gets mad at me when I talk like this to her. Usually she will tell me to stop it, but she knows it is true. Anyways, I couldn't do it without her. She just got into college so to celebrate she wants to take me along with her to one of her big parties that a friend of hers is throwing. I am not really in the party mood, but I actually can´t wait to go to this one. It supposedly the party of the year.

 The next day, April and I went down to pick up our paychecks from Mr. B. I made three hundred dollars for the week with all my tips. Not bad considering I broke a few plates. After we cashed our checks, April asked me if I wanted to go shopping with her? Of course I said yes! I was like, ̈shopping, I don't think I have ever really been shopping on my own ̈. She looked at me with a huge grin.

̈Oh girl then you have to come with me! I know just the place to go! ̈ and off we went. 

When we walked in the door there were these huge racks full of clothes. Everything was kind of just thrown together. The store was so small so there wasn't much room to walk. In the front of the store was this girl who had green hair pulled up into a messy bun. She had jet black fingernail polish with huge silver rings. She adorned a nose ring and choker too. The girl just kept her head down reading some teen magazine the whole time. When I turned around to see where April had gone she was standing there with tons of clothes draped over her arms.

̈Are you just going to stand there looking at me or are you going to help? ̈ she asked while almost dropping the clothes.

̈̈Oh gosh, you ́re buying all that? ̈ I asked with much disbelief. 

She had to have over two thousand dollars worth of merchandise in her hands. April just smiled and told me to follow her to the dressing room. As she went in to try clothes on she told me anything that is too small to bring her back the same item in a four and a six so we didn't waste too much time there. She handed me back several items and I went and grabbed two more in those same sizes just like she had asked me for. After about an hour she came out of the dressing room with only a white tee and a little black dress. I was puzzled.

̈What about all the other clothes?¨April quickly replied, ̈oh don't worry she'll put them away. ̈  Then she pointed towards the girl in the front. ¨How rude! ̈ I thought to myself. When we made our way back to the car, I decided I was going to say something to her. I had spent so much of my life being afraid to say how I feel. ̈ ̈No, I have to say something! ̈ I mumbled to myself. I opened the passenger door and slid across the leather seats. I turned towards April as I fastened my seat belt.

̈̈April, you know it wasn't right to take all those clothes into the dressing room if you weren't going to buy them! ̈ 

There I said it! That wasn't so bad. I looked at her waiting for her response and she just started laughing while shaking her head.

̈̈What, what's so funny? ̈ 

I asked now with a little more of a serious tone. April reached down and lifted up her sweater. Underneath she had on several layers of clothes. ̈ ̈Oh my god, did you steal those? ̈  My mouth was wide as it could go. I sat there shocked that she would do such a thing.

̈̈Jade, really? You ́re telling me you ́ve never taken anything before? ̈  She asked as if she already knew the answer.

̈Uh nooo! I don't steal! Like what the f**k April?! We could go to jail! Are you nuts or something?¨ I snapped. April then tried to calm me down but I was so mad! 

¨Just relax, she probably doesn't even know they are missing yet. ̈Nothing is going to happen, I promise.¨ 

Her reassurance wasn't really helping. I was kind of pissed she didn't tell me what she was doing. Now I look like a thief. Ugh, being free of my mom looked so much different in my mind. I knew I was overreacting a bit because my life was a hundred times better now. When we got home April told me to hop in the shower so she could help me get dressed. I was in and out as quickly as possible, especially since I had to shave my legs. When I came out of the bathroom she had laid out a small black strapless dress and a pair of black stilettos. There was also a long auburn colored wig laying next to it. 

¨You want me to wear this? ̈ I said with a giggle.

̈̈Jade, just put it on!¨ 

I could tell she had enough of my snarkiness. I went into my room and put on some makeup and a wig. It reminded me of when Samantha and I were little and would play dress up. I missed her so much, I thought to myself as my eyes started to tear up. I shook it off and finished getting dressed. It wasn't before long that I heard April yelling for me to come out.

̈ ̈Wow, you look incredible! ̈ April said as soon as she saw me. 

The wig was perfect. You couldn't even tell it wasn't my real hair. It fell down past my shoulders and accented my porcelain white skin.  I felt like a woman for the first time.When we walked outside there was a limo waiting for us.

̈ ̈Where are we going in this? ̈ I asked.

̈ ̈To a party, now get in! ̈ April said while laughing and giving me a  push to hurry me into the car. 

When we arrived at the party I couldn't believe how nice the house was. It had this long marble driveway that led to this huge house or should I say mansion. It had this large fountain with white lights inside of it right out front of the doors. I was so mesmerized that I didn't see April had gotten out of the car.

̈Are you coming? ̈ she asked with her usual quirkiness. Once inside, I noticed there were several men in these very nice suits. One of the men got up to greet us.

̈ ̈Jerry, get these beautiful young women some champagne!¨ he barked. 

This party was definitely a lot different from our usual ones. April reached down and grabbed my hand while leading me into the other room. It was so beautiful. There was a grand piano that was off to the left that was in front of this huge glass window. Music was sofly playing in the background. There were several small black lounge chairs dispersed throughout the room that some of the men were reclining on. The gentleman that greeted us asked if he could talk to April in private. She turned towards me and leaned in. I could smell the scent of her perfume. It smelled just like cotton candy. She whispered to me that she would be right back. The two of them walked over to the side of the room where a bar was at and began to talk. I couldn't hear what they were saying. I stood there awkwardly, trying not to make eye contact with anyone. There was so many handsome well dressed men there. I felt like every one of them was just staring at me. Ugh, I was starting to regret coming. What was this anyways? I began to feel really awkward.      

I glanced back over to where April was standing. She looked a bit frustrated. The gentleman was saying something to her, but I still couldn't hear a word. I could tell he was upset as his forehead was now wrinkled and he had his arms clenched tight across his chest. Just then I felt someone put their hand on the small of my back. I look over to see the most attractive man I have ever laid eyes on. It took me a second to realize he was the same gentleman from Smarties that I spilled the hot coffee on. I flushed with embarrassment.

¨̈Hi there! ̈ He says to break the tension. 

Then with this little grin on his face he says, ¨I couldn't help but to see you standing there, so I figure I would come over and formally introduce myself.  Our first meeting was not the best so lets start over. I am Craig and you are? ̈ he then leans in a little closer with a devilish grin on his face. ̈

̈Oh, I am no one! ̈ I said nervously.

̈̈Oh my gosh, did I just say that outloud? ̈  I thought to myself while trying to search for the right thing to say.

̈̈Well, you are too beautiful to just be no one.¨ he said in this cute teasingly way.

I nervously respond again, ̈I ́m sorry, I don't know anyone here and after ruining your suit I just feel silly. My name is Jade ̈.  I reached my hand out to shake his. As he took my hand into his, I couldn't believe how much larger his hand was then mine. He then turned my hand over and brought my hand up to his mouth then kissed it softly. I instantly got butterflies in my stomach.  Just as I am starting to feel like I am about to have an anxiety attack. He then starts to guide me over to a sitting area.

̈¨Well Jade, let's go over here where it is a little quieter¨ he took me by the hand. ¨Would you mind having a drink with me? ̈ he asked. 

¨̈Of course that would be great! ̈  I replied as I start to fumble with my tennis bracelet that April gave me. Why am I such a dork , I asked myself? I always get so nervous around guys that I don't know. As we are approaching the sitting area the man with the champagne brings us another glass.

̈̈Just let me know if I can get you guys anything else. ̈ he says before leaving.  

I slide back into the chair as Craig looks at me.

̈So how old are you?¨ 

My mind starts to race. Should I tell him my real age ?  ̈ ̈No, no maybe I should say I am older? ̈ I think to myself while scanning the room. I don't see April anymore. Now I am a little more anxious. I look back at him waiting for my response. 

¨I am eighteen ̈ I blurted out. I knew right away I shouldn't have said that because now he will think I am just a little girl. Craig reaches over and places his hand on my leg. He then leaned closer.

¨So besides parties what do you like to do for fun¨ he asked? I wasn´t about to tell him about April and my nights out clubbing. I sat there for a second. ¨Well, I like hiking when I am not working¨ I tried to sit up in my seat as my voice cracked a little. He could tell I was nervous.

¨Tell me, do I make you uncomfortable Jade¨?

I tried to sit a little taller in my seat as if that was going to make me less awkward. ¨No, not at all¨ I told him while lying through my teeth. I am sure he knew the truth. Craig reached out placing his hand on my thigh.

¨I hope I don´t because I really would like to get to know more about you Jade¨. I started to feel a lot more comfortable with him. We sat there for such a long time just talking. Him and I actually have so much in common. He told me how much he loves the outdoors. He even frequently goes camping from time to time. The more we talked, the more I just wanted to get to know him. Craig is so charming. I couldn't help staring at him. He has this chestnut brown hair that is cut short with a few curls on top. His green eyes sparkled every time he looks at me. The look he gives me makes me want to lean over and kiss him. He has the fullest plumped lips that I can just imagine kissing. He also has this smile that makes me melt inside. Oh, lets not forget that he is very fit. I couldn't believe how muscular he is. Looking at him, you can see the outline of every muscle through his suit. I was shocked when he told me he's only twenty two because it is like he has an old soul. I don't know what it is but I feel safe with him. Craig asked me how long I had been a waitress. I blushed with embarrassment because he probably thinks I am awful after spilling the coffee all over him. ¨Not long¨ I sheepishly replied. He then told me he just started working for his dad ́s company only a few years ago. The funny thing is, the man talking with April is actually his father, but you would never know without him telling you. They could pass as brothers. His father is very attractive as well.

We sat there talking about almost everything you can think of while getting to know each other. The more Craig and I conversate, the more I am starting to like him. He was super sweet and down to earth. We talked for so long that I hadn't even realized we had missed dinner. Just then a man came over and asked to interrupt us. He said he was sent by Mr.Whitman, Craig ́s dad to get me to join April and hisself. 

¨You tell my father she is with me and will not be joining anyone else! ̈  he growled. 

The gentleman then began to insist that I go with him. 

He looked at Craig, ̈¨What are you doing? ̈  he asked. 

¨You know why she is here and your dad has paid good money for her to participate in this event! ̈ he said persistently while reaching for me to stand up. 

Just then, Craig jumped to his feet and shouted at him, ̈this is your last chance to walk away!¨ 

You could tell Craig was angry! His fists were balled and the veins in his neck were starting to bulge. He says through clenched teeth, ̈Don't you ever come over here or even think about talking to her ever again! Oh and you can give that message to my dad and the rest of these fools!¨

Craig was very angry! I didn't understand why he was being protective over me, but I knew the man crossed a line. The gentleman began to apologize as he backed away. I asked Craig where exactly was April while starting to scan the room again. He apologized for his outburst and told me to just sit back down. I couldn ́t though. What was going on here and why did that man say those things? I needed some answers and all I wanted to do was to find April and figure out what was going on!