Mafia Princess: Secrets

Chapter 13 I AM PRETTY

EMMA POV

It's the day before my Birthday I'm not excited for the party tomorrow. I don't like attention and this will all be focused on me , oh and Jace as well. For the past two weeks I've been texting with Ethen. I haven't told anyone though, not even Nicole. We don't really talk face to face. My reasons are Jace, Nicole, my dad and Sophia. If we do talk as school and anyone sees us talking I say its for class. We are just friends nothing more. I don't make a big deal of it because he has a girlfriend and I told him if he didn't have a girlfriend I wouldn't be his friend.

I know what your thinking it's shady taking to him and he has a girlfriend. But the way I see it, it's because he has a girlfriend I'm just his friend. There is something that draws me to him. Maybe it's the thought of having the forbidden fruit. I don't know but I know it's there. 

Anyway we are just friends and I told him if he broke up with Sophia I would stop talking to him. By the way I invited him and his brother as well as Sophia and Olivia to my birthday party tomorrow. Nicole didn't take that too well and when I told her it was her idea she said she meant only Edwin and Ethen.

It was too late I asked in front of the girls and it would look bad if I didn't invite them as well. I told dad I invited a few kids from school and so did Jace, well he invited the whole soccer team, Heather and some of her friends. Seeing as Marcello was on the team I didn't think it would be a problem with the guys being there. Well that was what I thought, Jace had a meltdown and since then he is like my stalker at school. 

Once I was walking out of Bio class with Ethen, we weren't even talking when all of a sudden Jace slammed him into the door. He had his forearm across his neck and when Ethen bellowed out, "What's your deal man?" Jace just held him there staring daggers at him. Before he released him Jace uttered, "I don't know what game your playing but I've got my eye on you" then grabbed my hand pulling me in the direction of the cafeteria. All I could do was mouth "sorry". Since then we've stuck to the phone mostly texting. 

I kinder feel a little guilty not telling Nicole about it but I don't want to answer ninety nine questions. Nicole is like my best friend well my only friend. We're totally opposite but yet still we get along so well. She said we balance each other of. I know it's juts been a month and calling her my best friend is a little much but I wouldn't have anyone else. I really need to tell her, maybe after the party.

Knock Knock Knock! from the balcony.

"Come in." Jace is the only one who comes in through there. "Hey why are you not dressed for school today?" he asked while he enters with a hint of worry in his voice. "I'm skipping today, tomorrow will be a bit hectic so I just want to relax today" I replied. "Okay, so I guess I don't have to wait for Nicole, she'll be here for the day" he says with a smile and I respond a little to quickly, "no no no just me I still have to choose a dress and I want to try them without anyone" I give him a lopsided grin and continue, "I'm not as ... am I... I'm a bit self conscious when I try on clothes" he frowns and steps closer to my bed. "Why did someone say something or made you feel uncomfortable" he says sounding more concerned than I would like him to be, he drops his bag and sits next to me. "JJ please I'm like a stick, most girls my age have more, you know" I gesture to my chest area, "and yes I was, the twins made it clear how much I'm lacking." His jaw tightens and he get up"when did that happen?" I replied without thinking, "at the mall after school, I went with Nicole to look for a dress and I tried on a few, they had a couple of laughs but its okay. I'm okay I can take it I'm a big girl .."I stop, look at my chest then up at him "well you know what I mean" he doesn't say anything but he leans in and I'm hit with his crisp sweet smell. It's a spicy citrus over woods and vanilla, if that makes sense. His smell is similar to dad. Its what I identify as home. He gently kisses my forehead, "Don't pay them any mind, you're perfect." I nod and he walks out. 

Jace is the one person who always make me fell there is nothing wrong with me. I know I'm far from perfect but in his eye I can do no wrong and I hope that I never do.

ETHEN POV

We arrive at school a little earlier than usual, thanks to me. I wanted to get here before Emma hoping I will get at least a minute alone with her today to give her her present. Sophia here but we only have home room and English together thankfully and I did I mention how much I love Fridays. I have a full day of classes with Emma and last I have soccer practice and she is usually on the bleachers. She has her photography class and says its like a free period. I smile and wait patiently.

"Hey lover whats got you so happy?" Sophia interrupts. She gives me a peck on the lip and sits in Emma seat in front of me, but not today I keep my cool. "It Friday" I answer nonchalant. We smile at each other and I notice Nicole walk into class and after staring at the door for a couple of minute I realize she not here or maybe she be late. I pull my phone out and send her a text.

Me: Hey r u in sch?

By the end of home room she still didn't show up or read my message. I try again.

Me: U comin 2day?

An hour later.

Me: ^^

Me: R u there?

Me: Msg when u get dis

By the time the bell for lunch rings I realize she's not coming and she still didn't reply to any of my text messages.  I wonder why though last night she seemed fine. Maybe last minute party plans. I sigh pulled out my phone. 

Me: U ghosting me or wat. 

Meeting up with Ed and the girls I tell them I don't feel like staying in school so we all decided to ditch. We call Issac to pick us up.

In the car I try not to think about Emma. I'm not mad its just I wish she could just reply or at least look at her messages. I try to focus on Sophia so I turn and ask her, "What do you want to do babe?" She flashes a hundred watt smile and replies in the sweetest voice she could muster up, "Well ... Baby tomorrow is Emma and Jace's party and we have to get our nails done ... if we do it today it will save us some time tomorrow" I thought her smile couldn't get any bigger and I was wrong. "Let go... but not at the mall we'll go to the spa on Tucker Avenue." The girls scream and clap and Sophia throw her arms around me and kisses me. I kiss her back a little a rough. When we break from the kiss she breathing heavy with needy eyes locked on me. 

We get to the Spa and we decide on couples manicure, pedicure, facials and massages. When I say we I mean the girls. We change into white robes and put our stuff in lockers and head to get mani's and pedi's first. After we head to private rooms for our couples massage not before a bathroom break. I walk into the room and its dimly lit with scented candles with petals all over. Very romantic if you ask me. Sophia is already laying head down with a towel on her lower waist covering her bum and another wrapped in her hair. Walking closer she looked noticeable smaller, maybe it's the lighting. On her left shoulder she has three moles in a triangle. Somehow that fascinates me so I decide to take a better look but just as I get closer the door opens and the two ladies walk in. I guessing they are the masseurs, so I climb onto the available bed.

That was so relaxing I fell asleep. When I wake up I notice Sophia is gone. oh no I hope she wasn't mad I feel asleep but she wasn't talking so I took it as a sign she just wanted to enjoy her massage. I head to the changing room and get dressed. When I meet up with the guy I see the scowl on Sophia's face, oh no, before she could say anything I say, "Please don't be mad I thought you wanted to enjoy you massage in piece and quiet." Ed quickly interrupts, "and since this was your Idea, you will pay." I frown and pull out my card while the girls smile.

In the car I check my phone one message from 'Eve'. Hurriedly I open my phone and checked.

Eve: Hey sorry for the late reply but I got so busy and I didn't even check my phone.

On the bright side I finally picked a dress its a bit out of my comfort zone. 

Ms. Adams had to come and approve it tho.

I'm goin for a facial and massage then back home to finalize shoes, accessories and makeup. Maybe we'll chat later if not see you tomorrow.

Me: I just got 1 to. We did a couples thing. Ed, Liv, Soph n I. I fell asleep and Soph got mad. N e way go do u we'll chat later.

Maybe if she had gotten my messages before we could have done the spa thing together. 

(11:45PM)

EMMA POV

I can't sleep I'm a bit nervous for tomorrow. Ms. Adams was amazing today though. When I finally found a dress it needed alterations. I was willing to choose something else but she said no and got someone to alter it. She made me feel so comfortable even though it was out of my comfort zone. I still haven't gotten my shoes and Chelsea said she'll send the styles over with some options and if not I'm wearing a pair of converse. 

Buzz Buzz!! I feel my phone vibrate on my side table. One message from Adam. I stored Ethen's number under Adam. 

Adam: U awake?

Me: Yep wats up? 

Buzz Buzz!! He's got to be kidding Facetime now. I fix my hair and top quickly and answer, "hey" 

Ethen, "Hey you!"

Me: "Hey me!!"

Ethen: "Why are you not asleep?"

Me: "Was just about too"

Ethen: "Really sorry I disturb you but since you're still awake maybe you can spare five minutes before you go to sleep"

Me: " Maybe"

Knock Knock Knock! from the balcony.

"s**t, s**t, hold on" I whisper shout before answering Jace's knock, "Jace". He opens the door, "hey princess" enters and walks over to the bed while looking at his watch. I look down at my phone and see Ethan's face and flips it over. He sits on the bed and he's still looking at his watch and begins, "Five, four, three, two, one, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!". He hugs me and I wish him, "Happy birthday JJ!" Still in his embrace he say, "love you princess, your the pretties girl in the world" I smile and pull away kiss him on the forehead and say, "love you too JJ, no one compares to you." He gets up and walks to the door saying, "I have one more surprise for you." He bring in a box from the balcony and rest it on my lap. 

I run my hand over the wrapping. It's beige faux leather wrapping paper with gold ribbon and bow. "Wow, I don't even need to look inside, I love the wrapping paper!" He laughs and coax me, "come on, we might not get to see each other during the day, open it now, pleaseeee!" 

"Okay, fine!" I fake pout and he chuckles. I run my fingers under the ribbon and slide it of and then I gently peel the tape and remove the paper.  I gasp, its 'Gucci'. When I open the box its a slingback nude suede Mallory square-cut swarovski crystal-embellished sandal with a 4inch heel, "Jace ... wow I ... I love it." I jump and hug him ones more. "I heard you were having shoe problems and I thought maybe you needed something as pretty as you" he says into my ear while I still hold onto him. I feel a little choked up so I give him one last squeeze then let go. "Thank JJ, they're perfect and they match my dress as well. Sorry I don't have your present to give you now but it will be delivered around five tomorrow so you can use it as well, we got it custom made." He smiles and replies, "Custom huh, is it a suite cus Chelsea already choose something out ." "No" I quickly replied, "please don't ask dad will get mad if I tell you, he says I cant keep a secret."

"Okay, fine I wont but you owe me" he say while getting up and walking out.

I breathe out a sigh of relief and lay back on my bed.

"Princess, Hellooo!!" I hear Ethan's voice drowning in my quilt. "Oh no!" I move the blanket around till I find my phone, "hey, sorry for that, it was Jace." He's in his kitchen I think and he props the phone on something, then pull out a cupcake with a lit candle and start singing, "Happy Birthday To You, Happy Birthday To You, Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday To You, Happy Birthday Emma!" "Thank you Ethan!"