A Changed Life Page 10

  “I don’t like to make a huge deal about it.”

  “Turning eighteen is a huge deal. I promise you, we will have a blast. Let’s put out a twitter alert, and have a party down at the beach. Afterwards, we can go clubbing since you only turn eighteen once.”

  “Settle down Jameson. I already have plans to take my girl out, and they don’t include you and your twitter followers.”

  “You always take my fun away, Simon.”

  “Sorry pal, not this time, but if Nicolette agrees maybe we can plan a party another time?”

  “It won’t count since it will be after your birthday.” Jameson pouts.

  “Sorry, take it or leave it.”

  “I seriously need to get a boyfriend, because you straight couples are killing me.”

  “Nicolette, you want to tell me what’s wrong? You’ve been quiet since we left school. Are you mad at me?”

  “No, don’t be silly Simon. I just have a few things on my mind.”

  “You can tell me anything, you know that right?”

  “I know can we take a walk on the beach?” We walked down a bit, and found a secluded spot past the dunes. Simon had a blanket, and we spread it out onto the sand. I was resting on my elbows when Simon leaned in, and began kissing me behind my ear. He then trailed a path of kisses down on my neck. Each little kiss is a tickle, until he reached my lips. Wrapping myself around him, I kissed him back a bit faster, and ran my fingers through his hair.

  As he kissed me, he put one hand behind my head, and one under my blouse. He glides his fingers over my lacy bra... My body warms to his touch, and he gently pushes up my bra never once taking his eyes off of me.

  I just felt an over whelming surge of excitement building within my body, not quite understanding all these feelings. I wanted him to explore my body.

  He looked into my eyes wanting permission to go further. I blinked with my response and he began sucking my nipple and twisting it between his fingers. The feeling was so intense, I just gripped the blanket, and he whispered in my ear.

  “It’s ok baby, let go for me.” I felt like I was floating above my body and exhilarated all at the same time. Never experiencing anything like this before, I have to talk to him about what I am feeling. I was embarrassed to actually say the word; he tried to hold in his laugh so he wouldn’t hurt my feelings.

  “Yes that was an orgasm, Nicolette. Is that the first one you’ve had? Please… say yes.” I sat up to adjust my bra and pull my shirt down.

  “Simon that was an incredible feeling, and yes it was a first for me.” He wrapped his arms around me and held me while I breathed in his delicious scent. I only went as far as kissing Jason, I never let him even come close to what I just allowed Simon to do. I love and trust him. With Simon, it was so much more than I can describe, and it felt right. Simon broke me out of my trance and kissed me again, and finally saying what I wanted to hear.

  “You are amazing, Nicolette. I love you so much. Looking into my eyes, he cupped my face looking for a response, as I had tears streaming down my face. Simon took his thumbs to wipe them away, and I kissed him back.

  Breathlessly I said, “I love you too Simon.” Letting out a breath, and folding me into him, he kissed me and professed his love for me again. I can’t believe that I turn eighteen tomorrow, and my boyfriend just gave me the best present by saying he loves me. I have never been happier.

  Closing the door behind me, I turn around to see my father waiting for me with his hands crossed over his chest. “Oh my god, Daddy! You scared me.” I knew I was late, but after having the best night of my life, my curfew was the last thing on my mind. Putting my hands up, nothing could spoil my mood, not even a lecture from my father. “I’m sorry I was late. I blurt out to my dad, Simon said he loves me, and I love him too.”

  Looking up at daddy, he didn’t look too surprised by my news, he actually smiled. “Wow! That’s major news.”

  “Dad, before you dive right into the lecture I know you want to give, I want you to know how happy I am. I know that I’m young, but Simon is the real deal.”

  With his arms wide open and inviting me in for a hug, I smiled and walked right into my father’s waiting arms. He wrapped his arms around me, and kissed the top of my head. “I’m happy for you Nicolette. To know that our daughter is happy, and to see you smile is all your mother and I want for you.”

  “So no lecture?”

  “Nope, not tonight. It’s your birthday tomorrow, so you get a free pass; just don’t make a habit of breaking curfew.”

  “I won’t. I love you daddy.”

  “I love you more.” Thinking about how my life has changed in just a short time blows me away. I was so against the move to California, arguing with my parents every step of the way, and now it seems so pointless. Moving here brought me Simon, my new friends, a new life. I couldn’t be happier as I drifted off into sleep.

  What the…? I jolt up from my peaceful slumber only to be awaked by my parents, and Gracie. The trio were armed with noise makers. Gracie was carrying a small birthday cake with sparklers on it. I put my hand over my heart; it was bursting with love for my family. This was a tradition with mom and dad, they always woke me up early on my birthday, and sang to me.

  No matter what my plans were, they were first to share it with me, and I love them for it. I scooted forward and hugged mom and dad.

  “Happy Birthday, Nicolette!” they shouted in unison.

  “Did you make your wish?” asked my mom.

  “Yes I did, and it already has come true.” Gracie had sliced up my cake and we all sat and enjoyed my favorite dessert, strawberry shortcake. “Close your eyes Nicolette, you know what’s coming next. Present time, you would think my dad was more excited than me. One, two, three…open your eyes, honey. Opening them up to see a mound of gifts in front of me. Gracie asked if she could go first, her smile was infectious, she looked so happy. I pulled back the ribbon and saw a beautiful handmade quilt that Gracie had made for me. “Oh Gracie, it’s beautiful, I will always cherish it.”

  With tears in her eyes, and beginning to form in mine, she hugged me and whispered Happy Birthday to me in Spanish. “I love you mija, as if you were my own.” Now mom was misty eyed. My poor dad, he was outnumbered with all the hormones in this room. Mom and dad had given me cd’s, clothes, and spa certificates. I had received a package from Uncle Jack and Aunt Sara earlier in the week, but had strict instructions that I couldn’t open it until my birthday. No reason to wait any longer, I ripped open the box and inside was a white gold bracelet. I turned it over to read the inscription. Happy 18th Birthday Nickel. Mom put it on my wrist and hugged me. Only a precious few knew Uncle Jack’s nickname for me, to have him engrave it on a gift, means so much. “I miss him dad and Aunt Sara too.”

  “I know honey, you’ll see them soon.” Dad kissed the top of my head again before leaving. The start of my birthday was perfect. I received text messages from my friends here and from Chicago. Simon’s message was perfect, but I teased him with my reply.

  Simon: Good morning baby! Happy Birthday. How were your dreams last night? Mine were all of you, and a bit naughty : ) I can’t wait until you are back in my arms tonight. Have an amazing day, I love you Nicolette.

  Me: Who is this? I think you have the wrong number.

  Ha! Thirty seconds later my phone pinged.

  Simon: Now that’s my smart ass girlfriend that I love.

  Me: Love?

  Simon: With all my heart : )

  Me: I love you too!

  The rest of my morning flew by responding to all my birthday texts and tweets from my friends. After a delicious lunch with mom, it was off to the spa for some pampering. I only got a manicure and pedicure. I was going to do my own make-up and hair. I couldn’t decide how to style it, and was beginning to regret my decision to do it myself, but after a couple of hours, it was perfect. Knocking on my door, mom asked if she could come in, I answered her from my bathroom. When I emerged, mom gasped and
covered her mouth with her hand. “Oh baby, you look beautiful.” Showing off my best vogue moves, she clapped her hands. You look perfect. I can’t believe you are eighteen years old.”

  “Ah yes, and that would make you…”

  “Um…don’t even finish that sentence! We don’t discuss my age, thank you very much.”

  Both of us were laughing uncontrollably now, good thing I was wearing waterproof mascara, my eyes were beginning to tear. She had come in to tell me that Simon was waiting for me downstairs. I immediately went for the door and then she reached for my hand. “Take your time Nicolette, he will wait for you.” Mom winked at me, and then walked out of my room. Why do I get the feeling that was mom’s way of sending me a message without actually saying the words? She could write beautiful songs, but talking about sex with her only daughter, yeah…not so much.

  As I made my way down the staircase, there stood Simon, dressed in black pants with an open collard white shirt, and a black jacket to match. He looked so sexy; I didn’t even care what he had planned for me tonight. All I wanted to do was kiss him, and only be with him. When I reached the bottom step, he scooped me up, and into his arms.

  The looks of desire in his eyes for me, made me want to wrap my legs around his waist, and have him take me right now. Thank god my parents had gone out. Simon was driving me wild and we haven’t even left my house yet.

  Putting me down, Simon stepped back to have a closer look at me. I could feel his want for me. Electric pulses were running through me as his eyes trailed my body from my head to my toes. I have never felt more wanted than at this moment. “You are so beautiful Nicolette. Happy Birthday!” Simon, took my hand, and kissed it. He presented me with a beautiful corsage designed with roses. Do you want your present now or later?”

  Squealing with anticipation, I answered, “Now. Please.”

  “Close your eyes baby.” I closed them tightly, but when I peeked he waved his finger at me. I behaved and waited. He stroked my neck with his fingers and kissed me behind my ear. He took my earrings out and replaced them. Simon bought me earrings, I can’t wait to see them. He walked me over to the mirror and whispered, “Open your eyes, Nicolette.” I was speechless when I saw them. “I knew how beautiful and perfect they would look on your very kissable earlobes. Do you like your present?” Gazing at me over my shoulder, and waiting for my answer. They were lovely. Diamond encrusted earrings in the shape of a rose. Like them? I love them. How can I not? “Thank you, Simon. These are so beautiful.”

  “Not as beautiful as you. I love you…happy Birthday, Nicolette. Are you ready to have some fun?”

  “I don’t know what can top how I’m feeling right now. My day has been perfect with my morning celebration with my family, and you and your amazing gifts. It’s perfect.”

  “Well your night is going to get even better, let’s go.” Simon placed his hand at the small of my back and walked me out to the car. “Are you going to tell me where we are going?”

  “No. It’s a surprise, and you need to stop asking.” Simon kissed my hand and then the inside of my wrist. My insides were on fire with every kiss he placed on me. Leaving my house, Simon showed me what looked like a sleep mask. He asked me to humor him by covering my eyes. He wanted me to be completely surprised. I complied, but the anticipation was killing me. “We’re here.” Simon opened my door, and lifted me into his arms while my eyes were still shielded.

  Trying not to sound whiny. “Simon, can I please take this blindfold off now? I can’t take the suspense.”

  “Just a few more steps, and then you can…okay? I’m going to remove the blindfold now. Keep your eyes closed until I say you can open them.” I’m led into a room, it’s so quiet, and you can hear a pin drop. I’m kissed on my cheek and my boyfriend whispers into my ear, “Open your eyes baby.”

  “SURPRISE!”

  I place my hands over my mouth; I am in awe, and feeling beyond thrilled by this wonderful surprise. One by one my party guests come up to hug and wish me a Happy Birthday. Trying so hard to keep from crying, someone is behind me tapping on my shoulder. I turn around to see Uncle Jack standing before me. “Uncle Jack!” I jump into his arms, as he picks me up off the floor. “Oh my god, what are you doing here?” He is spinning me around at this moment, best birthday ever.

  “Now you didn’t think I would miss your birthday, now did you? I was there the minute you were born forever vowing never to miss a birthday. I love you Nickel.”

  Tears were now falling at a rapid pace, mom was handing me tissues. “Thank you so much for being here Uncle Jack, and I love my bracelet so much.” I lifted my arm to show him that I was wearing it. “Where’s Aunt Sara?” I looked around the room.

  “I’m sorry honey, she couldn’t get away, but she promises to see you soon.”

  “That’s ok, I understand. I just can’t believe that you all pulled this off without me finding out. I scanned the room again and spot Bailey with Jameson smiling back at me. Now I know who the party planners are, and why Bailey avoided me all week. I turn my attention back to my uncle. How long are you in town for?”

  “I fly back home tomorrow night, but we will have the entire day tomorrow. Go have fun with your friends.” I hug him tightly and then re-join Simon who was patiently waiting for me.

  “How did you do this Simon?” As I gaze into his beautiful eyes.

  “I had lots of help, especially from the girls and of course, Jameson.”

  “So that big scene the other day at school was just part of operation surprise party?”

  “Yes it was. I can’t believe we pulled it off. I wanted to give you the best birthday party ever, but I just wish some of your old friends could have made it.”

  “It’s ok Simon. I have everyone here that I love.” I grabbed Simon’s face and pulled him down to me for a change, kissing him with all of the love that I feel for him. I wanted to show him how much I appreciated and loved him. He has made me so happy, especially tonight with his thoughtful surprise.

  “I love you Nicolette. Are you ready to have some fun?”

  “Lead the way, boyfriend.” On cue, Jameson walked over to us, lifting me up in the air and giving me a twirl.

  “Put me down Jameson!”

  “Do you love it? You little minx.”

  “Yes, I do and thank you so much.” I hug him back.

  We danced all night, and my feet were killing me. Slow dancing with Simon made me forget about the ache, and holding me close to him made me lose my senses. Simon continually kissed me all over my face and neck. I didn’t think this night could get any better. Our dance had ended, and we made our way over to the refreshments, all this dancing made me thirsty. Bailey, had walked up and gave me a birthday hug. She asked to speak to me in private. Winking at me, Simon asked me not to be too long. Um…no way baby, I wasn’t wasting a minute with my hot boyfriend.

  “Happy Birthday friend, we are still friends, right?”

  “Of course we are. Thank you so much for helping Simon with my surprise.”

  “Nicolette, I’m sorry for being upset with you. I should have respected your feelings and not try to change your mind about going to the party with me.”

  “It’s forgotten, but why was it so necessary to have me there?” She swallowed hard and began to explain the complicated story.

  “Nicolette, Seth had asked me to bring you to the party because he had a friend he wanted you to meet. Seth had warned me, if I didn’t show up with you, then he didn’t want me to come either.”

  “Are you serious Bailey? He actually said that to you. Did you go to the party after all?”

  “I didn’t and neither did Alexis. Jimmy had invited her to a movie, and she said yes. She told me that she was taking your advice, and giving him a chance. I guess by the looks of it, her blossoming romance with Jimmy is going well.”

  We both looked out to the dance floor and smiled when we saw the cute couple. To ask my next question, I led Bailey into the ladies room. I checked the
room, and we were alone. With a lump in my throat, I had to ask a difficult question of Bailey.

  “Do you know who Seth wanted me to meet? Bailey, I need you to tell me the truth.”

  “Nicolette, please believe me that I would have never let you be hurt.” I nodded and waited for her answer. Bailey, beginning to cry was avoiding my question. I asked her one last time to tell me who it was.

  Stuttering between cries, she said. “It was Michael St. Clair, Nicolette. He has been behind this from the beginning.”

  Gripping onto the sink for support when she said his name I cringed. Deep inside, I knew it all along, but to hear the words come from her mouth, and the reality of it felt like a knife to my back. Bailey was my friend, and I felt so betrayed by her and the lies she told.

  “Michael?”

  I backed her into a corner with my arms caging her in. My friend couldn’t even look at me. “I can’t believe it, why Bailey? You know I’m in love with Simon. How could you promise him that I would go?” Angry and hurt, I turned away from her.

  “Nicolette, I was confused, and I thought Seth honestly cared about me. I was going to sleep with him. Seth was just using me to help Michael see you.” Bailey didn’t know what had happened with Michael at my parents’ party. Now it seemed wrong to be upset with her. She had been manipulated by Seth and Michael. This wasn’t entirely her fault. As my friend, she should have been honest with me.

  “Please say that you forgive me, Nicolette? I don’t want us to be angry with each other. I don’t want to lose you as a friend.” She was pleading with me and began to cry. I pulled her into a hug to try to comfort her.

  “Bailey, I’m not angry, but I am disappointed. I wish you would have come to me from the beginning, and not take it this far. I have many questions, but this is not the place to have this conversation.” My cell phone pinged.

  Simon: Boyfriend misses you : (

  Me: I will be right out : )