5 years later

"Ezra! Come on babe!"

I apply the last stroke of the eyeliner,and turn around to look at Stel.

"Just one second Stel!"

I say giving her my puppy eyes as she just sighs and rolls her eyes at me.

"You can't go like this Ezra! Who the hell wears this to a party?"

I raise my eyebrow at her and look back at the mirror. The maxi dress reaches below my knee,full sleeves, high neck. I think it was kind of sophisticated.

Next I know she is pulling out clothes from my wardrobe to look at me in disbelief.

"What the fuc* Ezra! You call these clothes?"

I look back at Stel's attire. With those sexy curves and that short dress,she looked hot. If I was a boy,I would have been head over heels for her.

Just like Neil is.

Stella Anderson. Neil's girlfriend for last 2 years,hard to believe? Trust me ,even I was shocked how she was bearing him. More shocked as to how he found someone like her? I mean she was not like his usual bed warmers, she was something else.

"What's wrong in them?"

I ask sitting on the bed,tired of dressing for this useless party.

She picks up my favourite knitted sweater with her two fingers and looked at it in disgust.

"This is trash girl! You need to go shopping!"

I look down at my wringling hands.I was kind of short of money these past few weeks. Mrs Reed always tells me to ask her if I need something but she has already done so much for me. Mamma works so hard ,I can't ask more from her either.

Giving Stel a shrug of my shoulder. I get up and sigh in frustration.

"I am not going Stel. Plus it's past my sleeping time already.Please...just give an excuse to Neil"

"No. You are going!"

Holding my wrist she started pulling me along, and I just roll my eyes at her. Who was I kidding, convincing Stella was impossible.

Making me sit in her expensive car,she roared it to life and I looked at the time in my phone. We were already late and she will get more late because of me.

"Stel Please! Try and understand ! I am tired already-"

"Not another word Ezra. You are going and that's final. It's Neil's birthday today,how can you miss it!"

I already know Neil will be so mad at me if I don't attend. But I feel really awkward in these parties, they are not my cup of tea. I prefer my bed ,a cup of hot chocolate and a novel more.

30 minutes

The exact time it took and the results,well...for a change Stel looked like she won a barbie and dress up contest. I can see those big stars of excitement and those red hearts of admiration in her eyes.

I turn around to look at the mirror and my breath got knocked out of me for a second. That was not me...no way! She has done a smokey eye makeup on me ,my poor stroke of eyeliner hidden somewhere. My long brown hair, bouncing in curls around my shoulder and my lips tainted in red lipstick.

Ewww...I hate it. It's too bold..I always prefer nude. Everything is fine except the lipstick...if only I can-

"Don't you dare! Your lips are looking so kissable girl! Why don't you wear this shade?"

I bite my lips, trying to eat if not remove this provoking colour when Stel gave me her infamous stare. Leaving the assault on my lips,I surrendered.

"Good! Let's go!"

And that's how I left to our place where a lavish party was being organised. I kept pulling down the length as we sit on her car and a smack on my hand was all I needed to leave it aswell.

Sighing, Reed estate comes into my view and I feel a tingling sensation in my stomach. Anxiousness or excitement,I couldn't differentiate.

......................................................

"Stel love! I am so proud of you. Just look at my princess! She looks beautiful."

Neil says , hugging me tightly. And I hug him back, with a smile on my lips.

"Are you sure..I feel awkward.."

Neil kisses Stel ,to return his attention back to me. Placing his hand on my head and looking deep into my eyes.

"Trust me princess. You look perfect."

That's all I needed. Nodding at him,I believe his words. If he says then it must be fine.

Smacking my head in irritation,I pull out a small box from behind me and offer it to him.

"Happy birthday Neil!"

I say and he looks at the gift and then back at me. He always wanted this watch ,but being a vintage one. It had only few limited editions available. Now you can understand where my pocket money went,but the look on his face. It was worth every penny of it.

"Oh come on Ezra. Why did you have to get a gift. You presence is all I asked for."

" Just open it Neil. Stop with this."

I say stomping my feet in irritation. And forcefully placing the gift in his hands. He looked unsure, but accepts it anyways. Unwrapping it, Stel gives me a smile and I keep my fingers crossed.

"Oh my God! Fuc*! From where did you get it princess?"

He says looking at the watch in disbelief, taking it out and placing it on his wrist immediately. His happiness,it meant the world to me.

"I have my sources"

I say and suddenly his expression changes, his smile vanishes as he places it back in the box.

"It must be very expensive Ezra. From where did you get so much money?"

I look down, not able to answer it. He won't accept it if he comes to know I have spend a year of my pocket money on it.

"Forget it...just look how it even matches with your suit today. You finally look like a man Neil."

His expression doesn't change,he knew I was trying to change the topic. And then taking me by a surprise,he just places the watch in Stel's hand and hugs me.

I stand frozen as I feel him lay his heart open. Kissing my head ,he hugs me again.

"You didn't had to Ezra."

He whispers in my ear and I reply back with a small smile.

"I wanted to Neil. You always wanted it."

. . . . The party progressed and I recognise some of the faces. The majority were strangers to me.

Mr and Mrs Reed were out of country and we were having a lavish party for Neil's birthday tonight. He was busy attending to the guests and sadly Ben sat next to me.

Why sadly? Because he was being damn persistent. He just loves troubling me.

"What about that one there?"

He says pointing to a blonde boy with deep green eyes. Our eyes meet and I turn my back on him. Cursing at Ben.

"Lower your finger dammit! Why are you pointing at people like that?"

Ben chuckles ordering for another drink and raising his eyebrow at me.

"Why ,he saw you didn't he? Now come on, approach him."

I look at him in horror,lowering my head on the shelf, inbetween my arms.

"What? Are you crazy? I don't need a boyfriend Ben ,why are so damn persistent."

He smiles, taking a gulp from the drink.

"You want it Ezra. You just keep denying it. Or is it that you already have a crush on someone."

He says and I feel my cheeks turning red. I try hiding it behind my hair and he chuckles. This boy really gets on my nerves.

"Or rather you are still obsessed over Aaro-"

I nearly get up from my seat and place my hand on his mouth. Giving him a murderous look.

"Stop right there moron. Are you stupid or what?"

He raises his hands in surrender and I look around,to make sure no one heard him. His eyes remain fixed on me and I finally step back.

Chuckling he moved his head in disbelief , thinking of it to be a joke when I was feeling hot and bothered all of a sudden.

His name is enough to do this to me, it's been 5 years and I haven't seen him. I do hear his voice often while he talks to Mrs Reed and his brothers, and I must admit it has turned more heavier and attractive. His accent making it sound like music.

I wonder what will happen when I see him again, even though the possibility is rare. He hasn't been home in a long time.

My thoughts are interrupted by Ben's next words. Making my throat to run dry.

"Your crush is going to be crushed cupcake. He already has a girlfriend."

He says and I lower my eyes, trying to show I am not affected by the news.

"So? Why are you telling this to me. That's his life, he is free to make as many girlfriend's as he wishes to."

He again chuckles, taking a cup of shot and offering it to me. I just move my head in a no,while he urges me to accept it.

"Loosen up cupcake and stop waiting for him. See that boy, he is still staring at you. Go and talk to him."

I look up to see the blonde guy still staring at me, and I feel really uncomfortable. I rarely talk to any boys other than Ben and Neil.

And this guy will be no exception.

"Stop it Ben. I am not comfortable. Please..."

He stares at me for a few seconds while I stare at the shot he offered me. Should I really loosen up? Nothing bad would happen right?

"Fine. But you have to drink it and dance on the next song. Let loose from your boring life for once."

I nod and he smiles back. Keeping me company and stopping that blonde stranger from approaching me.

The liquid burned my throat as I gulped it,while Ben just stares at me in amusement. Done, I get up and he offers me his hand.

"Let's do it cupcake"

........................................................

2 hours later

"Ben run! There is an earthquake! Why is everyone not running!"

I scream at him while he continues to laugh at me,I didn't crack a joke dammit! Do they all want to die?

I try dragging him out when he stops me, making me sit on a chair and placing his hands on my shoulder. He orders one of the waiters and they get me a glass of water.

"Here take this. There is no earthquake stupid,it's just that you are tipsy."

He places the brim of the glass on my lips and I gulp it.

"But..."

"Shhh just drink"

He says and I do as he says. The world still continues to rotate and I can feel a headache surfacing.

"Cupcake, you really dissapointed me. I haven't heard of a person going tipsy with just one shot. Your alcohol tolerance is non existing."

He considers this to be joke? Wait till tomorrow,I will not make him his favourite breakfast. He can starve for all I care.

"What the hell Ben! "

I see Neil approaching with concern in his eyes, pushing Ben aside he holds my face in his hands and I see his deep green eyes.

"Are you fine princess? Does your head hurt?"

He asks and I nod. Tears stinging my eyes. The headache is really bad,why did I had to drink that shot. Aaron..to forget about him..what else. Damn Ezra you are so stupid. He is god knows where enjoying with his girlfriend unaware of your existence and you? Drinking over him?

"It hurts bad Neil. Every... everything is moving"

"It's fine. Don't worry. It will be fine."

He turns to Ben and Ben raises his hands in surrender.

"What? It was just one shot brother...I didn't knew she was this intolerant."

"She hasn't drunk before Ben. Can you be a bit responsible for once? Now what will aunt May say if we take her back in this condition? If aunt tells mom, you are dead!"

Ben looks down ashamed and I just hold onto Neil's shirt. Stopping him from scolding him.

"Neil... don't...I took.it...don't scold....hi..m"

Neil looks at Ben ,who stares at me in sadness.

"Do you see her? She is still protecting you! Be ashamed of yourself!"

"I...I am sorry brother"

With this Neil pulls me along , adjusting my weight on his.

"Stel ,can you please take care of the guests. I will be back."

Stel nods giving Neil a small smile while looking at me.

"I will prepare a plate for her. Food will make her feel better."

Neil nods and she leaves,while he takes me upstairs.

"Careful princess. There is a step here."

He says and I lift my foot with a lot of struggle, it felt like my whole body was numb starting from my brain.

"Neil...you should go....it's your birthday party..."

"Shh just come."

He says and the room he takes me in looks oddly familiar. Realisation came upon me and I stop .His grip on my waist tightening.

"It's....his..room"

"Just rest here for tonight princess. It's fine. No one will come here,relax"

"But-"

"It's fine Ezra. Come lay here."

I enter the room reluctantly. My hazy vision taking in the colours in the room. Just like he left it years back. Clean and perfect.

Even in his absence,I never entered his room. He was not seeing me but I never felt comfortable.

His scent was no longer here and I relaxed. He is gone for 5 years,he won't be returning anytime soon Ezra.

I sit on the bed and Neil helps me lift the comforter. Placing it on me ,he sighs to run his hand through his hair.

"Just lay down and relax."

He says pulling out a seat and sitting beside me when I stop him.

"I am fine Neil. Just go."

He looks reluctant when I pass him a small smile. Nodding at him.

"Please...pretty please...I promise I will call you if I need something."

He nods finally agreeing and I feel relived. Thank god or I would have felt more bad for ruining his birthday party.

"I will send you some food. Take it and have some rest.Okay?"

I nod and he turns around to leave, looking at me one last time to make sure I was fine. The door clicks closed and I open my arms to relax on the soft bed.

Oh his soft bed.

It felt like heaven,the mattress was too soft and I felt like I was at the top of the world. Closing my eyes, I try to relax when suddenly I feel an uneasiness to seetle in my stomach .

Ben is going to be dead tomorrow! What shit did he gave me!

A gag reflex comes in and I bolt out of the bed.

Emptying my stomach at the sink,I hold the ceramic. It continues for a few minutes and I feel really tired. Beads of sweat covering my forehead and my hair sticking to it. Washing my face and mouth,I look up at my reflection.

Surprisingly the make up was still intact,except for the bright red lipstick and I smiled at this.

Sliding down to sit on the floor,I take in deep breaths. Some water droplets ruining Stel's dress and fear enters my mind.

It must be expensive,how can I ruin it?

I have to change it,but what do I wear? My eyes stop at the luxurious walk in wardrobe in the corner and I gulp my saliva.

Should I?

Ni! Stupid! He will kill you...there are hiss clothes. What are you even thinking?

But he is not here. He won't even know. It is just a shirt,right?

Biting my lip,I hold the wall and get up. Removing the stellitoes in a corner, I feel the lush carpet under my feet and dare to open his wardrobe.

My breath got caught in my throat, as soon as I open it a yellow light goes on and illuminates a big walk in wardrobe.

I look around in admiration. My stare stopping at a line of expensive watches lining in a glass rack. A hundreds of pairs of shoes in another.

Wow! I haven't seen something like this before.

Stop behaving like a freak Ezra! Just get a shirt and go to sleep.

But the question was,which shirt?

They all looked too damn expensive. Lined up in perfection,ironed and hung.

I pick up a white shirt randomly, to only think if I can afford shorts to go with this aswell?

But when I wore his shirt,I almost chuckled at myself. Looking in the mirror.

The shirt was reaching my mid thighs,it wouldn't matter if I wore shorts below them anyways. They will not be visiting.

Coming out ,I lay on the bed smiling to myself. The puking and the uneasiness of the alcohol long forgotten.

Switching off the lights,I felt in heaven. The loud noise of the party were oblivious to me as I enjoyed the silence of his room.

Not knowing when sleep took over me and I welcomed the darkness.

...................................................

Heavy footsteps resonated in the halls, a long sigh leaving the man's lips. A jacket hanging loosely on his shoulder as his grey eyes took in the scene around him.

He hated parties and noise.

Couples were making out in the corners and even in some of the rooms. A dj blasting some useless mind numbing music. Unknown faces crossing him as he proudly made his way ahead.

Girls wink at him but he doesn't bother replying. One even leaves the guy she was kissing,to look at him and give him a flirtatious smile.

He was already tired from the long flight, determined to just reach his room and rest for the night. It felt really good, returning back after so many years.

To return back home finally.

He tries locating the host of the party but sadly he couldn't find him. Deciding to wish him later,he just makes his way though the sweaty dancing bodies to climb up the stairs and reach his private floor.

The silence was comforting and he opens the door to his room. Placing his jacket on the sofa and loosening his tie.

He presses the switch but to his surprise. It didn't work,confused he pressed others to realise maybe it was a powercut for few minutes.

The crowd below hooted in annoyance and he was sure now. It was the power cut indeed.

Not much bothered,he thought of freshening up first , entering the bathroom. He strips his clothes and places his hands on the wall,letting the cold shiver to wash away his fatigue and tiredness.

It felt so good to take bath in his bathroom. He missed it. He moves his hand near the counter,to surprisingly find his favourite shampoo still there.

Once done,he steps out, puts on a random boxers and proceeds towards his side of the bed. Laying on the matress,he smiles to himself.

Finally.

He was really tired of the days affairs and before he knows he was fast asleep. Hours passed when he felt two soft arms hug him tightly. He was really missing her, but now she was here like every night. Beside him.

Andriana

Smiling to himself,he pulls her to him and makes her front hit his chest. Enjoying the warmness of her body against him.

Her legs entangle with his and he locks her under him. Enjoying her presence.

"I missed you baby"

He says and that's when realisation settled in. The body in his arms froze as well and he could hear the loud thudding of a heart in a chest.

Not his chest but someone else's.

Adriana was in Seattle. He just bid her a farewell before coming. Then who was the one in his arms?

"Fuc*!"

He shrieked in surprise nearly pushing the person aside. To only hear a loud scream follows by a thud. Switching on his phone's torch,he was in for a shock with what or rather who he saw.