Chapter 13Song for this chapter:Pardon Me - He is WE“Pardon me for my lack of excitem

Chapter 13

Song for this chapter:
Pardon Me - He is WE
“Pardon me for my lack of excitement, but I’m not entirely thrilled." 

★☆★

Vivian’s POV

Last week went by way too quickly. Tomorrow’s the huge party, and I am not excited. Luke will be there, but I don’t know that if by then, things will get bad between us again.

Yes, we’re on good terms now, but the last time everything was fine between us, he got punched and I kissed him.

I still cannot believe that I did that.

But the craziest thing is, I can’t stop thinking about it.

I find myself thinking of what it’d be like to kiss him again. To feel the contrast of his warm lips, and his cold lip ring. How his cold hands sent shivers up my spine, but his hands weren’t the only things that caused me to shiver.

The intensity in his ocean blue eyes, how when I got so close to him, I couldn’t breath or think straight.

"Vivian!” Kenzie is snapping her fingers in front of my face.

“Huh?” I blink at her.

“I was talking about what you’ll wear, then you totally went all spacey on me.” I internally cringe at her choice of words.

“Sorry, what about my outfit?” I say quickly, hoping to mask the redness on my cheeks, because I know I zoned out while thinking of Luke.

She starts talking about how I’m going to look so hot, and that no one will be able to keep their eyes off of me. I want just the opposite, I want to blend in, and not be the center of attention. But after all it is my birthday party.

I try to pay attention, as she keeps going on and on about this blue dress I have that will be perfect. It’s so easy to get distracted though, because everything she’s talking about, I have zero interest in.

To be honest, if I didn’t care what people thought of me, I’d be wearing sweat pants and baggy t shirts all the time. But I have a rich father, and a mother with a reputation of looking good everywhere she goes, so I have to dress the part. Even if that does mean wearing the most uncomfortable clothes, and exposing too much skin, because hey, it’s “in” and “everyone” is wearing it.

My phone vibrates from a new text.

Luke

‘So, you said I could bring anyone to your party, right?“

I stare at the text confused, and send back,

'Yeah…’

He replies quickly.

'Perfect! I’ll see you at school tomorrow :) xx’

I don’t reply, but my mind races at what I want to reply; Who are you bringing? Is it a girl? Is it your girlfriend?

I never thought of the possibility that Luke could have a girlfriend. That would explain why he avoided me after the kiss.

I am such an idiot.

"Viv!” Kenzie screams, looking beyond pissed off.

“I’m sorry, I just really don’t want to do this right now. You’re the planner, I’m not. Just figure everything out, and text me, alright?” I gather up my things.

“Fine.” She rolls her eyes, but continues to plan things out.

“I’m going home now.” I rock on my heels.

“Have fun.” She mumbles, not paying any attention. She’ll probably invite some guy over right after I leave, knowing her, and that her parents aren’t home.

I let myself out of her house, and head home. She only lives a few blocks away from me, so I don’t bother to call Julian, he’s probably busy anyway.

As I pass the park Luke took me to, my feet change direction without my brain agreeing. I sit down at the bench we talked, and did homework at.

I wish that I could go back to that moment. Things were good with Luke again, and I didn’t have to think about anything, but math.

As weird as that sounds, it was a good thing. I didn’t have to think about what was going on between Luke and I, or about my parents, or about Kenzie and the party. I was just in my own little bubble with Luke helping me understand our math, and everything was content.

Then reality had to pop the bubble, leaving me sticky from the juice that went everywhere as the bubble burst.

I stare at the tree that I leaned on, while Luke stood in front of me. his beautiful blue eyes were staring into my soul. I wanted to tell him what was happening, just to get it out, but I knew he’d treat me differently if I did tell him. Plus, no one could know our secret. No matter how bad or family is now, it would be 100 times worse if everyone found out what an unfaithful horrible excuse of a human my father was.

I shake those thoughts out of my head, and start to think of my current problem.

Did Luke have a girlfriend or not? I’ve never seen him around a girl, but that doesn’t mean anything. Maybe she doesn’t go to our school. Or maybe he’s just going to being a friend, like Calum.

I’d be fine with Calum coming, he seems like a really nice guy. Especially because he drove me home the other day, when it was freezing and raining outside.

The weathers toned down over the last few days. It’s actually really nice to be outside, which helps my mood. If it were raining right now, I’d be feeling depressed and be locked in my room, dreading tomorrow.

I’m still dreading tomorrow, just because the weathers nice doesn’t mean that it’s going to be any less torture.

My phone buzzes interrupting my thoughts,

Julian,

'You still at Kenzie’s? Sonya’s making breakfast for dinner, specifically for the birthday girl.’

A small smile forms on my lips as I type back a reply,

'I’m on my way, be there in less than 5.’

What can I say, I’m a sucker for having pancakes for dinner.

I continue my journey home, still taking my time to enjoy the cool breeze hitting my skin. Taking in one last breath of the invigorating air, I open the front door, taking my time to close it behind me.

The fragrance of pancakes, eggs, bacon, and sausage hit my nose, causing my smile to grow bigger.

“Sonya it smells delicious.” I call, as I make my way into the kitchen.

“It does, doesn’t it?” My mothers voice answers, causing my stomach to drop, and the smile on my face to immediately diminish.

I notice Julian sitting next to her, sending me a look that says, 'be nice’

“Well it doesn’t reek of booze, so I’m taking it that you’re actually sober?” I stare at my mother expectantly.

She nods, “Yes dear, I’ve been sober for nearly three days.” A proud look beams in her face.

“Well isn’t that a new record!” I chirp sarcastically.

“Vivian.” Julian sends men a look, which I ignore.

“Sonya, I’ll be eating in my room tonight, just bring it up when it’s done.” I call over my shoulder as I head for the stairs.

“Viv, please stay and eat with us. We wanted to have a dinner with you tonight, since the party’s tomorrow.” Julian speaks again, causing me to stop.

I groan, not wanting to have dinner with my mother because it will ruin what I have left of a good mood. But if I don’t, Julian will have my head.

I grit my teeth, but turn around, and take a seat across from Julian, and diagonal from my mother.

“Thank you dear.” She says softly.

“I’m doing this for him, not you.” I spit harshly, earning a groan from Julian.

Dinner is awkward to say the least. My mother sits at the others side of the table, sipping her apple juice, and I know that she’s itching to spike it with something strong. I appreciate that she is actually sober, but that doesn’t make up for anything. Julian keeps sending me glares, but I just ignore them.

My phone vibrates in my pocket as I take a bite of my crunchy bacon.

Julian

'She’s really trying here, It’s only fair that you do too.’

I scoff at his use of the word 'fair’, but he does have a point. I wait until I’m done with everything on my plate.

“Sonya, this was delightful, thank you so much. You really deserve more time off.” I grin at her, while I hand her my dishes.

“Thank you miss Vivian. Happy early birthday.” She smiles softly, then turns around to finish cleaning up.

Taking my time, I walk back into the kitchen where mom and Julian sit talking quietly.

I take in a deep breath, “I just wanted you to know that I appreciate you actuallygetting sober for me.”

I don’t even wait for her response before I head to my room. She says something about it being for me, and that she’d do anything for me, but I block it out, because it’s all lies. The second everyone leaves my party, I know she’ll be trying to find herself at the bottom of a bottle.

I quickly shower, and change into my pajamas, thankful to be able to breath. I blow off doing any homework and head straight for bed.

Tomorrow is going to be a long day.

★☆★

“Wakey wakey sleeping birthday, it’s your birthday!!!” Julian’s voice screams, as I feel him jumping on my bed.

I groan, and roll over. This was a tradition of how he wakes me up on my birthday.

“Come on Viv, everyone at school is waiting to wish you a happy birthday!” as he speaks, I only want to go back to sleep.

“Exactly.” I mumble, but sit up, rubbing the sleep out of my eyes.

“Are you not excited?” He frowns, his curly dirty blonde hair is crazy, and shows that he just got out of bed.

“No, I’m so thrilled to have the whole school at my house tonight, staring at me, while my drunk of a mother is there, acting perfect.” I grin sarcastically at him.

Julian’s face falls, “Come on Viv, it’s your birthday, you have to be excited for at least one thing.”

I’m excited to see Luke, but there’s no way I was going to tell my older brother that.

“Who is it?” Julian smirks.

“What?” I play dumb.

“Come on Viv, it’s clear on your face, who are you excited to see. I already know, I just want to hear it from you.” I want to smack the smirk right off of his face.

“No one.” I mumble, standing up, and walking over to my closet, trying to decide what to wear today.

“You sure it’s not someone who’s name rhymes with Suke Bemmings?” He comes up behind me, and starts to jab my sides.

“Okay, okay, fine!” I admit, laughing hard, trying to get him to stop tickling me.

“Say his name!” His fingers continue to attack my sides.

“No!”

Julian laughs evilly, as he goes to my most ticklish spot, my feet, “Okay, okay, Luke! I’m excited to see Luke Hemmings.”

His fingers immediately stop, “I knew it. Vivvy’s got a wittle cwush on Wuke Hemmings.” He plays with my cheeks as he talks in a baby voice.

I smack his hands away, “I do not, he’s just a friend. Besides, he’s bringing his girlfriend to the party.”

“Oh.” His smile disappears from his face, replaced with a frown, “Hurry and get ready, or we’ll be late.”

With that he leaves, shutting my door behind him. I sigh, and get dressed not even wanting to think of what just happened. Once I’m dressed, I curl my hair, and put on some light make up, knowing that Kenzie would do it fancier for the party.

After I put my shoes on, I throw my bag over my shoulder and grab my shoes. I open my door to see that Julian is just about to knock on it.

“Ready?” His playful attitude has completely dimished. I simply nod, and follow him down the stairs. I grab a muffin to eat on the way to school, and tell Sonya goodbye.

The drive to home is quiet, aside from the radio that I turned on because the silence was too awkward. We pull into our regular parking spot, and once the car is off, Julian’s halfway to the school doors.

“Happy Birthday!” He shouts, then disappears into the school.

I sigh, “Thanks.” I mutter to no one.

This is exactly the opposite of what I wanted to happen. I would be walking into the school, alone, with everyone staring at me. That’s exactly what happens as I walk down the hallway towards my locker, but aside from everyone staring, they’re all saying happy birthday. I plaster a fake smile, and thank everyone as I pass them.

“Happy birthday bestie!!” Kenzie squeals.

I turn towards her, smiling hugely. Melissa and Becca stand behind her, wishing me a happy birthday as well.

“Thanks guys!” My cheeks start to hurt from all the smiling.

“Aren’t you so totally excited for tonight?” Kenzie, asks, jumping up and down.

“Yeah! It’s going to be great.” Yeah, right.

“I heard that Trent has something big planned for you.” She winks, and before I can even think of something to say as a reply, the bell rings, saving me from talking about Trent.

“Come on Kenz.” I link my arm into hers, dragging her away from my 'friends’.

As we enter Mr. Hensley’s room, I immediately lock eyes with Luke. He grins, and mouths ’Happy Birthday’ I smile and mouth him a ’thank you’

Math goes by quickly, and I do not look forward to French. Trent doesn’t keep his arms off of me, no matter how hard I try to get him to. He takes it upon himself to announce that it’s my birthday, and demands that the class sings Happy Birthday to me, in French. They do, and it’s extremely embarrassing. But not as embarrassing as when they get the entire cafeteria to sing to me at lunch.

Finally English rolls around, and the only person I have to deal with is Annie, who I hope is changing her opinion on me.

“So I heard that it’s your birthday, so I guess I should say happy birthday, happy birthday.” Her awkwardness makes me smile, and it’s not fake.

“Thanks.”

She nods, “Yeah, I heard you’re throwing a kick ass party too.”

I laugh lightly, “I guess so, you know that you’re invited, right?”

“Really?” She shock in her voice is just as clear as it is on her face.

“Of course!” She’s about to reply, but the bell rings, and our teacher starts talking.

A piece of paper lands on my desk. I look over at Annie, and she gives me a nod to the paper.

'I’ll be there.’

I grin and write back

'Good, bring anyone you want.’

I hand it back her her, and she reads it and nods at me. Maybe the party won’t be so bad.

★☆★

The final bell of the day rings, so I get out of my seat, and head towards my locker. On my way there, I see Luke leaning against a locker, talking with Charlie Thompson. They’re both laughing and grinning with each other. I can’t help but think of what a cute couple they make. Maybe Charlie is who he was going to bring.

A weird feeling bubbles in my stomach as I pass them, and Luke doesn’t even see me because he’s so focused on her. I shouldn’t care if he does bring her, it’s none of my business what he chooses to do with girls. We’re just friends, I shouldn’t care if they’re a couple, but I do, and I hate that I do.

“You ready?” Kenzie asks, interrupting my thoughts.

I nod, “Yep.” I finish shoving everything into my locker, and slam it shut.

Kenzie and I walk past Luke and Charlie again, this time Luke does notice me, and smiles. I look away immediately, and continue talking to Kenzie. I told Luke during math today that we couldn’t do a study session, because Kenzie demanded that we had to get read for the party, and that would take a long time.

Considering that the party doesn’t start until six I doubted that the party would take three hours to get ready for. Now I’m glad that I didn’t have to have to see Luke for an hour after school, because then I might ask him who he was bringing, but I don’t care, or at least I’m trying not to.

“This is so exciting!!!” Kenzie squeals as she drives us home.

“I know!” I lie, and give her a fake grin.

Once we get to my house, she immediately takes me upstairs. Two hours later, I’m dressed in a sleeveless blue pleated dress, that makes me feel like I’m showing too much skin, but Kenzie says I look amazing in it. I’ve got on skin colored tan heels that make me three inches taller. My hair is perfectly curled, and it falls around my shoulders, covering some of my skin. Kenzie put eye shadow, a little eyeliner, mascara, lip gloss, and a few things that I have no idea what they’re called on my face. Once I was done she was jumping up and down, screaming about how 'hot’ I look.

I think I look good, but she overdid it, as usual.

“Thank you so much Kenz.” I grin and hug her.

“You’re so welcome, now I have to get ready!” She’s already in her dress, and her make up looks fine, but I don’t bother to argue with her.

Within an hour, everything valuable is locked into one of our guest rooms, and my house is filled with people. Music pumps  through out the house, and there’s a mountain of gifts in the room right next to the front door, where I currently am.

I’m being a good hostess, and welcoming people in, telling them thank you, and to put their gifts in the room. Half of the people that have walked through my front door, I don’t even know.

Trent comes sauntering into the door, with a huge smirk on his face.

“You look beyond sexy, Viv.” He whisper’s in my ear, making me uncomfortable.

“Thank you.” I push him off of me, “You can leave your gift with the others over there.”

“I was thinking of putting it in your room, because we’ll definitely be using it in there.” He winks, walking closer to me.

“Trent, how you doing man?” Julian walks over to us, saving me.

“I’m great. This party is awesome.” He smiles at Julian, giving him a manly side hug all the guys do.

“It is, you should go check out the DJ, he’s amazing.” Julian suggests.

Trent does just that, sending me a perverted wink as he walks by.

“Thank you so much.” I sigh, leaning onto Julian.

“Anytime, that kid is always hanging onto you. If I need to kick his ass, just tell me.” He looks at me seriously, and I nod.

“I will.”

Julian smiles, “Good. So, has Luke and his girlfriend showed up yet?”

I shake my head, “Not that I know.” I look into the crowd to see if I can spot him.

“Well, I think I just found him.” I turn around and look at Julian, to see where he’s looking, which is out the front door. My head slowly turns towards it, and I see Luke walking towards my door, with Calum next to him, and Michael and Ashton behind them.

“What a cute couple.” Julian snorts, and I elbow him in the side, turning bright red.

So that’s who he was asking about when he asked if he could bring someone. They all enter my house, and Luke’s eyes are wide, with his jaw dropped open.

“Happy Birthday.” Luke sputters out, he leans in closer to me, and my eyes go wide, I feel his lips press against my cheek, sending shivers down my spine, “You look gorgeous.” His voice sounds husky as he whispers in my ear.

I blink rapidly as he pulls away, my cheeks are probably just as red as my lipstick is.

“Damn Vivian, you look great. If Luke didn’t-” He’s interrupted by Luke jabbing him in the stomach.

I’m still speechless, and my cheeks feel extremely hot. I glance up to see that Luke is blushing too.

“Happy Birthday.” Calum smiles, pretending like he wasn’t saying anything earlier.

“Thank you.” I croak.

Julian notices Ashton, “What the fuck are you doing here?”

He’s still pissed about how Ashton was talking about me, and how he hit Luke.

“Julian,” I grab onto his arm, trying to calm him down. The last thing I needed was a huge fight breaking out right now.

“I’m here to apologize.” Ashton’s hands are raised in surrender, while he holds a gift.

I suck in my bottom lip, and look up at Luke with wide eyes.

“Me too.” Michael says sheepishly.

“Well hurry up and apologize before I kick your asses out of my house.” Julian says through gritted teeth.

“Vivian, we’re sorry. We shouldn’t have judged you so harshly, and we shouldn’t have called you the names we did. We seriously feel bad, we’re not just saying this so that Luke forgives us, even though that is a big part of it.” Ashton glances at Luke, who gestures for him to continue talking.

“It was mostly Ashton,” Michaels speaks up, earning an elbow to the gut, “but I agreed with him, and I’m sorry. You actually seem like a really nice girl.”

“Thank you.” I whisper, and I don’t even know if they heard me.

“Happy Birthday.” They both say, holding out presents. Michaels got a huge bear, with a red ribbon tied around it’s neck, and Ashton’s got a small wrapped gift.

“Thank you, um, you can just put them with the rest.” I point towards the other gifts.

They do just that, then join the party after wishing me a happy birthday again.

“Hey, Calum, let’s go check out the DJ.” Julian says, grinning at him.

“Alright.” He smirks, whispering something to Luke, which makes him blush.

They both walk away, leaving Luke and I alone.

“Thanks for doing that.” I stare up at Luke.

“Doing what?” He looks confused.

“Getting them to apologize. Are you going to forgive them now?”

He bites on his lip, looking deep in thought, “I don’t know. I don’t know if I want to be friends with people who talked so badly about you.”

“Don’t not forgive them because of me. I’d feel terrible if I was the reason that your friendship didn’t work out.” I look down at my feet.

“Hey, it wouldn’t be because of you. It’d because they’re assholes, which they are.”

I sigh, “Make up with them, for me?” I stare into his eyes, pleading him to forgive his best friends.

“Okay.” He smiles down at me.

“Really?”

His smile causes a funny feeling in my stomach, “I’d do anything for you.”

★☆★

It’s been two more hours since the party started. I deserted my spot near the door, and am trying to blend into the party, which is extremely hard to do.

“Vivian!” A familiar voice calls. I turn around to see Annie, with Charlie and two guys behind them.

“You came!” I grin at her.

“Of course I did, this is Charlie, Edward, and Zack.” She introduces them to me as if I’ve never seen them in my life.

“Yeah, Zack’s in my math class.” I smile at him, and my smile grows wider once I notice that him and Charlie are holding hands.

“Thanks for inviting us, this party is awesome.” Charlie comments.

“Anytime, thanks for coming!”

Annie smiles at me, then they leave, heading to the punch bowl.

“Viv.” Luke’s vocie calls from within the crowd.

I blush once I see him, remember how awkward I acted when he said that he’d do anything for me. He reaches me, grinning.

“Hey.” I stare up at him, even though I’m wearing three inch heels, he still towers over me.

“So, I um, wanted to tell you something.” He suddenly looks nervous.

“Yeah?” My attention is fully on him.

He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath before he starts to speak “I, um, ever since we started talking I realized that have a huge-”

“Vivian!” Julians voice interrupts Luke, it sounds panicked.

“Can it wait for like two seconds?” I ask, wanting to hear what Luke has to say.

“No, dad’s here.” Those two words cause my eyes to widen, and for panic mode to turn on.

“What?!”

“He wants to see you, says he has a present.” Julian grabs my arm, and drags me away. Every thought of Luke leaves my mind, and every thought of my horrible father enters it.

He stands near the garage door, holding a small box, with a ribbon tied around out. The music stops, and everyone is staring at us.

“Happy Birthday sweetheart.” He places a kiss on my forehead, earn a few 'aw’s’

I grit my teeth to stop myself from smacking him away from me. I take the box and open it, to find a set of keys. I take them out, and stare up at him confused.

He reaches forward and presses a button on the remote, and I hear a honk. My head snaps towards the sound, and I spot an extremely expensive looking car, with a huge red bow on it. The house full of guests starts to talk, but immediately stop when the garage door squeaks open.

“Richard, where did you go? Let’s have some more fun!” A blonde woman who looks no older than 25 slurs loudly.

My eyes get wider, and my heart pounds in my chest.

“Amanda, get back in the car.” My father speaks through gritted teeth.

I grab onto Julians arm, “Get everyone out of here.”

Everything starts to get blurry, as everyone stares at me. Kenzie, Luke, Calum, Michael, Ashton, Annie, Charlie, Julian, it all becomes too much.

Julian’s shouting for everyone to get out, and they do. I back away, towards the nearest bathroom. As soon as I get to the toilet, I’m empty the contents of my stomach into it. I rinse out my mouth, and start to walk towards the door, but everything goes black.

★☆★

Authors note:

shit just went down. Hahaha sorry, I just had to say that.

But you weren’t expecting that, were ya?

I loved writing this chapter, and I’m so excited for the next one, I was up all night thinking about it.

I hit 1k reads on wattpad, I’m so happy! I might give you guys a reward by posting the next chapter of this before the 4th chapter of Forgotten Memories, but don’t get your hopes up if I don’t.

Tell me what you think is going to happen!

Vote and comment if you enjoyed this chapter!

Hugs & Kisses

-Hannahxx