A Changed Life (15 page)

Not going to the track, I turned away and ran to my car. I needed time to think. I was angry with Bailey, how could she do this to me?

Curiosity got the better of me, and I had to see what was in the box. I read the note, it said…

I shakily opened the box and found a necklace with a heart on it. I threw it down on the floor of my car and gripped my steering wheel. Why is he doing this to me? And how is he able to get these deliveries to my locker? I don’t know what to do. Should I tell my parents or Simon?

“Hey Baby.”

“Oh my god, Simon! You scared me.” Simon put his hands up and laughed.

“Sorry I didn’t mean to. Wait for me while I grab a quick shower?”

“Sure no problem. I’ll just do some homework while I wait.”

“I’ll try to hurry, love. See you soon.” Simon quickly kissed me and ran back to the gym.

Thank god Simon didn’t notice the box. I’m going to have to think about what I was going to do, and I put everything away and waited for Simon to come back. I glanced over to my rear view mirror and saw Michael watching me from his car.

I knew that was his Mercedes, but I just sat there frozen, not knowing what to do. I put my head down and when I looked up again, Michael was gone.

The following week was quiet, and I didn’t see or hear from Michael. I never told anyone about seeing Michael, especially Simon. I just wanted to forget about it. My parents were nearly finished with the score to Paramount’s new movie. The two songs they wrote with John are phenomenal. I honestly didn’t want to cause them stress or reasons to end their working relationship with Mr. St. Clair.

Bailey hadn’t talked to me at all this week, and I didn’t hear from Alexis either. I was beginning to believe that Simon was right about them being superficial friends. How could I have been wrong about them?

“Hey there beautiful.” Jameson wrapped his arm around my shoulder, asking me why I looked sad.

“I’m ok Jameson, I was wondering where the girls are? I haven’t seen them much this week.”

“Well Bailey is not here today, and our friend Alexis is watching Jimmy run at the track as we speak.”

“No way, I thought she didn’t like him?”

“I guess she must have changed her mind, because she has been there every day this week.”

“I’m happy for her, and that explains her absence, but where’s Bailey?”

“I haven’t seen my BFF either, but you know how it is, Nicolette. Boyfriends take up all your time.”

“Good to know Jameson, but I still try to have a life even though I’m with Simon.”

“I guess his ears must be ringing because here he comes now. Come on Nicolette, let’s make him jealous, and put your hand on my leg.”

“You are terrible Jameson. What a flirt you are.”

“Not too terrible honey and I’m still single.”

“Hey now… hands off my girl.” Simon and Jameson were laughing

“Hey baby, come here.” That was all I needed to hear. I folded myself into his arms, and Simon kissed me with his usual sexiness.

“So let’s talk about this weekend. How we are celebrating your birthday?”

“Quiet, Simon, I thought it was just going to be us.” I didn’t tell Simon my plans, but I was ready to be with him and my birthday would be the perfect night.

“Did I hear you right? I didn’t know it was your birthday this weekend?” Jameson nearly shrieked with excitement.

“Yes, my birthday is tomorrow, and I would appreciate it if you kept it to yourself.”

“Why, pretty girl? Birthdays are meant to be celebrated.”

“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 18
^th
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!