Magical Jewels: Book One of the Magical Jewels Series

By Dominique L. S. Da Silva

This book is about an ordinary girl who has only two friends and is unpopular. Every day at school, she gets teased and bullied by a gang of five boys because of her shaggy appearance. She lives with her older brother and his unpleasant fianc, as their parents had died in a plane accident years ago.
During a Christmas holiday, her and her brother go with some friends and drive across the country until they reach the coast and board on a ferry that takes them to an unknown island. They do all sorts of fun activities and adventures. Unfortunately, this girl is always on the edge to trouble and she gets hurt a lot. But one day on the beach of this island, she dug up a strange piece of jewellery, which happened to be a very old ring. Later that night, she was curious to see how this ring would look on her finger, only to be struck with an excruciating burning in her hand when she slipped it on. The pain was so bad that she passed out and ended in hospital the next day. She had no idea what had happened.
After going back home, she started experiencing strange changes in her body, appearances and mind. She began having a very bad tempers and mood swings, causing her to end up quarrelling with her brother. She went to see a movie at a local cinema with a visiting acquaintance and ended up having a brawl with her high school nemesis. She was stopped by a police officer and got into a lot of trouble. When the police officer takes her back home, her brother is outranged and then tells her that he is going to send her to boarding school in another town. She becomes outranged and when she is alone in her bedroom, she starts to notice that something is very wrong. She removes a bandage around her right hand and finds the ring that she found on the beach, along with it, was a very strange burn mark on her palm. When she tries to take the ring off, she learns that the ring is somehow attached to her finger and she somehow does something extraordinary. She look up at her ceiling fan and it suddenly turns on. She didnt touch the switch on her wall, and suddenly knows that she just did magic.
After she realizes what shes just discovered in herself, she is visited by 10 magical people who tell her the terrifying truth about her life. These 10 people, 3 of them are vampires, 2 are werewolves, 4 are witches and wizards and the last creature is a magical woman, who sees the future and can move object without touching them, she is my version of a genie. She does have an ability to grant horrific wishes, but does not live and bottle or lamp.
Ive forgotten to mention that this girls name is Tatiana, but nicknamed Tanya.
So Tanya learns that this ring was no accident, but was her fate. She discovers that she is the newest heiress to the Silver ring of Belladonna.
Tanya also learns that her ring has a dark brother, the Black ring of Belladonna. She sees that she has also become a genie of a kind, one whose life depends on this ring and not on a lamp or bottle. Tanya wants to know who these 10 creatures are and find out that they are the cruel leaders of the magical world, who keep order and enforce the rules the magical creatures have to live by.
Days after the leaders visit, Tanya sees how her appearances have changed from this ring. Her hair became beautiful and straight, she no longer needed to wear her glasses and she found the need to use make-up and wear better clothes. She finally sees that she is actually very beautiful.
When attending her new boarding school, she is put into a dorm with 7 other students, who turn out to be vampires. She makes friends with a few people from gym glass, who are actually werewolves.
At this school, she becomes very close to one of her roommates in particular and eventually falls in love with him. Knowing that hes a vampire, she still cant keep away from him, as his beauty if far more overwhelming that any other boy she has ever met.
During her metric year at this boarding school, a strange number o

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris UK
• Release date: Jan 25, 2011
• ISBN: 9781456860134

Dominique L. S. Da Silva

Dominique L.S Da Silva is a new writer in the world. She’s a distinction student in high school in English first Language. She lives with her amazing parents and her sister that’s just started collage. Dominique is a 15 year old high school student with a passion for literature, poetry and art.

Book preview

1 

My Story.

Wake-up, wake-up, Tanya. It’s time for school, I heard my brother say. As I looked up, waiting for my eyes to adjust, he was sitting on the edge of my bed with eggs, sunny-side-up, buttered toast and three strips of bacon on a green plate, like I got every morning, we had a deal that he would make the breakfast in the mornings and I made the dinner in the evenings.

Good morning loud mouth I said while I was giggling.

He said with a smile, At least I don’t talk in my sleep.

Shut-up you big bully.

I tried to keep him busy and kept bringing up different topics so he wouldn’t remind me that today’s my birthday. Thank goodness it worked, he pulled his lips into a big grin and he offered me the plate.

I grabbed my glasses off my wooden side table and sat up right and then he put the plate on my lap while taking his dark red hair out of his wonderful green eyes.

Here is your Breakfast, ma’am.

Hey you promised me you wouldn’t call me that until you’re married.

He slowly cocked his head to a side and raised his eyebrows and then said, You know that’s in four months time, Tanya.

Oh yes, to Nicole the one who invented Halloween.

He moved his head back up right and his smile turned into a frown faster than a second.

TATIANA DAWN, that’s not funny.

Please don’t call me by me full name, Jasper. I was only being sarcastic.

He turned his head slightly to the right still keeping his eyes on me and then his eyes narrowed. He smiled and said, Eat your breakfast and get dressed you are going to be late for your last day of school.

He got up, smiled at me when he closed my bedroom door on his way out and I waved playfully back at him.

I ate my breakfast, quickly, and walked over to my closet; I don’t actually follow other people’s styles so I just grabbed my blank purple top and a pair of ordinary jeans and got dressed then added my black jacket. Today we were allowed to wear normal clothes and not our school uniform because today was a special day.

Jasper was already out of school, and an accountant. For some reason, I just remembered that our parents had died eight years ago in a plane crash.

What brought that topic up? I thought to myself.

After dressing I went to my mirror and cleaned the sleep out my blue eyes. I then brushed my long frizzy hair. It went down to my waist and it was a very lovely brunette shade with some black. I simply tied it back, braided it and tied the end with a, purple, elastic. Then I skipped down the stares towards the bathroom, to brush my teeth and to clean my Glasses.

Tanya come on; get your ass into some speed!

Jasper, relax I’m ready, take a chill pill, I said while speeding down the stairs.

Tanya, don’t you need a bag or any books.

No, not really. But I need money, I murmured, and then I tried the angel eyes on him, and as always it works like a charm.

Those eyes are going to get you into lots of trouble one day. He handed me twenty Dollars.

I know but its fun. I liked to charm him for his money so I didn’t need to use my own.

See you later after school and work, I said with a smile.

He waved and said bye with a grin pulled across his face.

As I walked to the garage, I slipped the twenty into my back pocket and pulled my keys out my front pocket.

It was cloudy but not raining yet.

I pushed the little green button and the garage door opened. I pushed my silver Scooter-motorbike into the drive way and climbed on it, shoved the keys in the ignition and then I pushed the red button so the gate around our garden would open. Then I slipped my silver helmet over my head, pulled on the throttle and went off to school.

On my way to school I met up with my best friend Maggie. As we started driving side-by-side I hooted at her playfully.

BEEP! BEEP!

I could see her cheeks rising out the window of her helmet, and I even heard her chuckle then she pushed on her hooter and her motorbike sounded three loud beeps. Her blond curls were waving in the wind, well the part that was showing out the back of her blue helmet that went perfectly with her bike.

Good morning Tanya she said with her high, soft, voice and her hand giving me a wave.

Morning Maggie, ready for the last day of school.

Can’t wait, let’s ride.

We finally got to our school, and our principle, Mr Stimple, said we were going to get a really nice surprise.

What do you think the surprise is? Maggie asked while we parked our bikes and slipped our helmets off, trying not to hook our hair in the buckles of the helmets.

Maggie fixed her glasses before they could fall off her face.

Don’t know, but I hope it’s not another pop quiz.

Let’s hope not, she said with her giggle.

We heard the bell for school and raced each other for the class rooms.

Ha I win Maggie said when we reached the classrooms. She started jumping in front of the teacher and class mates. Maggie and I had burst out laughing.

Miss Dawn, Miss White, are you two ladies quite done?

Yes Mrs Adams, Maggie and I said, together. We chuckled under our breaths as we walked to our desks.

Mr Stimple walked into our class room and said, Class 17-B, please go to the hall. Then he walked out the room and we heard him say the same thing to Class 17-C, 17-D and 18-A.

Ladies and gentlemen, let’s get going! Mrs Adams said in an annoyed tone.

We got up and walked through the next door and out the class room.

The windows of the hall were all covered and the room was very dark. Lots of people were all gathering in here.

That’s weird, what’s with the blinds and curtains?

Don’t know, Maggie said with a confused look on her face. But I hope they don’t use this shade of green on prom night. She made her nose wrinkle.

Mr. Stimple walked back into the room after we took our seats. He was looking very pleased for some reason.

Now students, this is your last day of school before Christmas. So it’s time to give you your surprise, form a single line in front of the door and don’t move until I say you can go.

We all got up from our chairs and formed a line. The line was filled with whispers and all kinds of movements.

I thought to myself. Most of us can really go without pushing and shoving!

I didn’t really know or care about why but there was pushing and shoving coming from the boys in the back. It seemed really ridiculous if you ask me.

Okay, now, just so you know, food and drinks must be paid for; the rest of the surprise is free, so enjoy yourselves. Okay, ready, set, GO STUDENTS, have fun.

The doors opened and we all started running, after sitting in a dark room for half-an-hour, the overcast light was very wonderful to see.

Oh my gosh, the surprise is a . . . Carnival, Tanya. Maggie stuttered a few times when she got surprised.

We looked around the weird set up of carnival rides in the fields of the school. There were all sorts of rides and stalls. Foods, drinks and deserts could be bought at these stalls. I even spotted a Rollercoaster.

Maggie! I’ll race you to the coaster, I said to her.

You’re on, she said and zoomed off.

We started racing together, her styled jeans and belt made noises as she was running and her Angela Stanly original, green top just complemented her shape, even while she was running, and she had a very trendy white jacket on.

I can’t believe you are running in heels, Maggie.

Can’t you run in heels? she asked.

Don’t know, I have never tried, I said under my breath.

Maggie is the fastest runner that I know. She practically won almost every running race that there had been in elementary school, and now, she was beating me in heels.

I win, ha, she announced as we reached the rollercoaster.

Yeah yeah, and you were still running in heels, you are the cheetah sister, Maggie, I said and bumped my hip into hers.

She giggled.

Yeah, it’s a skill. So ready to ride the coaster?

We went on the coaster, the swings, UFO, and the love boat, then we stopped for some Coke and other soda, then we went on the brake-dance, tornado tunnel, the loopy-coaster, and last the mine field coaster. After all of that fun, we were really hungry and took some time to get food and all.

I’ll get soda and lunch, Maggie said and held out her hand in our best friend handshake.

Okay, I said. I’ll get cake and desert for us. I then lifted my hand so we could do our handshake and said the words that went with it.

Pick all the locks, she said.

Then laugh to we drop, I finished.

We both laughed and then turned to go to the different food stalls.

I grabbed a tray and went to the cake, milkshake and the cookie stalls. The last place I wanted to get desert was the little mini doughnuts stall.

I quickly walked into the line.

I was waited in line for just a minute when Rodney and his friends shoved me out of the way and pushed into the line. I knew this would start a fight so I set the tray on a lunch table next to me. I had spent my whole high school life being pushed around by these guys. They made me so bitter sometimes and right now, I was so mad that I just had to lecture someone.

Hey, Rodney, get your own space in line! I snapped.

Him and his four friends Tom, Max, Jason, and Laurent, turned around and looked at me. The picked on me because they knew I was one to stand my ground.

Hey frizzy-hair, it looked like you were going to give up your space in—

I was not giving anything up in this line, I interrupted.

Dude, she’s just trying to check you out, Jason said in a humorous tone.

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes.

Ugh! You wish, I said, crossing my arms.

They loved that I was talking back; it was one of the many other reasons why they picked on me. They acted like suck immature boys, but I knew it was just because it made them feel like the popular tough guys that the thought they were.

Oh yeah, but most people check us out, we’re good looking. Tom said sounding smug.

Damn it, aren’t we a bit full of ourselves today? I said sarcastically.

I’m on break students, come back in thirty minutes, The lady at the stall said. I looked back to see her leaving. I also noticed that she left without turning off the chocolate heaters.

Maybe, one of them said.

I turned my head and looked back at Rodney and his group of immature friends.

You guys are being idiots now, I muttered.

Do you want me to make this ugly? Rodney asked, walking closer to me.

I crossed my arms and rolled my eyes.

Yes, but you wouldn’t do it, I said, but I knew that I wasn’t fooling myself.

I will, he said with a dark smile pulling across his face.

No, you won’t, even though it gives me an excuse to play dirty too. But I know you still won’t.

Try me! I dare you, he said.

I looked up at him and narrowed my eyes.

Fine, I said.

I reached down and pulled off my left shoe. I turned it over in my hand until I was holding it around the sole and then I hit him over his head with it. I was sure that it didn’t even damage his thick skull.

I dropped my shoe on the floor and slid my foot back into it.

My turn, he said and moved like lightning. He grabbed me by the legs and threw me over his right shoulder. His arm locked around my waist so that my legs were hanging by his chest and my body was by his back.

Jason, Max, Laurent, and Tom were calling people to watch what was happening. Oh, why did I need to keep getting myself into trouble?

What are you doing? I asked in confusion.

You will see, he said.

I started kicking my legs. I tried to kick his chin or his leg, but then he secured my legs with his left arm. I had no choice but to give up my kicking.

My stomach began to flutter when I saw Laurent and Max caring the melted chocolate and caramel buckets from the doughnut stall. Jason was carrying the bucket of sprinkles, he also though it was funny to jump up and shake the bucket in my face.

This is going to be sweet, literally, Jason said.

Rodney was seriously very strong and could easily hold me up. His arm held my waist tighter and it began to pain

Rodney, ouch! You are hurting me.

Sorry, Frizzy, he said.

I tried to push myself up and look over his shoulder.

Oh, no, I thought.

Laurent and Max were pouring the chocolate and caramel onto the grass. I knew what they were doing and I quickly restarted with my kicking. It really didn’t work.

Would you stop it? Let go! I said.

He didn’t say anything.

I’m serious, don’t do this! I said, trying every single thing that I could do to make this stop.

Suddenly, he stopped walking. I waited nervously to see what was going to happen.

No, I said when he pulled me off his shoulder. He grabbed me around the shoulders.

On the ground by my feet was the big patch of sweet stuff that was poured out onto the grass.

People were cheering around us. I hated this place so much.

One, two, three, Rodney counted slowly.

No! I yelled as he turned me around to face him and then pushed me. When my back hit the ground, it became drenched with warm chocolate coating. The sweet aroma was everywhere. It made me feel bitter and hyper.

Whoop’s, my bad! Rodney said with a burst of laughter, like everyone else had.

Jason came up with his bucket and began to toss the sprinkles over my lets.

Loud laughing went through my ears.

I sat up and slowly got to my feet.

Don’t you do any job half-way? I asked Rodney, once I was standing.

I wanted to feel upset, but I couldn’t see it happening. These guys tortured me so often that I’m sure it was like a subject on my school schedule. I really was used to it.

No, not actually, he answered.

Max said, On the bright side, you look good in caramel.

I quickly faced him and stepped closer. I knew he was expecting me to hit him, but instead I dipped my hand in the bucket of chocolate he was holding. I reached up and smudged it all over his face and in his blond hair.

So. Do. You, I said to him.

The crowd buzzed with whoa’s and ooo’s. They defiantly didn’t expect that from me.

I turned and walked away.

Men, I thought to myself.

I walked to the table were I had put down my lunch tray. I picked it back up and then looked around. I saw Maggie waiting for me by a lunch table.

Hey, I’ve got our sweet snacks, I announced as I sat down beside her

Oh my gosh, what happened to your clothes? she asked, her brown eyes going wide.

I got into a fight with Rodney. And then he pushed me into a pound of sweet and stick desert dressing, I said.

Damn it, do you want eat first, then clean up?

I shook my head.

No, its okay, school ends in twenty-five minutes. Let’s eat first.

We ate our food and desert. Maggie had bought us cheeseburgers and fries for lunch. It was good; we ate slowly so we could be finished by the time school ends.

Hey but you are lucky, Rodney and his friends are all going to a school in Bismarck for the rest of their senior year, Maggie said during our conversation. Their parents are all good friends, or something like that, and they are going together.

What’s the name of the school? I asked.

Bismarck boarding school, Maggie answered.

I smiled. The relief felt so good.

Thank the sky, now I don’t have to face him anymore, I said with relief.

The bell rang and Mr. Stimple said we could go home.

Maggie and I said goodbye. She hugged me carefully for twelve seconds. We were not going to see each other for the whole Christmas holiday. Oh, I was really going to miss her.

We both slipped our helmets on and started our bikes. We both drove away from school, she was heading for her house and I was taking the road to the area where I work.

I was glad I went through the day without someone wishing me a happy birthday. I didn’t like doing birthdays, it seemed a bit pointless to me.

I work at a fashion shop with Maggie’s and my other best friend. He works at the teller and I was a fashion models assistant, but she resigned to model in Africa.

In order to sell our sales the shop would have fashion shows to make our shops clothes popular. The shop has all kinds of clothes, from swimsuits to sportswear.

I parked my bike and headed for the door.

There he was, sitting on the chair behind the counter. Like I always did, I went to greet him, first thing, when I would go into the store.

Hey Cedric, I said

He looked up with a smile, but it disappeared as he saw my appearance.

What happened to you? he asked me.

Fight at school, I answered.

So they put chocolate on you? he asked.

I nodded.

Cedric shook his head; his glossy black curls covered his amazing blue eyes for those few seconds.

Don’t worry. It happens a lot. And we all know that I have a heart that can’t be tamed. I said and started to smile.

He smiled at me.

I’ve got some good news for you.

What? I asked.

You are not an assistant anymore.

My lips became tight. Was I going to get fired?

How is that good news? I asked.

It’s good, because you are now a fashion model, he answered me in a slow voice.

I pulled my eyes wide open I smiled.

Cedric opened his arms towards me, welcoming me for a hug. I practically jumped into his arms.

Cedric, how did this happen? I said in such a surprised voice.

Well, they needed a new model, and your special friend suggested that you needed a promotion.

Thank you, you’re so wonderful, I said, giving him another friendly hug.

Hey, hey, break it up, Our boss, Mac Simpson, told us. Tanya, you need to get dressed, I put your clothes in your locker.

Yes, Sir. By the way thanks for the promotion, what are my hours now?

Still the same, and today’s fashion is Prom dresses. By the way why are you covered in . . . I don’t know what, chocolate? He asked.

Got into a fight at school.

Oh, okay, you have enough time to get hair washed now and then have your hair done into a formal braid. Off you go!

Mac turned around and walked away.

I looked at Cedric and then I smiled a confused smile at him.

He winked at me and said, You’ll do fine.

I hope so, see you after.

I walked to the hair and make-up room. The ladies were waiting for me to take my turn for a makeover. I sat at the basin chair and loosened my hair. I placed it in the basin, she washed my hair quickly and then dried, added some red highlights, then tied it back leaving some strands loose by my face and placed a diamond hair clip on the side and then braided it formally.

Mac walked into the room and complemented all the models hairstyles, he came past me and said, You look gorgeous for your first show, and I like the red on the sides.

Thanks Mac, how long do I have to get dressed?

Twenty minutes!

I nodded twice and then smiled; he walked to the next models, just splashing them with complements.

I ran to the lockers, putting in my combination, 16-21-4-13-7-5, pulled on the locker knob and opened the door. I pulled a dust cover and a box of shoes out, closed my locker shut and went to the dressing rooms.

Stephaney and Donna, two of the models that were not full of themselves, and always greeted everyone they saw, were there.

Hey, Tanya, They said together.

Well done, on becoming a model, Stephaney said as Donna nodded.

Thanks girls and I think those dressed totally suit you.

Cassandra, the most stuck up, full of herself, model you can get came along, and said, Really, I think their hips are too fat, and you’re legs are to thin. How do they support your body? She turned around and walked her stuck up walk.

I snarled and shook my head.

I should have come with my slingshot today. It’s not like her body is any better than ours?

Yeah, your right! They said together.

We all smiled, and then I walked to the dressing booth that had my name on it, and waved back at Stephaney and Donna. I walked into the booth and locked the door behind me; I unzipped the zip on the dust cover and slipped the dress out.

It’s a vintage Prom dress, long, down to the ground and had an opening slit on the right side, it starts four inches from the top of your leg and goes all the way down, showing of your whole leg. There were some crystals on the silky material skirt itself. The torso was nicely sewed to the skirt and was tied at the back with a corset; the bust line was decorated with dark purple frills and some crystal beading along the torso in beautiful flower patterns. This dress was a dark shade of purple. The shoes went perfectly with the dress. It was flat heels and the straps go twisted round your leg up to your legs carves. And the straps were nicely decorated with beaded crystals.

I stripped myself out the chocolate covered shirt and jeans and slipped my sneakers off my feet. I first pulled the dress over me and it was the right size for my body. I was so glad that the dress covered the dried chocolate on my skin.

While I admired the dress, I slipped my socks off and tied the straps of the prom shoes around my legs the way it must be. I put my dirty clothes, socks and sneakers in the dust cover, zipped it up and walked to my locker. Again I put in the locker combination, pulled on the knob and slipped in the dust cover. I pulled my perfume out my locker and sprayed myself. I slammed locked my locker shut and went to the dressing room again. I waited by Stephaney and Donna.

Hey, girls.

You look awesome for your first show, Stephaney said.

Well I’m ready for it.

Outside the curtain, they announced Stephaney and Donna then some other models. I heard Cassandra being announced and then seven models after her, I heard my name was announced.

I breathed out nervously.

I walked behind the curtain and onto the stage. There were camera-flashes and cheering. Some boys were whistling at me as I walked down the stage.

I heard a well known whistle and looked where the sound was coming from, and there was Cedric cheering and clapping for me in the crowd. I made a pose at the end of the stage and flashed a grin at the crowd.

It was getting darker outside when I was done with work. I met up with Cedric by the teller in the shop, busy closing the curtains and packing manikins from outside the shop door.

Hey.

You were wonderful on stage, He said to me with a grin.

Thank you, I’ll see you in a few, I must get dressed, I told him.

I’ll be out here, He said before I could turn away from him.

Okay, I said as I turned. I ran to my locker and got my clothes, ran to the dressing booth and put my shirt, jeans, socks and sneakers on. I put the dress back in the dust cover and put the shoes in the shoe box. I went out of the dressing booth and left the dress on the clothes rack by the other models dresses. Then I ran to Cedric waiting for me by the teller.

2 

Surprised.

Cedric locked the shop door, and then we walked to the parking lot.

I climbed on my bike as he got into his black sports car. The smooth sound of his engine filled the night as I started my bike.

Cedric followed me home, tonight he was spending the night at my house.

I wondered why he had a tuxedo in his bag. It was a mystery.

Cedric was staying over because he was coming with us on our holiday tomorrow, along with some of Jaspers friends. But what really bugged me was that none of them would tell me where the place is, only that it’s a surprise.

I sighed.

I was very glad that no one remembered that it is my birthday today. And I kept everyone from knowing the whole day, it’s a new record. I know that it is my special day, but I am not very fond of parties or gifts and if I didn’t want any parties, I had to keep it quiet.

We got to the house shortly. Cedric parked in the drive way after I parked my motorbike in its usual space in the garage.

I walked to him as he got out of his car and pulled his bags from the trunk.

Need help with your bag? I asked him as I twirled my keys around in my fingers.

No, that’s okay, he assured me.

We walked to the door together, talking about the holiday. What we were going to do, where we were going to go and what we were going to spend our money on.

I stuck my key in the door to unlock it, but it was already. That was very odd, the door is always locked. I turned the knob of the door and pushed it open.

The lights were off. Again, this was strange.

Cedric put his bag down on the floor by the door and walked to my side.

I knew that should let Jasper know that I’m home.

Jasper, I’m home, I said through the darkness.

I heard the door closed and the light from the porch was blocked outside the house.

Cedric and I started walking and then the lights turned on.

Whoa! I said.

A massive crowd of people came out of hiding. They were all dressed in suits and dresses.

My moth popped open.

SURPRISE, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Happy Birthday, Tanya, Cedric said in my ear. He took my hand and put a silver box with a ribbon in it.

My mouth fell as wide as it could. My clothes! I was covered in embarrassment from my chocolate covered clothes.

I couldn’t help keeping the anger in. The small box slid out of my hand, but I ignored it.

JASPER! I shouted.

I found him in the crowd. He walked up to me and gave me a huge.

Do you like your surprise, Tanya? he asked me, taking a sip of some type of alcohol from a wine glass.

I tell you no parties every year, I snapped as I folded my arms.

His eyebrows furrowed.

Well, tuff, we all like parties, so why can’t you?

My night got worse when Nicole came up beside him. She started her own conversation.

Excuse me, Jasper excused himself and went to talk to Cedric. Great, that left me and Nicole to argue again.

She gasped.

What happened to you, don’t you know how to eat properly? she asked, with her snob look. She waved her blond bob back into place with one flick of her hand.

I gritted my teeth together and tried hard to not roll my eyes.

What happened to you? I asked her. Didn’t the Botox injections work?

She frowned deeply.

As if, she shot back at me and turned around.

I smiled while she felt the top of her forehead. It looked like she was feeling for wrinkles.

I walked up to Cedric and Jasper.

Let’s get dressed, I said to Cedric.

We walked up the stairs and into my room. Cedric went into the bathroom to dress and I walked over to my closet.

I pulled out the first formal dress I saw. It was red dress and it had black oval spots on the torso and had a black line going around the top and bottom hems of the dress. It was a short dress that ended four inches above my knees when I wore it.

I pulled off my clothes and shoved them onto the washing basket. I took off my bra and replaced it with a red strapless bra. I pulled my dress on, but just before I pulled it over my body completely, Cedric walked into my room.

Cedric, I’m half naked here!

Woops! But it’s not like I haven’t seen you in your bra before, he said as he closed the door behind himself.

What do you mean by that? I asked as I pulled my dress up.

I’ve seen you in your swim suit and your underwear many times, he said. Maggie too.

Men, I said aloud. They are always peeking at their friends, tut, tut.

Do you want help with the zipper? he said, ignoring my comment.

Please? I said.

Cedric came around and pulled the zipper up to the top.

Thanks, I said.

He opened his arms and hugged me. It was random, but I loved his friendship hugs.

He moved his head and placed his mouth by my ear and whispered, Your welcome, and you look very good in that dress.

I laughed.

I whispered back into his ear, Don’t you have a girlfriend.

No, not at the moment, he whispered again.

Cedric bent down and he reached for my red heels in my closet and slipped then on my feet.

How did you know I was going to wear these heels? I asked.

They go with your dress, he said in a teasing voice.

Thanks, but you kinda freaked me out when you grabbed the heels I wanted to wear, I said while I chuckled.

I heard the door swing open and I turned to look towards it. Cedric stood back up.

I hope I’m not interrupting, but everyone is looking for you two. We both looked to that person and there was Nicole, standing in my door way.

I huffed.

We will be right down, Nicole, I said irritated.

She turned around and walked down the stairs. Something clicked in my head. I remembered that Cedric had put a little silver box in my hand and I that I had dropped it.

I turned to Cedric.

Oh no, Cedric I dropped the little silver box you gave me somewhere!

Don’t worry I saw you dropped it, he assured me. So I put it on the gift table.

Oh, thanks, I sighed.

Well we have been called, so we should get going, he reminded me.

I showed him a smile and nodded once.

We both left my room and walked down the stairs with everyone watching us.

I blushed like crazy when I was nervous, I could feel my blood rush to my cheeks and then I knew I was blushing.

We reached the bottom of the stairs and then Jasper came out with a cart on wheels. On top of it was a really big cake. It was round, covered in a vanilla coating with some chocolate shavings and some caramel on top. Eighteen white candles decorated the top.

I touched my mouth. Everyone started singing the Birthday song.

Oh, gosh, I muttered.

When they were done singing, I turned to Cedric and said, Is it done yet?

Yes! Cut your cake! he said and knocked my hip with his.

Just one question, I said before taking the knife to cut the cake. How many people are here? I asked.

There’s Fifty-eight, he answered.

I stared at him

And how many of these people are from my school?

The whole twelfth grade, he answered.

There are forty-two people here from school? I muttered

His eyes narrowed and he nodded with his smile pulled across his face.

Great, just what I needed, to be seen having a birthday bash by the others in my school.

So then I blew the candles out and cut my big cake into little squares.

I was not hungry so I didn’t even get a piece of cake. Mainly because of what had happened to me at school today, I didn’t want to go close to chocolate or caramel. But Cedric forced me to have a bite of his. It was acctually very nice and had a really sweet after taste.

About half-an-hour later everyone was dancing, it was after all a formal party. So Cedric asked me to dance to a slow song. After a while, everyone started dancing to the slow songs. I nagged him that I don’t know how to dance, but he still pulled me to the dance floor for a friendly dance.

As we were dancing, I heard boys making howling sounds and whistling at us.

I looked up. Rodney, Tom, Max, Laurent and Jason were the ones whistling at us. I hated that they were here.

I looked away and carried on with my friendly dance. They started whistling again. So without a care of what everyone would say, I lifted my hand with my middle finger lifted, every one started laughing even Rodney and his gang.

I felt tugging on my waist and I was pulled away from Cedric. It was Maggie that pulled me away. She wrapped her arms around both of our shoulders.

Sorry to break up your little dance, my friends, but everyone wants you to open your presents.

Maggie I’ve been looking for you all night. Where were you? I asked her.

Yeah, I haven’t seen you either, Cedric said and pinched her cheek.

Talking to some friends, she said with a giggle.

Cedric, Maggie and I walked over to the present table where everyone was waiting, I looked at all the silver, gold, blue, black and white boxes with ribbons and a lot of white and red envelopes. There ware about fifteen boxes and who knows how many envelopes on the table it