Vega's POV 

Waking up is never an easy task. Finding the willpower to keep my tired eyes open and gather just enough of my strength to climb out of the comforts of my bed and get ready for the day. I don't enjoy waking up but on a day like today, I like to make an exception.

After getting dressed in a new record time I rush downstairs and into the kitchen where I'm met by my parents running around like madmen. My mom rushes between the stove and the counter, flipping eggs, and bacon, stacking toast on a board and turning the sausages creating my traditional birthday breakfast. While my mom cooks her ass off my father darts around the table setting down the plates, cutlery and some decorations, which is only really a vase full of fresh white daisies and bright yellow sunflowers. 

"Good morning," I greet them in a sing-song voice. 

My sudden appearance shocks them both but they recover from their shock quickly and wide smiles tug on their lips. 

"Happy birthday!" they cheer. 

My father sets the last of the plates before running to me and pulling me into his tight and warm embrace. "Happy birthday, my princess," he whispers and kisses my hair. 

"Thank you, Dad."

Pulling away from me he heads back to the table to start moving the vase from one point on the table to the other trying to find the best place for it to fit his standards. 

"Would you like some help there, Mom?" I ask watching as she continues to scramble around her part of the kitchen. 

With her gaze still laser-focused on the eggs in front of her she shakes her head. "It's okay, sweetheart, I'm almost done here. You can go sit at the table." 

Looking at the mountain of food she's got working I feel bad leaving it all for her to do. It may be my birthday but that doesn't mean that I'm unable to work. Walking over to the stove I gently pry the spatula out of my mom's hand and start working on the fried eggs. Working as a unit my mom and I get the food out in no time. We set the plates containing all of the delicious food. 

"This looks amazing, ladies," my dad says with a beaming smile on his face while he rubs his hands together in anticipation. 

Wrapping her arms around me my mom plants a chaste kiss on my cheek. "Thank you for your help, sweetheart, and happy birthday."

"Thank you, Mom." 

The second my plate is full I instantly start digging into the food shoving fork after fork into my mouth. My parents chuckle and smile at my childish way of eating. As soon as we all finish our food, my mom runs to her purse and pulls out a small box wrapped in gold wrapping paper. 

"This is just something small from your father and me," she says as she hands me the gift. 

Unable to contain my joy I tear the wrapping paper off revealing a small black box. Popping the lid off I gasp at the gold necklace resting inside. 

"This is beautiful," I cry pulling the necklace from the light pink pillows it was resting in. Gently cradling it in my hand my gaze is immediately set on the small snowflake charm hanging from the golden chain. "I wonder what made you choose this one," I laugh as I hold up the snowflake charm. 

"It's a traditional gift for our kind for their eighteenth birthday. I remember when my mom gave me my necklace. It was a special moment and I have been waiting for the day I could give you your own," my mom says with some tears pooling in her eyes that she quickly wipes away before they have a chance to fall. 

Looking over at my dad a smirk appears on my lips, "Did you get a pretty necklace too?" 

My mom laughs while my father rolls his eyes. "Ha, ha, ha that's very funny. But no I didn't get a necklace. Girls get necklaces and the boys get leather bracelets which I would show you but I lost it a few years ago." 

"Which you wouldn't have done if you kept it in my jewellery box like I told you to," my mom mumbles rolling her eyes as she does so which sends me into a fit of laughter. 

Taking my mom's hand in his my father brings it up to his lips. "You're right as always, my love." Looking back at me he leans back in his chair and sighs, "So, what are your plans for today?" 

"Jade, Nicci, and Kim said they're taking me out tonight. I don't know where because they said they wanted to surprise me-"

"I can only imagine how annoyed that made you," my mom laughs with my father quickly joining her. 

"Yeah it did, but there was no way I could make any of them budge and tell me where we're going so I'll just suck it up."

"And before then? It's Saturday so no school. If you want we can go shopping, get some lunch, picnic in the park whatever you feel like."

As inviting and tempting each of the options my mom laid out for me sounds I can't seem to get rid of the nagging feeling tugging deep down in the depths of my soul screaming at me that my parents are not the ones that I want to do any of those things with. My head is saying that I should take the odder for lunch with my parents but my heart wants me to take someone else. Someone who has become the star of my dreams. Someone with captivating eyes the colour of chocolate. Someone who has slithered their way into my heart and taken residence. The person who I had to let go of because the world told me to. 

I can see it now Seth and I sitting across from one another in a beautiful restaurant, a candle sitting in the middle of the table lighting us up. Seth gifting me with a bright red rose and a kiss on the cheek. Us laughing and talking as we dined on some delicious pizza or pasta and ending the night off with a slow drive to the park where we share the perfect kiss... again. 

"Are you okay, honey," my father asks pulling me out of my beautiful daydream. 

Looking back at my parents I gently nod pushing the thoughts of a dream day spent with Seth as far away as I can. "I'm fine just thinking."

"Well, which thing would you like to do?" my mom asks. 

"Well... um... I actually kind of want to spend some time in my art studio and maybe order some pizza for lunch if that's okay?"

After casting a glance at one another they nod. 

"Of course you can, honey. You're eighteen now you don't have to ask us permission to do certain things," my father says. 

Leaning across the table I kiss them both on the cheek before heading up to my studio. Locking the door behind me I rush to the far corner of the room retrieving the sketchbook I used during the time I was bedridden after the training incident. Flipping through page after page filled with the drawings that depict my dreams. Eventually, I reach the final page where the same drawing was repeated once again with the only difference being that the people finally had faces. 

Holding the book close I let my finger trace Seth's face. For the briefest of moments, I can feel his hands wrapped around my waist holding me close to him. I can feel his fingers gripping the fabric of my dress as if he thinks that if he presses just hard enough he'll get to my flesh. But mostly I can feel his lips touching mine, soft as the petals of a rose. I want to stay in this daydream forever, but my mind has other plans. Flinging me into the deepest crevice of my imagination the sensual dream turns into one of horror as Chris bursts through the door and the icicle slices open my chest settling into my heart. 

Falling back with a gasp my hand rests over my heart still waiting for the day I find an icicle there. 

"Vega, are you okay up there?" my mom yells from downstairs. 

"I'm fine!" I yell back not wanting her to come up and see me like this. I don't need them thinking that I'm sick again. I don't want them to call that damn doctor back or stick me back into my bed for days on end. But more importantly, I don't want them to know how much Seth still occupies my mind. For this one day, I need my mind to give me a break from these dreams, hallucinations whatever you want to call them. One day... I just want one day. 

* * * *

"Is this really necessary?" I ask for what I'm sure is the thousandth time my fingers still touching the blindfold Kim fastened over my eyes the second I got into the car. 

"It's all part of the surprise just try and enjoy it," Jade says from the driver's seat where she no doubt still has that stupid smirk that appeared when I got in the car. 

"It's bad enough that you guys aren't telling me where you're taking which I should note that I hate by the way but on top of that you decided that you just had to take away my sight as well."

"Yes!" they all laugh at the same time. 

Leaning as far back into the seat as I can I cross my arms over my chest and sigh. "I hate surprises," I groan.

"I think you might be the only girl I know who hates surprises," Nicci says from the seat beside me. 

My heart cracks as the memory of Seth telling me the same thing not too long ago resurfaces. The tugging sensation that I have been battling all day creeps back in causing me to cover my chest with my hand hoping it would push the feeling back into the crevice of my soul. "Vanessa!" The icicle flies into my heart and I gasp. 

Two hands suddenly land on my shoulders, "Vega, are you okay?" Nicci asks concern flooding her voice. 

"Do you think it's going to happen again?" Kim tries to quietly ask but the closeness of the car causes her voice to echo. 

I know she's talking about the training incident. She doesn't even have to mention the words 'training' or 'breakdown' for me to know what she is talking about, and apparently, I'm not the only one. 

"He said we weren't allowed to talk about that," Nicci hisses. 

I can't see Kim but somehow I know exactly the expression that is masking her face.

"I just-" she starts to mumble only to be harshly stopped by Jade. 

"Shut up," she hisses and the car descends into silence. 

Together as we sit in uncomfortable silence with the quiet hum of the radio quietly echoing in the distance the words 'He said we weren't allowed to talk about that' run circles around my brain. I wish there was more of a sense of mystery as to who gave them this instruction but at the end of the day it's pretty obvious: Chris. It has to be Chris because at the end of the day, my father doesn't have nearly enough power and status among the icebenders to give orders and Chris is just obsessed with me enough to give this order. If it wasn't bad enough that I'll have to deal with this man for training now I have to worry about his orders that will affect my life. I want to ask my friends more questions about it but the last thing I want is to kill the mood on my birthday. 

"Are we almost there?" I ask hoping to shift the conversation back toward this damn surprise location. 

"We should be," Nicci says with uncertainty. "Jade, how far away are we?" 

The car turns another corner, and Jade says, "We're here."

She pulls the car into a parking spot before killing the engine. I hear all of them unclip their seatbelts before someone removes mine taking the pressure off my body and giving me more room to breathe. 

"So, can I take this off?" I question my hands already moving up to the blindfold ready to rip it off my face. 

"Not yet!" Kim yells. 

Dropping my hands back to my lap and allow them to gently maneuver me out of the car my boots hitting the solid ground of the parking lot. 

"Are you ready for your surprise?" Jade chuckles. 

"I've been ready for days now can you lease just take this blindfold off of me," I laugh. 

"I'll take it off," Nicci says jumping at the opportunity to be the one to reveal my surprise and end my terror. 

Giggling at either my eagerness or just from pure bliss she quickly gets to work untying the knot that was holding the blindfold in place. As the last bit of the knot comes undone I feel the fabric slip away from my face giving my sight back. Looking up at the building in front of me a wide smile tugs at my lips as I read the bold words above me: Xlanes. Bowling. Arcade. Billiards. Restaurant. 

"So, was it worth the wait?" Jade nervously asks. I think it's the first time I've ever heard her actually nervous. I didn't think she was capable of being nervous, my friend was always so confident suddenly crumbling at the thought that I might not like a surprise. 

Looking between the three of them but keeping my focus on her even longer I nod showing off all of my happiness. 

"This is amazing thank you!" I cheer. A ripple of laughter runs through me when I see the pure relief showing on all of their faces but mostly Jade's. Linking my arm with hers I look back at the three of them and say, "Come on let's go have some fun."

* * * *

I may hate surprises but I have to admit this has been one of the best ones in my life. The second we got inside, and after I finished marvelling at the beautiful wonderland I had just stepped into, we rushed to the bowling lane and got a game going. A game that Jade destroyed us at. Playing games at the arcade, more bowling, stuffing our faces with delicious food from the restaurant and even trying to score some alcohol from the bar, which failed miserably, we did it all. 

The girls might have decided to leave early, but I chose to stay for some more milkshakes. As I took the last sip of my fifth chocolate milkshake I called my waitress over and settled my bill. Just as I get up to start leaving I feel a hand grab my shoulder. 

"I already paid my bill," I say thinking it was some waiter who thought I was trying to dine and dash. 

"It wouldn't make any difference to my life if you didn't," a boy laughs from behind me. 

Quickly turning around a mostly silent gasp leaves my lips as I look at the boy that has been the main character of my mind all day. 

"Sorry... I... I didn't know it was you. I mean obviously, I didn't because if I did I wouldn't have said anything about a bill," I nervously stutter through an equally as nervous chuckle. 

"You don't say," he chuckles with his signature smirk playing on his lips. 

A wave of awkward silence washes over us rendering us incapable of doing anything other than standing with our hands ruffling through our hair as our gaze shifts between the other and the floor. 

"So, what are you doing here?" he asks shattering the silence.

"Oh, well, the gang took me here to celebrate, but they had to leave early."

"What you celebrating?" he asks a look of intrigue settling on his face. 

"It's my eighteenth birthday," I say my smile making a comeback as I do so.

I honestly don't know who was more excited about the occasion me the actual birthday girl or Seth with the sparkle shining in his eyes. 

"Happy birthday! I'd give you a gift but I didn't know." 

"It's fine, I wouldn't expect anything from you considering how our last conversation went." 

For the briefest of moments that spark that I saw in him died no doubt as he relived that horrid moment where I told him to stay out of my life because he wasn't worth losing everything over. It's a moment that replays in my head over and over again so I can only imagine how hard it hit him. 

"Yeah," he sighs. "I'm sorry about how I reacted to that. I shouldn't have forced you from my car like that."

Grabbing onto his shoulder I force him to look me dead in the eye, "You have nothing to be sorry for. I was the bitch who decided to end our friendship. I let the pressure of this new world and my family and friends get to me and I regret it deeply. I... I don't want to lose you, Seth." 

A small smile tugs at the corners of his lips. "I don't want to lose you either, even with your drastic mood swings." 

Gasping I shove him back. "Excuse me but if anyone here has drastic mood swings it's you." 

"Mm, I beg to differ."

Looking into his gorgeous eyes I laugh and shake my head. "You're an ass."

This doesn't cause him to fully break his composure, but I at least get a little chuckle from him. "Well, can this ass escort you home?" 

My heart swoons at his offer and I want nothing more than to say yes. But as the thought of him and I walking home together spins round in my mind so does the thought of my parents seeing us and a fight breaking out. 

"As tempting as the offer sounds, I don't think my parents would like it if they saw us together."

"Then we could make sure they don't see us," he whispers in a husky voice as he steps closer to me.

Looking up at him and trying my best not to focus on how handsome he looks at this moment or how much his suggestion made my knees feel like they want to collapse from under me I prepare myself to say no, but I can't. I should say no and just call an Uber, but I want him to walk me home.

"You promise they won't see us?" He nods. "Then yes you may walk me home." 

With our arms linked together, we head toward the front door and head out into the dark and chilly streets. 

"Damn, I should have brought a jacket," I grumble as I use my free hand to rub my arms trying to get rid of the goosebumps. 

"You know I don't think I've ever seen an icebender get cold. I always just assumed you guys were immune to it," he laughs, and I can't help but join him.

"Well, I guess I must be special then."

Looking down at me he nods and I faintly hear him whisper, "You certainly are." 

Quietly we walk and walk and walk eventually reaching the turn onto my street. 

Stopping five houses down from mine I unlink myself from him and turn to face him. "I suppose I should walk alone from here you know if we want to continue the plan of not getting seen."

Despite the sheer disappointment in his eyes he nods and takes a step back. "I suppose you're right."

Once again we stand in complete silence before I eventually nod and mumble a quick goodbye. As I turn to start walking away he grabs my arm and pulls me back only he doesn't stop pulling me until I'm right up against him my hands resting on his chest. And before I can even get a chance to ask him what the hell he thinks he's doing his lips are crashing onto mine. This kiss doesn't last as long as the other one but somehow it's more powerful and leaves me just as breathless. 

Resting his forehead against mine he breathlessly whispers, "Did you like your gift?"

Unable to string any words together all I can do is nod and hope that he'll pull me in for another. And for the briefest of moments, it looks like he will when suddenly two hands appear out of nowhere and pull him away from me. 

"Seth," I gasp and as I try to run for him someone grabs me and covers my mouth with their hand. 

Struggling in the hands of my captor I watch helplessly as Seth scrambles with some man who quickly reveals himself as an icebender when he tries to shoot an icicle at Seth. Much to the attacker's dismay, Seth manages to protect himself with a shield of fire that effortlessly melts the pole of ice. 

As the man holding me tries to start dragging me backwards I scream into his hand and blast shards of ice into his harm piercing his skin and forcing him to drop me. I fall to the floor with a thud and despite the pain erupting in my side, I start scrambling toward Seth who is still locked in a battle with the other man. 

"No, Vega, run now," Seth hisses when he sees me approaching him. 

"Seth—"

"Vanessa, please just run!" he yells in desperation. 

A sense of shock fills me and I watch silently as the scene briefly changes from the dirty street to the glamourous room in the castle. I want to stay and help Seth, I need to help him but my feet seem to have other ideas. Obeying his command I take off in the opposite direction not stopping until I reach my front garden. Looking over my shoulder at the spot where the three men where a wave of fear wafts through me when I see they are no longer there. 

"Sandriel, please be okay," I whisper to the cold air around me. 

Wait a second... who the fuck is Sandriel?