♦ 2. The Amount of Flirting is Killing Me♦

|Rosalie Burns|

April 3rd, 2015
10:47pm

"Thank goodness," I exclaimed as I quickly tried to scramble out of the car. I needed clean oxygen; these boys were cruel, as they left the windows closed for two hours.

"Oh come on Rosie, we weren't that bad," Jake laughed as he and Mark threw their arms around me.

"Yeah Rose, don't' be mean, we weren't that bad," Mark said, with a sly little smirk.

I rolled my eyes and ran out of their grips, "You guys are assholes," I grumbled and turned back around to stick my tongue out at each of them. I know, childish, but whatever.

"Mark, did you just hear what she said?" Jake questioned, sounding completely appalled with me. I rolled my eyes as Mark nodded his head with a small pout on his face.

"I think we're going to have to punish her," Mark tutted, and I gulped as an evil grin began to take over his features. The twins began to move in on me with their hands outstretched, I knew what that meant; they wanted to tickle me into submission. I let out a tiny shriek and wasted no time, as I quickly turned around and ran off toward Matthew.

"Matt! Make them stop, please! It's my birthday!" I exclaimed, trying to plead with him. I put a pout on my face, knowing he wouldn't be able to resist the little sister act. Matt laughed as he placed an arm around my shoulder.

"Leave her alone, you can punish her later; don't you want her to see the surprise at the house?" he questioned and gave each of them a knowing look. My face scrunched into confusion as I watched the twins holler in agreement. They quickly ran in front of me, Cole trailing behind, as they booked it toward our summer home. I turned my head toward Matt in questioning, but he just shook his head and grinned. He squeezed my shoulders lightly as he led me toward the home.

My feet crunched against the still slightly frozen ground, the perks of living in Canada; the snow never truly leaves until at least May. I can remember one time in high school when we had a snow day in April. It was some crazy stuff. The wind blew a chill through the air and I knew tonight wouldn't be a walk in the park. I always found it harder to concentrate when I was cold, and judging by the weather now, I knew that by nightfall it would be freezing.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROSALIE!!"

I jumped back into Matt as 40+ people jumped out at me. Some were wearing party hats, most had those things that you blow at parties to make a funny sound perched on their lips, but I noticed each and every one was adorned in their hunting gear. That was a strange sight since this was supposed to be my hunt, my first solo mission.

I smiled meekly as my father moved toward me, how the hell he got here before us was beyond me, but at the moment I didn't particularly care. I hugged him back as the crowd clapped and shouted behind me. I knew we were having a party, but I didn't think that this many people would show up. I was actually pretty surprised.

"Happy birthday sweetheart," he whispered and kissed the crown of my head.

"Thanks dad," I murmured.

My dad pulled away from me and looked at the crowd, "If I could have everybody's attention please," he called. Immediately, the crowd quieted as their attention turned toward my father. I began to blush under the attention and tried my best to grin and bear it all so not to disappoint my father.

"We're here to celebrate my daughter's eighteenth birthday. We all know how important the eighteenth birthday of a hunter is, and to commemorate this moment I wanted to read a little something that her mother left her..." I didn't know about this. My dad smiled his crinkled eyed smile, "My wife was a very cautious woman, and when Rosalie was born she wrote these letters just in case something happened to her; which we all know is possible in this line of business," he continued. There were solemn nods from the crowd as they agreed with my father's words.

My father towed me away from the door and toward the living room where he sat me on the couch. He moved next to me and the rest of the clan followed suit. I was grateful to Jake who came to sit beside me so he could hold my hand. He knew just how much I missed my mom, and how emotional I could get whenever she was brought up. Jake sent me a reassuring smile, which I returned, before I looked toward my father. He slowly pulled a warn envelope from his pocket and took the still pristine paper from its holder. My grip tightened on Jake's hand as it hit me; I wanted my mom to be here to say these things to me. It wasn't fair that I had to hear it from a letter rather than from her directly.

"My sweetest Rosalie,

If your father is reading this then that means my worst fears have come true; I'm not there to celebrate your eighteenth. I'm sorry that I left you so early in life, but I knew that with that shining personality that you have, you will succeed in no matter what you do. I can remember when Jake and Mark would pretend to be knights coming to save the beautiful princess, but you would protest and say that the princess should have a turn to save the knights since it wasn't fair that they would have all the adventures.

Those are the memories I will treasure, and I hope you will too since they were the beginnings of your path to the amazing woman you are today. I can't express to you just how proud I am in words, but I can say that I am so blessed to have you as my daughter.

I know the next few years are going to be tough on you, but you have family and friends who will love and support you through it all. Your father is strong, and I know he has raised you right, and I know he is going to help you through any hardship you may come across. My piece of advice for you is to always choose what your heart is telling you. I want you to be happy sweetie, and I want you to live in a way that makes you happy.

Just remember, that I may not be there physically, but if you ever need me the best place to look is in your heart. You will always be my special little girl, and your father and I are lucky that God gave us the gift of you.

I love you Rosalie. Be safe, and live happy; I'm always watching over you.

Love,

Clarisse Rosa Burns, Your Mother"

The room was completely silent as my father finished off the letter. I could feel my emotions building up inside as tears began to fall down my cheeks. I was completely stunned, I had no idea how I was supposed to react to that, so I did what I always did; I found comfort in Jake. I turned and buried my face in his chest as silent sobs began to come from my body. I knew my dad was holding his emotions in, and quickly left to have a moment to himself.

I felt Jake stand up with me as Matthew began to tell the crowd the party would begin after a moment of silence for my mother. Jake walked with me up the stairs as I took advantage of his warm embrace. I allowed him to bring me into my room so we could sit on the bed together. Jake didn't say a word as he allowed me to cry into him, probably staining his shirt with mascara. Jake just caressed my back, and pressed his lips to my temple. His comfort allowed me to get it all out, and it didn't take me long to calm down.

"I'm sorry," I murmured as I pulled away. I felt my cheeks heat up from the makeup stains evident on his shirt. Good thing he had spare clothes in the house.

"It's okay Rose, everyone is entitled to their moments. I know how much you wish your mom was here, and to be honest I would be more worried if you sat there like an emotionless statue," he said and moved to wipe the tear and makeup streaks off my cheeks.

I smiled, "Thanks Jake, you're the best," I said and moved slightly so I could kiss his cheek. There was something in his eyes that I couldn't quite place, but it was making me feel warm and happy on the inside. It made me feel safe.

"I'll always be here for you Rose, no matter how horrid the makeup stains may be," he teased. I let out a small laugh and moved to hug him again. He was always good at making me feel better.

"I know," I said, "Now, go change and get downstairs. Have fun tonight and don't worry about me; I'll be fine," I told him reassuringly.

Jake grinned, "I know; you always are. I'll meet you downstairs," he said and kissed my head once more before leaving. I smiled lightly as my stomach fluttered; Jake was definitely my rock.

Once he closed the door behind him, I moved to clean myself up. Halfway through I could hear booming music come from downstairs and I knew that the party had started. I took my sweet time since I didn't really want to deal with people yet. As I reapplied my mascara, I looked toward my phone for the time; 11:10pm. There would be at least four hours until the mission; oh joy.

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

My home had literally turned into some sort of night club. How my father was okay with this was a mystery I would never solve. People were drinking, dancing, grinding and even twerking, everywhere I went. It was hard to dodge the people who were too drunk to do anything; especially when they sang their own rendition of happy birthday- and not the clean version either. I walked into the kitchen where I was praying I would be able to find one of the boys.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR ROSALIE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!"

I had been ambushed. The boys, and my dad, stood around the table where a giant cupcake cake had been placed. The cake had Happy Birthday Rosalie! Written in yellow icing and beside it there were two candles; a one and an eight. A large smile took over my flushed features, and I laughed jovially as Jake came to tow me toward the table. There may have been music pounding around us and people dancing away like lunitics, but their infectious smiles made it easy to forget my surroundings.

"Come on Rosie; make a wish," Jake whispered, his hands moved to rest against my waist as he held me in place. I turned my head slightly to look at his happy expression, and I knew then what I wanted.

To be happy, all I want is for everyone to be happy.

As I blew my candles out, my family began to clap and cheer. I flushed, but the smile never left my features, "Who's ready for some cake?" I questioned. The great thing about having a cake made of cupcakes was that there was no need for cutting; all you had to do was take it and eat. I quickly took a chocolate flavoured treat, and immediately after cupcake, after cupcake was gobbled up by my family and the others who had wandered into the kitchen. I began to lick the icing off and I almost moaned at how good it tasted.

"So Rosie, are you going to tell me what you wished for?" Jake questioned before taking a large bite of his cupcake. I chuckled as a large part of the chocolate icing smeared across his upper lip. He didn't seem to care as he took another bite, quickly finishing off the sweet and making the mess worse. Thankfully someone had enough sense to leave out the napkins; I placed my cupcake onto the table and lightly grabbed Jake's arm in order to bring him closer to me so I could wipe off the mess on his mouth.

"Still making a mess of yourself I see," I joked and my eyes flickered to his, I felt my cheeks flush as his green eyes pierced into me, "and besides, if I told you then my wish won't come true," I told him trying to ignore the fluttering that had begun to form in my stomach. Ay my words, Jake began to pout as I finished cleaning the icing off his face.

"Oh come on Rosie, not even one... little...hint?" he questioned, and I shook my head with a grin on my lips. I did the motions of keeping my lips zipped.

Jake sighed, "Fine, break my heart, but that means I get to do this!" he exclaimed and quickly grabbed my half-eaten cupcake so he could squish it in my face. I gasped as I felt the cold icing hit my face and smear across my cheeks and nose. Immediately I heard laughter erupt from around me, I blinked in surprise as I processed what happened. My hand reached behind me toward the extra cake and I grabbed a piece.

"You're going to pay for that!" I shouted and quickly smashed the piece onto his face. I began to laugh as Jake wiped the icing from his eyes; he didn't look too deterred as a smirk fell across his handsome features.

"Oh, you're in for it now Rosie!" Jake shouted, sharing knowing looks with the boys.

"Oh no, no, no, no," I said as I began to back away, "You can't gang up on me! It's my birthday!" I exclaimed. Mark and Cole began advancing toward me, following Matt and Jake's example.

"Get away from me!" I shrieked and made a break for the door. I was lucky and was able to evade the boys in the crowd. I darted through people, getting some funny looks from my icing appearance, but I shrugged them off and kept moving. I made my way to the stairs, but I let out a shriek of laughter when I ran into someone.

"Matt!" I exclaimed. I made a move to run, but Matt gently grasped my hand keeping me from running. I looked at him warily; the tall blonde grinned at me as he pressed a finger to his lips, effectively shutting me up.

"Come with me; I think the birthday girl deserves to be victorious in this battle," Matt sent me a sneaky smile. He was a gift from God; I could always count on him to have my back. Matt quickly towed me back toward the kitchen and each of us grabbed two cupcakes each. Jake, Cole, and Mark were so going down; a cupcake for each, and one for good luck.

Matt told me the boys had gone looking for me upstairs since that was usually the first place I ran to; which was 100% true. Matt and I snuck up the stairs, and thankfully the noise level wasn't ear deafening up here, Matt grabbed my arm and we pressed against the corridor wall. We were hiding in the hallway between my room and one of the guest rooms. I could tell all three of them were in my room; how silly of them to underestimate me. Matt and I moved so we could hide in the shadows; I turned my head slightly and heard the unmistakable thumps of feet running moving out the door.

"ATTACK!!!" Matt shouted and immediately flung his cupcakes at Cole and Mark. I laughed as I did the exact same to Jake; one smashing onto his face while the other I pushed into his shirt. Each boy seemed to be shocked by our surprise attack and it was easy to spread the icing around.

"Yes!" I exclaimed victoriously as I high-fived my accomplice. Jake, Mark and Cole were quite the sight. Matt was able to hit Mark and Cole right in the face thanks to the accuracy his hunting skills gave him. Jake was the worse; there wasn't a clean spot on his face and his shirt had a giant icing clump right in the center.

"I think we have a clear winner," Matt gloated as he crossed his arms with mock superiority.

"It's not over yet!" Jake shouted and immediately I found myself in his embrace. I squealed with laughter when I felt his cheek press against my own as we tumbled toward the floor. I landed on Jake and my chest pressed against his as he squeezed me to him. I felt the cool icing press against my ribs, contrasting with the warmth of Jake's body.

"Let me go!" I squealed, my laughter making me sound like a crazed lunatic.

"I don't think so Rosie! You're mine," Jake teased as he began tickling me. My heartbest escalated at his words. 

"Ahahaha! Stop! Matt! Help!" I exclaimed through my laughter, trying to twist my body toward him.

"Sorry Rose, but I'm a little tied up!" Matt shouted back. He was currently being pinned down by Cole and Mark who had wiped the icing off their faces and onto Matts; it was quite the hilarious sight. Then again, I wasn't any better of; Jake was doing the exact same thing to me.

"What is going on up here!?"

Immediately our laughter faded as my father stood in front of us. An unimpressed expression plastered on his face while his arms crossed over his chest. All of us quickly stood from our spots on the floor and stood at attention. A sheepish expression took over my features.

"Sorry Dad,"

"Sorry Mr. Burns,"

The boys and I apologized in sync.

"We were just having a little birthday fun," Jake explained and moved to lightly poke my nose. I scrunched it slightly and gave him a dirty look. I hated when he did that and he knew it. Nevertheless, the grin on his face was contagious and it didn't take long for my father to crack his own smile. Jake's dad laughed full heartedly, knowing just what kind of messes Cole and he were able to get into.

"You boys are too much sometimes, and dragging Rosalie into your mess," Mr. Forrest said as he shook his head in mock disappointment.

"I'll let it slide this time, but go get cleaned up. We have a long night ahead of us," my dad said.

"Wait a second, what do you mean us?" I questioned. "Isn't this supposed to be a solo raid?" My brows shot up as I watched my dad, Mr. Forrest and the boys exchanged knowing looks. I pushed my icing filled hair from my face, "Okay, what am I missing?" I asked.

My dad grinned, "We'll let you boys tell her," he said before quickly exiting. The Forrest boys' father wasn't far behind. I quickly turned away from Jake's hold so I could look at all my boys.

"What is he talking about?" I questioned, crossing my arms over my chest and attempting to look patronizing.

"Surprise!" Cole exclaimed, and I gave him a weird look. What?

"We're coming on the hunt with you!" Mark shouted.

My eyes widened in disbelief, "No way!" I exclaimed. I was completely shocked. I didn't know whether to feel insulted by the fact that my father decided I needed the extra hands, or feel completely elated by the fact that I didn't need to go alone.

I decided that I felt a little bit of both.

"Now don't go feeling all insulted," Jake began as he moved to cup my face in his hands. I raised a brow as he smiled down on me; my heart began fluttering in my chest as his green eyes bore into mine. I felt blush rise on my cheeks, I was glad the icing made it less prominent, as his thumbs brushed the corners of my lips. "Your father initially didn't want us coming along, I insisted we came," he explained.

"Why?" I questioned.

"We wanted to be there on your first hunt; we're a family and a team Rosie," Cole said and my eyes flickered over to his form.

"We know you can take care of yourself, hell you're more skilled than any of us here," Mark continued. My eyes moved from face to face, as well as I could with Jake holding my cheeks hostage, and I took in the sheepish expressions on each of their faces.

"Please don't be mad Rosie. We know you can do this without us, but..." Jake trailed off. My eyes stared into his and I knew what he meant. They just cared about me. They knew how I felt about this way of life. I could never be mad at them, it may not be customary for a team to go on a coming of age mission, but I knew that it would be better if they did. I would be less likely to chicken out and run away of they were there. These boys were my family, my team members, the people I trusted the most in this world.

I smiled and brought my hands up to cup Jake's and took them from my cheeks so I could interlock our fingers.

"I'm not mad," I said. I turned to the rest of the group, "I'm grateful, and thank you. I love you guys," I told them and was glad to see my smile was contagious.

"Group hug!" Cole exclaimed and not even a second later I was squished in a hunter sandwich. I laughed and attempted to wrap my arms around each of them, it didn't work so well, but nevertheless these were still my favourite type of hugs. That was until I felt a hand ghost over my behind.

"Hey!" I exclaimed, "Which one of you are trying to cop a feel!?" I shouted. I twisted from the embrace and turned around and gave each of them a mock angry look. I wasn't that upset, it was only the boys after all; these were the guys who ran around naked in my backyard when we were kids. Besides, I knew each of them respected me in the highest regard; they would never do something to purposefully hurt me.

Jake's sheepish expression turned to one of mischief, "Sorry Rosie. I couldn't help myself, it was an accident," he said.

I rolled my eyes, "Uh-huh," I muttered, but the grin on my face wouldn't leave. It was just Jake; my best friend. He was always pulling something when he was around me. It was just who he was.

"Alright, before I die from the flirtation going on in here, why don't we all go get cleaned up?" Matt suggested. "Come on Rose, I'll help you," he said.

I blushed a thousand shades of red from his flirtation comment, but let it go. "Okay, we shall see you boys in a bit," I said. I began to follow Matt out of them room, but paused when I reached the door threshold, "Oh and Jake. I will get you back," I threatened.

Jake smirked at me, "I wouldn't have it any other way Rosie," he agreed. I grinned in reply before vanishing from the room.

"Oh goodness, I'm leaving before things escalate," Mark muttered.

"I need to protect my poor virgin eyes!" Cole exclaimed.

I rolled my eyes and left the room; Oh how I loved my annoying boys.

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Hello lovelies! How are all of you?

Was that short? I'm sorry if it was! This was meant to be posted a couple weeks ago, but I had to bring my brother to the ER a few weeks ago and things have just been crazy since then! Don't worry my brother is fine, he just needs to do a few tests so we can find out what's wrong with him. He has this tingle in his back that's messing with a lot of his functions... well anyway I'm sure you guys don't want to hear me drone on about that! 

I'm working on the next update, and I hope I can get it out soon! I already know the changes I have planned for the next couple of chapters, I hope you guys like them just as much as I do!

P.S- I've also become a tad bit obsessed with the sims (as in it as taken over my life- I've even made the characters of KBMAM into sims). I'm a loser, I know, but I still think it's fabulous ♥ Well anyway, until next time!

Stay beautiful!

xoxo- Shar