Everyone arrives after an hour or so and we immediately start with decorating the place. The guys brought a few things. We decided to order some beer, tequila, Jell-O shots and hash brownies. The guys would go and buy the alcohol and whatever they want while we girls would go shopping.

"Who all did you guys invite to the party?", I ask to no one in particular.

"Almost the whole school", Blake answers as if that is nothing. My eyes widen.

"Seriously?! I don't know half of the people who go to our school".

"That's fine. I'll be there with you all the time. Even after so many years, I don't know half of them either", Violet says while chuckling.

"Yeah don't worry about it", Mason says while putting on his jacket just like the others who are off to buy the alcohol and whatever they fell like buying.

"Cole, Julian, you guys coming with us?", Nick asks.

"Nope. You guys go ahead. We will join in a while. Will call you for the location", Cole says.

"Okay sure. Let's go guys".

"Bye girls. Have fun", says Aaron before giving Mia a kiss on her forehead. Violet and I awe at them and Mia blushes which is kinda rare.

We take off in my car to the nearest mall. We didn't have a lot of time, so we went straight into Forever 21, which is one of my favorites.

"Go and try these on Lyd", Mia gives me a few dresses. I just wanted something plain and simple but attractive at the same time.

Violet and Mia had already chosen their dresses. The dresses selected by Mia were beautiful but not like the one I had in mind.

I was looking through the racks, when a dress caught my eye. It was simple but very beautiful.

"Mia, Vi, what do you think?"

"Oh my gosh, this is the one. Go and try it on", Mia says while gushing.

I quickly changed into the dress and came out. The girls jaws dropped and eyes became wide.

"You look hot. The dress shows off your curves and damn girl you have an amazing figure", Mia says.

"Definitely. The boys won't be able to take their eyes off of you today", Violet adds.

"Thanks. I'll get this one".

We paid for our dresses and left the mall. We reached my house and started getting ready. It was already five and everyone would start showing up by seven.

Violet's dress is red in colour with a sweetheart neckline and a belt of glass at the stomach. She curled her hair and opted for a natural look.

Mia's dress is a green colour one with a cross cross pattern. It is a very beautiful one high compliments her eyes.

My dress in a dark grey one with full sleeves. It is backless. I let my hair down in their natural curls just like Mia. I also went with minimal amount of makeup.

Finally we were ready. The guys had arrived a few minutes ago and Mia had restricted them to see us until we were completely dressed up.

We went down to the living room and everyone had already started to arrive. The guys saw us coming down and made their way towards us.

"You girls look hot", was the first thing we heard. It obviously came from Mason, who was staring at us. Aaron pushed him back and wrapped his arm around Mia.

"Stay away from my girlfriend, you obnoxious dog".

"Why? Are you afraid that she'll fall in love with me?"

"Please. More like, irritated by your mere presence", Aaron retorts while we all roll our eyes.

Blake comes beside me and hands me a wrapped present.

"Happy Birthday beautiful", he says cutely. I blush at the compliment.

"Thanks Blake".

Everyone hands me a gift and make me promise to open them when we all are together.

Ashton is the last one to hand me one.

"Happy Birthday Lydia. You look beautiful in that dress".

"Thanks Ashton", I say. We both continue looking at each other and that is until we hear someone clear their throat loudly and that someone turns out to be Blake who is looking at us with narrowed eyes.

"What's wrong Lyd?"

"Nothing Blake. Ashton just gave me a gift".

"Oh. Let's go get some drinks", he says while pulling me over to the table.

"Ashton, come with us". I don't know why I said that but by the genuine smile that he gave me for the first time since we met, melted my heart.

We all approach the table to see Mia and Aaron talking to some guy and Nick, Vi and Mason taking shots. Jason is in the corner, flirting with a girl who I've never seen before.

Vi looks at me and drags me towards the guys.

"Hey girl! Where are your brothers?"

"They messaged me saying they had some emergency and will be a little late".

"Oh okay. Come on Lyd, have this", she hands me tequila shots. I quickly down the shots and we head to the dance floor with Mia tagging along.

A few people wished me on our way. The dance floor was completely packed with bodies grinding against each other. We all started dancing right in the middle.

A little later, Aaron and Nick joined us. Nick danced with Violet or more like grinding on her. Aaron and Mia were no different.

Suddenly I felt two hands going around my waist.

"Hello gorgeous. What do you say about getting out of here with me?"

"Nope sorry", I say and try to go back to my friends but he had other plans. The mysterious guy didn't let go of me but dragged me to a corner and attempted to kiss me, before which he was dragged away from me by Ashton, who looked livid.

"How dare you touch a girl without her permission, you asshole?"

He threw punches at him even though he had already fainted because of the alcohol, I guess.

I ran towards Ashton and held his hand. I felt him go stiff for a second before letting the guy go when he registered it was me holding his hand.

"Are you okay? Did he hurt you?", he asks with concern flashing in his eyes.

"I'm fine. Thank you for saving me. I would have hit him where the sun doesn't shine, but he had me blocked", I add in the end so as to ease the tension.

He chuckles, which is the most amazing sound I've ever heard. Wait, what did I just say?

"Lydia, are you okay?"

I see all my friends surrounding us with concern on their faces.

"I'm fine guys, but I can't say the same for Ashton's knuckles".

Everyone looks at him and he avoids them. I roll my eyes and grab his hand dragging him with me to my room so I could put a bandage on them.

"You guys enjoy the party, we'll be back in a few minutes. I need to clean these", I say while pointing at his hand. They nod their heads and spread.

I drag him inside my room and make him sit on the bed. I fetch the first aid kit and start cleaning the wound while he look at me which in turn makes me blush.

"Why?", he asks. I've never felt so confused in my life.

"Why what?"

"Why are you doing this? All we do is fight and argue whenever we meet and I haven't been the most polite person around".

"Then why did you help me back there?", I ask.

"He was trying to force himself on you. I would have done this for anyone".

"Yes. But, you wouldn't have looked at that person with the same concern as you looked at me", I voice my thoughts. I know there's something between us and it's making me go crazy.

"You're right. I wouldn't have", and saying so he does something that I would have never thought of. He kissed me right on my lips. I was stunned for a moment. I couldn't process that Ashton was kissing me.

Finally I came back to my senses and kissed him back with the same intensity.

After what felt like hours but in reality just a few minutes, we pulled away. We looked at each other and I could feel the connection. Something changed between us today. I could see it in his eyes.

Before anyone of us could say anything, my door burst open and I heard the words that I've been dreading since I stepped my foot here.

"We found Max's location", Cole blurts out and freezes when he sees Ashton sitting here with me. A look of pure dread passes between Cole, Julian and me.

"Who is Max?", Ashton asks keeping his eyes focused on mine. I gulp down the lump in my throat and turn towards the two who give me a warning look but something tells me to tell him the truth and that's what I do.

"He's the one who killed my parents".

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A/N

Ashton and Lydia finally kissed!

What do you guys think about the new revelation?. The next update coming soon. Stay tuned and tap the star in the corner.

PS: Thanks Irishak26 for helping me choose the dresses. Love you girl!

Till the next time. See ya!