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15th 

(Not edited)

*

"Wear this hat!"

Aaron's eyes widened as he stared down at the hat I was holding. "What the fudge? Hell, no way. I'm not wearing this —" he took the hat out of my hand. "— crap!"

I rolled my eyes. "Oh, come on. It's Sophie's birthday! What happened to let's-make-her-happy-on-her-birthday?" I reminded him, folding my arms across my chest. 

"That doesn't mean I have to wear this stupid hat," Aaron protested as he sat down on my bed. "Can we just skip this part?"

I scowled. "No," He frowned as I seized the hat from him. "Just wear it. Believe me, you still look good wearing it." I placed the hat on his head before staggering backwards to observe my brother. 

I lied. Aaron looked miraculously hideous wearing the party hat. It was green with silver stripes, and it has 'Happy Birthday' written on it. The hat even has its own special feature — a furry white ball, stuck on top of the cone. 

He sighed. "I know you're lying, Ellie. You're never good at it," Aaron grumbled, and I grimaced. "You're lucky I love my sisters."

"Aww, that's sweet of you," I teased as he tucked the string under his chin. I grabbed my own hat from the dresser, and put it on. While Aaron's hat was green, mine was bright pink. 

Call me girly, I don't care. 

Aaron pointed a finger at me warningly. "No pictures, no videos —"

"Okay, okay,"

"And if you ever laugh at me, I'll put it off right away," he fussed, narrowing his eyes at me. 

I shrugged. "I won't laugh at you, I promise. No one is going to see you wearing that hat anyway. Just me and Sophie," 

Aaron literally ran towards my dresser mirror, pushing me out of his way. "Oh, God. This is horrible," He sighed dramatically, staring at himself in the mirror. "Why did you give me the green one? It's the hideous of them all."

I sauntered closer to him before wrapping an arm around his waist. "Green suits you," I convinced, smiling at him in the mirror. "I think we better get to Sophie's room before she wakes up." I gestured Aaron to the door as he kept adjusting his party hat. 

Slowly, we made our way towards Sophie's bedroom, and I opened her bedroom door. I poked my head through the door, and sighed in relief as I realized she's still sleeping. 

"Is she still asleep?" Aaron asked as he poked his head through the door right above my head. 

"Yeah, and shut up!" I whispered, hitting his stomach. I pulled my head out of the door, and he did the same thing. "Let's get to the middle of the room, and shout 'happy birthday'!" I suggested, grinning. 

"What if she gets a heart attack?" Aaron said, raising his eyebrow. His words made him look even stupider than before — with his stupid, green hat and all. 

I slapped his arm, annoyed. "Sophie's turning ten, not eighty!" 

He shrugged. "Fine, fine. Sorry." Aaron placed his hand on the doorknob before turning it really slow. 

Tiptoeing, we made our way to the middle of the room, right in front of her bed. 

 "1 .... 2 .... 3 .." I counted before we both shout, "Happy Birthday, Sophie!" 

Aaron started to blow his blower loudly, and we both danced around like maniacs. I slipped my hands into my hoodie's pockets, and threw the pink confetti around her bedroom. 

Sophie got up into a sitting position, rubbing her eyes. Aaron and I were both grinning happily as we waited for her reaction. 

When she finally realized what was going on, a huge smile crossed her face instantly. "Oh, my God. Thank you so much," Sophie cried happily, covering her mouth using her hands. Her eyes held a huge glint of happiness. 

I skipped closer to the bed, and threw myself around her. "Happy birthday, Sophie. I love you so so much," I cooed, kissing the top of her head. 

Sophie planted a kiss on my cheek. "Thanks, Ellie. I love you too!" She chirped, flashing me a big smile. 

"What about me?" Aaron pursed his lips, crossing his arms to his chest. The blower was still hanging on his lips, and it made him look like a retarded guy. 

I've never seen Aaron Burke looked so ... not cool. 

We both laughed, and Sophie widened her arms for a hug. Aaron leapt towards her, and jumped onto the bed. 

"Happy birthday, sissy!" he wished, crushing her bones. "You're a big girl now, aren't you?" he ruffled her hair playfully. 

"Yup," Sophie chortled, popping the 'p'. "Thanks guys. I'm so happy today." she said genuinely, and I put my arm around her. 

In this kind of occasion, I couldn't help but to miss my parents. If only they're here with us, it'd be more perfect than this. It's weird to celebrate her birthday without Mom and Dad, I never thought I could ever do this. 

Aaron insisted on giving Sophie a surprise early in the morning  — just like we had always done with our parents when they're still alive. I was weak, and almost nothing without my siblings. 

"I wish Mom and Dad are here with us," Sophie suddenly said, looking down to the teddy bear she was holding. 

I didn't say anything neither did Aaron. 

 It took everything inside of me to utter this, "They're always with us, Sophie. Mom and Dad would be so proud of you. If we always remember them, then they'll never leave us,"

Sophie's lips twitched into a weak smile. I looked up to Aaron, and he was giving me his usual assuring smile. His blue eyes were shining, and I knew he's proud of me. 

I've finally learned how to accept things, thanks to him. 

"Ellie's right. As long as we stick together, Mom and Dad would never leave us," Aaron said, breathing out. 

And then we just sat there, hugging each other, and laughing at how ridiculous Aaron looked like. 

**

Balloons. 

Check!

Streamers.

Check!

Food.

Check!

Riley...

I sighed, and dropped myself onto the couch. I just couldn't stop thinking about him, and I didn't even know how his name ended up on my to-do list. My brain was full of his name, and his incredibly hot face, his warm smile, his dimples, his laugh, his...

Oh, shut up brain!

I really had to stop thinking about him. It's not like I haven't talked to him for weeks. Heck, I talked to him like an hour ago. Riley called me to ask what was Sophie's favorite color. I guess, he was shopping for her birthday present. 

The whole house has been decorated — light blue balloons were scattered everywhere, and some of them were attached to the front door. Colorful streamers were hung around the house — the stairs, the ceiling and even the food table. 

Even though the party was just for our family, and of course, Riley and Ms. Gail, we still decorated the house as much as we could. Aaron and I decided to make this day special for our beloved little sister. She deserved it anyway. 

Talking about special, we even prepared a lot of food. There were red velvet cupcakes, pizzas, a warm apple pie, and some cookie-dough ice-cream for desserts. Just by saying their names, it made my stomach growl hungrily. 

I went upstairs when everything was settled. I still needed to get ready for the party. I don't know if it was necessary to dress up  — I mean, Riley's blind. No matter how good I tried to look (which was actually impossible) he wouldn't get to see me. 

Tired, I dropped myself onto my bed, lying on my back. I knew this was going to be a long night. I needed to tell Riley about my parents, and there was no way out. I couldn't think of any excuse to give him, and tonight might just be the right time for me to tell him everything. 

We've been friends for more than a month now, and I trusted him. Deep inside, I knew Riley trusted me too. He told me almost everything so why shouldn't I do the same thing? 

Staring at the ceiling, I sighed. Tonight would also be the first official meeting of Aaron and Riley. Though, Aaron knew who Riley was, and he knew he's blind. I didn't think I could ever keep more secret. It was hard enough to keep one particular secret from Riley. 

Aaron was shocked, of course. He never thought his ultimate crush's nephew was blind, and that I was crushing on a blind guy. It took him several days to accept the shocking news, but he eventually gave his approval. 

He said he wanted me to be happy, and he knew Riley made me feel happy. Aaron also knew Riley was the reason I kept breaking all the plates in our house. 

Blame Riley as he had such an infectious smile. My stupid brain didn't want to stop thinking about it. 

After I got showered, I slipped into my new dress. It was a strapless, coral-colored dress, and the skirt was knee-length. My hair has been straightened, and it was cascading down my back.  I observed myself inside the mirror tentatively, feeling so insecure. 

I didn't even know why did I try to look good for the party. It's not like Riley could see me — he's blind, idiot. Then again, I doubt I looked good anyway. Riley did say I look like Shrek, and he didn't even have to look at me. 

I felt more self-conscious when I put on a pair of black wedge two-inch heels. For your information, it was only the second time I wore these heels. The first one was during Mom's best friend's wedding, and I had stumbled for countless times on that day. 

I've always hated high heels — and this thing were actually placed right on top of my cupboard, been left until it were covered with dust until today. 

I wandered downstairs, taking longer than usual given how cautious I was walking in heels. 

"Hey, Aaron," I muttered, sauntering into the lounge. Aaron was busy arranging the napkins on the table. 

He gave me a closed mouth smile before lifting his eyes to look at me. "Hey-" He stopped talking instantly, looking at me up and down. 

I bit my lips, and waited for his reaction. Did I look horrible? Was that why his eyes widened like meatballs?

A huge smile formed on his face, and I couldn't help but to sigh in relief. "Wow." Aaron mused, clapping his hands. "You really are falling hard for that blind guy, aren't you?"

I frowned. "His name is Riley." I said, somehow in a defensive tone. I really hated it when someone call him 'blind guy'. Maybe because I've never looked at him in that way. Riley was pretty much perfect to me. 

He chuckled. "Sorry. I didn't mean it that way, Elle," he apologized, walking closer towards me. He put his hands on my arms. "You look beautiful. Sad case that guy can't see you,"

I poked his forehead. "Again, his name is Riley Flynn," I stated patently, and he pouted, rubbing his forehead. "And don't ever say anything like that in front of him, okay? He's really sensitive."

"Anything like what?"

"You know, words like blind, sightless, can't see, weird, freak —" I gave him a few examples, rolling my eyes. "— I don't know. Just promise me you'll be nice to him, Aaron. Please....." I pleaded, using my puppy eyes. 

He shrugged. "I'm not that mean, you know. And okay, I promise. I won't offend your new boyfriend by saying those words you've said,"

"He's not my boyfriend."

"He will be."

I groaned in frustration, and he laughed. My brother could really be so freaking annoying. "Just —" I pointed my index finger to his nose.

He held up his hands. "Wohoo, don't worry, my lady," Aaron slapped my finger away. "I won't say anything stupid to your boyfriend  —" he stressed his voice on boyfriend, narrowing his eyes at me. "— because my lover is his aunt."

I felt like puking. "Eww, Aaron, get over yourself. Ms. Gail is my teacher and she won't —" Before I could even finish my sentence the door bell rang. 

Aaron flicked his eyes to the door. "I bet our lovers are here." he turned his eyes back to me, cocking his eyebrows. I opened my mouth to say something, but Aaron was already heading towards the door. 

He opened the door, revealing Ms. Gail and my potential crush. I stood behind Aaron as he stepped aside to let them in. 

"Hey, Gail," Aaron greeted my teacher, flashing one of his so-called special smiles. "I'm glad you could come to our house for Sophie's birthday party." He shook her hand. 

Ms. Gail grinned. "No problem. I'm happy to celebrate it together with your family," she said genially before smiling at me. She looked beautiful  — wearing a plain, red strap dress, the skirt not too tight or short. 

Aaron turned his eyes to Riley. "You must be Riley? Ellie's bo —" I knew he almost blurted boyfriend, but thank God he managed to stop. Aaron winked his eye at me playfully. "— friend."

I take back every nice things I said about Aaron. 

Riley smiled, and my stomach did a back flip. "Yeah. I'm Riley Flynn," he introduced himself, holding out a hand. "You're Aaron Burke? Ellie's brother?" 

Aaron nodded, and shook his hand. "Yup. The one and only," he joked, and Riley let out a low chuckle. 

But his low chuckle still made my heart race like a Formula one car. How did it possible, I would never know. 

God, Riley looked so hot. I found myself drooling over him, and my eyes were checking him out intently. He was wearing a black button-down shirt, and dark pants. His hair was messy in a sexy way. His deep, warm brown eyes were visible as he didn't have his shades on. 

How could he make me feel so much by just standing in front of me?

"Let's get to the lounge. I think Sophie's already there," Aaron said, still showing Ms. Gail his infamous smile. I ignored him as I knew nothing would stop him from flirting with my own English teacher. 

Aaron, and Ms. Gail were walking in front while Riley was walking beside me. I realized there were at least ten inch gap between me and Riley, but I was still breathing nervously. 

"Where are your parents?" he asked, and it made my heart stopped beating for a moment. Why did he ask that one particular question?! 

I gulped, trying to find an answer for him. Things got worse when Riley turned his eyes to look at me. The intensity of his dark brown eyes was killing me from inside. 

"I-I-" I stuttered, biting my lower lips. I stopped walking, and Riley did the same thing as he probably realized I wasn't walking anymore. 

"Ellie?" His voice echoed inside my ears, sending shivers through me. I averted my eyes away from meeting his as I couldn't take it much longer. There was something in his eyes that made me feel something I've never felt before. 

Tell him now!

No, not now!

Riley would understand. He's a good guy!

Well, that's why you couldn't tell him!

I slapped my cheek, squinting my eyes. I couldn't think of any answer, I was blank. I realized Ms. Gail and Aaron were already gone from there so they couldn't help me — no one could help me at this point. 

Man up, Ellie. Don't be a chicken. 

I inhaled deeply before flicking my eyes to see his beautiful face. "Riley, there's something you need to know about me, and it's important."

*

A/N:

Wohoo! Early update and cliffhanger ;P I bet you guys are cursing right now xP *evil grin*

Don't forget to vote and shoot me a comment! I love reading it :D

Love, 

Bella ;)