"Thea!" my dad shouted from downstairs just as I applied the last coat of mascara. 

I sighed, running down the stairs to where my dad was sitting which was in the living room, reading a newspaper whilst Anastasia was hurriedly packing her things inside her huge bag then taking a binding folder and placing it under her arm before bolting out the front door. My heart went out to Anastasia, knowing that being a principal of a school must be hard but if she liked her job then there's nothing I could say. 

"Yes daddy?" I asked, sitting down next to my dad before snuggling into his side that had him ruffle my hair and smile. "Dad, I just got my hair done." 

"You sound just like Aubree," my dad replied with a shake of his head. "Anyway, you're not going school today."

I arched an eyebrow. "Why?" 

My dad's eyes darted around, trying to avoid eye contact that had my suspicions grow until Aubree skipped down the stairs, kissing my dad on the cheek before dragging me away. My dad exhaled in relief before going back to his newspaper as Aubree smiled sweetly at me. 

Aubree has been acting weird ever since Marco picked her up from school the other day but I didn't question it just in case it might be, you know, personal. I ran a hand through my hair as if trying to brush it out until Aubree threw my phone at me as I caught it swiftly, not wanting my baby to die. 

"We're going shopping!" Aubree exclaimed with a clap of her hands. 

My jaw dropped as I looked behind at my dad but all he did was not notice anything. I sighed. "Shopping with you is so hard." 

"Silly," Aubree patted my on the shoulder with a smile. "We're going shopping for you." 

"Why can't we do that on the weekends?" I asked suspiciously. 

Aubree looked around as if searching for an excuse but apparently she couldn't think of one because by the time I blinked twice, I was already in Aubree's Porsche as she drives on the road that led to the mall. I glared at Aubree but all she did was sing-along to Drake's One Dance song. 

After dancing and singing along to many Drake songs, Aubree finally pulled up to a space where she parked then bolted out of the car and before I could even open my door, Aubree managed to fling open my passenger door seat then dragged me out of the car. 

I sighed heavily as I watched her blonde curls bounce on her shoulders, her arms linked with mine as she pulled me inside each store, apparently trying to find a perfect outfit which had me even more confused so I assumed we were just going to a party or something. I had long forgotten about Xavier, not caring what he does anymore because it clearly looks like he wasn't the same Xavier I knew ages ago.

"That's the one!" Aubree exclaimed excitedly after I exited the crowded, small change room that was filled with so many colourful floor length dresses. 

It's been two hours. 

"Are we going to a party or some ball on the weekend?" I questioned as I sighed, looking up at the mirror standing before me as I examined the dress. 

The dress was plain, black. Of course. Who doesn't love black, right? It was a strapless dress that held my breasts comfortably, also tightening my waist to make it more curvy but it was still comfortable. Then from the knees on, it wasn't' tight at all, it was like a flowy kind of thing....I guess.  

"Quickly, we only have a few more hours left!" Aubree shouted, ushering me inside the change room so I could get changed back into my normal clothes right after her eyes widened at the watch that sat on her wrist. 

I changed back into my normal clothes which consisted of grey sweat pants, a grey Nike jumper and black and white, Adidas Superstars. Aubree grabbed the dress carefully before we made our way to the counter where the cash register lady was looking absolutely bored. She lazily scanned the price tag before harshly grabbing the dress.

"Careful with that dress or I won't be paying for it," Aubree threatened which had a shiver go down my spine as the cash register lady's eyes widened, fully awake before gently and gracefully, placing the dress in the bag. 

"That will be 2,500 dollars ma'am," the cash register lady said, looking up carefully at Aubree who only pulled out a black credit card that had my eyes widened. 

The lady nodded, scanning the card before she gave the card back to Aubree who placed it safely inside her wallet, then grabbing the bag before putting it further up her hand as the bag laid on her wrist. 

"Where now?" I questioned, looking at a chocolate store dreamily right when we exited the dress store. 

Aubree must've noticed because in the corner of my eyes, I saw her roll her own eyes then dragged me towards a very stylish looking hair salon. I gulped as she sat me on one of those chairs that had people doing your nails. I looked up at Aubree who smiled at me innocently before approaching towards an Asian lady who had the brightest smile. 

Aubree took out her phone and I assumed she showed her a picture on her phone because the lady quickly smiled and nodded her head before taking a seat right in front of me. The lady gave me the sweetest smile before she quickly got to work. Whilst she was working, she was placing fake nails onto my real ones which scared me a little and when I looked behind to see what was Aubree doing, she was on her phone, texting uncontrollably fast. 

After an hour or so, the lady in front of me was done as I lifted my hand up to see what she had done to my perfect, natural nails. My eyes widened at the acrylic nails, it wasn't really long but it was just the right length. A smile settled on my lips at the colour of a dark-ish brown. 

I felt a hand grip onto my forearm, pulling me up from the chair that I was starting to get comfortable in before placing me on a bigger chair. I arched my eyebrow in confusion at Aubree who quickly took a Snapchat of me before sitting down on a chair beside me, giving me a wink. The same lady came behind me, brushing out my hair then applying some heat protectant that smelt so good. 

I blinked when she started straightening my hair. 

"Why am I getting beautified up now?" I asked Aubree, looking at her in the mirror. 

Aubree looked up. "Let's just say that tonight you have a ball to attend tonight." 

"What does that mean?" 

"Thea, just relax," Aubree answered with a soft smile. "You'll be surprised." 

"Did I mention I hate surprises?" 

Aubree blinked then shook her head with a satisfied smile. 

Once the lady was done, she led Aubree and I to the cash register where Aubree pulled out the same black credit card then gave it to a younger girl who quickly scanned the card before waving us off. We quickly got into Aubree's Porsche before she drove us home unbelievably fast. 

"Okay, put on the dress," Aubree commanded, giving me the bag before ushering me upstairs into my room. 

I quickly put the dress on, looking at my reflection as I let a smile settle onto my lips. I've never looked this pretty before. A light bulb moment slammed into my head as I quickly got my laptop out from under the bed and went on Skype, relief rushing through my veins as I saw the twins were online. I started to call them. 

"Miss Pearson!" both of the twins exclaimed happily once they answered. 

"Hi KK's!" I replied with a chuckle. Their smile dissolved and their heads were getting closer to the camera by the second.

"Why do you look so pretty?" Kody asked, earning a slap from his brother. 

"What he meant was, why do you look extra beautiful this evening?" Keith rearranged Kody's words around. 

"I honestly don't know," I answered with a shrug. "Aubree said it was a surprise." 

"We missed you Pearson," the twins whispered sadly simultaneously and then instantly, I felt home sick. 

Before I could answer, the door busted open, revealing Aubree who skipped into the room casually before looking at me then at my laptop. She squealed in delight, pushing me aside gently before waving at the webcam. "KK's!" 

"Aubree!" the twins exclaimed with the same enthusiasm. "We heard a lot about you." 

"You both look hot!" Aubree shouted as I pinched the bridge of my nose. 

"Thea thinks we look ugly," Kody pouted. 

"I'm your sister, of course I would think that," I replied with an eye roll. 

"Do you want to see me give Thea a makeover?" Aubree asked. 

The twins looked at each other before nodding. 

"Let's get to work!" Aubree exclaimed. 

My fear of her grew. 

Aubree sat me dead straight on the floor as she adjusted the room lighting to like, brighter than my future. I groaned at the sudden light change but Aubree only demanded I shut my eyes the entire time. I felt brushes and her finger glide onto my skin multiple times and the twins asking what was what because they were absolutely clueless on makeup. 

"I'm trying to work on my masterpiece," Aubree had answered with a snap as both the twins were making a lot of noise. 

I was glad that Aubree and the twins were able to get along. 

"Open your eyes Thea," Aubree whispered as I finally managed to open my eyes after what felt like forever, my butt feeling numb. 

I felt different. 

I cleared my parched throat as the twins stared at me wide-eyed as I only rolled my eyes and looked into the makeup mirror Aubree had brought from her room. My own eyes widened as I investigated on each part of my face. My jaw dropped at how different I looked yet I still look like, well, me. Aubree had done a pink-ish and purple smokey eye, adding glitter on my eyelids that had my smile instantly make their way onto my face. Aubree had given me a natural, dark pink lipstick, pulling off the look. 

I stood up, feeling pain shooting inside my legs as I gave Aubree a hug whilst earning a pat on the back with a light laugh. "I'm glad you love it." 

I nodded, releasing Aubree as I looked down at my laptop to see the twins already taking pictures of me. "What are you doing?" 

"Is it prom night or something?" Kody asked with a frown. 

"You don't have to look that nice for a party," Keith added. 

I was about to answer but Aubree clapped her hands, earning all of our attention. "It's a surprise."

Before the twins could say anything, there was loud honk from outside my window as Aubree made her way to see what was going on. Her eyes widened before hurriedly saying bye to the twins before ending the call which made my heart ache. She quickly sat me down on the bed, making me wear red stilettos before grabbing my wrist as we both made our way downstairs then outside. 

My jaw dropped as I blinked more than twice, my eyes brimming with tears as I covered my mouth with my hand. Aubree collected the same-looking black credit card from my dad and shoved it inside her wallet before standing beside him and Anastasia. I hadn't noticed that the sky went black, the stars shimmering in the night sky making the whole scene look ten times better. 

There was a black BMW sitting on our drive way, looking as godlike as ever. The engine was on, roaring at the sight of me as I could see Marco get out of the car in his usual attire which obviously consisted of all black clothes. Aubree squealed once she saw him as she quickly ran into his arms, crushing her into a million pieces. 

Then all eyes were on me as my eyes were still focused on the car in front of me. Both doors were upwards, the head lights of the car were a bright white as I could see neon blue outline. I looked at my dad who only shrugged before approaching me, giving me the tightest hug I could have ever asked for. 

"You deserve everything," my dad whispered. "I didn't buy the car though." 

"Then who did?" 

"That's a surprise," my dad answered with a chuckle before kissing me on the cheek. "You look beautiful. You should stop growing up." 

We all laughed as a stray tear escaped my eyes as it rolled down my cheeks. 

"Don't cry my make up off!" Aubree exclaimed, horrified. 

Anastasia took a few steps forward, giving me a bright smile that could light up the dark. "You look absolutely stunning." 

"Thanks-" I paused, looking at her. I've never let the words push through my barriers but let's just say that she was like a motherlike figure towards me; "-mom." 

Anastasia's eyes widened as she poked my dad as if checking to see if she was in a dream. My dad shook his head with a smile on his face. "I appreciate everything you do for me, mom." 

Anastasia was already bawling as she crushed me in her arms for a moment before releasing me. 

"You have somewhere to be now Thea," Marco said, taking a step forward with Aubree as he pointed towards the car. 

I bit my lip and nodded, remembering I knew how to drive. Aubree had given me a Michael Kors purse that she had been holding, and the same one that she had stuffed the credit card in. I took a seat inside as the doors automatically closed themselves leaving my eyes widening and my heart thumping against its cage. I rolled the black, tinted windows down to see my parents going inside the house with Aubree standing aside as Marco leaned against the window. 

"The GPS will show you the way," Marco informed, giving me a reassuring smile. 

I gulped, looking around the luxurious car that made me feel like a princess as I made a mental note to tell the twins all about this car. I cleared my throat and put the car on drive mode and as soon as I stepped on the gas pedal, the car started moving smoothly which had me startled. 

"Can I name this car 'my love'?" I asked myself out of nowhere as I followed the directions from a small bright, screen that settled in the middle. 

I focused on my driving, not wanting to get to any accidents as I followed the directions that the voice from the GPS was directing me to. I sat back, comfortably in the leather seat as the headlights were bright as hell, mentally thanking that I could see my surroundings. 

After half an hour or so of left and right turns, the GPS finally said I was at my destination. Biting my lip, I unbuckled my seat belt and looked around, leaving my engine on just in case some creep decides to attack my car. I was surrounded by a clearing and an ocean you couldn't really see because of the dark but suddenly, I heard a knock on my window with a flashlight under someone's pale face, startling me to death. 

I glared at Carl who let out a light laugh before opening my door. Trying to calm my beating heart, I turned off the engine and took the keys out of ignition, putting it into my purse before letting it sit under my arm before getting out of the car. Carl closed the door and patted the car with a grin before offering me an arm. 

"Shall we go somewhere?" Carl asked with a boy-ish grin. 

"You're lucky I didn't stab you with my stilettos," I answered. 

Carl chuckled. "Come on Thea." 

Rolling my eyes, I let a playful smile sit on my lips before linking my arm with his as he led me further towards the waters. The full moon shone brightly with the stars surrounding it like a cage, reflecting itself in the dark waters that had me smiling. Carl led me to a clearing that had small candles aligned together on each side, opposite of each other like an aisle. My jaw dropped at how beautiful it was as Carl led me towards the start of the aisle, kissing me on the cheek. 

"You look beautiful T," Carl whispered before leaving me to stand alone in the dark as I watch the dark swallow him up.

A few seconds later, I felt a small hand slip into mine as I nearly slapped the figure but when I looked down, I could see Kiki looking up at me with a smile. I let out a light laugh, pieces clicking together as I realised what this was. Sighing, Kiki nudged me with her small elbow. 

"Xavy's lucky," Kiki said with her eyes shimmering in the moonlight. "He's waiting for you." 

Xavy.

The nickname. 

Butterflies appeared in my stomach as I nodded, holding Kiki's small hand tightly as she and I walked slowly in between the candles. With each and every step, I could feel myself get closer to Xavier, the yearn to be in his arms once more and to laugh with him like we did when we were younger. 

Once Kiki and I passed the candle stage, Kiki quickly let go of my hand then ran into the darkness, swallowing her tiny figure up just like it did with Carl. I looked around nervously but just as my eyes began to dart around, there was a small round, white platform where a small white table and two white chairs were placed. I bit my lip as I approached the platform, ascending the small flight of stairs before I found out what was on the table. It was breathtaking. 

There was a framed photograph of Xavier and I when we were young, a small glass vase with a red rose sitting healthily inside. I laughed when I saw a paper ring sitting right next to the photograph, one I had made for Xavier when we were younger. A blush crept towards my cheeks as I picked up the paper ring, my messy hand writing visible. 

Xavy and Thea. 

Before I could turn around and look for Xavier, large hands encircled my small waist as I instantly felt the warmth from the person. The only person who gave me warmth. I relaxed in his arms as I felt light, feather kisses on my exposed shoulders, my breath getting caught up in my throat as I could feel him dragging his lips upwards towards my neck before his lips reached my ear. 

"You look like a goddess," his deep, voice whispered, sending shivers down my spine as I let out a laugh. 

I turned around in his arms as I could see Xavier's tousled hair give him a handsome look, his eyes shining in the moonlight and his lips, not so far apart from mine. He released his arms away from my body and just as he did so, I could feel a rush of cold air glide onto my skin as I cleared my throat, remembering that day. 

Xavier must've realised because he pulled out a chair for me as I took a seat. He quickly rounded the table before seating himself on the other side of the table. Xavier wore a white suit but instead