Chapter 1

🎶We're living the life

We're doing it right

You're never gonna be unsatisfied

If you wanna dance

If you want it all

You know I'm the girl that you should call 🎶

- Katy Perry -

***

#Jean's POV

Today is my birthday.

No. Don't read it with exclamation because I don't either.

Yeah, I know what you think, because this is the special day I was born to earth; because this is the big 'twenty-one' and it only comes once i a lifetime; because I'm getting older and getting closer to becoming a real adult, which is the day I officially allowed to drink alcohol, so I should be celebrating. Hard.

At least, that's what my friends tell me, but I don't wat to listen. Why?

First, I don't drink. Second, I don't like to go parties, nor do I like hosting one. I'd much rather camp in my room and read a book than go to any party. Third, I don't drink. Did I say that twice?

That's enough reason. Okay, maybe not enough, but that's acceptable, right?

Another reason why I have a love-hate relationship with birthday parties is that I don't have anyone to celebrate it with. Don't count my crazy, lovely friends. They'll just reject all my ideas of birthday plans and say they suck.

What about family? My dear mother, who hasn't called for the last couple months? She probably doesn't even remember the date. Duh. 

Boyfriend? Eh, not so much. When I say not so much, I mean, I don't have a boyfriend. Romance is not exactly on my list right now. 

I know it seems like me being optionally single would be the main reason as to why I don't want to mingle at parties, or even go for that matter, but no. I'm very happy with my life now and in no search for a boyfriend. Thank you very much.

Well, unless you want to bring Luke Spencer as my date, I'm all for it. He is just the most beautiful man on earth I'd ever have the blessing to lay my eyes on. The way his dirty, dark blond looks sexy, like he just woke up and greeted you with all his glory. Those electric blue eyes that can paralyze you, capture your gaze, and hold you in for eternity. Those tall, long legs just go on forever. 

And let us not forget his deep, husky voice. They bless my ears every single time.

In case you don't know, then please get out from under the rock you live in. He is a vocalist and guitarist in a rock band called After Six. I love to listen to their song every day. Everything about him is just out of this world beautiful, so he will always be on my exceptional list. Don't be jealous. 

***

Spending time alone in your room with a good book in hand, comfortable pj's and warm milk on the bedside table without disruption is definitely heaven. Believe me. I really appreciate these times because, between my part-time job and classes, I rarely had time to just relax and enjoy myself.

So I'm just planning to be a lazy human being today.

Well, it was the plan before someone banged on my door and ruined my heaven.

"Open the door, J! I know you're in there!" Says the muffled sound from behind the door, which I strongly assume to be none other than Kylen. My bestfriend.

"The person you're calling is unavailable, please don't bother coming back!" I shout back.

Please, just one peaceful day.

"Open the door now or I'll tell the whole campus that you're doing dirty things over the half-naked picture of Luke in there!" She throws back, louder this time.

Oh my God! My jaw hit the floor. Literally.

Scrumbling up from the floor, I curse softly. Does she even realize that she is just screaming her voice out in the hallway? I'm lucky if tomorrow no one's ever say a word about it.

Can a girl have a dream guy to drool over in peace? 

"Goodness, you're unbelievable!" I walk and open the door with a mood.

"Now what?" I scowl. If they aren't my best friends, I'll be tempted to bitch-slap one of them, or both. Whichever works. When your heaven is ruined, this reaction is justifiable. Sigh.

"Uh-huh, that's not the way you greet your long-lost friends, J." Kylen says, while entering my room, with Bethany close behind, smiling at me.

Let me introduce these two girls to you, since I kind of have a lot of free time. I just know that you guys must be curious as to who these girls are. No need to thank me. I'm just that considerate.

No? Well, I'll still do it anyway.

Kylen is your basic 'prim and pretty' kind of girl with shiny blond hair and sharp blue eyes, so talkative that sometimes I need to remind her to stop talking for a minute and take a breath. She looks calm and collected on the outside, like your most perfect exemplary student. But when it's just us, it's a totally different story. Everything about her is pretty, but her mouth. She has a foul mouth that would make a sailor look ashamed. 

Bethany is the opposite of Kylen. She is the cutest and the most kind girl I have ever met, with beautiful dark hair and clear green eyes. She doesn't talk much, but when she speaks, we'll all turn silent and listen to her. I guess that's her thing. She will do well in politics. 

I love them both. So very much. They are like the sisters I never have, that I can count on every time life gets too hard.

What about me? Alright, if you're curious about me, I'll tell you a little. I'm the plainest girl of all, with my long boring brown hair and light brown eyes. Absolutely plain on the body parts, where the important things matter.

I am what people will call the epitome of safety and normality. I'm a student with excellent grades. I work at a local family diner on weekdays. I have absolute love for books. I volunteer in local hospitals on holidays. I don't even date. 

Wow, that sounds boring, but honestly, I don't really care. I'm just going to focus on the task in my hand and finish university quickly so I can get out of here ahead of time. I'll find a neat job with an excellent payment, live in a terrific neighbourhood, and meet Luke someday.

Actually, I'll just stalk him from concerts to concerts. Buy all of his albums and win his exclusive photocard collection. Get a free hug from him, if I have the courage before I get old and die. That's my little plan.

"We met 3 hours ago, K." I say to Kylen, "And yes, please feel free to drink my milk." I say to Beth, who sits on my bed and is drinking my milk.

"Sorry, Jean." She smiles sheepishly while putting back the glass, half empty.

I sigh as I close the door and walk to my spinning chair.

"Now, that's not how the birthday girl spends her day." Kylen says like a mother who is disappointed with her child for not going out on friday night.

"Here we go." I mutter softly with an eyeroll​ for good measure.

"Come on, Jean, let's go out and have fun! You can't just hole up in this cave on your birthday. I mean, this is once in a lifetime. You are turn-"

"Yes, I know, Kylen." I cut her off, "But I just can't. You know why."

"Oh bulls! You can drink water if you want, just come with us. All we want is just for you to enjoy your birthday and start to live. Nothing is wrong with it."

That is a very convincing speech; I'm almost moved to tears. Note the sarcasm. 

Who actually come to the club to drink a glass of water? 

"Say something, Beth! You're supposed to help me convince Jean instead of reading." Kylen hisses angrily when she sees me not giving the response she wants.

I look at Beth, who starts to put down my book and looks guilty. Poor girl needs some exciting life too. Should we go to the bookstore to buy a new book instead? 

"Give her a break, K." I smile at Beth with a plan to ask her to go to the bookstore together.

"No, I think Kylen's right." Beth answers and looks me in the eyes. Oh, she's being serious.

"I think you need to let loose and live a little, Jean. At least just for tonight. Just the three of us. I promise. Beside, it's been a long time since we had a girls night out. And tonight is the perfect time. I miss our girl's night out." She continues.

"Ugh, not you too, Beth." I groan. I always thought that Beth was on my side in this. Apparently not.

She was right, though I won't admit it openly. I've been so busy with my routines that I forget how to just... have fun with my girls. If it's just the three of us, maybe I can break some rules and let them take me somewhere fun. Just for tonight.

Beside, they're my bestfriends, they won't harm me, right?

Just like that, I'm sold. 

Feeling defeated, I sigh again. Today seems like the day I sigh the most. Who said birthday is the happiest day? What tough luck! 

Alright. Just for tonight, I preptalk myself. Nothing's going to happen in a few hours. I'll just have some fun for a few hours and then go back to my routines. I'll just think of this as a dream, and when I wake up the next day, everything will be back to normal.

I didn't know at the time that this decision of mine would actually change everything in my life. And I would never be the same ever again. 

*** 

After deciding to go, I put a silent mode to my brain before I start overthinking again.

Once I decide on something, I will try my best to stick to my decision. No takebacks. So first things first, I need to set something straight with dear Kylen here. 

"Fine, I'll go, but no skimpy, flimsy or scanty clothes for me." I put emphasis on each word when I see Kylen begins to put on her winning smile.

Beth, on the other hand, looks like she has a cramp.

Hm? That is suspicious.

"What?" I ask Beth, hoping that Kylen doesn't have something evil planned.

"Umm..." Beth looks lost for words and glances at Kylen for help.

"Nothing skimpy for the princess, I promise." Kylen answers assuredly. But with those wicked gleams in her eyes when she starts to unload the inside of her duffle bag on my bed? I got chills.

When does she put it there? That is a lot stuffs, right there. 

Wait, isn't this supposed to be only a girl's night out? 

My heart unsettled. 

"What's that?" I ask Kylen warily, afraid to hear her answers.

"This, my dear," she drawls, "is your clothes for the night." She completes it with mischievous smiles that give me chills. Not good.

Good Lord, I realize then I just gave her the ticket to do her crazy plans. 

Let's pray I can really enjoy it. Hopefully to never regret it.

***

a/n: 

It's 1,8k words. Edited. Phew. 

but if you stil find some mistake here, let me know. ;)