Three Thousand Miles (53 page)

“Alanna are you ready?” My throat dries up very quickly and I am lost for words. Adrian waits patiently for my response but I cannot think of one. I had a feeling that tonight this was going to happen and now that it has I don’t know how I feel. I love Adrian and I want nothing more than to be with him. But at the same time I think what if I disappoint him? What if he doesn’t feel the same way about me afterwards? My heart is pounding and I know that he is getting impatient. He gently runs his hand along my arm and I gasp at his touch. I look into his eyes and suddenly I know my answer.

“Yes I am ready,” Adrian smiles at me as he leans in and kisses me. His lips are gentle and his hands are all over my body. He loosens his grip on me as he walks over to the dresser. He slides on the radio and I smile as I hear the song.  Adrian stretches out his arm and I instantly lunge forward and grip it. He pulls me close and his kisses begin. This time they feel firmer and at first I feel a little uncomfortable but that soon fades when Adrian runs his fingers through my hair. He again pulls back and this time he walks me over to the bed.

“Baby, are you sure about this?” I don’t answer instead I pull him towards me and I kiss him.

The rain is thunderous and
Gabrielle
Aplin’s
the power of love fills the room as
Adrian kisses me firmly. I grab onto his hair and then it happens. His lips are all over me and our bodies are connected. His skin is soft and glowing and I bask in his presence. My heart is pounding and his cologne is strong. My mind is rushing and I cannot believe that we waited for so long. This feels natural and perfect. I know that Adrian is my soul mate and I can only describe this feeling as magic.

Thursday June 6
th
- My Twenty-Third Birthday

The next morning I wake and the sun is shining through the window. As my eyes open, I feel Adrian next to me. I am huddled into his chest as he sleeps soundly on his back. I lightly run my finger along his skin as I make a memory. I want to remember this moment for the rest of my life. I am with the most amazing guy and I love him. For the first time I am waking up next to him and this feeling is unbelievable. I lightly exhale as I take in his perfection. His hair is flopped against his forehead as he sleeps. His perfect chest lightly goes up and down as he breathes. His full lips gently twitch and I smile at the sight of them. I close my eyes and I remember last night. Adrian was perfect and I am glad that I waited for him. His touch was gentle in the stormy night and his kisses afterwards were romantic. I open my eyes again as I want to stare at him more.

I watch Adrian sleep for what seems likes hours until he finally wakes. His dark eyelashes flick open and there are his green eyes. He smiles as he sees me and he instantly clasps my head in his hand.

“Alanna, are you okay?” He says softly in his morning voice. I smile at him as I gently pat his chest.

“I couldn’t be better,” Adrian, laughs and then he pulls my face onto his. He kisses me and again it feels like magic. He pulls away from me and then he stares deep into my eyes. His finger gently caresses my lower lip as he says,

“Happy Birthday Alanna,”

Twenty-Nine

As soon as we arrive in New York, my anxiety about tonight is starting to show. My knees are twitching as Adrian and I sit in his black Rolls Royce. I nervously look at him and he instantly notices my emotions.

“Alanna you seem nervous,” he says he takes my shaking hand in his. I bite my lip as I reply.

“That’s because I am. I am terrified of what my mom has planned.” Adrian laughs at me.

“Baby don’t worry your mother hasn’t planned anything that should be terrified of.”

“Do you know what she has planned?” Adrian rolls his eyes.

“Of course I know,” I frown at him.

“Tell me,” I protest. Adrian lets out his husky laugh and I scowl harder at him. He lifts my hand up to his lips and he kisses my skin.

“No,” is all that he says.

The car stops and I gaze out the window at my family’s condo. I cannot remember the last time that I was I here. All I remember is that it was long before I met Adrian.

“Baby this is your stop,” I look at him in confusion what does he mean by ‘my stop’?

“Huh… explain?” I say quickly. Adrian laughs at me and I lightly scowl at him.

“I have a few things that I need to take care of. So you should spend this time with your family. I am sure they are itching to see the birthday girl!”

“What things?” Adrian scowls at me.

“It is nothing that concerns you. Now you really must go and see your family.”

“Are you at least coming to say hi?” Adrian takes my hand again in his as he exhales.

“Tell your family that I am sorry for my rudeness and that I will see them tonight at the party.” I force a smile as I agree with what he is saying. Adrian quickly steps out the car and now he is at my door. I grip his hand as he ushers me up the front steps. The air is warm and Adrian’s eyes make me melt. He pulls me in for a kiss and then he lets me go. I watch as he marches back to the car. He turns to me and he blows me a kiss.

“Until next time baby,”     

I walk slowly into the oversized condo and my mom and Penelope instantly greet me.

“Lanna,” Penelope shouts as she rushes into my arms. I grip my little sister and I realise that I have missed her so much.

“Happy birthday Lanna,” she says in bright voice. I gently stroke her face as I push her curls away. Her massive brown eyes are staring back at me and I gently let out a tear.

“Oh Penelope I have missed you,” I gush as I pull her in for another hug. I regretfully let go of her as my mom grabs onto me.

“Happy birthday sweetie,”

“Thanks mom,” I say, as I break free from her grip.

“So tell me about London,” my mom says as she pours us a coffee. I lean forward and rest my arms onto the surface of the breakfast bar. My mom hands me the coffee as I begin to tell her all about my trip - making sure I leave out the details about Chad, Zara and of course William for now. 

“Wow it sounds amazing, where is Adrian anyway?”

“He has things to do and he apologises for not being here.” My mom frowns at me.

“But he is coming to your party… right?”

“Yes and speaking of my party when are you going to let me know the theme?” My mom smiles as she reaches into the kitchen drawer. She turns to me and she hands me a black, feathered mask.

“The theme is masquerade,” I gently roll my eyes as I look over the mask. My mom is waiting patiently for my response. I instantly flash a smile towards my mom as she stands opposite me, wearing a dark red sweat suit. Her hair is in a flawless bob and her makeup is perfection.  

“Wow,” is all that I manage to say. I stare at the mask and I feel a sudden excitement rush over me. I always loved the idea of masked ball - ever since I watched an episode of gossip girl. Something about the secrecy and the idea of the masks allures me in. Also I cannot escape the thought of Adrian in his mask, he will look even more amazing than usual.

“Sweetie I know that you have always liked the idea of a masquerade party. Your father and I want to spoil to you this year because of how scared we were about losing you.” My mom gushes as she reaches over and gives me a firm hug. She pulls back and her face is beaming.

“Wait here sweetie I will go get your birthday gift!” My mom rushes into one of the bedrooms and she returns with a large, white gift box. There is a red ribbon tied around it and I smile as my mom hands it to me.

“Happy birthday, sweetie!” I slowly begin to open my gift and when I finally manage to get through the several layers of tissue paper, I find a MacBook Air. I instantly smile at my mom.

“Wow thanks mom, I love it!” I gush.

“Now there is one more surprise for you, follow me!” My mom says she begins to head for the bedroom. I carefully place my new computer onto the kitchen counter as I trail after my mom. I walk into the bedroom of my family’s Condo and I smile as I see that the décor remains the same- everything in black and white.  I walk further into the room and I see a dress lying on the bed. I move closer as my mom takes my hand.

“Do you like it?” She says as she makes eye contact with the black, feathered ball gown.

“Mom, it’s perfect!” I say as I begin to stroke the soft fabric of the dress. And I am not telling lies as this is most beautiful dress that I have ever seen.

“Now sweetie it is getting late you better start to get ready!” My mom says as she heads out the room. I again smile as I take in my dress. My black feathered mask lies beside it and I feel my excitement build.          

I have a long hot bath and then I fully moisturize by body and I do that until my skin is glowing. I wrap myself into a white fully robe as I make my way into the bedroom. I quickly blow dry my hair and I begin to style it for the party. I leave my curls hanging loose but I fasten my hair at the top into a high loop. I finish with a few crystal hair jewels and then I apply my makeup.  I gently let my lip-gloss fall onto the surface of the dressing table as I hear a text on my phone. I quickly rush over to my jeans pocket and I take out my white Blackberry.

Alanna, I have been held up at my meeting. I should not be too long but I will not be able to escort you to your party. Instead, I have arranged a car for you and your family. I will be at your party so please wait for me inside. I love you and I cannot wait to see you in your dress. I frown a little at Adrian’s words and I compose myself to write back to him.

Okay doll and I will be the one in black!

I gaze at my outfit in the mirror and I still cannot believe the beauty of this dress. It is strapless and the bodice is very tight. The bottom flares out as it hits floor and the black feathers that line the skirt are breath taking. I finish my look as I slide on my mask. I take a good look at the girl staring back and I smile.

“OMG, you look amazing!” Sophie says as she pours in the through the door. I turn to look at her and she is gorgeous in a cream ball gown. Her dark hair is tied into a frim up do and her eyes are stunning as she stares out of a gold mask.

“Thanks and you look stunning!” I say as I make my way over to her. We giggle and then we link arms as we head into the lounge. We walk in and my mom is
dressed in red and is wearing a black mask. Penelope has on a beautiful silk, pink dress and a white crystal incrusted mask. We smile at each over as we make our way down to car.

“Wow!” Sophie says as she spots our car. My mom turns to me and she has a thick smile on her face. The driver carefully opens the door of the white Rolls Royce and we climb in. The driver hands us a glass of champagne each and my mom cannot hold in her excitement any longer.

“That boyfriend of yours is remarkable!” I laugh at my mom’s words and then the car pulls away. 

We arrive at the venue and my nerves begin to show. My mom carefully leads me up the steps of the building and into the large room. There are cheers and laughter as I enter. I glance around the room and everyone I know is here. All my friends, business associates of my dad and even my distant relatives from out of town have graced me with their presence. I take a minute to stare at my surroundings and its beauty stuns me. The room is dark and light softly with candles. There are huge displays of white roses and a stunning band plays soft music. Servers are walking around carrying platters of food and the champagne is flowing. Everywhere I look, there are masks and it is making it difficult for me to find who I am looking for. I begin to scan the room for Adrian but I am yet to see him. Sophie is standing by my side as her feet begin to move with the music.

“Alanna,” I hear a strong voice say as hand briefly caresses my shoulder. I turn around and I am surprised when I see Dr James - at least I think it is him. He is in a black suite and matching mask. His dark hair is in a quiff and his eyes are as black as the night. I smile at him as I begin to say hello.

“James?” I ask quietly. He laughs at me as he slips his mask from his face.

“Yes Alanna, it’s me. Happy birthday.” He says as he pulls me in for a hug. I grip him awkwardly and then I pull back. I glance at Sophie and I feel that James stuns her.

“James this is my friend, Sophie,” James reaches out for her hand as he makes eye contact with her. Sophie blushes and I feel that Dr James might just have a
little crush on Sophie. As he holds Sophie’s hand in his, I am reminded of his relationship with Emma. My heart starts to race, as I fear what will happen when Dr James sees her here tonight. What will he do? After all the last time I saw him he told me that he was still in love with her. How will he act when he finds out that she is with Michael? My thought bubble is disturbed as James begins to talk.

“Alanna how have you been,” he asks in soft voice. I try to hide my anxiety as I reply.

“I have been great James and you, how have you been?”

“Yes I am fine. I see that you have met Emma?” My heart rate drops at his words, I glance over to the bar, and there is Emma and Michael. I franticly search for a reply.