Chapter 2 Birthday party

Araya

It was a cold winter, much like today, in Bainbridge. I can still remember our happy chitchats-Ash, Mum, Dad, and me. Our joyous moments together. Ash and I sat in the backseat of our red Toyota Camry while Mum and Dad sat in the front. Dad was driving. Suddenly, Ash snatched my phone from my hand.

Flashback

"Mum, tell Ash to give me back my phone!" I whined, stretching out my right hand to retrieve it from Ashley's tight grip.

Ash was an annoying kid, yet she was my best friend. We were returning from a sleepover party at Jasmine's-my childhood friend who was throwing a goodbye party before her family relocated to California.

"Ashley dear , give Ara her phone ," Mum said gently.

"No, Mum. I just want to check the pictures I took while she was asleep" Ash replied, pouting. I groaned in frustration.

"Dad!" I called out to him.

Dad, who was focused on driving, glanced at us briefly through the rearview mirror. "You girls should solve your problems yourselves, Ari dear. I'm driving. Besides, this isn't my area of expertise. Your mum can help you with that."

"Ashley, please..." Mum chimed in, making Ash frown.

"Can you ask your sister nicely, Ashley? She might reconsider," Dad added, and I smiled at the suggestion.

I winked at Ash, waiting for her to say the magic word: please. But I knew it wasn't coming. Ash was too prideful, cocky, and stubborn for that.

"No, I won't!" she screamed, crossing her arms and pouting angrily.

"Why don't I have my own phone?" she asked, frustrated.

Dad chuckled as he watched her through the rearview mirror. "Because, baby, you're too young to have a phone. Now, can you please give Ara back her phone so I can concentrate on driving?"

"Okay, Dad," she said reluctantly, dragging out her words. She handed the phone back to me, and I muttered a teasing "Thank you" while sticking my tongue out mockingly.

That was the last happy memory I had before the accident-the screeching of the tires, the violent crash, and then the hospital. The worst thing that could ever happen to you is witnessing your parents' death and being forced to watch their cremation at the young age of sixteen.

Remembering them always brings back these painful memories. I collapsed onto the cold floor, crying my eyes out-something that has become a part of me.

30 Minutes Later

I quickly composed myself and headed back home. Ash was already awake and preparing for school.

"Good morning, my sweetest in the whole wide world!" she greeted, grabbing her lunch.

"How are you, Ash?" I asked, planting a kiss on her cheek.

"I'm all good and fresh, sister. I already prepared breakfast, but I'm running late for school, so you can eat after your bath." She grabbed her backpack and iPhone.

"Muah! I love you, sister. Bye!"

She left, and I stood there, smiling in awe of my bossy little queen.

Araya's House, 8:30 PM

I put on a black strapless knee-length gown, black heels, and carried a red handbag. I tied my hair in a ponytail and applied light makeup.

Alex wore a white thigh-length dress. Her black hair flowed gracefully down her back, and she accessorized with silver chains, a matching silver bag, and black heels. She also wore light makeup.

"Hurry up, Ash! We're running late!" Alex and I called out to her.

"Coming!" Ash screamed, running out of her room in the pink knee-length dress I had bought for her 16th birthday. Her light makeup and black heeled sandals made her look stunning, like a delicate white lily.

"How do I look?" she asked, wagging her ponytail excitedly.

I noticed the angel necklace I had gifted her around her neck. She looked breathtakingly beautiful.

"You look stunning," Alex complimented.

"Gorgeous," I added.

Ash beamed with pride, but her smile faltered as she scanned the room.

"Is Jason not coming again?" she asked, her voice tinged with disappointment.

Jason was and had been my boyfriend since I was 16.

"Of course not, Ash," I said, squeezing her hands. "He had some business to take care of, but I promise he'll come see you later."

She narrowed her eyes at me in doubt but eventually replaced her frown with a smile.

"Okay! Can we get going, girls, please?" Alex shouted, and we all laughed, bursting into the night as I drove the black Benz toward Emma's house.

Natalie's House, 8:45 PM

"I'm nervous, sis," Ash whispered when we arrived at Natalie Stone's mansion.

We stood beside the car, awestruck. The place was magnificent, packed with luxurious cars. This was easily the most beautiful house I'd ever seen. It looked like something out of a dream.

"Don't be, Ash. I'm always with you. But wow, your friend Emma must be very rich," I said.

"Way too rich," Alex added, dragging us both into the mansion.

What's waiting for Araya and Ash at the party? Who is Emma? What secrets will unravel? Read to find out!

Story by Ivory smart

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