Chapter 5 Mate

Sofia's Point of View

"You look so beautiful, Sof," Ella said. Once we made it to Ella's room, I took a shower in her bathroom that was attached to her room. I sighed when I felt the water on my body. It felt nice having hot water again. Then, I put on the dress that Ella bought for me. It was a short red dress that showed off all of my curves. Once I was dressed, Ella did my hair and makeup.

"Don't you think it is too much? I mean, I don't normally wear things this revealing," I said

"You look great, Sof, and it isn't too revealing. Ethan is going to love it," Ella said

"What do you mean?" I asked

"Nothing," Ella said. I didn't understand why she would think Ethan would like what I was wearing. I was sure he would ignore me like he always did. He wouldn't spare me a glance. I hated how my thoughts upset me. I hated that I wanted Ethan to want me just like I wanted him.

There was a knock at the door, and Tammie, Ella's mom, walked inside.

"You two look so beautiful," Tammie said

"Thanks, Mom," Ella said

"Thank you," I replied

"Everyone is downstairs waiting," Tammie said

"Okay, mom. We will be down in a minute," Ella said

"Okay," Tammie said, and then she looked at me. "I am happy you are here, Sofia. Eric and I would like to speak to you after the party," Tammie said.

"Okay," I said, and Tammie left the room.

"You know they want to talk to you about moving in with us," Ella said

"I know, but I don't want to be a bother," I replied

"Sof, you won't be a bother. We want you here. Besides, there are a lot of others that live here as well. This is a big house," Ella said

"So, all of those people I saw while coming to your room live here, too," I asked.

"Most of them do," Ella said

"I don't know. I get that you and your parents want me here, but I know your brother doesn't want me to stay here. He hates me," I said, and Ella sighed.

"That isn't true. I know Ethan has been acting like an ass toward you, but he doesn't hate you,' Ella said

"Yes, he does," I replied

"Look, I know I can't convince you that he doesn't hate. You will have to see it for yourself," Ella said, and I stayed quiet. "Come on. Let's go downstairs so we can celebrate my birthday," Ella said. She took my hand, and we started walking.

"Happy Birthday, Ella," Everyone was saying as we passed them.

"Thanks," Ella replied. Almost everyone from school was at the party. I looked around and didn't see Ethan. It was shocking because this was a party for him as well.

"There you are, sweetheart," Eric said, and he hugged Ella. "Happy birthday, Princess. I can't believe you are eighteen," Eric said

"Thanks, Daddy," Ella said. I looked at them and smiled. I always wished to have parents who loved me, like Eric and Tammie.

"Hello, Sofia. I am happy you decided to come," Eric said with a smile on his face.

"Hello," I replied

"Ethan still hasn't made it back yet?" Ella asked

"No, he hasn't. I called him, and he told me he was on his way home. Once he gets home, we will sing Happy Birthday and cut the cake," Eric said

"The two of you should go talk to your friends until he gets here," Tammie said

"Okay," Ella said, and Ella and I headed over to where Courtney was standing with a group of other students from school. I stayed silent while Ella talked to everyone. A lot of the students were staring at me. I was sure they were shocked to see me there. This was the first time I was attending a party.

I got tired of all of the staring and told Ella that I needed to use the bathroom so I could get away for a moment. On my way to the bathroom, someone bumped into me. I looked up to see it was Jane, and she was glaring at me.

"Watch where you are going," Jane said.

"You bumped into me," I replied, annoyed. I was sure she bumped into me on purpose.

"Whatever, I don't even know why you are here. You don't belong here. Ethan is going to be upset when he comes home and sees you here. You might as well leave," Jane said, and then she walked away.

I walked into the bathroom and looked at myself in the mirror. I knew Jane was right. I didn't belong there, and Ethan would be angry when he saw me. Maybe I should just call an Uber and go home, but I knew Ella would be upset if I left. I decided it would be best to stay. I took a deep breath before walking out of the bathroom.

I was shocked to see Ethan standing by Ella and his parents in the huge room, looking as hot as ever. He was wearing a black button-up shirt that did nothing to hide his muscular chest and a pair of black pants.

Ethan looked around the room as if he were looking for someone. Suddenly, his ocean blue eyes connected with my green ones, and he looked shocked for a moment, but then he started to smile at me.

"Mate," Ethan said as he walked over to where I was standing and shocked me by wrapping his arms around my body and hugged me tightly, causing me to feel these pleasurable tingles or sparks everywhere he touched me. I could hear people gasp as if they were in shock, but Ella shocked me with her words.

"I knew it," Ella said happily.

What the hell is going on?