"Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear Emma! Happy Birthday to you!"
I groaned and rolled over in my bed, trying to hide from my annoying family.

"Come on Birthday girl wake up!" My mom called shaking my shoulder slightly. It's my birthday can't I choose to fucking sleep in? They do this every year. Probably just to be a pain in the ass.

"No," I whined. Then I felt a heavy weight plop on my back. I huffed in pain. "Get the fuck off Isabella." I yelled. She laughed loudly and rolled so she was lying next to me. I heard my mom mutter something about her children having bad language.

"Come on Em, your twenty! You should be excited!" Bella said.

"Theres nothing exciting about turning twenty. I'm not a teenager anymore, and I still can't legally drink alcohol."

"Like that's stopped you." My dad smirked and my mom gave him a death glare. I chuckled and shrugged, he had a point.

"Come on downstairs. There's chocolate chip pancakes waiting for you." My mother smiled. That caught my attention. I grinned and raced down the stairs and enjoyed my favorite breakfast with my family.

I hadn't been in the best of moods lately. It had been three weeks since the concert and three weeks since I last talked to Niall. He hadn't even tried to call or text me. It kind of broke my heart, knowing that he must have moved on. I wasn't exactly sure what went down that night with Niall. It's all a bit fuzzy, considering I was drunk off my ass. I definitely regretted all of those shots I took during beer pong. I just know that I made a fool of myself in front of Niall and he rejected hooking up with me. I don't exactly blame him, I mean I was drunk. I would have been pissed to wake up and find that he took advantage of my vulnerable state. The fact that he was such a gentleman just makes me want him and miss him even more. He probably thinks so low of me now after that night.

I've been pretty busy, the last few weeks. I've been hanging out with Seth a lot. Most of the time it's against my will, meaning set up 'lunch dates'. We were also forced into attending two of my Uncle Williams campaigns together. Which by the way are terribly boring. I know a million photos were taken as we stood off to the side of the stage. News has spread about 'New York's new power couple'. The grandson of Bart Mahoney dating the granddaughter of Frank Sarrentina is a big deal apparently. Not to mention I was seen quite a lot with a certain pop star. I can't help but wonder if said pop star has seen any of the articles going on about my 'relationship' with Seth. I had to hope not. Besides, I doubt he would read New York newspapers or magazines.

After breakfast I was about to head up to my room and get ready for the day. I was expecting that my crazy friends would be barging through the door any second now, wanting to take me out somewhere. I was about to make my way up the stairs when the doorbell rang. Figuring it was them, although it was unusual for them to bother ringing the bell, I went and answered the door.

A man in a delivery uniform stood there with a clipboard and a bouquet of flowers and a small box. I beamed knowing it was a birthday present. The man had me sign for it and then left. I shut the door smelling the flowers as I skipped up to my room. Whoever it was had to know that I loved daisies. They are my grandmas favorite and we always used to plant them together. How could I not love them?

When I got to my room I filled a vase with water in my bathroom and placed the flowers on my night stand. Then I jumped on my bed ready to open my gift. There was no card attached, which was weird. I shrugged and ripped the pretty yellow paper off to reveal a black leather box. Jewelry. I popped the box open and a small note was sitting on top, written in messy handwriting.

Because their your favorite. Happy Birthday Princess. -Niall xo

My heart dropped to the pit of my stomach. I peeled the little paper away and was met with the most beautiful necklace. It was a white gold small daisy pendant, with a tiny yellow diamond in the center. I felt tears stream down my cheeks before I even knew I was crying. A small sob escaped my lips as I clutched the box and note to my chest. I ran my finger over the terrible handwriting and smiled sadly to myself, he was so cute. I missed him so much. I can't believe he knew it was my birthday. I never told him, mostly because I didn't want him to think he needed to get me a gift. I'm not sure how he found out but I assumed Louis told him.

I starred in awe at the necklace. It was perfect. How was it possible for him to know me so well? I took it from the box and clipped it around my neck, looking down and brushing my fingertip over it gently. I knew I needed to call him and thank him but I was so nervous. What would I say? I hadn't seen or talked to him in three weeks, and we didn't exactly part on good terms. I was a bitch to him and he stopped sending his daily text messages. I know I couldn't be mad about that because the phone goes both ways, but I guess in a way it made me feel like he stopped caring. But then he goes and sends me this amazing and thoughtful birthday present, confusing the crap out of me.
In the middle of my inner debate my four best friends burst into my room cheering. They each were carrying presents. I look up and it was actually kind of funny how all of their facial expressions changed at the same time. They went from overly excited to frowning when they see that I'm crying. I resisted the urge to laugh.

"What's wrong?" Jen was the first to speak as she crossed the room to me. They all followed and sat on my bed.

"Nothing," I smiled wiping my eyes. I didn't want to be sad today. They all gave me the bullshit look so I sighed and told them. "It's really not a big deal. I just got a present in the mail from Niall." A look of understanding and sympathy flashed on their faces.

"Okay, well were not thinking about him today!" Tara decided to lighten the mood. "We have a busy day planned and your still in pajamas. So open your presents then get dressed." She ordered. I laughed, instantly feeling better. I opened all of their gifts. They mostly consisted of clothes, shoes and other accessories. Andie got me some cooking supplies that I had really wanted. I thanked them all with big hugs and decided to wear a yellow sundress that Kalie gave me. Mostly because it matched Niall's necklace perfectly.

The girls practically forced me all over town during the day. We went to the nail salon, a nice restaurant for lunch, and to a million stores where they bought me a bunch of more shit that I didn't need.

Around six o'clock Tara and Jen slipped away like sketch balls. Muttering something about plans with their parents. I couldn't believe they were ditching me on my birthday. I was pissed and they were going to get the silent treatment for a day or two until they made it up to me.

Andie and Kalie continued to drag me to shops. We ended up in a nice dress shop down town. Andie told me to pick out a dress for dinner that her and Kalie were going to take me to. I found a cute white one. They insisted on paying for it and got me matching nude heels. Finally we went back to my house and dropped off my new presents. We all changed to go to dinner. Kalie insisted that she needed to borrow a pair of Tara's heels because they matched her dress perfectly. I tried getting her to just wear a pair of mine that went fine but she insisted and complained until Andie and I gave in.

We pulled up to Tara's house and nobody appeared to be home. I guess she really was out with her family. I sat in the car assuming Kalie was just going to run in and get the heels but she hesitated.

"Can one of you come in with me?" She asked. I gave her a look like she was crazy. "Please her house is scary when no ones home."

"Shot not." Andie called before me. I groaned and slid out of the car, Kalie smiled and skipped up the front pathway with me trudging behind. We got to the front door and she just stood there looking at me. What the hell was her problem? She was acting like a freak. I gave her a 'what the fuck?' look and typed the code in the door. The alarm beeped and I pushed the door open. I took a step inside and looked back at Kalie who still stood outside and Andie was now running up to the porch. Just then the lights turned on.

"What the-"

"Suprise!"

Holy shit!

I must have jumped ten feet in the air.

I quickly snapped my head back around to see Tara's house filled with people. Everyone from high school and I even noticed a few of my college friends. I just gaped in shock until I was tackled in a hug from Tara and Jen. The fucking bitches, made me think they were ditching me on my birthday.

"Suprise!" They both shouted again. Jen placed something on my head, I looked in the foyer mirror to see a pink fuzzy crown on my head. I resisted the urge to take it off.

"I hate you guys. I really thought you ditched me." I frowned and they laughed.

"You really think we would do that? I like my life too much, thank you very much." Tara joked and I rolled my eyes.

"Don't be mad Em. Just relax and have fun." Jen told me sternly. They all knew how much I hated surprise parties. So why they decided to throw me one? I have no idea. The next thing I know I'm being pulled into hug after hug by practically everyone in the room. I looked over my shoulder at my four friends who gave me innocent smiles. They were so dead. I could hardly breath. I had never felt claustrophobic until that moment. Seth was there and luckily he managed to break me away from all of the greetings.

To be honest I was kind of pissed about this whole thing. I knew I should be flattered that I had amazing friends to throw such a great party for me. But I've always hated attention, and surprises.

Seth gave me a drink sensing my discomfort. I chugged it back needing to take some of the nerves away. Once it was gone he immediately refilled my cup with the fruity drink.

"Thanks," I told him gratefully.

"Dont mention it birthday girl." I rolled my eyes at him.

"So how did this whole thing happen anyway?" I asked referring to the party.

"I'm not exactly sure. I just got a phone call from Andie about two weeks ago inviting me." He shrugged. "Plus a death threat to keep my mouth shut."

I groaned. "There so annoying."

"What birthday girl doesn't like her party?" He smiled amused.

"Come on, anyone who knows me at all would know how much I'd hate this."

"I dont know, most girls love surprise parties."

"Hey! I am certainly not most girls." I defended myself. He stared at me for a couple of seconds, making me feel uncomfortable.

"You most certainly are not." He muttered, more to himself than to me.

"Um, I'm gonna go find Kyle and Trent. There probably trying to find me." I told him, suddenly feeling awkward. He just nodded still in a daze as I scurried away. Things usually got like that whenever Seth made subtle hints of his feelings for me. I feel horrible that I can't return them. He would be perfect for me, for my family, plus he's incredibly handsome and sweet. I guess the problem is I'm still pretty hung up on someone else.

As I assumed Kyle and Trent were looking everywhere for me. Once they found me they took turns lifting me in bear hugs. I swear these boys do everything together. They have since kindergarten. They lurred me into a game of beer pong. I played with Trent and Kyle played with Kelsey, one of my friends from highschool. Also known as the girl Kyle has been trying to pick up lately. It looks like he might just get lucky tonight.

After Trent and I mercelesly kicked their asses, I was starting to feel a bit buzzed. Before I knew it I was pulled into game after game, flip cup, chandelier, kings, and never have I ever. Apparently it's a big deal at these things to get the birthday girl shitfaced, not that I was complaining too much. But i became like a human target, especially in never have I ever. They couldn't make it anymore obvious too. For example one guy goes, 'Never have I ever fucked a famous person.' Then Trent proceeded to take his turn, 'Never have I ever fucked a member of One Direction.' Everyone cracked up and I just rolled my eyes as I put two fingers up and took the shots.

By the end of the game I was beyond wasted and decided to stumble away before they could drag me into anymore games. I found my way to the back deck and collapsed on one of the lawn chairs by the pool. Tara never lets people in her back yard during parties, mostly because her mom would freak if her lawn and garden got ruined.

I staired at the pool and memories of the last time I saw him crept in to my mind. How he threw me into this exact pool. He was so jealous of Spencer, he's always getting so jealous. I normally would find that a turn off but on him its hot and sexy especially when he gets all mad. He had almost kissed me that day as he trapped me against the edge of the pool. Oh how badly I wish the boys waited two more minutes to be obnoxious.

I found myself gripping the daisy around my neck. I needed to call him and thank him for it. I should have done it this morning instead of being a scaredy cat. I reached for my phone in my small bag, quickly finding his contact. My finger hovered over the call button. Just as I was about to suck it up and hit it, I felt someones presence next to me.

I looked over just as Seth was taking the chair to my left. He smiled warmly at me. "You okay?" He asked and I just shrugged, not trusting my drunk mouth. He sat up on the side of the lawn chair so he was facing me. "I know you Em. We've been friends for a while. It's that Niall guy isn't it?" I cringed at the sound of his name. Dam, I have it so bad. I nodded. "You can talk to me you know." He pushed further.

"I don't want to do that to you." I finally made eye contact. I would feel way too guilty venting about another guy to Seth, knowing that he has feelings for me. It wouldn't be right, or fair to him.

"Emma," He sighed, rubbing his face with his palm. "I've told you this, but you need to know. I'm in love with you." He looked sad but I noticed the glint of hope in his eye that maybe I could return the words. But I couldn't.

"Seth I-"

"No, just listen." He cut me off. "I'm in love with you, but I know you don't feel the same for me. So if I can't have you in the way that I would want, it's better than not having you at all. If a friend is what you need, then I will be that guy for you. I can't stand seeing you this way. I want to be able to help you, and if talking about Niall will help, then let me do that for you."

I nodded, as tears began streaming down my face. I felt so guilty. I didn't want him to love me, I wanted him to be happy. He sighed and picked me up from my chair pulling me into his lap. He stroked my hair soothingly as I clutched his shirt for dear life. "Talk to me," he pleaded.

"I- I miss him." I choked on a sob. "I don't even care about anything he did. It doesn't matter anymore I just want to be with him."

"Then get back together with him. From what I've heard he seems more than willing. Plus he would be crazy not to."

"I don't think I can." I admitted and he seemed confused.

"I don't want to do the long distance thing. It would just make me too sad, plus it will never work. We'll get in some other dumb fight. We only work when were together, it was so perfect when we were together, when we could spend every moment with each other. We just aren't good when were apart. God! I wish I never went on that stupid vacation."

"I know you don't mean that. You should tell him how you feel, and work something out. I'm sure you can. Those other guys have girlfriends and they find a way. If you want it to work Em, then it will. But you can't just not try."

"Are you sure your not gay?" I looked up at him with a small smile, and we both bursted into laughter.

"Trust me babe, I'm not." He shook his head still smiling.

"I think I'm gonna call him." I stated, changing the light atmosphere back to tense.

"Are you sure you don't want to wait until your sober?" He asked.

"No I need to do this now." I assured him. He nodded and got up placing me down on to the chair.

"Good luck," he smiled encouragingly but I knew how upset this whole situation made me and it broke my heart. He started walking away.

"Seth," I called out and he turned back around. "Thank you."

"Any time."He smiled again but it didn't exactly reach his eyes. Then he was gone.

I sighed, and pulled my phone out. The contact was still up. My talk with Seth gave me a bit more confidence as I hit call. Butterflies were swarming around in my stomach, and I felt like I was going to throw up, but I wasn't sure if it was from the massive amount of alcohol I consumed. The phone was ringing to long, and my nerves were increasing by the second. I was about to hang up and chuck my phone in the pool when a sleepy Irish voice took me by surprise.

"Emma?" He asked, sounding like he just woke up but I could make out the surprise in his voice.

"Hi," I squeaked. Oh my god, I can't do this. Just hang up Emma!

"I- um, It's good to hear from you."

"Yeah, I just wanted to thank you. You know for the necklace, it's beautiful." I got up from my chair and started to pace around nervously.

"Not as beautiful as you." I could hear the smile in his voice, and I rolled my eyes with my own smile.

"Corny as ever Niall." He laughs and I do as well, since his laughter is so contagious.

"You love it." I do, only he can pull off the corny thing.

"And you are full of yourse-" I couldn't finish my sentence as I lost balance in my heels and fell on my butt. I almost forgot how drunk I was. "Fuck, Ow." I laughed at myself.

"Are you okay?" He panicked.

"Relax, I'm fine. I just tripped."

"Are you drunk?" He asked a bit rudely. So what if I'm drunk it's my birthday. I hadn't even had a drink since that night I was with him.

"What is that supposed to mean?" I was offended now and the alcohol was going to take over.

"It means I don't want you to do anything you'll regret." He warned, his voice still laced with rudeness. Well someones a grumpy douche bag when he's woken up.

"Like what?" I snapped.

"Like trying to hook up with guys who are just going to take advantage of you." He snapped back.

"Is that really what you think of me?"

"I don't know anymore, you just threw yourself at me the other night, your lucky it was me then and not some jerk."

I was fuming now. "Really? because your being a pretty big jerk right now you asshole. Did you ever think that maybe I only 'threw myself at you' because I want you and only you. I wouldn't do that with some random guy, god your such a douche bag."

"Oh yeah? Well whose that guy you've been spending all of your time with, huh? Don't think I haven't seen the articles. Who is he?" He yelled. He had no right to accuse me of anything when the same shit has been happening with him and Demi. I can't stand him. I shouldn't have called, Seth was right I should have done it sober. But then again I wouldn't have realized what a huge asshole he was. "Who is he?" He yelled again. My jaw clenched in anger.

"As of now he's my boyfriend." I snapped. There was silence on the other end. I knew he was still there because I could make out his faint breathing. I don't know why I said it, it wasn't and never would be true. I was just blinded by my anger with him. He practically called me a whore.

"I have to go." He muttered quickly before hanging up. Still on the ground from earlier, I laid back and looked up at the sky. I started crying again, for the millionth time over this boy. What was I even thinking getting involved with a famous guy. I knew from the beginning this couldn't end well.

Notes

I'm really sorry that this took so long! I also know it's been moving slow with them getting back together. It's killing me too! But I promise it will come soon!