I was watching The Notebook for the 50th time. I enjoyed watching Allie struggle in her love triangle between Noah and Lon Hammond. And then for some reason I replaced both actor's faces with Niall and Harry's, for my personal entertainment. Of course I had a little difficulty pasting my face on the blonde protagonist, but all it took was a little push of the imagination.

I was at a good place right now. This same time last year, I had one 'friend' and her annoying brother. And now I had five, including the annoying brother turned good guy; Louis, Lilah, Keith, now Harry and Niall. Friends I'd text back and forth with, some more than others. While Louis and Lilah were part of my inner circle, I kept tabs with the others and sent an occasional 'Hi, how's it going?' salutation.

Keith and Niall were both in their junior year in UCLA; although they hung out in separate crowds. Niall had made a new group of friends that shared his same Christian interests and beliefs, proving even more his permanent change. And Harry would send me brief texts on how busy he was with his study load as he was getting closer to graduating from his Bachelor's degree, only to dive back into 4 more years for his Masters.

I was just sailing through the rest of my junior year, which didn't have much left. But my birthday was around the corner. Sassy Seventeen! And boy had I changed a lot in a year, judging from my past events. But having passed through Valentine's Day with my eyes closed, I was starting to get that yearning feeling for a special kind of companionship. And I was reminded each time I saw Louis and Lilah like love struck romantics, hating to be apart. Ugh!

"So what are we doing for your birthday?" asked Lilah,Louis's arm around her shoulders.

"Hmm, I'd like a small get together. I'm serious, big parties scare me for some reason."

Louis gave me a look "I wonder why?"

I threw my crumbled up napkin at him and finished the last of my caramel iced coffee.

"Anyway, let me know if you guys have any ideas." I added.

"Let's have it at my house. It falls on a weekend right? So Harry and I can prepare for it." Lilah offered.

"Prepare for what? You don't need preparations for a get together. You just order a pizza and pop in a movie and presto! Besides, it's not like I have a hot long list of friends to invite."

"Doesn't mean it can't be equally special?" Louis jumped in.

"No. Promise me guys. No party! If I see even one balloon…I will leave." I laughed.

"Can we at least dress fancy?" Lilah spread a cheesy grin.

I shook my head and gave up.

---

I loved birthday weekends. Who wants to be at school celebrating with a bunch of strangers and doing class work? Not this girl! Luckily my b-day fell on a Saturday, and I was on a special brunch with my mom. I was just about to open some cards from my grandparents which meant …a nice fat Benjamin.

"So how do you feel about this 'get together' tonight? Won't Harry be there?" She asked.

"Yeah… and that's what makes me kind of nervous. I haven't seen him since that Sunday and even though we text frequently, it's not the same as being in person." I said twirling a noodle with my fork.

"I'm sure you're going to have a great time and you'll be singing in my ear the next day."

"I don't know about the singing…but I'll tell you all about it. Where are you and the girls going out to tonight?" I had just remembered.

"Nancy had a few tickets to a musical actually. It's out of town though so I have to leave a bit earlier; unless you want your hip and cool mom to crash your party?" She nudged me.

"Yeah, only it's not a party remember? And no parents allowed."

"No alcohol allowed either!" She winked; such a mom.

"Of course not, that tastes horrible with pizza…just kidding. He he."

Just then she lifted a glossy shopping bag onto the table.

"I was wondering if that was for me." I smiled sheepishly.

Rubbing my hands together I began to pluck out the tissue paper and pulled out 3 dresses.

"Now you have options to choose from for tonight." She smiled.

After showering her with a big thank you hug I observed them all and ended up picking a gray one with a thick pink diagonal line slashed on the bottom half. This looked unusual and pretty enough to hang at a house with. Lilah did say we were going to have a nice dinner there.

We drove back home, both with plenty of time to prepare for our events. When we got out of the car my mom noticed something at the door step and told me to go see. As I skipped on over I saw a basket with birthday balloons attached to it. It was a basket full of what looked like 2 dozen roses in a variety of colors; there were even purple ones.

I bent over to pick the card up and read aloud:

"You didn't think I would forget your birthday did you. Have a wonderful birthday beautiful Brynn! Sincerely,Niall."

My mom's brows shot up in utter shock, and so did mine. How thoughtful and kind of I did like any girl would, I inhaled my flowers repeatedly. I placed them on my dresser and sent a text to Niall, thanking him for my gift. We exchanged a few messages and then I was off to the bathroom for self-pampering.

It was six o'clock and I was ready, feeling confident and classy. I wore a pewter colored belt and matching flats to go with my outfit and wavy hair. Louis swung by to pick me up and we were at Harry's house in 10 minutes. The garage was left open and I was told that unfortunately Harry's father was remodeling the den so we had to stay in the dining room instead. Which if you asked me, I found extremely suspicious.

"Where's Harry?" I whispered while walking into the kitchen.

"He's taking a shower I think." Hmmm. Sketchy behavior…Check!

"Happy Birthday BRYNN!" Lilah shouted from the hallway.

"Thanks Lilah!"

"You look so adorable. I love the dress and your hair…" she spoiled me with compliments while giving me a hug. "Let me check on Harry and see if he's ready to eat yet."

I thought it was strange that he didn't greet me along with Lilah, but maybe something happened that made him run late.

"Well you look nice." Louis crossed his arms.

"Thank you! I like your blue shirt. I feel kind of silly dressing up just to be in another house though…"

All of a sudden I heard music coming from the den. I crossed my arms and glared at Louis who threw his hands up in the air like he didn't know anything. Pointing my finger at him and about to punch his arm I heard sliding doors unleash the waves of music, actually recognizing the song and I just had to wonder…

"By the way I borrowed a cd from your car. Ha ha thanks." Louis skipped away before I could deliver the punch.

I walked on over to see a giddy Lilah in her purple dress, anticipating my entrance into the den. The further in I walked the more I gawked. A blue light shot from the corner, illuminating the entire room with sparkling lanterns and miniature hot air balloons hanging from the ceiling. A really unique party theme if I should say so myself.

There were streamers and blinking stars that also hung above our heads. I felt like I walked into a magical movie set. The couches were pushed to the sides to place a round center table with a gorgeous cake and plates set for our dinner.

"You guys!" I gasped. "This is unbelievable!" I couldn't help water up.

"It's supposed to be like a 'magical-night-under-the-stars' dinner party." Yup I figured that much out on my own. "And it was Harry's idea." Lilah whispered in my ear.

Speaking of Harry, where was he? Louis signaled for me to turn around. He was standing behind me holding a toy tiara in his hand. I laughed because I thought it was a cute. Harry looked so handsome in his black button shirt and pants. He then placed the tiny crown on my head, I felt honored. I gave a silly royal wave, curtsied and took my seat.

I enjoyed the next two hours of eating a lovely Italian meal, scarfing down a delicious chocolaty cake, followed by some much needed goofy dancing to burn off those calories. Lilah took plenty of pictures and made sure to get one with Harry and I.

"C'mon guys, scoot a little closer." I could tell she was grinning behind the camera, sneaky girl.

Harry stood behind me, kind of resembling the classic prom picture, and held on to my waist with one hand. Even though I was staring at the camera, all my attention had been drawn to his hand. I tried to act casual and brushed the feeling off. But then he placed the other one as well, securing his grip. I took a deep breath and smiled for the photo.

"I'm going to take a few more I don't think that one came out well." Lilah announced. As if I didn't know what she was doing?

He then inclined his head to rest on mine, leaving me no choice but to stop fighting as I leaned in to him as well.

"Perfect!" Lilah finished.

Harry removed his hands and I smiled timidly at him as I walked over to the beverages. I would kill Lilah, and after she was dead I would give her a high five and a hug before burying her. Shortly after, I helped Lilah carry the dirty dishes into the kitchen whilst the guys moved the furniture back. She left me momentarily and what timing too, for Harry had just walked in. He finished his drink, leaning against the fridge while I washed my hands.

"This kitchen holds some fond memories." He grinned through his glass.

I blushed on the spot, remembering exactly what took place on the counter beside me. I couldn't help but smile, childishly looking away. I was too embarrassed to look at him now. Sexy jerk!

"Yeah those were some good times, huh Brynn?" He enjoyed making me squirm didn't he?

"Shut up." I pushed his arm, making him laugh aloud.

"So are we ready for the movie now?" Louis shouted.

We sat coupled up on the couch. Yes you heard me. What other choice did I have if Louis and Lilah were already snuggled up on the other end? I was in the middle and Harry sat to my left. We kicked up our bare feet on the ottoman and sat back to enjoy the horror film that Louisso kindly selected for my birthday. Thanks Louis!

I wanted to engage in the movie but Harry's fidgety hands kept distracting me. Although they remained on his lap, I couldn't help wonder what he was thinking. In the dim light provided only by the TV screen, I saw him lean closer.

"I have a present for you, but it's in my room." He whispered.

I boldly turned my head to find our faces an inch apart. All I did was nod then we stood up and I followed him up to his room. It still looked the same as I remembered it, all these memories kept flooding my mind as Harry closed the door behind us. I saw him place a cd in his stereo and adjust the volume.

"I heard this song on the car ride home the night that I met you. And I haven't been able to stop listening to it since," he confessed and grabbed my hand to place it on his shoulder.

Oh I felt my hands get shaky or maybe that was just my sugar rush from too much cake. His hand returned to my waist and the other held my hand to his chest. I could feel his heart pounding to the same depth as mine. Our eyes penetrated one another's. And although I hadn't said a word, I didn't have to. The silence was replaced by the lyrics and the melody provided for this slow dance.

If I was asked what I wanted for my birthday, I'd say this came pretty damn close. And if you really wanted to know what could possibly top this night off…well then I'd say you haven't been paying much attention have you?

The song was beautiful. And although every hair on my body screamed that he wanted me, I needed him to prove it; I didn't want to just assume. His head lowered right beside me as we swayed cheek to cheek and I knew that any moment it would happen. I could feel his fingers brushing my tresses and his face drawing closer to smell my hair.

Harry then released both my hand and waist to cup my face and make a move for my lips. He still tasted of honey vanilla Chapstick. It felt like I returned home. All those kissing sessions were meant for this moment. This wasn't a lesson though this was for real; all the emotion, the setting, our touch.

I didn't want to move. I wanted him to continue holding my face and brushing my hair behind my ear. I wanted him to keep tugging at my lips as if he missed them so much he couldn't believe he had them again. My hands remained boldly on his waist, feeling his hip bones beneath his shirt. I was poisoned by his saliva and entering into a toxic daze.

At first I thought if anything were to happen tonight, between Harry and I, we had to take things slow. We had to do things right. But that was before he trapped me in his room. Forget Pandora, he was opening Brynn Rael's Box, and I wanted more than this. You only turn 17 once right?

I began to unbutton his shirt. And don't start asking me if I'm going to do IT tonight, because I haven't thought that far yet. I was enjoying the moment. So I unbuttoned his shirt and he let it slide right off. Call me desperate but I couldn't wait to glide my hands over his chest and down his arms. They looked so strong, even in this dim light. His kiss began to move down my neck and I couldn't help feel these pulls and shoves in my stomach and lower region like indecisive tides going to and fro. I was so enamored by where this was going when a flash of Izzy doing the same thing made me jolt back.

Troubled, Harry tried to grab hold of hand. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, we should get back…to the movie," I convinced myself, walking out on him half naked.

I thought I had let everything go. I thought I had passed the forgiving stage but I just couldn't get that awful image out of my head; the two of them eloping most likely in that same room. Izzy knew what she was doing when she shared that with me. She scarred me is what she did.

I joined Louis and Lilah back on the couch. Something told me they weren't shocked at the fact that we were gone but the fact that I returned alone.

"Are you alright?" Louis turned to me.

"I'm fine. But would you mind taking me back home now," I sighed.

Soon I was dropped off and Louis had done his best to investigate my sudden urge to leave. I wanted to tell him but I was afraid he'd go back and share it with Lilah and so forth. Still, I wanted to hear his opinion.

"Tonight was going beautifully, everything I could ever ask for. And while Harry and I were in his room, all I envisioned was him making love to Izzy. I just had to get out of there." I explained.

"I see. Maybe you need more time? Or do you think you'll ever get past that?"

"I don't know Louis. I wish I could…I thought I had. Who knows?"

---

I flushed the toilet in the stall then proceeded to wash my hands. Lunch period was almost over and I had to run by my locker before going to the next class. To my horror, Izzy walked into the bathroom. Awkward doesn't even begin to describe the scene. I swallowed hard and took out my Chapstick to dab some on.

"How have you been?" I fearfully broke the silence.

"Fine," she answered coldly.

"How are your auditions going?"

"Fine. Why are you trying to play nice? I thought we hated each other remember?"

"You can't hold on to a grudge forever Elizabeth. We were once friends and although I don't expect us to leave here holding hands, we can still be amiable."

"I doubt if even that. So did you get your lover boy back?" she turned to fix her hair in the mirror.

"Unfortunately, you ruined that for me. I can't move past the fact that you two were together…intimately," I refused to make eye contact this time, drying my hands off my skirt.

"I don't think we'll ever be friends. But because I'm still dating Mark, I'll make one exception today… Harry and I never slept together… I think he was still too hung up on you. Happy Belated Birthday, Bestie," Izzy said walking out.

I bit my lips but I couldn't keep the smile that beamed from my eyes. They never slept together! I could just as easily erase all those silly images in my mind and run back to Harry. Gosh I wanted to see him right now if I could.

Notes

Hey amigas, sorry for the delay but I was in Whatever, USA!

I'll update tomorrow :) let me know what you think?