Chapter 6

Ethan Junior's POV 

"You're really making me feel bad right now, Madison. I honestly forgot it's your birthday." 

I'm a terrible friend.

Madison had come over to remind me it was her nineteenth birthday today. I had completely forgotten about it and I felt bad.

"That's okay. You can make up for it by buying me a dress and taking me out to dinner later on tonight." 

She had an amazing smile. I wasn't about to reject her and make her feel bad on her special day. 

"That I can do." I went upstairs and got my car keys to my black Mercedes-Benz. 

"MOM! DAD! I'm heading downtown with Mads." I called to my parents as we went out the door. 

I couldn't wait for my twenty first birthday, when I'd be given my own house, make my own rules, and come home at whatever time I liked.

"You know where you're taking me?" Madison asked as I drove downtown. 

"Yes. I'm taking you to ZENIA'S." 

"ZENIA'S as in Zenia?" 

"Yep. She owns and manages her own boutique." 

"Wow. That's awesome."

We pulled up to Zenia's boutique almost an hour later. Zenia looked surprised when she saw us walk in together. 

"This is your place?" Madison asked her in astonishment. 

Duh! I just told you that. 

"Yes. How can I help you?" Zenia asked, sounding all professional. 

"I'm looking for a dress like no other," Madison replied as she looked around. 

"She wants a dress so I referred you to her," I butted in. 

Zenia led her through the store and I took a seat while I texted some of my friends. 

After Madison had found the dress she wanted and liked, I paid for it like I said I would. Then we left. 

We got back into my car and I drove us back home. 

"What time should I get ready for?" she asked as she got out of the car when we reached her destination. 

"Seven." 

"And, where are we going?" 

"You'll see." 

I didn't have a damn idea on where to take her. I hadn't planned anything. 

She gave me another cute smile, closed the car door and walked up to her house. 

I drove away and went back to mine.

I lie down on my bed in my room and texted Zenia. 

Me: hey 

Zenia: Ur girl likes the dress? 

Ohh I was sensing jealousy from her. I would play along with this. 

Me: yh, she likes it. Wants me to get her another one. 

Zenia: Oh so she is ur girl..hmm OK.

I threw back my head and laughed. Zenia liked me but she wasn't letting herself fall for me. She was easy to read but hard to understand. 

Me: And what if she is or isn't? She's a real sweet person but not my type. 

Zenia: Save it 

Me: Yh, I know you like me. 

Zenia: Only as a friend. 

I threw my phone aside and fell asleep.

I woke at 6:30 p.m. I went downstairs and found Mom and Dad sitting down, watching television. I joined them. 

"Hey son. What's going on with you?" my father asked. 

"Nothing Dad." I answered shortly. 

"Are you okay?" Mom asked. 

"Yeah I'm fine, Mom." 

"Madison called. She said she was so anxious that she was already dressed and waiting for you," Dad said. 

I flung myself up from my seat and went to the elevator. 

"Shit! Shit! SHIT!" I yelled as I barged into my bedroom, got out of my clothes, and ran into the shower. 

I had forgotten about the dinner with Madison. And she was already dressed and waiting!

After ten minutes, I stepped out of my shower, dried off very quickly, lotioned my skin, and threw on a clean pair of clothes: a simple grey jeans, black long-sleeve T-shirt, my black, grey and white Jordans, my gold Rolex and my gold stud earrings. 

I combed my hair backwards on my head, grabbed my car keys and ran downstairs. 

"Bye Mom and Dad. I'm taking Madison out to dinner now!" I called as I ran past them on my way out. 

I got into my car and hit the accelerator. I glanced at the time on my dashboard: 7:20.

Damn it. I'm already twenty minutes late! 

Madison didn't live too far away from my house. On bright and sunny days, she usually walked over my house to see me and chat with Emily before Emily became miss world.

"I'm so sorry I'm late," I said as I stepped out of the car when I reached her house and saw her standing outside on the pouch, looking all sad.

I opened the passenger door and she walked up to me. 

"Thanks for coming," she said as she slid in the seat. 

"You're not mad? I was late and I had you waiting." I got back into my seat and started the car. 

"No, I'm not mad. I'm very happy to be spending time with you again."

I flashed her a smile, threw on my seat belt, and drove us to a very fancy restaurant I saw on Google maps. Unlike Evan and Emily, I hated going places. I'd rather sit at home and watch at Netflix with a large bowl of popcorn and soda. 

Alex and Jack were always calling me a sissy because I always blew them off whenever they wanted us to get together.

Madison and I arrived at a very upscale Italian restaurant, even the floors looked polished. A waitress greeted us and led us to a table. 

We ordered things from the menu we couldn't even pronounce perfectly, but the food tasted delicious and Madison seemed satisfied. 

After dessert, we sat and talked for a bit. She told me her dreams in life and I told her mine.

We left the restaurant and went to a house party Madison insisted we go to to end her birthday. It was her birthday, her day, so I obliged. 

We came to an average-sized house about a mile away from the restaurant. Loud music already deafened me. 

"Mads, it's Monday! Who throws a house party on a Monday?" I wasn't up for it. 

"This is for me, actually. And the hosts are mutual friends!" 

We got out of the car and walked slowly towards the house. Madison led and I followed with my hands tucked in my pockets. 

She spoke to a guy standing by the door. I stood back and just looked at her. She, then, waved to me. I walked up slowly. 

"We're in. Lets go!" 

She pulled my arms and we walked through the door. 

Inside was decorated with all different neon colors, which reflected on everyone. People were already grinding on the floor and a neat bar was set up. 

Madison waved and then pointed at me. Two guys came over. 

"Yes, finally! We got you!" Jack said loudly and gave a manly hug. 

"Sup bro?" Alex greeted and hugged me back. 

"Oh, so this was your plan?" I asked and looked at Madison. 

"Guilty!" she answered and went over to the bar. 

"Lighten up man! And welcome to MY HOUSE!" Alex pushed me towards the bar for a drink. 

"I'm driving tonight bro!" I took a glass of cranberry juice instead of alcohol. 

"I'll drink for me and you, EJ!" Madison screamed cheerfully and gulped down a glass of vodka and orange juice. 

I'd never seen that side of Madison. She was always so sweet and gentle, like a saint. 

Now she was drinking alcohol like a dude.

Half an hour later, we were sitting on large, comfortable sofas. 

"Is this really your house man?!" I asked Alex. 

"Yep. Mom bought me this because she couldn't put up with me anymore, man. It was the last straw when I snuck a babe in and banged her all night. Mom caught us the following morning!" 

I couldn't help but laugh. That was definitely Alex. His weakness was women. Any type. Any color. Any shape. Any size. 

"Women are women." That was his motto. 

"Man, I'm so fucking lit!" Jack said. The alcohol had gone to his head. 

"Man! Look at those fine ass chocolate cookies over there. I want one of those," Alex said and pointed to two dark-skinned girls. 

"I'm so lesbian right now," Madison said. She was lying down on the sofa and had her head rested on Alex's arm. 

As I looked at the girls, I noticed it was Zenia and her assistant from her store. I got up and walked over to them. 

"Hey." 

"E... J... heyyyyy!" Zenia slurred. 

Alcohol reeked on her breath and her assistant was trying hard to settle her on her own feet. 

"She had too much," her assistant mouthed. 

I raked my fingers through my hair as I looked at her. 

"I'm EJ. We're friends. I'll take her home," I assured her friend. 

"Nooooo! Lets.. Doncee!" Zenia pleaded. 

Donce? 

"No, Zen! You partied enough already. Time to go home!" I threw her over my shoulder and walked outside to my car. She was giggling all the way there. 

I turned on the AC unit and locked my car. I went back inside to get Madison. I didn't trust leaving her with Jack and Alex. They were all drunk. Madison managed to walk, and she wasn't being stubborn like Zenia. We walked out with ease. She got into the passenger seat while Zenia was laying down on the seats in the back.

Now I had two drunkies to take home.

When I got to Zenia's house, I took her out of the back and walked us to the elevator. I got to her floor and she managed to get the door open with the security system. 

"HELLO!" I called, hoping her mother was home. "MISS BLACKMAN!" 

"Mom isn't... hame," Zenia said and threw herself down on a nearby couch. 

Hame? She meant home. 

I felt bad because I'd have to leave her in this condition by herself. 

"Zenia, I'm going home now. Lock the door behind me, drink some water, and try to get some sleep. Okay?" I dropped to her level and pet her hair. 

"No! EJ, don't go. Please stay with me. I don't want to lose you." 

I was puzzled. How was she losing me?

"Zenia, I can't stay. I have to take Madison home as well." 

"No! I love too, EJ. I love too!" 

"Get some rest, drunkie."

I walked out the door, got into the elevator and went back to my car. Madison looked like she was already fast asleep. It was past midnight. 

I drove Madison and myself back home, but I was still thinking about Zenia words: I love too.

What does she love too?