We walk to the front porch. I open the door,but ask James to walk first. He looks at me confused. "No,you guys can go in first,I'll follow," he says,trying to be a gentleman. "No please,we insist," I say hastily. "No no,I…". "JUST GET IN THE DAMN HOUSE," I say irritated,knowing that everyone inside the house probably heard us bickering. James looks at me terriffied,then swiftly opens the door. He is greeted by everyone screaming "SURPRISE!".
James starts making his way around the room,thanking everyone for coming. Natalie and I follow his lead,greeting familiar faces. I see Andrew approaching me out of the corner of my eye. "Hey Lacey," he says smiling. "Hey Andrew," I reply. Natalie and James soon join us. "Elle," James says. "Hey James," I reply,"Andrew,this is James,and you already know Natalie.""Hey Natalie. And you must be James?" he says,holding out his hand. James simply stares at it,then reply, "Yes,I am." Andrew then slowly puts his hand down. "I..I've heard so much about you," he says stuttering. "Mm. Can't say the same about you," James replies bluntly. I widen my eyes,"James! Don't be mean," I say giving him an angry glare. He then scoffs,and walks away,greeting more people. Andrew looks surprised,but the turns to me. "I was wondering if I could talk to you?" he says softly. I simply nod,showing him to the backyard.
*James POV*
I see Elle leave the room with Mr Hotshot,but before I could follow them,Natalie jumps in front of me. "So were you surprised?" she asks. My eyes only leave Elle for a second,but in that second,I've completely lost Elle. I sigh,and then reply to Natalie's question,in a slightly irritated voice tone, "Yes I was. Can you excuse me for a second?" I slide past her and walk to the kitchen. "You're pretty obvious,you know?" she says,following me. " I don't know what you're talking about," I say,scanning the room,hoping I'd see Elle. I then decide to go look in the study. "She likes you too,if that makes you feel any better," Natalie says,making me stop in my tracks. "She does?" I say,trying to hide the excitement in my voice. The girl I've loved since we were eleven possibly loves me back! I can't believe this. "I then turn to Natalie," Where did you hear this? Did she tell you?" I ask eagerly. "Yes,she did," she replies smilingly.
"I've got to find her," I say,my heart pounding in my chest. "I'll help you look!" Natalie replies,"Oh,I just love a happy ending!"