I Need Something More.

SOPHIA P.O.V:

I woke up the next morning with the same bubbly, fluttering feeling in my stomach I had felt last night and I knew nothing good would come of this. Last night when Alex and I were standing on my porch, the little pouch bubbles and flutters that had been growing for the past couple weeks erupted in the pit of my stomach and sent a wave of euphoria through my body. I know what this meant, it was described in all the classics. I remember reading how Elizabeth felt such a feeling for Mr. Darcy as he did for her. Then there was Romeo professing such an emotion for Juliet and her returning the affection, oh I knew exactly what this was, and the fact that I felt this for Alex terrified me.

I stirred under my sheets turning over to read the clock. 10:37am. I could afford to wallow in bed a bit longer. I rolled over so I was comfortably on my side and stared at the bouquet of orchids I placed on my night table when I came home last night. Alex, I thought making my heart race uncontrollably as it did when I woke up to his lingering scent on my skin from wearing his leather jacket the night before. Oh god... I thought to myself as I noted my thought of Alex, I need to stop thinking about Alex. He is my friend and as a friend I doubt I should be having these feelings for him. I finally crawled out of bed and continued to admire the flowers adorning the night table as I made my bed. The are gorgeous flowers after all.

I lazily made my way downstairs to make some breakfast as I heard my land line go off.

“Hello?”

“Happy Birthday Sophie!” My father cooed into the phone.

“Daddy!” I smiled after finally hearing his voice after three weeks. “Thank you! How is everything? You never called.” I frowned.

“Sorry sweetie, things have been hectic here. But thats not important, how are you?”

My father and I continued to talk on the phone while I prepared my pancakes. I told him about the recording and how that had consumed most of my life, which brought us to our current topic which was All Time Low and Hannah. I gushed about how adorable she is and how I’ve been spending time with her while my father laughed.

“What so funny?”

“Nothing Sophie, don’t worry about it.” He chuckled.

“No dad, what’s so funny?” I pressed, knowing he was probably making fun of me.

“You, sweetheart.”

“What, why?” I demanded. “Why am I so funny?”

“Nothing, just you and Hannah. You sound like you’re really growing fond of her. And Alex for that matter, that’s all.”

“O-oh... well I have been spending a lot of time with them, and I just adore Al-Hannah.”

“I’m sure you do.” He chuckled into the phone again. “Well have an amazing birthday sweetheart, and try not to let Lana get you too drunk okay? I know how she can be when she wants to party.” He continued to laugh.

“Alright, I’ll try.” I giggled knowing he was right about Lana. Her mission was probably to get me drunk beyond control seeing as I’d be legal and all. “Bye dad!”

“Alright, Happy Birthday Soph.” He said before hanging up.

I hung up the phone and marveled at my breakfast. I sat on one of the bar stools around my the island connecting to my kitchen and turned on the TV. I watched saturday morning cartoons as I ate my chocolate chip pancakes and drank my orange juice. I was completely consumed by Cosmo getting Timmy into another mess on the current Fairly Odd Parents episode I was watching when my phone rang again.

“MMMH-hello?” I answered swallowing the piece of food I had in my mouth.

“Happy Birthday Sooie-Babes!” I heard Audrey and Lana scream into my ear.

“Thank you!” I giggled as I heard the two argue for the phone. My giggles turned into laughter as I heard the two say things such as ‘give me the phone’ ‘no, she’s my sister, give it’ ‘hey Audie, I don’t care, give it!’ After my laughter subsided I told them that one of them should use their cell phone and we’d have a three way conversation.

“Better now?”

“Much!” Lana giggled.

“We would probably still be fighting over the phone now if you didn’t say anything.” Audrey continued.

“So what up girlies?” I asked finishing the last of my pancakes.

“Well... since it’s your birthday-”

“And you’ll be legal!”

“Yeah, and that. We were thinking...”

“You need to get mad wasted!”

“Thank you Lana, for making the idea so appealing.” Audrey sighed.

“What, you were beating around the bush.”

I laughed at the two, mentally reminding myself to tell them how much I love those two later. The two continued to bicker and tell me the details for the night. Basically what I gathered was that the two wanted me to take a cab tonight rather than drive, since we’d be drinking. At about quarter to seven show up at the club, and at exactly seven oh three, when I’d officially turn 21, the three of us would toast then proceed to drink and party the night away.

-----------

I pulled the back zipper of my cherry pink, almost red coloured dress and analyzed myself in the mirror. I messed with my wavy hair and readjusted the creamy-peach-coloured flower barrette that adorned my head once again, hoping I looked okay. I smudged my dark smokey grey eyeshadow trying to make it perfect, I don’t know why, but I was nervous. I knew in my head it was just a girls night, but for some reason I couldn’t help but have this bubbly nervous feeling inside my stomach. Probably because I was afraid for what Lana had planned for tonight. What am I doing? I thought as I subconsciously reapplied another thin layer of red licorice lip gloss on my lips. I stopped myself midway and consciously placed the lip gloss and other make-up into my zebra print clutch. If I didn’t find a distraction and soon I’d end up like those mislead girls who cake on their make-up. No offense to any who do, but personally, I couldn’t pull it off without looking absolutely ridiculous.

I grabbed my blackberry, automatically starting to texting the first person who came to mind, the same person I’d been feverishly texting every moment we were apart since we met three weeks ago. Alex.

Message:
Alex, I need a distraction. Distract me? ;')

Within a minute of sending the message, the phone buzzed in my hand as a smile made its way to my lips while I made my way down to the den to pass the time.
Buzz.
ALEX:
At your service. How is the birthday girl anyways? ;'D

RE:
A little bit of a mess, haha. Remember Lana and my sister Audrey? Well we’re supposed to be going out to ‘celebrate’ tonight. What about you, staying in with Hannah again?

Buzz.
ALEX:
What’s wrong love? ‘Celebrate’? A party and I wasn’t invited?! I’m hurt Soph, I really am. D; And yeah, I think Hannah is ready for another disney movie night then bed, after Zack is done chasing her around and tickling her that is, hahah.

RE:
Aweeeee, I’m sorry Alex, don’t be sad. (L)You know I would have invited you if Lana wasn’t planning it... which is why I’m a slight mess. I’m afraid for what she has in store for tonight, hahah, it’s just me being silly that’s all. That’s so cute! Tell Hannah I say hello please. :')

Buzz.
ALEX:
Hannah squealed a large hello back. But now Jack is butt-hurt that you didn’t say Hi to him, but it’s just Jack so don’t worry. ;') I take it Lana is a bit of a ‘party-girl’ then? No need to be worried love, I’m sure you’ll have fun. And (L) to you too then.

RE:
Thanks Alex! I hope I have fun anyways, too bad you can’t be there. Unless you feel like crashing. ;D It’s supposed to be a ‘girls’ night, but knowing Lana she’ll find a way to involve boys somehow. Hahah, I love Lana, but the phrase ‘party-girl’ doesn’t even scratch the surface. She’s actually quite proud of that too, hehe. Aweee, poor Jack, please tell him I’m sorry and I say hi. Oh and I say hi to everyone, I think that would make it easier. ;')

Buzz.
ALEX:
Everyone says hi and I kinda spilled the beans about your birthday so everyone wishes you a happy birthday. -- Oh wait. Except Jack, because he wants a special hello from you. I vote you call him a loser and leave it at that. ;') Well from what I gather it sounds like you’ll have fun, so stop fretting and enjoy it love. It’s your 21st birthday! :'D

RE:
Alex I swear, you’re the best! (L) Thank you for distracting me, and please tell everyone I say thank you. Oh and Jack is a loser. ;') He conned me into kissing him, so in my book he’s a big loser. Kidding! But tell him I said that. ;')

Buzz.
ALEX:
Bahahahah! I remember that, he played you well my dear. But then again who wouldn’t try to steal a kiss from you, you’re such a babe. ;D

RE:
Babe?! Pftttt whatever! Hey wait... are you making fun of me Gaskarth?! :'O

Buzz.
ALEX:
Not a chance! Whether you like it or not, you’re a babe, so deal with it. ;'P

RE:
Pfffft whatever Alex, you’re the only one who thinks so. D;

I waited, but Alex didn’t respond. I knew he wouldn’t have a come back for that one. I was proven wrong when instead of a buzz indicating a new message, I heard a loud ring.

“Hello?”

“You’re crazy you know that-”

“Alex?-”

“You’re such a babe! So fucking accept it already. Goddamnit!” He half yelled, half laughed into the phone. I couldn’t help but giggle at his outburst, it was just typical Alex like behaviour.

“Oh so now you’re laughing at me?” He said playfully.

We chatted on the phone as I took note of the time and slid my heels and made sure I had everything for the night. Once I saw the cab Audrey and Lana sent pull into the driveway I locked up and hopped in. Alex and I continued to joke on the phone as I waited in the cab to arrive to the club, but shortly after leaving my condo Alex said that he had to go, something about Jack being more of a baby than Hannah. Before he hung up I asked him if I could keep texting him through out to night to calm my nerves and he responded with a simple yes.

Twenty minutes passed sitting in the cab and staring down at my blackberry for the time. We reached Opera and I attempted a graceful exit from the cab before weaving my way through the paparazzi. They kindly wished me a happy birthday and proceeded to bombard my with camera flashes and questions.

“Happy Birthday Sophia! Sophia, give us a smile baby! Sophia where’s your date? Where’s Alex? Sophia! Over here! Did you and Alex break-up?!” They yelled simultaneously.

I continued being blinded as I made my way to the entrance and shot down their insinuations towards Alex and my relationship, repeating that we are just friends, despite my selfish want to be more than a friend to him. I searched the club and found Audrey and Lana by the bar at about 6:50. The two led me towards the VIP room they rented for us and decided it’d be more ‘fun’ if they covered my eyes so I couldn’t see their surprise present. I closed my eyes as I blindly walked up the steps in the direction Audrey was tugging my hands and Lana was pushing me in with one hand and the other over my eyes.

“Alright Sooie, ready?”

“On the count of three.” Lana continued.

“One.”

“Two.”

“Three!”

----------

ALEX P.O.V:

I held Hannah’s hand as we searched the shops on Rodeo drive to find a gift for Sophia. The last gift I bought a girl was my mum’s birthday gift in which I bought her fuzzy slippers and a new set of oven mitts- I highly doubt I could nor would want to pull that off with Sophia. Rian was currently calling Kara for advice while Jack, Matt and Zack were planning on sponging off the idea since all of us are hopeless. I was actually contemplating sponging off of Kara’s idea, but Rian hit me across the head and said I should get something her something special.

Hannah and I continued walking when a small tug broke our pace. I turned to find Hannah marveling at the the window of a jewelry store. The place looked lavish and untouchable, much like Sophia. Hannah kept her gaze on the sparkling jewelry before asking if we could go in. What the hell, why not. Girls like these kinds of things right?

The two of us stepped inside and began browsing, the lady behind the counter gave my appearance a scowl before her co-worker approached Hannah and I. Almost too easily Hannah won over both ladies with her bright smile and by being just flat out adorable. The ladies asked me if they could pick her up and I simply nodded while continuing to look for something to get Sophia. I browsed around looking at earrings, rings, necklaces, those things girls put in their hair and bracelets. I decided against those hair things, earring, and rings since Sophia didn’t usually wear them. From the corner of my eye I saw Hannah squirm in one of the ladies arms and jump down.

“Daddy.”

“What’s wrong baby?”

“Come here, I want to show you something.” Hannah finished as she pulled me in the direction she just ran from.

“Daddy, this.. this... this one.” She said jumping up and down in front of a display. I picked Hannah up so she could show me exactly what she was talking about. She leaned towards the glass display that was too tall for her in my arms and pointed to the exact thing she was pointing at.

“That one Han?”

“Yeah, daddy! Get that one for Sophie, its so pretty!”

I looked down at the charm bracelet that Hannah was wildly smiling at and couldn’t help but agree. It looked perfect. It wasn’t obnoxious or in your face as some of the other jewelry, but elegant and simple. At that point I didn’t care how much it cost, I had found the perfect gift for Sophia, and that’s all that mattered.

The lady rang it up and handed me back my visa. I took a look at the bill and cringed as one of the ladies wrapped the bracelet in a small pink box then concealed it within layers of tissue paper before placing it in a little gift bag, luckily it wasn’t as bad as I expected. It was still in the the triple digits but at least it didn’t reach the quadruple. I let Hannah pick up the gift as I picked her up and thanked the ladies. They cooed goodbyes, mainly towards Hannah who smiled and waved over my shoulder as we left.

----------

I smiled down at the texts I received from Sophia as she freaked out about Lana’s plans for the night. I finished getting ready as did everyone else, except Keith who had to take care of business for the night. Jack was currently fretting about his hair as Zack chased Hannah around in attempts to get her to sit still so he could pull her thin blonde hair into pigtails. I consistently lied to Sophia only to keep her surprise party, well a surprise. Zack finally caught Hannah after she fumbled in motion when I told her Sophia said hello, earning a bemused reaction from Jack.

“What about me?” He pouted.

“What are you talking about?” I asked as I started to respond to Sophia’s text.

“Soapie! She doesn’t say hi to me?” He whined. “Tell her I’m mad at her.”

“Whatever man.” I laugh as I texted finished texting the message.

My phone buzzed and I passed on the message to everyone. It continued this way until I decided talking would probably be more productive than texting. The guys finished getting ready and Hannah was propped up on Zack’s hip as he held her. She looked tired but was determined to go to Sophia’s party, even for a bit. I knew it would be a hassle having Hannah come along but I couldn’t just leave her at home. I knew I’d have to take responsibility and bring Hannah back the second she fell asleep but I was content with that because I got to spend last night alone with Sophia.

Rian signaled that it was time to get going, so I made up an excuse to get off the phone despite how much I loved hearing Sophia’s voice. We filed into the waiting taxi outside and made our way to Opera.

We found our way to the side entrance and entered undetected by guests and most importantly Sophia. The group made its way up the steps to the VIP section where there was a room of Sophia’s friends and some friends of friends waiting to surprise her. It was 7:01pm when we saw Audrey pop in first, holding one of her dainty hands to her mouth signaling to stay quiet. Next Sophia emerged from behind the curtain with Lana’s hands covering her eyes. My mouth dropped to the floor as my eyes ran wild all over Sophia’s body. Her dress held close to her curves in the most seductive way, while her ivory skin was contrasted by the bright colour of her dress and her legs seemed longer due to her dress exposing quite a bit of skin. But despite her vulnerable flesh being revealed she still managed to out class anyone here with ease, and that drove me absolutely insane in the best possible way. She stepped forward with caution while Audrey and Lana held bright smiles upon their faces in anticipation of the surprise.

“Are you ready Sooie?”

“On the count of three.”

“One. Two. Three!” The two girls yelled as Lana dropped her hands from Sophia’s eyes.

“Happy Birthday Sophia!” The room chorused as her mouth led agape. Her eyes grew wide and she looked like she was about to have a panic attack. She stood there for a moment letting it all sink in before a bright toothy smile spread across her face.

“Thank you.” She let out sheepily in a breathless manner covering her face from what I assumed to be embarrassment.

A guy carted out a luxurious looking cupcake cake that had candles and sparklers on the top. Sophia smiled wildly as the guy carted the cake to her. She gave him a big hug and a tinge of jealousy coursed through my veins. Sophia proceeded to thank him before holding her breath to blow out the candles. She held it for a moment as she scanned the room, her eyes locked with mine and she let her breath go.

The crowd cheered but I could barely hear it. It was as if the volume of the room hang turned down to a low murmur while Sophia and I locked our gaze. I couldn’t help but smile stupidly as all her attention was on me at that moment. She was snapped back to reality when Lana flashed her camera and instructed Sophia to cut the traditional first slice of the cake.

The crowd drew in a crescent shape around Sophia and the cake as she cut the first piece before licking the frosting that blemished her hand. In no other instant had I wanted Sophia more as I along with the crowd watched her lick the remaining bits of frosting off her fingers.

Hannah began to restlessly push off me but I held her close wondering what was wrong.

“Daddy, I want to see Sophie.” She struggled again.

“Alright baby, I’ll take you to her. I don’t want you running around here alone, got it.” I winked.

“Got it.” She smiled back. Hannah held the gift she chose for Sophia in her frail little hands as we approached the birthday girl. “Happy Birfday Sophie!”

“Hannah!” Sophia beamed turning around to scoop up Hannah from my arms and give her a kiss. “Thank you sweetheart.”

“Surprise.” I smiled.

“I didn’t know you guys were coming! Looks like you did end up crashing my party.” She winked.

“You know me.” I joked.

“Sophie! Daddy and I got you a present.” Hannah chimed hand Sophia the light purple gift bag with a cream coloured tissue paper spewing from the inside.

“Thank you, both of you.” Sophia stated sincerely. “Hannah, how about a cupcake! Which flavour would you like sweetheart?”

I watched Sophia carefully remove one of the chocolate cupcakes with vanilla frosting out from the display and hand it over to Hannah after receiving a reassuring nod from myself.

Before Hannah could eat her cupcake Rian scooped her up, joining us along with Matt, Zack and Jack. They all wished her a happy birthday and exchanged hugs. All the guys knew I was crushing on Sophia so they did what any bros would do and acted as a quick distraction before making an excuse to leave the two of us together.

The night passed as I stood by Sophia’s side as she introduced me to her friends, and old co-workers. I learned the guy I was jealous of before was Lana’s ex-boyfriend Justin. He was a cool guy and seemed to genuinely care about Sophia unlike some of the other guests. It was sometime passed 9pm when Rian re-joined us with a sleeping Hannah in arms. I gently picked up my sleeping baby from Rian’s arms being careful not to wake her as Rian spoke.

“If you want, I can take her back to the house and watch her for the night. Kara wanted me to call later anyways.”

“Nah man, I couldn’t let you do that.” I smiled down at Hannah’s tiny frame in my arms. “I’ll take her.”

“You sure man? I really don’t mind.” Rian continued flickering his eyes between Sophia and I, warning me that if I leave, I leave Sophia.

“Positive.” I shrugged at Rian’s subliminal hints. “Tell the others I left okay.”

“Sure man. See you later.”

I turned over to Sophia who just finished thanking another guest for the birthday wishes. She stroked the hair covering Hannah’s forehead and moved it behind her ears.

“Are you leaving now?” She frowned.

“Yeah, I have to take Hannah back. She can only party for so long.” I joked, earning a giggle from Sophia.

“Alright, thank you for everything... umm Alex-” She paused for a minute gnawing on her lip a bit.

“What’s up?”

“Umm, I was wondering, if its not too much trouble that is.” She paused again, as if contemplating asking me something. I furrowed my eyebrows urging her to go on. “C-could I go home with you?”

I was a little taken back by her request. Granted, I didn’t mind at all if she came, but I didn’t want her to leave her own party because of Hannah and I.

“But what about your party? I couldn’t let you leave because of Hannah and I.”

“But I want to.”

“Soph--”

“Alex!” Someone interrupted.

“Audrey, hello.” I smiled.

“And who is this little cutie pie?!” She squealed as she saw Hannah in my arms. “Oh my, I didn’t realize she was sleeping, I’m sorry!”

“It’s okay, I was just about to go.”

“Oh that’s too bad.”

“Audie, I’m going to go with Alex.” Sophia interjected.

“Soph, you should stay. It is your birthday party.” I tried.

“But I want to go with you.” Her eyes pleading for me to accept her request.

“If that’s what you want, then you should go Sooie.” Audrey joined. “I’ll take care of everything, don’t worry.” She smiled at the both of us.

“Thank you Audie!” Sophia smiled as she gave her step-sister a hug. “So is it alright if I join you Alex?”

“If that’s what you really want, then of course.”

----------

Sophia pulled the covers over Hannah’s sleeping body after I kissed Hannah’s forehead and whispered goodnight. Sophia did the same and the two of us quietly navigated ourselves throughout the dark house, the two of us refusing to turn on more lights. We made our way back down stairs and into the living room where two lamps dimly illuminated the room. Sophia held my hand the entire time we snuck around the house and continued to do so as we sat on the couch.

“Thank you for letting me come along Alex.”

“Really, I don’t mind at all. I just feel bad I dragged you away from your party.”

“Don’t be. I’m not so much the party type.” She giggled as she drew circles into my hand.

I leaned further back onto the couch but stopped when I heard a small crunch sound. I pulled the object from behind me and found it was the purple gift bag concealing Sophia’s gift. When we arrived at the house Sophia dropped them on the couch quickly along with her purse. I smiled to myself and re-presented the gift to Sophia causing a small giggle to escape her lips before a smile replaced it as she graciously accepted it.

“Should I open it now?” She asked as she eyed it curiously.

“If that’s what you want love.”

Her smile grew bigger as she began to unpack all the cream coloured tissue paper to find the little pink box inside. Her smile widened as she began untying the bow and slowly opening the box, creating a loom of anticipation.

A small gasp slipped out as she pulled out the charm bracelet. She held it up marveling at it for a moment before speaking.

“Alex, its absolutely gorgeous! Thank you!”

I held a toothy grin on my face as I said, “You’re welcome, love.”

“I love it!” She mused, as she admired each charm. “It’s perfect.” She continued in a slight trance.

Before I could say anything Sophia leaned forward and her lips met my cheek. It was an innocent kiss but her lingering lips led me to believe other wise. She breathlessly pulled back whispering another thank you, along with an apology for the kiss. I shook my head indicating it was okay as our eyes locked once again. She leaned forward once again this time her head didn’t tilt the same way as it did when she kissed my cheek. She got closer and closer, until our lips were a mere centimeter apart. We froze like that for a minute before Sophia’s eyes began to close as her fragile hands cupped my face. I was instantly paralyzed by her touch and was willing to let her do anything she wanted to me. Anything. My eyes remained open as hers were almost fully closed as she began to bridge the gap between us. I felt her lips press lightly against the corner of my lips before fully pressing them to the corner of mine. Even though it was just the corner of my lips in the form of a small peck, I felt like they were on fire. She allowed her lips to linger for a minute before pulling away again to say in the same breathless tone, “Thank you Alex.”

“...No problem, Happy birthday, love. I hope you enjoyed it.”

“I did thank you.” She smiled one last time before leaning against my chest and allowing me to wrap my arms around her.