T H I R D P E R S O N
*A few weeks later*
Affluent was always a word that was used to describe the Gray family, they came from old money as well as being the biggest mafia.
It was no surprise when they went all out for Ezmie's sixteenth birthday, it was her first birthday home and everyone was excited.
The estate was decorated over extravagantly, but that was to be expected. It's not everyday the only girl of the family turned 16.
Everyone was awake and preparing, well apart from Ezmie. The boys were happy for once not being bothered that they woke up early.
Alexander and Kayden were doing mafia work so they could spend the day with Ezmie without worrying about work.
Nicholas, Scarlet and the twins were finishing up the decorating, it had to be prefect.
And Cohan well he was making Ezmie's favourite breakfast as a surprise, she always loved Cohan's cooking.
The house smelt divine, it was tempting almost the aroma was wafting around the house.
••••
All the preparations were done and it was officially time to wake up the birthday girl, who was sleeping peacefully.
Ezmie had finally gotten rid of her nightmares, she's living live with no reminders anymore.
Except the scars but she's grown to love them
Cohan told her they will remind her how strong she is
She may have had an awful start to life but living with her family has pushed the negatives away and replaced them with positives.
Her door opened softly, her family viewing her with adoration. All they ever wanted was for their little girl to be safe and she is.
She wasn't a baby anymore though
Nichols and Scarlet were next to her shaking her not so much so she could wake up.
Her eyes fluttered open to the movement, only to be met with her family smiling down at her.
"Happy Birthday baby girl" Scarlet cooed at her daughter
"Thanks momma" Ezmie smiled
"Happy birthday princess, your getting old" Nicholas joked at his youngest
"Cheers dad, but if I'm old what does that make you" Ez laughed
"Damn dad she got you there" Kyson laughed
"Oh hi" Ezmie laughed seeing her brothers
"Happy birthday Ez" the twins shouted in unison
"Do you have to be so loud" she grumbled
"Happy birthday bunny" Kayden spoke softly
"Thanks Kay" she smiled
"Happy birthday my baby sister" Cohan cooed
"Shut up" she laughed
"Happy sixteenth Ezzie" Xander spoke hugging her
"Thank you Xan" she replied hugging back
••••
Reluctantly the family left to go downstairs easy to surprise her when she finally goes down.
Ezmie had never liked her birthday due to her upbringing but she could tell today was going to be different, she hasn't cried yet so that was a start.
Her footsteps echoed as she walked down the stairs, her smile never faltered once until she saw the room.
An involuntary gasp left her mouth as she viewed the room with such adoration and amazement.
Her eyes winded seeing the decorations, the emerald green and silver coloured decor coaxed the house.
She felt like she was dreaming
"Happy birthday Ezmie" her family shouted
Her eyes filled with tears but she didn't let them go.
"Thank you" she breathed out
"Ez are you okay" Kyson asked concerned
"I'm fine, just overwhelmed" she admitted
"Come eat" Cohan practically dragged her to the table
"You didn't" she smiled
"I did, anything for you" he admitted
"I love you Cohan" she hugged him
"I love you more Ezmie" he whispered in her ear
••••
The estate was busy, people were anywhere you looked. The extended family and her friends had now arrived.
Chatter was starting to die down as everyone eagerly watched Ezmie open her present.
Every single present she opened she always made sure to thank them, she wanted them to know she appreciated everything.
There was denying the Gray children were spoilt and that could be told just by looking at them.
This wasn't an exception for Ezmie if anything she was more spoilt but no one would ever admit to that.
Her presents varied from everyone who knew her, her family buying her expensive jewellery and electronics.
She had everything a 16 years old would want
A MacBook
An iPhone
AirPods
You name it she probably had it
But nothing could compare to the love her family have her.
Ezmie was never a materialistic person she always preferred gifts from the heart, not a lot of people knew this but the ones that did didn't disappoint.
Cohan had given her a framed photograph it was both past and present, their first photo when she was born and their first photo when she came home.
A message scripted on to the back of it, Ezmie knew not to show anyone it was special to them to.
Ezmie
My little sister, my rock, the best thing that ever happened to us. Thank you for being born and for saving us, even if you weren't here for part of it you saved us in ways you wouldn't even think you could.
You saved us all but you saved me the most, I was lost without you and now your back it's been awesome.
I love you forever and always- never question my love for you even when I'm an idiot.
-Cohan <3
Ezmie's eyes filled with tears reading the note, Cohan was never outspoken with his words but this was perfect.
Ezmie's friends had collectively made a scrapbook of all the fun they've had since they've been friends.
Everyone was watching eagerly as she flipped the pages some getting her into trouble but they all noticed the same thing.
She was happy, the smile never left her face.
••••
The Gray family had a tradition, whose ever birthday it was got to choose where they had a meal meaning it was Ezmie's turn.
Weatherspoons she chose
Ezmie had never liked being the centre of attention so being in the spotlight today gave her fear but she enjoyed every minute of it.
The food was delicious and everyone enjoyed, conversations never ceasing to not exist.
They talked about everything and anything even the whole Matîs thing, it had been a few weeks and he hadn't tried anything.
Suddenly the chatter ended and the lights dimmed, the birthday song started playing and Ezmie's cheeks went red she was embarrassed.
Honestly though how embarrassing is it when someone sings happy birthday like what do you do
"HAPY SIXTEENTH BIRTHDAY EZMIE PAIGE!" Her family shouted
"Thank you" she giggled
It was at this moment she realised she was the happiest she had ever been, she was safe and with people who loved her.
She felt the same except the secret she was hiding but that's a story for another time.
Edited
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