Chapter 8: Birthday!

"It's funny how the intuition stabs you
I'm headfirst diving off the plank
Good Morning."

Charlotte Martin, Keep Me In Your Pocket

Finals are like those commercials for allergy medications. You know, everything becomes 'Claritin Clear' and suddenly the fog is lifted and everything is Claritin Clear? Only there aren't any smiles, because when the fog is pulled off is when you realize that instead of studying really hard this quarter you've been daydreaming in class, and as interesting as the thought of Aloe Vera plants breed with avocados to create a vegetable that was soothing to the inside of your body, that wasn't really what the class was on. Right now, it's a bit of a panicky mode.

Except for my two roommates, who have always been quite studious. My bad.

Anyways, I had decided that I quite didn't like school, but I really did need to get my degree. So I studied, and studied, and had a few freak-outs, and studied.

After my last final I came back to the apartment so beyond ecstatic. I was done! Although it had only taken me a little over two years, so really, maybe I wasn't justified in feeling this ecstatic, but I was.

So wrapped up in my bliss, that when I was riding the elevator I didn't even cringe to remember how everything ended with Darcy. So happy that when I entered my apartment, I splayed myself on our couch (and though I'm relatively short, my feet still hung off) and fell soundly asleep.

I wasn't sure how much time had passed when my body was roused by a most excellent smell. I kept my eyes closed and focused on the scents as I tried to figure out what it was and if I could steal if before Jane noticed (it Mandy had made it I'd be too afraid to eat it).

Opening my eyes I saw Jane's smiling face before me. I quickly shut my eyes again.

"Oh God, you've been listening to happy music again. I told you, turn on Charlotte Martin and stop trying to emulate a fricking sunflower."

I was only rewarded with a giggle.

"Elizabeth Eowyn Bennet, you are no longer a teenager. Show a little joy."

I thought about it, it had been a while since it was my birthday. And today was, Jane was right!

"Please tell me that that smell is my birthday cake and I will love you forever and ever and forgive you for being a happy person when I'm napping."

"It's your birthday cake."

I got up quickly before Jane stopped me, "You have to wait until tonight though, some of your friends are coming over. Consider it a birthday fiesta and going away party."

I really didn't deserve such a sweet sister. I suppose I had two ones shallower than an ice cube tray to make up for it.

"I can't believe you're leaving me."

To tell the truth, I couldn't either. I'd always imagined having grand adventures, but now I couldn't really believe it. In a week I would be in Switzerland, combining my love for biology, interest in international affairs, and desire to help others would culminate in a new position as an intern doing something with the health commission. Basically the point is that I would be in Switzerland with the UN. Which is awesome.

After Argentina I had sworn to never board a plane again, but that was exactly what I found myself doing sadly. Because like previously stated airplanes and I do not get along. It turns out though, that all Cinnabon guys have some sort of immense attraction to me, and normally I wouldn't be so cocky but there is only so many reasons someone gives you a free cinnabon.

However, one has to weigh free cinnabons with flights that last for fifteen hours, not counting the flights before and after. I arrived in Bern finally and crashed at my hotel for a good twenty four hours before getting settled into my new life.

"Aunty!"

"And what I am chopped liver?"
"Sorry Uncle, but I can't bring myself to love a man who uses such cliché lines. When do you two get here?"

For I had expected to meet them at the train station in a few hours, and here they were on my door step. Reflecting, it seems a touch creepy.

"We hoped trains a bit early, turns out that Milan was no where near as amazing Rome so we moved on."

Which was one of the things I loved about my Aunt, Chelsea was writing an article on the train system in Europe in comparison to America, and I think it was just an excuse to be in Western Europe. Which had so far proven to be very beautiful indeed.

My apartment was small, but John and Chelsea had apparently been to the farmer's market before stopping in, and in my tiny un air-conditioned kitchen a lovely meal was soon being prepared.

"So, working with some many diplomats and scientists, meet any hot boys?"

Chelsea always had been the matchmaking sort, and I can't say I wasn't tempted. There were a few things that I loved in life more than an accent. But even though the reason I had kept myself out of relationships in Oregon had been the fact that I was moving to Switzerland, now that I was here I couldn't get over how horrible I was at judging someone's character. I just wasn't ready to trust myself.

"Sadly older diplomats are too dignified for my tastes, and the other interns are boozehounds."

Which actually wasn't too much of an exaggeration. I had learned how to make excuses for not drinking in several languages. Which was a fun exercise.

John laughed, it was nice to have such a normal family. I wasn't really used to it, my family is normal in the sense that the Hiltons are normal. Which is to say that we're not.

"Come on doll, finish eating because we're going to Pemberly! Which knowing you there has been no time to go see one of the most famous art museums."

It was true, I hadn't, but for other reasons. After my shock at finding out that Will was a CEO I may have googled him. Pemberly was only still in existence due to his company's large donations. His sister worked there as curator in training or something, and I just didn't want to somehow have an awkward run in. Knowing me, it'd go like this:

George: Miss, are you lost, these are the offices?

Me: Why yes, I always get lost. You have a striking resemblance to Will Darcy.

George: Oh, he's my brother!

Me: Oh, we had sex a lot, but then I falsely accused him and he loved me and I totally rejected him.

George: Harsh man.

Me: Totally.

All in British accents when I do that in my mind of course.

But logically that was probably not the most reasonable approach, so I decided to not put up a fuss. However, I did put on some mascara just in case. I'm paranoid and superficial, but at least I admit it.

We strolled our way to the art museum, only to find Chelsea (to no great surprise) chatting up someone who worked there.

"Honey, Lizzy, this is Rennie. Look at that nice 'e' sound with all of you. Anyways, we were in a hostel in Bhutan for a while together back in the day. She's going to give us a private tour."

It turns out that by 'private tour' she meant that Chelsea and Rennie would gossip while a famous painting was occasionally pointed out. Naturally, I soon drifted behind, finding myself looking at the donor wall. Around me were famous paintings that cost more than I could probably imagine, and I was staring at a photograph of Darcy.

"Oh yes, Mr. Darcy has been so generous in keeping us open. Without him I'd probably be out of a job."

"Lizzy, weren't you two friends in Portland?"
"We knew each other."
I don't think I can call us friends with what we were doing. It was like, non-friends with benefits.

"How lovely, you're going to miss him. He's coming for a visit for a few weeks soon, but I'm afraid he isn't due to arrive until tomorrow."

Words have never sounded so good from Rennie's mouth. Although considering the previous conversation had been between refugees from Bhutan and whether Julie ever did get an STD from that strange man it wasn't much of a comparison.

"Listen, come and see the courtyard, it isn't open to the public yet, Ms. Darcy has been working on it and let me tell you, you'll be in love."

So we followed her out past the blocked doors that needed keys and into what was perhaps that most beautiful place that I have ever seen. It was most gentle landscaping with wide windows from the museum building elegantly framed and various sculptures scattered throughout. It was breathtaking, and looked less like a museum than a delightful place to read a book.

"George, this is amazing."
"Do you really think so brother."

Shit. She had a British accent in real life! Clearly I can see the future and should have followed my gut instinct. That shrubbery, I could hide behind it.

"Darcy, both of you! How delightful, I was giving a sneak peek to my old friend and her husband and niece. You're early."

Darcy laughed, he hadn't spotted me. That shrub really wouldn't afford enough coverage, maybe the statue?

"You aren't in trouble Renyat. Hi I'm, Lizzy?"

"Actually, I'm pretty sure I'm Lizzy."

Actually I'm pretty sure that was the most awkward thing I've ever said. And I've said a lot of awkward things.

"Aunt Chelsea, Uncle John, this is my friend Will," he practically was glowing, and I'm sure my face had not been as red even when I forgot to put on sun screen during a long bike ride, "Will, this is my aunt and uncle."

"This is my little sister George. It's a pleasure to meet you both."

"I really didn't know you were going to be here, I'm so sorry. I'm really, I just."
"No, really, I mean, its great to see you. How's your family."

"Good, good. Yours?"

"Great."

"Chelsea and John, maybe Rennie and I could show you the fountain?"

Well George didn't inherit her brother's social awkwardness, clearly. She looked pretty and professional, and made me wish I had worn heels. While not a great beauty, she had a quiet sort of elegance but now I was alone. With Will.

"What are you doing in Bern?"

"I'm working for the UN now, it's what I was preparing for all last year."

"You should come and visit, Charlie will be here tomorrow."

"Last time I saw Charlie he was getting a black eye, I'm sure he isn't a big fan of me."

"Oh no, I'm sure you'll be fine. Charlie feels bad mostly, and I'd really like you to get to know George. She's sweet, but is so focused on succeeding that her only female friend is Caroline, and well-"

"Anything to rescue someone from the clutches of Caroline. Or Katya, or Carmen. I loose track."
"I believe that this season it is Cecile, she has decided to be French."

I was giggling, "I'd say I'm suprised, but I'm not."

"Did you have a nice birthday?"

I nodded then, and things were less awkward as we joined the group back up. Darcy and I arranged for me to come to a party at the museum tonight with Chelsea and John. He had enjoyed talking with both of them, which was weird. Maybe Switzerland was an alternate dimension where everyone just ate really amazing chocolate and was suddenly nice.

"Well Lizzy, as a reward for getting me and this ragtag husband of mine invited to such a fancy soiree, I believe we should buy you a new dress for tonight. After all, don't you want to look good for your Darcy?"
"It isn't like that Chelse."

It isn't like that at all. And I felt a little sad about it.

She was here. Which was odd, because it was my mueseum and when I first saw her I thought maybe it was all in my head. I had imagined her so much everywhere I was sure I was doing it again.

She wanted to come to the party tonight. And judging from the last time I had seen her dressed up I couldn't exactly not be looking forward to seeing it again. Lizzy was beautiful, but so often she covered herself in unflattering clothes, that I was forced to leave it to my imagination. Which was quite good.

Picking Charlie up from the train station I broke the news. Earlier, I may have been lying when I said he was cool with it. His sister was with him, her arm wrapped around a porter's neck until she saw me.

"Willy!"
"Hey Bingleys, I ran into an old friend of ours. Charlie, you're still coming tonight, right?"

"Of course, but is it Anna, because she always tries to slip me something and I just feel uncomfortable."

"No, no, it's Lizzy. And be nice, she feels bad for what happened."

I could smooth things over, after all, my best friend had to get along with. No, she had made that clear, but maybe? After all, that letter should have. I couldn't bring myself to hope for too much too soon.

AN: You guys are so nice to me. But due to less time I'm just responding to people who have questions/need responding, sorry.

Thanks Gentileschi, Vitamin, Lucy, hjky, Sophie, and Hamlet.

Icarus: Right? I'd be so pissed off if the only thing people ever commented on were my looks.

Gil: Yuck, Taco Bell. Also, I was rereading P&P a bit last night, and you know who I really like a lot less upon second read? Mr. Bennet, before I was always why does Darcy include him in embarrassing family, but I picked up on it a lot more this time. Just thought I'd share.

Fluffy: Also, Facebook = All the drama surrounding Prince Harry. I so predict the future.

Cescaab: Then I won't ruin it.