Eric walked away from Charlie without saying another word. Had she really done something to him that was that horrible? Did he forget it was her birthday and how horrible it was to make someone cry on their birthday? Maybe this was all part of a plan. Charlie followed Eric. He was heading towards the Chasm. To their left was small path that lead down and spiraled. Eric headed down that way. She saw Tris and Four follow him. What were they up to? She didn't want anything from either Tris or Four. About a minute passed since Eric, Tris and Four disappeared by the Chasm. Tris came strolling back up and waved for her to join her at the railing.
"Hey. Happy birthday!" Tris said, happily.
"Thanks." Charlie replied, nervously.
"I got you something. I figured you and Eric were probably going to go out to eat or maybe visit your parents tomorrow, so I got you something to wear."
Tris reached behind a couple tall rocks in the corner and produced a large box wrapped in silver paper. Charlie cautiously took the gift and tore open the paper, revealing a large, white box. Charlie knelt down and gently removed the lid. Inside the box was a beautiful lacy black strapless dress. Charlie gasped. She pulled it out of the box and held it up.
"It's beautiful! Thank you so much!"
"You're welcome." Tris beamed, "Come on, try it on."
She dragged Charlie to the closest bathroom. Charlie stripped out of her torn jeans and old long sleeved shirt and pulled the dress on. She stepped out of the stall and admired herself in the mirror. The dress hit her mid-thigh. The lace hung down to her knees. The darkness of the black jumped out against her milky white skin.
"You look absolutely stunning." Tris complimented her. "However, you could look better with these."
Tris pulled a pair of five inch red pumps from her tote bag. "Now, Eric won't have to bend down so far to kiss you." Tris joked.
Charlie giggled and swatted her arm, playfully. She slid the pumps on and admired herself once more.
"Sit." Tris ordered, pointing at a stool.
Charlie did what she was told.
"Why all the makeover stuff? It's three in the morning. I'm not going anywhere."
"You have a party to attend. Now shut up and close your eyes."
Tris got to work on doing Charlie's hair and makeup. After about a half an hour, Tris sighed deeply and spun Charlie around so she was facing the mirror.
"There, finished. Now we gotta go."
Tris half dragged half carried Charlie back down the path she had seen Four and Eric walk down. They'd gotten there in time to see Eric throw his old clothes onto the farthest rock.
Four stood in front of him.
"What. Are. You. Doing?" Four's stare was hard and cold.
"I might ask you the same thing." Eric replied.
"I came to get some air."
"Fine. Go somewhere else. I've had this day planned since the new initiates came. It's so important this goes right."
"Why so? What's the occasion?" Four shot back.
"It's my birthday." Charlie answered in a small voice.
Four stepped aside. Tris was behind her, breathing hard. She looked apologetically at Eric.
"I remembered and I kind of figured it out, so I went back up to try and stall her. Sorry."
Eric nodded, "Don't worry about it. Thanks for trying."
"Come on, Tobias. Let them enjoy their evening." Tris swatted Four lightly on the shoulder and dragged him away.
Eric choked on air.
"You look absolutely exquisite. I can't even put it into words. "He finally managed.
"Thanks." Charlie ducked her head, cheeks flaming with blush.
Eric chuckled a little and took her gently by the hand. He guided her over to the table, the water licking at their ankles. Charlie sat on the cold, damp rock, inhaling deeply. Eric took the seat across from her and produced a bottle of sparkling red grape juice. He poured the dark purple liquid into the two sapphire blue goblets. He raised his up in the air.
"Happy birthday, Love." He said, a smile painted his face.
Their glasses clinked softly and they both took a long drag before setting them down.
"Thank you for all of this. It really means a lot. Nobody really even bothered with my family outside my family."
"We are your family now. I'd do anything for you. I'd go anywhere and I'd give up anything for you. I'd lay down my life for you. You are my life now. I love you"
"Oh my gosh, Eric. Stop. You're going to make me cry." Charlie replied, tears glistening in her eyes.
Eric smiled, "Let's do presents first and then cake. Since you're eighteen, maybe we can go out for a drink afterwards?"
"Nah. I think we should stay in."
Eric laughed. "Ok, maybe later then?"
"Maybe."
Eric reached over and plucked the first present off the top of the stack.
"From Peter, Molly and Drew." He said.
She opened the package, revealing a book. She smiled as Eric handed her the next one.
"This one is from Christina."
It was a makeup bag filled with mascara, lipsticks, eye shadows, brushes, foundations and concealers.
Eric handed her another one, "From Four and Max."
She opened the box and pulled out a new pair of jeans. She giggled.
Eric picked up the last box and handed it to her. "From Will and Al and the other initiates."
She ripped the silver paper off the box. Inside was a basket full of candles and bubbles and bath beads and soaps and body sprays. At the bottom was a box of condoms and a couple of pregnancy tests. She felt her face heat up and giggled nervously.
Eric reached into his pocket and pulled out a small present, wrapped in the same silver paper as the other ones.
"This one is from me." He said as he handed it to her.
Charlie took it and gently ripped off the paper. A small black velvet box lay in her hand. She opened the box and gasped at its contents. Eric plucked it out of her open hand.
"Charlie," he slid out of his seat and onto one knee, "Will you marry me?"
Charlie opened her mouth to reply.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHARLIE"
A pound of confetti rained down on them.
"Aw shit, sorry man. I forgot tonight was that night."
Charlie looked up in the direction of the voice. Of course. It was Peter. He had to ruin everything. Eric lifted the hand not holding the ring box and gave him the bird.
"So, what do you say?" Eric asked, a smile on his face and bright, colorful confetti decorating his hair
She leaned forward and kissed him.
"Of course it's yes."
The crowd above them cheered. They raced down to congratulate them.
"Let's have cake!" Charlie yelled above the chaos.
