Two months had gone by and I was falling for Niall fast, and I felt as though I was floating on a cloud whenever we were together. We had planned a very fun weekend camping for my 21st birthday, and I was counting down the days.

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It was a shitty week leading up to my birthday. I had lost my birth control on Saturday, and my prescription seemed to be lost in the mail. The lack of hormones caused me to break-out tremendously, and I wanted to punch everyone in the face. Then, to make matters worse, everyone was being a fucktard about camping. The boys wanted to go to the club, and my girlfriends wanted to throw me a party. Seeing as how it was MY fucking birthday, I was beyond pissed off that nothing was going my way. I had planned it so on Friday, my actual birthday, we would go out drinking and then afterwards we would go straight to Lake Casitas. I’ve never been to Lake Casitas, and I heard the scenery was beautiful and serene – which was exactly what I needed. However Niall, the amazing boyfriend he was, rearranged our plans so everyone was satisfied. He planned a birthday party for me at Bardot on Friday, and then hired his security to drive us to Lake Casitas early in the morning after we had drunk enough alcohol to fill Lake Michigan. Once the stress from that was off my shoulders, I focused on my school stress. My piece-of-shit professors all assigned exams that week, and I had a huge Marketing project due Friday. The majority of my time was spent either at the library or stuck in my room, so once I handed in my project on Friday, I got home and took a much needed nap.

I was awoken by a giddy Naomi. “Time to get up, birthday girl! Kim and Alexis will be here soon!” I flopped out of my bed and went to the bathroom to pee. I turned on my curling iron and walked back out to my bedroom to retrieve the dress I was wearing tonight. Last Saturday Niall took me shopping on Rodeo Drive to find the perfect dress. I usually hated when he bought me things, but this dress was so amazing I couldn’t say no. I pulled out the absolutely stunning aqua open-shoulder dress by BCBG. It was the perfect color for April and the perfect cut for a maturing 21 year-old. I throw off my sweats and put on the La Perla bra and underwear Naomi insisted I buy. It felt weird wearing such expensive clothes, especially because some sort of bluidy fluid was bound to end up on them by the end of the night. The dress went over my head as I heard my friends arrive.

“What’s up, bitches? READY TO FUCKING SHIT UP?” Alexis screamed as she hobbled through the door. Great…she was already drunk. I should introduce her to Harry, I’m sure they would get along great.

“Sorry, Alexis the alcoholic wanted to drink on the way here. How’s the birthday girl?” She gave me a hug and then held me in front of her. “Oh my God, is this the dress he bought you? It’s fucking beautiful!” She spun me around while I giggled.

“Thanks I’m in love with it. Alexis you were supposed to do my hair you twat,” I pouted, disappointed because I also wanted to be drunk. She responded by flipping me off but then jumping on top of me into a hug.

“I know but I just love vodka. Forgive me?” She gave me puppy dog eyes and I smiled.

“Just this once. But can you please drink some coffee? Your breath smells like a wet dog.” She slid down my body and onto the floor. “You got this?” I asked Kim as I pointed to Alexis, who started crawling on the floor and barking. Kim saluted me and dragged Alexis to the kitchen.

“Naomi, will you do my hair for me, please?” Make-up I was good at, but ever since I was a kid I could never do my hair just how I wanted it. While Naomi curled my hair into giant waves, I talked to the girls about our plans tonight, including a sobering-up Alexis.

“I wonder what Niall got you for your birthday!” Kim asked, an exciting look forming in her eyes. “Do you think it’s something huge? Maybe a Porsche?”

“Jesus Christ, Kim! He’s not my sugar daddy.” I laughed at her expectations. Alexis smiled as she stirred the spoon around in her coffee mug. I missed her, especially because for the past couple of months she was dating some asshole who never let her see me. But now she was single and fun again, and I couldn’t wait to celebrate my birthday with her.

“I bet he got you something special. Maybe a vintage Irish rosary!” Naomi said as she finished up the last of my curls.

“Yeah, because they’re so Irish Catholic. How many times have you had sex before marriage now?” Alex joked as I punched her in the arm. We all laughed as Naomi spritzed some hairspray in my hair and finished it off with a pretty crystal headpin.

“Voila! Now you do the rest while we get this party started!” Naomi cheered as she left the bathroom with Alexis and Kim in tow.

I stared at my naked face as I heard my girlfriends having fun in the kitchen. I was so old now. Twenty one...it’s crazy. I remember my first day of college, moving into my dorm room and meeting Naomi for the first time. Heartbroken and with a New York attitude, I was so miserable. But she never stopped trying to be my friend. She constantly invited me places and ate meals with me, even when all I wanted to do was cry. And then I met Kim and Alexis, who I couldn’t imagine my life without. These girls brought me out of my rut and helped me grow into the woman I was today. Jesus fucking Christ, I was acting like a Lifetime movie. I took a deep breath and did my makeup just as how I saw Jennifer Lawrence do it for the Oscars. With one last coat of pink lipstick, I emerged from my room all dolled-up and Naomi looked like she was about to cry.

“Oh my goodness, Charlie. You look stunning! I am so proud of you.” She embraced me and it made me want to cry. Fucking hormones. I sniffed back my tears and gave her a kiss on the cheek. I then grabbed an open drink on the counter. I took a sip and nearly spit it right back out.

“Sorry, Char. It’s a little strong.” Alexis laughed as she sipped her drink with ease.

“What the fuck is in this anyway?” I took another sip only because I was a trooper who never turned down a free drink.

“Gin, champagne, and a little apple juice. I call it the Alexis Special,” she smiled, still looking as if she was drinking water.

“Well here’s to a hell of a craic!” I yelled in my best interpretation of Niall’s accent. We all bursted into laughter and downed our drinks. As Alexis poured me another, I heard my phone buzz.

We’re leaving now. See you in 20? I started to get butterflies in my stomach. I hadn’t seen Niall all week because of school, and I knew he’d look amazing in his suit tonight. He called me first thing this morning to wish me a happy birthday, which made me crave to see him even more. I told the girls it was time to go and we gathered our bags for the weekend. Niall had offered to send a car for us, so we all drank our other glass until it arrived.

When we got to Bardot I couldn’t believe my eyes. There were hoards of paparazzi shouting “happy birthday, Charlie!” and “where’s your boyfriend?” I couldn’t fathom that these people were here for MY birthday party. I was a nobody in this town, and I could almost guarantee some other celebrity with ten times my popularity was out celebrating. The club’s security escorted us into the club which was on the second story of Avalon. A nice man in a tuxedo took our bags and led us up the stairs. My heart stopped as I took in the beautifully decorated room. There were flowers and crystal everywhere, with a specially made “Happy Birthday, Charlie!” sign on the back wall.

As we walked in I was greeted by all my friends. I kissed cheeks and said thank yous, until something caught my attention. My eyes began to fill with tears. My sister Kennedy was across the room talking with Eleanor. I couldn’t believe she was here. Probably feeling my gaze, she glanced my way and smiled, and I ran through the hoards of people to embrace my sister with the tightest hug possible.

“What are you doing here?” I shrieked with tears falling down my cheeks.

“What, do you think I’d miss my baby sister’s 21st birthday?” Kennedy was two years my senior and I only ever saw her on school breaks. She recently graduated from Duke University and was now working for some big-shot publishing company in Seattle. It had been a good 4 months since I’d seen her at Christmas. “How are you, Cat? Did you get mom and dad’s package?”

“Yeah, I got it this morning along with the bouquet from Grandmère.” Every year my grandmother sent me an elaborate bouquet of tulips, irises, and daisies – my favorite flowers. My parents usually sent a much-needed check and a fancy piece of jewelry. This year, however, they went all out. Before I left for class I opened a giant package the Fed-Ex man had left for me. Inside were a bottle of Grand Marnier, a sterling silver Eiffel Tower pendant from Tiffany’s, and a gorgeous white quilted Chanel bag that I took with me tonight. “How did you even know about this?”

“A little Irish birdie told me.” She winked and kissed my cheek as she walked over to say hello to my friends. Just then Niall approached with a huge grin on his face and I threw my arms around him.

“Happy birthday, baby!” he said into my hair as he snuggled against me. I released him and he gave me a huge kiss on the lips.

“Thank you, Niall. How did you get my sister here?” I asked as he grabbed us two glasses of champagne from the tray of a passing waiter.

“I have my ways,” he joked and I playfully slapped his shoulder. I sipped on my alcohol while I was greeted by my friends. Everyone looked so lovely and happy, which just increased my mood even more. Kennedy came back and we took the opportunity to catch up. It felt so surreal that my sister was with me. We giggled about how cute Niall was and she seemed genuinely happy for me, which was something new in my relationship department.

Alexis and Kim dragged us onto the dancefloor, and for the majority of the night I danced with my girlfriends and drank too much champagne and rum and cokes. After a few hours, and a point at which my shoes were long gone, Niall grabbed a microphone and made an announcement.

“Hello everyone! I hope you’re all enjoying your evening tonight.” He paused as everyone clapped and cheered. “It’s now time for everyone’s favorite part of the night…cake! So please join me as we sing happy birthday to the irresistible Charlie Troy!” As everyone sang to me, two waiters brought out a giant cake of New York. The details on it were impeccable; from little Taxis to men in suits. I knew only Niall could have done this, and the gesture was beyond sweet. I bit my lip to stop the tears as everyone finished singing to me. Niall leaned in closer as I stood by the cake, “Now, make a wish, Princess.” I closed my eyes to blow out the candles. Having everything I could possibly want, I just wished for a future of even more happiness.

As we ate the delicious red velvet cake – my favorite…how did Niall know all this? – I started to open up my presents. Everyone got me such amazing gifts, and I felt as though I was thanking them a little too much. Niall insisted his gift be last, and he handed me a delicate box once I had opened the last of the other presents. Inside was the most precious piece of jewelry I had ever laid eyes on. It was a diamond and emerald gold tennis bracelet that looked very vintage, probably early 1900s. I stared at the masterpiece while Niall smiled. “Do you like it?”

“Like it? Niall I’m absolutely in love with it! Thank you so much!” I gave him a kiss and squeezed his hand.

“Well, that’s only part one,” he said while backing up onto the small stage next to the bar, “hit it boys!” The band that was playing earlier broke into “Everything” by Michael Bublé and Niall started to sing. My heart melted as Niall serenaded me, and Kennedy held my hand while we listened. The crowd burst into applause once he was finished, and I hopped up onto the stage to thank him once more.

“Niall, thank you. That was the most beautiful thing anyone has ever done for me. I love you.” I hesitated at the last part only because it was the first time either of us had said it. But once I did say it, Niall’s face lit up with joy.

“I love you, too, Charlie. You’re my everything.” He then leaned me back and kissed me like they did in old Hollywood movies. The crowd hooted and hollered in response. When he moved my body back upright, I whispered into his ear. “Bathroom. Five minutes.” His eyes grew large as I pranced off the stage to get another drink.

Once I saw my Irish prince head to the restroom, I soon followed suit. That was, until I was interrupted by a drunk Kim. “Charlie guess what! Zayn said to save a dance for him. I think I’m in love.” I laughed at how happy and drunk she was.

“Well you know what that means, right? He’ll want to bunk in your tent at Lake Casitas.” Her jaw dropped and she ran away from me screaming. I was glad to see her having a good time, and I decided it was time for my lovely boyfriend to have a good time, too.

I entered the single bathroom and locked the door behind me. Niall was sitting on the sink, smoking a cigarette. His hair was messy and his shirt unbuttoned a little -- he looked so attractive and cool, and I never wanted him more.
“Mmm, you know that you smoking turns me on.” I murmured as I approached him and began to kiss down his neck.

“Oh does it?” He laughed as he puffed smoke away from my face. “And what are we going to do about that?” I let a smirk escape my lips as I began to undo his pants. He was all ready to go by just my touch, and I bent down on my knees to show my appreciation. Licking the tip of his penis, I slowly put him in and out of my mouth. He moaned with pleasure as I bobbed up and down, pushing it as deep down my throat as I could handle. I felt Niall begin to thrust his cock in my mouth, and I took him in deeper as I swirled my tongue around his opening. He pulled my hair as I felt him ejaculate. I quickly swallowed and wiped my mouth clean.

Then I stood up, buttoned his pants for him, and started to walk out the door. “That’s it?” he asked, still catching his breath.

“For now,” I winked as I shut the door behind me.

When I walked back to the party, Kim was dancing with Zayn and Kennedy was dancing with Liam. How precious. I walked to the bar to get another rum and coke, and after I ordered my drink Harry sat down next to me.

“How’s the birthday girl?” he slurred. I could smell the alcohol on him.

“Great, Harry. How are you?” I sipped my drink.

“Just incredible. I can’t wait to go camping.” I rolled my eyes. “No! I’m serious! I’m very outdoorsy.” Harry Styles outdoorsy? I’d have to see it to believe it.

“Well I’m glad. I think we should be leaving soon. Can you let the boys know?” He nodded and got up to find his band mates. I began to say goodbye to all my friends, and when Kennedy approached I started to cry again.

“Don’t cry, kittycat! You’ll see me soon enough. Have fun camping but don’t get too crazy, ok?” I sniffled and she kissed my forehead. “I love you, Charlie.” After I watched my sister walk out the door, Niall let me know the cars were here. We brought all my presents out to the car and packed them up, but I kept my new bracelet from Niall and put it on my wrist. As we got into the car, he noticed it and kissed my hand.

“Happy birthday, Princess.” I slept in his arms the entire way to Lake Casitas.