Going Full Tilt (Carter Baizen)

Eleven - The Birthday

Afternoon  Upper East Siders, today is a big day.  Its time to celebrate the  legality of one Ellie Westfield.  Our heiress had turned 18 today and we  can't help but send out best wishes to her.  But will Prince Charming  come through?  We know things have been icy between the pair since the 4th  but we can hope that at least Ellie will have a good night.  We hear  that there is a party in the works.  Wonder if a certain growing  executive will be able to attend?

Nate  collected Ellie from the birthday dinner they had thrown her with  flowers and chocolates.  Ellie was gracious in accepting but was  uncomfortable.  She was still hurt by Nate's actions,  and she was still torn over her actions with Carter.  She had been  avoiding Carter and Nate. But Nate reached out, wanting to celebrate her  birthday.  So here she was while Roger whisked Nate and Ellie to a restaurant in Manhattan.  Ellie sat looking out the window. 

"Ellie, is everything alright?"

"Just tired." 

"Of course, sweetheart, I understand." Nate pulled her closer.  "I've planned the whole night.  Dessert and then a drink with friends." 

"Sounds perfect.  I don't want to a big deal." 

As they arrived at the restaurant, Nate pulled Ellie in for a kiss.  "I've missed you so much." 

"Nate..."

"I  won't lie Ellie.  I know I made a mistake but I'm going to keep trying  to make it up to you." Nate took her into the restaurant. 

SURPRISE!

Ellie looked around and saw all of  her friends in the room and she covered her mouth.  Serena, Blair, Dan,  Chuck all came up to her to offer their birthday wishes.  She took into  the room.  Streamers, balloons decorated the walls with a banner.  A  table laden with presents were on a table in the corner. 

"Wow!"  Ellie looked around.  She only hoped to see the one pair of blue eyes  that would make the day perfect but found none.  She tried not to look  disappointed as more people came up to her. 

After awhile,  the part settled to a hum, the music playing, people dancing, drinking,  enjoying the free booze.  Ellie sat with the girls, gossiping when  someone tapped her shoulder.  Ellie turned.  "Lina!" She hugged her best  friend. "I thought you weren't going to be back from Hawaii until next  Wednesday?"

"I  had to come back.  My best friend finally turning 18 is the best reason  to come back!"  They hugged some more before Lina greets everyone  else.  A few minutes later, Ellie gets a message from a waiter. 

Come upstairs.  Tell them it's your parents – C

Ellie swallows and looks at the group.  "My parents are here.  They wanted to see me." 

"Did you want me to go with you, sweetheart?" Nate smiles. 

"No, honey, I'll be right back. Hopefully." Ellie smiled and kissed Nate's cheek.  She headed up the stairs. 

Carter  waited. He wanted to see his Ellie, all dressed up.  Of course, he  wasn't invited but that wasn't going to stop him from seeing her on her  birthday.  As she walked up the stairs, he stopped breathing.  She was  stunning in a black dress that came to her knees. The top was squared  off with long bell sleeves.  Her blonde hair was piled on top and her face was simple. She was beautiful and sophisticated.  He reached for her hand.  "Hi gorgeous." 

"Hi."  

"Come."   He pulled her to a private room in the restaurant.  There he had set up  some roses and a small cake.  "I know I can't be there for the real  one, but I didn't want to miss your birthday." He looked to make sure  the door was closed and then pulled her in for a searing kiss.  "Happy  Birthday Miss Westfield."