eighteen {lams soulmate au}

1

"Shops, aquarium, dinner, and end the day at the beach. Then we can do some... other things. Sound good?" Alexander nodded and held onto Eliza's hand as they walked into Alexander's house. His mother was there hanging up a big 'Happy Birthday!' banner. A large snack table lined one of the dining room's walls. 'Soulmate Day!' was hung up over the archway that connected the dining room with the living room.

Alexander smiled as his mother looked over her shoulder and called, "Is it straight?"

"It looks great, Mom," Alex replied as Eliza sat down on the couch. The sign was actually slightly crooked, but Alex didn't mind. Today was his eighteenth birthday! The day he'll finally get confirmation about him and Eliza being soulmates. He was fairly confident in their relationship. She had to be his soulmate. Alex took a seat next to Eliza and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. Alexander's mother walked into the room, wiping her hands on her jeans. She smiled at the two and folded her arms over her chest.

"So, what are you two planning on doing?"

"We are planning on going out, then going to the aquarium. We're gonna get some dinner and after that go to the beach."

"It's a bit cold for the beach, don't you think?" Rachel, Alexander's mother," asked. Alexander shrugged.

"It'll be fun either way, because I'll be with Eliza," he said, smiling at his one and only.

"How sweet," Rachel chuckled before looking at her watch. "Your guests will be here any minute, Alex."

"I know," Alexander replied, not moving away from the couch.

"Who all did you invite?" asked Eliza, eagerly. I mean, Alexander was excited too. Only an hour was left until he had to blow out the candles on top of the birthday cake and then spend a whole twenty four hours with Eliza.

"John, Herc, and Laf, obviously, Maria, your sisters of course, Aaron, Theodosia— I even invited Francis."

"You're acting as if that's a lot of people," Eliza said, a fake smugness hinting in her voice. Alexander smiled and shrugged.

"It is to me." Three excited knocks sounded at the door. Eliza and Alex looked at each other.

"Peggy," they said in unison before rushing up and running over to the door. Alexander's mom had already left to the kitchen, most likely adding finishing touches to the cake. She always liked everything to be perfect. Alex opened the door. An excited Peggy ran up and hugged Alexander's waist.

"It's your eighteenth birthday!" she excitedly cried, voice slightly muffled by Alexander's shirt. Alex gently pulled her off of him.

"I know!" he excitedly whispered. The two fell into a fit of laughs while Angelica just smirked and watched silently from outside.

"Get your butt in here, Angie!" Eliza smiled before enveloping her sister in a hug.

"Whoa! You saw me like two hours ago!"

"That's two hours to long." Angelica snickered and walked inside, handing a wrapped up gift to Alexander.

"For you, my good sir." Alexander bowed in acknowledgment.

"Many thanks, Angelica," he said in an attempted English accent. Angelica laughed at his failures, as usual. Alex just stuck his tongue out.

John and Francis were the second ones to show up. John smiled and handed Alexander a present. "Happy Birthday, Alex," John said while patting Alexander's shoulder ever so slightly. Alex smiled.

"Thanks, John." Francis awkwardly walked up to Alexander and offered a smile.

"Sorry, I didn't know what to get you," he explained. Alexander shook his head.

"It's okay," he said, smiling. Eliza took Alexander's hand. Hercules and Lafayette showed up together, as expected. They both gave Alexander a hug, eventually forcing John into the group-hug as well. Herc handed Alexander a small box which was signed from the both of them.

"I didn't buy you anything so Hercules let me put my name on that," Lafayette explained. Hercules elbowed him in the side.

"You're not supposed to tell him that!"

Aaron and Theodosia showed up hand-in-hand, smiling politely as they handed over their gifts for Alexander. Maria trailed slowly behind them. "Thank you for inviting me, Alex," she hummed before hugging Alexander.

"Of course," Alex said, pretending not to notice the bruise forming around her wrists. Concern flooded through him as he smiled down at her. "You're welcome here," Alexander gestured around the house, "anytime, you know." Maria smiled widely and nodded before heading off towards the dinning room to get food. Eliza sneaked up behind Alex and slowly wrapped her arms around him.

"How do you like the party so far?" she asked, laying her head on his shoulder.

"I love it. A lot. Thanks for helping my mom and I plan it, Lizy." Eliza giggled.

"It's no big deal, honest." Alexander smiled brightly.

"I'd be a mess without you, you know that?"

"Yeah," Eliza agreed, "you would. Good thing I'm always here for you." Alexander smiled brightly and turned his head so he was able to peck Eliza's lips. Eliza smiled at him, seeming to lose herself in his eyes.

"Okay everyone! Cake time!" A huge smile broke out over Eliza's as she excitedly rushed over to the dining room, dragging Alexander with her. He was laughing the whole way. Alex sat down in front of the cake. Alexander's mother lit the candles unbearably slow, a small smirk on her face. Alex just playfully rolled his eyes and sighed, resting his head on his palm. Eventually she finished and everyone gathered around, John on his right and Eliza on his left. John's voice was very prominent as they sang Happy Birthday. "Now, Alex, make a wish!"

Alexander huffed. "I'm not seven anymore, Mom." Rachel just chuckled.

"Hurry up, Alex!" Eliza cried, the smile on her face so adorable that Alex couldn't help but chuckle.

"Alright, alright." Alex silently counted to three and closed his eyes, blowing the candles out right as the clock struck four.

Time stopped.

Alexander's heart raced as he slowly opened his eyes.