Selected: Part 2 - Flowers with Thorns

18. THE GIFT

I FELT A BIT OVERWHELMED as I exited the ballroom, searching for somewhere to take refuge from it all. Going by instinct, I hid behind the nearest column, steadying my breath as I leaned against it. "Luna? Are you alright?" Ethan inquired as he ran up to me, a concerned expression hardening his soft features. With all the other girls around, I hadn't thought that he'd notice me leave.

Of all things, I laughed. "This feels so familiar." I noted, remembering Ethan leaving his own birthday party just two months ago, and me finding him hiding behind a column. He smiled wide, catching the reference. "You're right; so I take it you're not fond of these sorts of things either?" I fiddled with the material of my dress a bit, looking down. I wanted to tell him about the guard, but I was embarrassed, thinking I might be overreacting about it. "I guess I'm not quite used to being around crowds yet." He laughed. "I'm not sure I'll ever get used to it!" My eyes widened in shock at his confession. "But isn't that sort of a requirement? Being royalty and all?" His shrugged. "I'm not perfect, I have so much to learn and work on still." He paused. "You shouldn't worry so much about it, especially not on your birthday."

"Shouldn't you be returning to the party? I mean, what with all the other Selected waiting for you there..." He inched a little closer to me. "Back there, I'm required to divide my attention equally among all of you, but out here, I'm exempt from those obligations." Ethan took my hand softly and whispered in my ear. "Luna, darling, I'm all yours for the rest of the night." I felt my face get hot, and my heart beat a little faster. I couldn't think of a better gift than his company.

"Which reminds me," He started. "I have a something to give to you, but I'm afraid it's back in my room." It was exactly like on his birthday, when I had left his gift in my room. I smiled at the thought, wondering if he had intended this. He laced his arm through mine, and guided me up the stairs, when the realization hit me: I was going to see his room. "Is it really okay? I mean, showing me your room?" I felt nervous all of a sudden. He stopped a moment to face me. "Of course it's okay, and you'll be the first girl to see it."

Ethan's room was big, but simple enough. Almost everything was blue, so I assumed it was his favorite color. Most notably, his walls were plastered with his art; not grand portraits like in his studio, but drawings and sketches. He had a desk filled with notepads, and a library of books. I longed to go through them, see a little more into his world, so I tried to peak at the titles from afar. As I took in everything, Ethan got a small bag out of a drawer, which he presented to me. "I'm not good at making things like you, I'm afraid." He started. "I could have painted a portrait of you, but sometimes I wonder if it's really possible to capture all this beauty onto a canvas." I laughed bashfully at his compliment, feeling shy but giddy all the same.

"What I can do though, is choose something that would complement that beauty." He finished, as he handed me the gift. "Happy birthday." He said, yet again, as I unwrapped the box that was inside. For my birthday, Ethan had chosen a necklace for me. It was silver, it's pendant with delicate carvings and a small blue stone that probably matched the shade of my eyes. I studied it, my mouth agape at the lovely thing that had made Ethan think of me. "Do you like it?" He asked, suddenly seeming anxious. "I love it so much. Thank you, Ethan." I breathed out. "Could you help me put it on?"

I lifted my hair up for him, as he delicately wrapped the chain around my neck, his fingers grazing my skin and sending shivers up my spine. I hoped it wouldn't look silly alongside the other necklace I had on. He took a good look at me. "You look stunning." Feeling shy, I blurted out "You too." and he laughed. Soon, his arms were wrapped around me in a warm, comfortable embrace, and I closed my eyes, so grateful to be here.

"I'm so happy I got to celebrate my birthday with you." I confessed. "I'm so happy as well, Liliana." For some reason, Ethan using my real name made the moment feel so much more intimate. Feeling so comfortable, I confessed: "I love when you say my name." He kissed my cheek. "I really think you're something special, Liliana." His kisses moved down towards my jaw, and to my neck. I let out a breath, and closed my eyes, enjoying these new feelings.

I wanted to kiss him back, so I climbed onto the tip of my toes, and kissed his face, aiming just above his stubble. Ethan seemed taken aback, but his face quickly fell into a warm smile, as he grabbed both of my hands and stared into my eyes. It was all so sweet, I couldn't bear the thought of the moment ending, but I knew it was getting late. Wordlessly, we walked towards my room. The music from the party had died down, so I assumed the girls were headed to bed as well. "I hope you enjoyed your birthday." Ethan said as we reached my door. "It was amazing thanks to you." He kissed my cheek again, and wished me a good night.

Once Grace had me all dressed-down, I laid in bed, reliving the day. Those private moments with Ethan seemed to outshine everything else. And that's when I knew for sure that I loved him. I fell asleep that night, a little older, and a little more in love with Ethan Shreave.