Coming of Age
Early Sunday morning, the Constantin household quietly bustled with activity. It was Liliana's birthday, and there was much to be done before the party that afternoon!
Liliana and her parents arrived early at the venue to get everything set up, and Ava showed up not long later.
"The apartment across the hall from me just opened up." Ava told Liliana after they'd embraced. "It's an easy bike ride from there to Foxbury."
"We could be neighbors!" Liliana agreed enthusiastically. "I'm already packed up, I'll be leaving this evening. I'll call the landlord after the party!"
As she blew out her candles, Liliana made a wish: that her college years be as happy as her high school ones.
Liliana's final core trait is Child of the Ocean. She loves the ocean and all the life within it, and longs to know more about it all. With her Biology major, she eventually intends to pursue a career as a Marine Biologist.
Her ruminations on her course through life don't last long, though, rudely interrupted by Leia and Vanessa discussing corpses. Why did her sister have to become a Reaper? It was bad enough having their mother be a Mortician!
Liliana and Aukai's birthdays were only a few days apart, and since Aukai had no family to celebrate, Liliana invited him to share in her celebration. The whole family cheers him on as he also blows out the candles, entering young adulthood alongside Liliana.
Aukai's final core trait is Outgoing, befitting the social butterfly he'd been throughout the time Liliana knew him. He'd discussed his ambitions with Liliana before- to become a Private Attorney.
Liliana and Aukai's relationship remained as strong as it had been throughout high school, and they were excited to enter this new phase of life together. Aukai would be pursuing a Language and Literature degree at Foxbury as well, and Liliana had something to ask him- after the party, though.
As the party kicked into full swing, Vanessa and her sisters gathered for a game of cards. There was always plenty to catch up on between all their families. Arabella didn't join them, busy talking to her nieces and nephew. She'd intended to bring Lis along to meet her cousins, but the poor girl had come down with the Llama Flu the day before.
Carin had finally reached the top of the Art Critic career, finally beating out that cursed Diego Lobo for the final promotion. She'd also just published her first book, a guide to the festivals of San Myshuno.
Rose and Philip were planning a few days away in Gibbi Point for the summer. The new 'Revive and Thrive' Getaway had piqued Rose's interest. "If it's worth it, I'll let you know."
And Alyssa? She and Henry were planning to just take it easy. Ella would be aging up and moving out soon as well, and there was plenty to be done in preparation for that.
When things started to wind down, Liliana pulled Aukai outside for a moment of quiet. As they watched the clouds go by, she turned to ask him something.
"We'll both be going to Foxbury now, and you'll have to move out of Copperdale to have any semblance of a life outside school. Do you want to move in together? Ava says the apartment across the hall from hers just opened up."
"I think that sounds great." Aukai agreed. "I'd love that."
Back at the farm, Liliana packed up her things to move out. A new stage of life means a full new wardrobe, too!
Including a wedding dress, which she hopes that she'll maybe be wearing soon.
The apartment in Gibbs Hill was a single room studio, with a tiny kitchen and bed already provided- clearly intended for student housing. There's a small, basic bathroom as well. It's no luxury penthouse, but it'll do for now.
Aukai arrived as Liliana was starting dinner. He didn't bring much with him, just some clothes and a few sentimental photos. He also brought her a small gift- a box of chocolate strawberries for them to share.
They sat on the bed and shared the strawberries, and talked for hours. Tomorrow they would have to start on their coursework, but for now, it was nice to just be together.
When they finally got tired, they climbed into bed together and went to sleep in each others' arms. As she drifted off, Liliana couldn't help but think that there really was no better way to start a new stage of life than this.
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