A/N: I wasn't sure whether I should post this chapter, but it felt necessary. It is just her do-over birthday, because I would hate my eighteenth birthday to be spent that way. It also has more of an ending here. Like what happens after the final chapter. Don't get me wrong, I loved the way the book ended, I finished everything and didn't leave out any detail, but I just felt that it needed this. By the way, it still has the same number of words as a normal chapter so it isn't too long.

Also, picture of dress above. (Reason for the dress is explained later on)

Song: Can I Have This Dance by Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron from the movie; High School Musical 3

Bonus Chapter: I needed to pull the in-laws card

Saturday 20th December

I started school right after Zane was discharged from the hospital. He had been given a few rules like take short walks, don't lift anything heavy, no sports (that was a real hit to him and the coach who started silently crying when Zane broke the news to him), sleep in a comfortable position, press a pillow against your wound when sneezing or coughing, and a lot more. Who knew having a gunshot wound in the abdomen came with a rule book?

 I had gotten my bandage off two days before the time they said I would, and the scarring was minimal like the nurse said, but I was pretty bummed about it. What I wasn't bummed about was Jaxon spending his time in jail. He started last week or two weeks ago. It was Zane that told me when he was moved out of the hospital. Jayden had gone back home to his family to share the news with his family. He said he won't be coming back for a while, and I was really going to miss him. 

Although, Jay helped Zane with getting me out, Zane and the rest of my family and friends were still on edge around him. They still used his brother to judge him. I wasn't happy about it, but Jay told me that I shouldn't bother myself about it, they're just being cautious. And since they didn't like me going out to meet him, I did it behind their backs.

Shane and Shay went back to school the week I was back. They were meant to go the Friday after Thanksgiving, but they said they couldn't leave with me gone so they waited. They had already missed enough of school so after assurance from me, they left.

I had gone to visit Aaron and Grace a couple times to see how they were doing. Aaron was okay and he said his only problem was that he missed us and I promised him Rev and I would invite him over more often. Grace, on the other hand, didn't look too good. She was getting thin and her eyes had so much bags under. My guess was that Amelia was overworking her and not giving her enough food and I had finally come up with a plan to get her out of there and to come and work for us. I needed to pull the in-laws card.

Saying that made actually me snort in my head. It's not like they're my in-laws, they're just my boyfriend-that-I-might-marry-if-everything-works-out-well's parents. So not much difference. 

For some reason, Zane and the rest of my friends were busy doing one thing or the other today. Zane was having a day with Wren if that was okay by me and of course, I said yes. I'm not that clingy girlfriend, right? Right??!!

Zahra and Kai said they were going on a date. Xander was also on a date with Mia. Leyla was on a date with Jordan. He finally asked her to be his boo. Or in other word's girlfriend.

Isn't it weird that everyone is going on a date today?

Well except me. Even Rev was busy with Sam. But it was okay with me because I didn't really need any of them for the plan. I just needed my Mum's consent and a little chat with Zane's parents.

I jogged down the stairs to meet my Mum. Since her and Dad started sharing the bill again, she'd been less busy. Meaning she was free on weekends.

She was in the parlor watching a movie. Probably a romantic comedy. It was all she did in her free time now. Well apart from spending it with Chad. He asked her to marry him about a week ago. For some odd reason, it was a surprise to her, but she said yes. She was actually really happy. Maybe she sees him as more than just a friend now.

Rev had made it clear that she wasn't going to be called Reveka Brooks-Wallace and that it was either one or the other because Reveka was already long enough. I didn't have a problem with that seeing as I would sometime be Charvi Rivers. Just kidding!!

"Hey Mum. What rom-com are you watching this time?"

She sat up in her seat. "What do you mean 'this time'?"

I raised my brows at her and she just rolled her eyes, and mumbled, "Whatever."

I slumped down on the couch beside her. "So... What's the name?"

She smiled dreamily. "Falling Inn Love. The 'n' is two. As in inn."

"I get it. I'd ask what it's about, but I have somewhere to be. So I want to ask you something."

"So much interest in your own mother."

I smiled. "Can people still be sarcastic at your age?"

She gasped. "I'm pretending I didn't hear that."

"Good because I have a question. Can we get a maid?"

"Are you really that lazy that you can't do your own dishes?"

"Well, I'm offended. That's not why I want us to get a maid."

"Then why?"

"The Brooks'," she raised her brows, "well, the other Brooks'. Maybe we should be called the Wallace's after all. Anyways, Amelia isn't treating Grace right and it hurts me to see her like that after all that she has gone through. Her mother died when she was 12 and her father sold her. And since then, luck hasn't been on her side. I just want to do something for her. She never even went to school."

My Mum sent me a sweet smile and then she side hugged me. "You've always been a caring person and I love you for that. Of course, I would love to take Grace in."

I smiled back at her. "Thanks Mum."

She nodded. "So how do you plan to get Amelia to just let her go?"

I bit my lip. "Well, you know how her boss is my boyfriend's Dad, I was planning to ask a favor."

Mum frowned slightly, "I heard Zion Rivers isn't the nicest man."

I gave her a small smile and thought this through. "I think he has gotten a soft spot for me. In his own way."

***********************

I rang the doorbell. And as always, Stout Stewart was prompt to open it. 

He smiled at me. "Hello Charvi."

I nodded to him as he let me in. "Hello Stewart."

"Master Rivers is not at home."

How is it that he can call me Charvi, but call Zane Master Rivers?

"Which one?" I asked even though I knew he was talking about Zane.

"Your boyfriend."

"So I'm guessing his father is home?"

"Yes, he is present."

Yes! Yes! Yes!

"May I see him?"

"Well he is busy and he wishes not to be bothered."

He always wishes not to be bothered.

"I'll tell him it's me."

He was probably already used to hearing that by now so he let me in anyway.

"He is in his office with his wife."

Thank God Shayan is there too. She's way more approachable. I started towards his office. I already knew the way.

When I got there, I knocked on the door.

Zion's voice boomed through the door, "Do not come in!"

"Who's there? Rosita, is it you? We're not hungry." Shayan soothed.

See, more approachable.

"No it's me Charvi."

"Oh Charvi, come in."

I opened the door and walked in. I was met with Zion's scowl as he sat in his almighty chair, and Shayan's soft smile as she stood behind/beside him.

"Hello Charvi." She greeted.

"Hi Shayan."

"I see you've finally got the bandage out."

I looked at my legs for some reason. "Yes."

Zion went straight to the point as he pinched the bridge of his nose, "What has my son done?"

I laughed at his bluntness. "I didn't come because of Zane. I came to ask for a favor."

"Whatever it is, no."

Like I said. In his own way.

Shayan squeezed his shoulder, "Come on, honey. She's a good girl and she's never asked for a favor before."

He sighed and looked up at me. I flashed him a very wide smile.

"What may we help you with it?"

I walked up to his table and sat on the chair in the other side. "You know my father, right? Of course you do, he works for you. Well, he and his wife, Amelia, have a maid and since you are their boss, I want you to ask them to give the maid over to us."

Shayan's brows creased. "Why?"

"Because when I stayed over at their house, she became my friend, and I don't like the way she's being treated over there. I know it should be none of my business, but I can't help it."

"Ch-"

I cut him off. "I know it's wrong of me to ask you to do this because you're my boyfriend's parents' and it's really none of your business, but that's why I called it a favor. So please." I put my hands to beg. "Please, please, please."

Zion sighed. "You talk way too much. I was just going to say no problem."

I perked up, "You were?"

"It's not really a big deal. I'll just call her and tell her to hand the maid over to me and then I'll hand her over to you."

I don't like how we're using 'hand over' like she's an object.

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you so much."

He just nodded.

Like I said. In his own way. I smiled at the fact that my plan worked. He got out his phone and called Amelia probably.

She said something first.

"Yes Amelia. It is still due tomorrow."

"No that is not what I called for. Your maid-"

"Yes, yes Grace."

"I want to permanently take her from you."

It made me really uncomfortable that we were talking about her like an object, but what words were to say?

"Yes, I want you to hand her over to me."

"I have my reasons."

"Good. Send her over to my house this moment. She is going to be handed over to the other Brooks' family."

We are not the other Brooks' family. They are the ones that are 'other' if you ask me. We were Brooks' first.

Well your Dad is with them so...

It doesn't matter. When he married Mum, he shared his surname so it is theirs equally.

"Yes them."

"Why they want her is not your business, Amelia. Just do what I say." And he cut the call.

I said one more thanks and then stood up to go and wait for Grace while they continued their work.

Grace was there with Amelia in about 15 minutes. Faster than I expected. Then I noticed Grace had no luggage, and found my reason. Amelia had a tight grip on Grace's hand when she entered. She glared at me before marching straight to Zion's office door. I rushed right after them. Grace wasn't looking at me at all. Her eyes were planted on the ground. 

Must be a new rule.

Amelia knocked, "Good day Mr. Rivers. It's Amelia."

"Come in!" Shayan's tiny voice called out.

Before Amelia opened the door, she released her very tight grip on Grace.

Faker.

She curtsied in front of Zion and presented Grace, "Here she is."

Shayan looked around, "Where is her luggage?"

"Um- Everything given to her was by us, so she doesn't have any."

So she couldn't just give it to the poor girl? It seems we'd go shopping soon.

Shayan just nodded and shared eye contact with me.

Zion waved a hand to dismiss Amelia, "You may go."

"But-"

He cut her off with a stern look. She walked out of his office, not before gritting her teeth and glaring at me. Once the door was closed, Grace looked up at me with a smile. "Thank you."

I went to hug her. "You're welcome."

I turned to Shayan and Zion. "Thank you."

Shayan waved a hand. "Enough with the thank you. You've said it about a billion times already."

I smiled at her and then turned to Zion. He cleared his throat and said, "What are you still waiting for?"

I smiled at him and dragged Grace out of the room.

***********************

When we got home, Mum welcomed Grace in and settled her in a room on our floor. I spoke to Mum about sending Grace to school, and she reminded me that we just took her from the person that could potentially pay her school fees so she doubts Dad would be willing to. Plus, he may be rich now, but paying the fees of six children is enough for him. I just nodded and decided I'd be teaching her what I learnt for now.

After I left Grace to sleep in her room that looked like mine, I lay on my bed and flicked through some shows. It was probably 2pm by now and since everyone was busy today, I guess I was by myself. I had finally decided to watch the movie Mum was watching this morning, when my phone rang. I looked at it and saw it was Xander. I picked it up.

"How's your date?"

"Huh? Oh yeah, my date. Mia just went home. Family emergency."

I sat up on my bed. "Is everything okay?"

"Yes it's all good."

"So what's the emergency?"

"Uh- her goldfish died."

My brows creased. "I didn't know she had a goldfish."

"I guess she likes keeping things a mystery."

"Umm okay. So why did you call?"

"I'm outside. Wanna grab a bite?"

"Shouldn't you be at like a goldfish funeral?"

"Her Mum already flushed Goldie down the toilet."

"She called her goldfish Goldie?"

"Would you stop asking so many questions and get down here?"

"Fine. Fine."

"And where something nice."

I rolled my eyes. "I always wear something nice."

"I know you Char and I've been noticing that you haven't worn a dress since you took the bandage off."

He was right.

"That was just three days ago. I'm sure I've gone a whole week without wearing a dress before."

"But I know that this time you don't want anyone to see the scars. They're not bad Char."

I sighed. "It's not just that I don't want people to see it. I don't want to see it. I don't want to remember. And I don't want people to look at it, remember and then treat me differently because of it."

"We will never treat you differently because of it. You're still our doofus."

I rolled my eyes, but still laughed. "But others will see me as the poor doofus girl."

"Well then that's their problem. I want you down. In a dress. Pronto."

And he cut the call. How dare he command me? Fine, I'll wear a dress. Just not the kind he expects.

I put on my red printed off shoulder long casual dress. I wore my white sandals with them. This way the scars won't show. I don't care if he thinks I'm being pathetic. I would not be reminded of that dreadful time every time I look down at my leg.

I grabbed my purse and jogged down the stairs. "Mum, I'm going out!" I called out to her.

She turned her head from where she was sitting, "I forgot you had friends." She teased.

I just rolled my eyes at her and continued out the door. Xander was resting on his car, using his phone.

When I walked up to him, he looked up. "You must really think you're brilliant."

"Correction. I know I'm brilliant."

He shook his head with an amused smile on his face, "You still look great."

I gave him a cheeky smile as I entered the car, "I know."

He chuckled as he entered his own side. He started the car.

"Where are we going to grab a bite?"

"A restaurant."

"Well, obviously you dimwit." I flicked the side of his head and he glared at me.

I just rolled my eyes, "Which one?"

"Wait and see."

And I did. We relished in each other's silence as we enjoyed our great taste in music. We had been on the road for about 30 minutes and I was just staring outside listening to the music.

It took me a while to realize when Xander had parked. 

I looked up and read the sign in front of the restaurant. Delicious Damario.

It was a new restaurant in town. I turned to ask Xander why he chose this place, but he was already out the car. I opened the door and got down of the car. I hadn't been here before, but I had heard of the place. I walked with Xander to the door. He knocked twice. 

Why is he knocking? 

And he opened it. We walked into a dark restaurant.

My brows creased. "Why are the li-?"

"Surprise!!!" I was cut off by a screaming crowd at the same time the lights came on.

I was engulfed in a hug before I could get a good look at all the faces. "Hi Cherry." Zane released me after a while.

I looked at all the faces. There were so many people here. Rev. Wren. Zahra. Kai. Leyla. Jordan. Axel. Chad. Mum. Wait, Mum? I stopped looking around when my eyes landed on her. How did she get here?

As if noticing where I was looking Xander replied me. "You weren't paying attention so I went around in circles a couple of times so she could get here before us."

I laughed and turned to Zane. "What's all this about?"

"We decided to plan a do over birthday for you." Leyla said as she pointed at the banner that had been placed over everyone's heads: Happy 18th Birthday Char!

"A do over birthday?"

Zahra stepped forward. "You know, because your original birthday was crap."

I laughed at her choice of words. "Thank you guys, but you didn't have to do all this."

Zane side hugged me. "We did because you deserve it. Every inch of it." He kissed my temple.

I smiled at all of them. "Thanks guys. You've made me so happy, I-"

Zahra's groan. "No. No sob story. We want to eat and dance and party!" She yelled.

I laughed at her as she pointed to the DJ to start the music.

It was a big restaurant and the tables and chairs were moved to the side so that the center would be a dance floor. There was a makeshift stage where the DJ set up his equipment with two large speakers booming with the music everyone had started dancing to. There was a table beside the DJ with a large cake and refreshments. There was a table to the extreme end with a lot of boxes and gifts. 

I turned to Zane. "Did you plan all this?"

He nodded. "Guilty as charged."

I laughed and put my hand on his cheek. "Thank you. I needed this." I kissed his lips. "Let's go dance."

I started dancing towards the dance floor, but he pulled my hand. "You need to see my gift first. It can't wait."

He dragged me to the gift table. And pulled out a little box that was on the edge of the table. He handed it to me. I opened it and smiled as I pulled the gold necklace out. It was a necklace with the letters 'Z' and 'C' on it, but they weren't just beside each other. The C started at the tail of the Z so they were diagonal to each other, but joined. It was beautiful.

He took it from my hand and wore it for me. "Since the cops couldn't find the one he took from you, I replaced it with a better one."

I turned to smile at him. "It's beautiful."

"This isn't the gift."

My brows creased. "It's not?"

He shook his head and raised the table cloth and pulled out a cage from under.

A dog cage.

He opened the front and a dog jumped into my arms. "Oh my goodness!" It was a black tiny dog that was very furry. I rubbed its fur and he licked my face and wagged its tail.

I looked up at Zane. "You bought me a dog?"

He just smiled at me.

"I love you so much!" I went on my tiptoes and kissed him, seeing as I couldn't squeeze him into a hug because of the dog I was carrying.

"What do you want to call him?"

I smiled mischievously at Zane. "I think I'm going with Zion."

**********************

How was that?

I made up the name of the restaurant Delicious Damario, if anyone was wandering. And also, should the dog actually be called Zion? Because I was thinking Zane, but then I changed my mind.

Anyways please vote, share and comment. Thanks and Toodles ;)

Song: Happy Birthday To You by Jorge Blanco from the telenovela; Violetta 

https://youtu.be/uhFdsAIhfqc