XVIII

21, and good lookin

3rd person ༄

Narrative + messages + instagram

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The 31st of October was a long awaited day for almost everyone at UConn. Most people were excited for the Halloween parties, but Cameron  was mostly excited for her best friend's birthday. She has been planning this day for what felt like months and she needed everything to go perfect.

After a long horror movie marathon the night before Cam stayed up even later to decorate the apartment as quietly as she possibly could. She sprinkled confetti, put out balloons, and set up flowers on the kitchen island.

The next morning she woke up even earlier to set up her birthday breakfast and when Evelina finally woke up Cameron was already at her door.

"Gooooddddd morning birthday girl! You are officially 21, AND good lookin!" She said while throwing herself on the bed next to the half asleep girl. "Thanks Cam." She laughs sitting up straight. "Okay hurry up and get dressed I have a surprise for you!" She rolls over Eve almost falling on the floor. When Cam leaves the room Evelina fully wakes up getting out of bed to check her phone.

Lego builders

Aubrey 🗽

Happy birthday Evelina!

Croatian queen😻😻

Happy birthday ml 🫶🏼

Roni🧀

Happy birthday you crazy

Italian!

My princess

Happy birthday!

🧊

Happy bday!

liyah

Happy birthday!!

Carol

happy birthday!

Inês

Happy bday!

P buckets 🏀

Happy birthday photographer!

Evelina

Aww, thank you guys! ❣️

After what felt like an eternity to Cameron Evelina finally came out of her room. "Roni this is amazing! You didn't have to do all this for me." Evelina says walking into the kitchen. "Oh hush, it's the least I could do." They both let out short laughs. Eve looked around in awe at how their living room and kitchen was decorated. The thing that caught her attention most was a bouquet filled with her favorite flowers, such as roses, and lillies. Evelina had never felt more appreciated. "This is so sweet I feel like I could cry right now." She walks over to Cam wrapping her arms around her with a light peck on the cheek. "You are literally the bestest friend a girl could ask for." "You know I had to go all out for you. Just wait till later." She pulls away smiling at her friend.

"So what do you have planned for later today?"

The dark haired girl says cutting into her strawberry crepes. "I can't tell you. BUT! I can tell you what your first gift is-well more like give it to you." Evelina's looks up at her a bit shocked, she didn't expect to get more than one gift. "Be right back!" Cameron runs off to her room leaving Evelina with her crepes. When she returns Evelina's eyes immediately go to what looks like a binder in her hands. "I swear if this is homework I'm going to kill you." She jokes. "Haha very funny. This is way better." Eve fills her mouth with more food as Cam turns the binder around. Inside the plastic screen was her names followed by 21st on it. "What is it?" "Well first off this isn't just a gift from me, your family helped as well, but basically since taking pictures is your thing I made you a book or binder filled with pictures of your life. A lot of it is us because you know I'm just so beautiful I deserve to be shown as well." She flips her hair back. "Oh my god, you're joking I'm actually going to start sobbing now and I just did my makeup." She whines and Cam laughs at Eve as her eyes start to tear up. She places the binder on the counter. Eve immediately flipping through it putting her food aside. "This is so special to me." She continues to look through the pictures, reliving the memories from each on of them. When she got to the end they were filled with a bunch of photos from her years at UConn and as she looked over them a sense of realization hit her. She realized she had made the right choice going to this school.

"Did you finish your costume?" Cam says changing the topic after Eve is done with the book. "Yeah, finally. That thing took me a hundred years." "Well I'm sure it will be worth it because you will look so hot, and Paige will ask you out on the spot." "Cam! You are insufferable she doesn't like me and I don't like her." "Uh huh, sure." Cam turns going to her room so she can have the last word.

Since she was all alone now she made her way to their couch slumping down on it. What feels like the second she sits down her phone vibrates in her back pocket. She accepts it and her mom's face fills up the phone. "Happy birthday baby!"

"Thanks mom" before her mom can speak again she is cut off, "Con chi sei al telefono?" She laughs at her dad. "My daughter." She yells off to the side shaking her head. Her father is now visible on screen, "ah, happy birthday to my baby girl!" She laughs at the both of their smiling faces on the screen. "Thanks guys." "So what are you going to do for your 21st birthday, I'm surprised you aren't already at a bar." The older woman says. "Mom it's 11 am, I don't like alcohol that much. I'm actually not sure what I'm doing today, I know we are going to a Halloween party with some friends but other than that Cam won't tell me." "Oooo make sure to send me a picture of your costume." Her mom moves the phone to just her face on accident. "Amore mio stop trying to keep our daughter all to yourself," her dad says when he realizes he is not in the camera. While Eve is focused on her parents Cam comes out of her room walking right over to her. "Hi Mr and Mrs Ricci!" Cam says resting her head on Eve's shoulder. "Hey Cam!" Her parents say in sync. "How's everything going back home?" "Pretty good, missing you two like crazy." Her mom responds.

"Mamma." "Yes Gabriella?" Eve's face lights up at the sound of her younger sister, followed by the site of her next to her mom. "Happy birthday Lini!" "Thank you Gabi, I miss you so much." "I miss you too, when are you coming home?" "I'm going to try to visit for thanks giving break, okay?" "Okay." Eve had missed her little sister like crazy, she missed their small conversations and she really missed playing with toys and games with her. "Where is Matteo?" She interrupt her thoughts. "He is at practice, I will have him call you later, but we have to go now. Gabi has a doctors appointment." "Okay bye, love you guys!"

"Bye, we love you!" Her mom says before hanging up the phone.

She sighs getting off the couch. "So what are we doing today?" She claps her hands together looking at the brunette. "Didn't I tell you it was a surprise, but if you must know we are going somewhere at 1." "I'm so exciteddd!!" She sings giving a cheesy grin before going to her room.

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The car ride to the mystery location was filled with lots of singing and lots of laughing. They were both sure everyone driving past them could hear how loud they were, but it's not like they cared. After a while they quieted down and Cam spoke, "okay close your eyes." Eve closes her eyes. While they are closed she feels the car come to a stop followed by the sound of Cam getting out going to the trunk then coming back to her side. "Okay birthday girl keep those eyes closed I'm going to guide you." She gets out the car almost tripping over the curb. Cam just laughs at her as Eve stays still. "Can I please open my eyes I almost just ate shit." "Nope, just trust me." She groans letting Cam guide her into a building. When they are inside the sound of loud music is instantly heard which confuses Eve. Are they at a club? She takes a couple more steps when Cam holds her to a stop. "Okay Lina, open your eyes in....3....2.....1!" Once her eyes are fully adjusted to the lighting she sees some of the team in front of her. "Happy birthday Evelina!" They all say in sync. She covers her mouth squatting down. "You guys are insane, you didn't have to do all this for me." She laughs. She then looks up at Cam seeing her skates in her hands realizing where she is. "You brought me roller skating!?" Cam nods her head.

She stands up straight hugging Cam then turning to hug everyone. She never would have guessed Cam was taking her skating. One of her favorite things that she hasn't done much since going to school in Connecticut. After talking to everyone she immediately puts on her skates heading to the rink.

As most of the group started to get on the rink, the blonde was a bit nervous to get out there. She had roller skated countless times before but she wasn't that good, there was still a chance she could fall and embarrass herself in front of Evelina.

Evelina notices Paige's delay in getting on the floor so she skates her way over to her. "Do you know how to skate?" "Of course I know how to skate." "Then what's the delay, come skate!" She reaches out her hand for Paige's pulling her onto the slick floor. It takes her a moment to get used to the feel but with Evelina holding her hand she was able to roll without the fear of falling. Because of the anxiety she had around embarrassing herself she didn't take in that Evelina was holding her hand. Her hand was smooth and to Paige it felt like it perfectly fit in hers, with those thoughts filling her head her face began to heat up and she knew she had to stop.

After a couple minutes Evelina took her hand away from Paige's skating over to Nika who was stuck on the wall. All Paige wanted to do was stop and watch her but she couldn't she had to keep rolling.

"Nika what's wrong?" "I don't really know how to skate." She smiles at Nika. "Then I will teach you." She grabs each of Nika's hands helping off the wall. "Okay, I'm going to skate backwards while you just hold onto me." The Croatian nods her head. As they begin to skate Evelina catches herself staring at Nika. Her face wore a hint of worry but in front of the worry was a girl whose beauty was encapsulating. Even though she didn't like Nika in that way she would definitely drop everything for her. She laughed to herself at that thought.

"Hey, I think you are getting the hang of this."

"Yeah I agree."

After what felt like a short hour to Evelina the group gathered up at a small table. It was hard for everyone to get together since fans kept noticing them asking for pictures.

The small cake Cameron had gotten for Evelina was placed in front of her and immediately her eyes lit up. It was white with strawberries and star candles on top. "This is the cutest cake I've ever seen!" She puts her hands to her mouth as she looks at the details. Before she can say anything else the group start to sing. On the outside you would think that Evelina loved being the center of attention but on the inside she hated being sung to. She never knew what to do with all the cameras pointed at her everything she did felt wrong.

The presents were soon passed out and she was once again nervous. She appreciates anything she gets, especially if it's a gift but she always has a fear her body will betray her and seem as though she dislikes the gift.

Paige was sitting on the other side of Evelina taking the chance to be able to stare at her. Lately she couldn't help but stare any chance she got and even though it felt weird or wrong she would do it anyways. Friends can stare at friends. Paige watched as all her friends seem to get her perfect gifts: records, jewelry, art, she felt extremely nervous for hers to be opened. She wondered if Evelina felt the same way during her birthday, but quickly pushed that thought aside because why would she. She is practically perfect in Paige's eyes.

The time had come to Paige's present and when Evelina opened it she braced herself. "Shut up. You didn't." She took the object completely out of the bag. "How the hell did you know I've been wanting one of these for like FOREVER" in her hands lay a vintage Polaroid camera and beside it on the table were photos of the team and film. She put the camera down picking up the pictures and looking at each one. "I figured you would want pictures to hang up in your room." Paige says looking at Cam who helped her with the gift.

"Paige this is like so insane and so amazing thank you so much." "No problem." She smiles at Paige before grabbing her next gift.

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After presents were finished they all went their separate ways getting ready for the Halloween party later that night. As usual Cameron and Evelina did a sort of duo costume. Cam being a pirate and Evelina being a mermaid. This year they decided they weren't going to show each other their costumes until they were fully done. The anticipation to see one another's was killing them both.

"Okay! 3...2...1!" They both walked out of their rooms. "Oh my god Lina!" She grins sheepishly admiring Cam's costume. Cam could tell she worked hard on the costume from the scales made with makeup that were placed randomly on her body a long with on her face to her mini skirt that is covered in fish net along with her seashells top, the details were so beautiful. "I think I just died. Like am I in heaven? Are you an angel?" Cam joked. "Stop it," She laughed "okay but seriously look at you, the corset, the bandanna, the white dress, I could just eat you you look so good." "Okay weirdo please don't, I want to party." "Okay I'm sorry can't help what I say when my Roni looks that good."

They finally get to the party after spending 20 minutes trying find a decent parking spot. The house was filled with people that they had to push through to find their friends. The thing about UConn is they throw crazy parties ones that Evelina loves going to. Cam eventually caught a glimpse of one of the girls and grabs Eve's hand pulling her towards them.

"Hey party people!" She says when they finally get to them. Paige's eyes immediately turn to Evelina. It's only been a few seconds since she came into her view but she can't look away. In the lighting she is practically glowing making Paige's cheeks heat up. Meanwhile Evelina was having a hard time not staring as well. She couldn't tell what she was dressed as but whatever it was it was hot as fuck.

Cam could see what was happening between the two internally and she needed to get them alone as soon as possible. Without them noticing she was able to get herself and 3 of the other girls away from them. The second Eve realized she internally had a panic attack from how awkward it was becoming.

"Do you want to go get a drink?" Evelina finally musters up the courage to say something. "Yeah sure." They both make their way to the kitchen pouring themselves whatever drinks they laid eyes on first. They both needed liquid courage.

"Hey Paige! I didn't know you were going to be here tonight!" A guy says coming up to Paige. "Oh hey! I didn't even know I was coming till 3 hours ago when Nika told me." She chuckles dapping him up. Evelina just stays silent next to her watching as she takes sips from her red solo cup.She quickly finishes her drink pouring another one.

The guy Paige was talking to finally left and Eve wanted to know who he was, but she didn't want to be noisy. Before she knew it her mouth was already moving. "Who was he?" Paige turns to her accidentally getting too close. She was now almost looking directly down at Evelina her soft scent was now noticeable. "Oh him? he is a player for the men's basketball team." "Oh. I don't know how I didn't realize that, I guess I just only care about women's basketball." They both laugh.

She was now almost done with her second drink and could feel the alcohol taking its effect. "Hey do you uh want to go somewhere less crowded?" The dark haired girl asks.

"Sure." Evelina made her way out of the kitchen while Paige followed closely behind. Almost every room in the house felt too crowded and unenjoyable, so they both settled for the top of the stairs. It was awkward again and Evelina hated it. The silence was deafening. Why couldn't things just feel normal between them. Finally, unable to bear the heavy silence, Paige spoke up. "So are you supposed to be like a siren or a mermaid?"She asks. "I think mermaid, this whole look is too boring to be a siren." "Nah, you are definitely not boring." She looks at Evelina taking in her costume once more. Evelina laughs looking down then meeting Paige's eyes. "Then what am I?" She jokes. Her gaze makes Paige nervous and her words feel caught in her throat. "Well...uh." She wants to reach out and at least hold her hand but she knows she can't. "What are you supposed to be?" She reaches for Paige's shirt. She can't speak, she can't move, she is frozen. Her cheeks are heating up and she prays to God Evelina doesn't notice. Her gaze goes from Evelina's hands up to her eyes then accidentally to her lips. Before she knows it she is starting to move closer and her hand is inching towards the girl beside her.

Her mind is going crazy with a thousand thoughts right now. Is she going to kiss me? Am I going to kiss her? Is this right? Do I like her?

"Move." Paige immediately pulls away looking up at the person standing on the step above them. "I need to get down and you two are in the way, so move." They both could tell how irritated the guy was with them. Evelina moves first, sliding back and the guy pushes through. "Some people are fucking jerks...." Evelina says still looking at him. "Yeah." Paige looks back at Eve. Evelina refused to let it get awkward again so she spoke. "Cam is probably wondering where I am so I should go find her." She says standing up.

"Oh uh okay, see you later." She gives one last smiles to Paige before leaving her alone on the stairs.

Tagged: @evelinaricci

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Liked by paigebueckers and 637 others

cambennett happy 21st birthday to my favorite person in the universe. I'm so lucky to have you in my life and to help me through all big things the world throws at me. You are my forever best friend, partner in crime, the light in a room full of darkness. I love you Evelina! 🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🍝🍝🍝

evelinaricci stop it right now or I'm going to cry for the 5th time today.

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evelinaricci omg look how empty our apartment was.

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jennybennett happy birthday Eve!

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user468 happy birthday!

user329 two pretty best friends!

user756 can I have her hand in marriage?

𝗟𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

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Liked by cambennett and 733 others

evelinaricci 21 years around the sun 💫

Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes!❣️

cambennett can you stop being so fine 😫

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cambennett I took most of these photos!🙋🏻‍♀️

➬evelinaricci my personal photographer 😍

nika.muhl happy birthday gorgeous

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paigebueckers happy birthday eve!

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user043 so beautiful

user524 happy birthday!

user265 you should become a model

𝗟𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

evelinaricci 𝟮𝟬𝗺 𝗮𝗴o

♫ Chappell Roan • Casual

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Liked by pbuckets5 and 30 others

evesradio lowkey forgot about this account anyways happy Halloween!

macaronii absolutely ate Sade mermaid aesthetic costume up

𝗟𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

˚. ✦.˳·˖✶ ⋆.✧̣̇˚.

Oh my god thank you so much for 20k+ reads!

Like that's so insane to me.

Love you all

-J