Episode 8: Liam's Birthday

Liam's Birthday is the ninth episode of the first season of the 2013 animated series, Shattered. The episode describes the events occuring Liam's 18th birthday. This episode also marks the beginning of Liam and Aaron's secret relationship.

Synopsis
Liam wakes up in the morning to find the house completely decorated with birthday stuff. Elizabeth, who had been up for a couple hours, surprised her son with a big birthday breakfast and jokingly rapped "Happy Birthday" to him. While eating, Elizabeth had informed him that she cancelled the party she was going to throw for him and told him that Aaron had a really big surprise for him this afternoon. Upon receiving this news, he smiled, got up and washed his dishes and departed for school.

At school, Jennette greeted him and wished him a happy birthday. Puzzled, the now-18-year-old wondered where Aaron was. Jennette quickly replied saying that he had stuff to take care of before school. Liam didn't really pay much mind to it and continued throughout the day with no issue. All day, people said "Happy Birthday" but not once did Liam see Aaron. He began to grow skeptical and at the end on the day went to find Andi. He found Andi catching the bus and hitched a ride. Insisting that she doesn't know anything, Liam excitedly interrogated his friend to seek out the surprise. When Andi reached her stop, Liam also got off and ran up the street towards Aaron's house.

Upon reaching his house, he was halted by Darrell. Politely, Liam greeted him and quickly asked where Aaron was. Uncertain, Darrell didn't answer and hinted that Liam go "run along". Before anything got out of hand, Beverly came outside and informed Liam that he was to meet him over at Jennette's house. Thanking them both, Liam dashed down the street towards Jennette's. Upon reaching her house, he noticed her sitting there. Upon spotting him, she got up and bonked him on the head because he took so long. Laughing and panting at the same time, he once again asked where Aaron was at. Suddenly, he turned around and Aaron was standing right there. He gave his best friend a hug and wished him happy birthday. Aaron took no time and ushered Liam to come with him. Bidding Jennette farewell, the two left and headed down the street.

The two crept closer and closer to their destination. When almost there, Aaron instructed Liam to close his eyes and the guided him into an unknown building. Once inside, Aaron counted down from three and told the latter to open his eyes. Liam opened to find himself in an tattered building filled with beautiful artworks and art stations that appeared to be still in use. Awestruck, Liam asked what this place was. Aaron, while walking through the building and then out back, told him of the history behind. The very place is a "Belladonna landmark" that has been preserved by many art lovers across the city. The establishment is an escape (of sorts) to a rare, fully natural depiction and inspiration for art. Aaron expressed how important this place meant to him and how important it was to share with the birthday boy. Liam shed a tear and turned to his best friend, expressing his deepest gratitude and