My birthday party (S1 Ep.8-13)

I can't believe it! It is today, fifteen years! Everything is ready for my party, I'm super nervous, however, the fear I felt of being in the centre of attention, the fear that put me with the hot and cold sweats, this fear is not present. I feel this weird sense of confidence, this strange desire to be in the middle of my guests. The idea of being in the spotlight didn’t get to me as I expected! I'm ready!

Walking down the stairs the girls were already waiting for me, all but Joan.

Sofie, Monic e Dianne: Happy birthday Rose!

Rose: Thank you so much, girls.

Dianne: The guests are coming…

Rose: Let's go outside! Come on!

When we get to the garden at the back of the house this was stunning, the hung lights gave a special touch to the decoration. I looked around, super excited, some familiar faces were entertained by the various activities. But there was one face in particular that the mystery of her absence grew by the minute.

Monic: Where is Joan, Rose?

Rose: Should be here soon! Earlier she sent me a message saying that she was late.

As we walked down the stairs several were the nods heading our way, such as Elizabeth, which although strange, approached with a very own reaction from who knew us long ago. Her comfortableness was remarkable.

Elizabeth: Happy birthday, Rose, I brought you a little gift!

Rose: Thank you, Elizabeth!

Elizabeth: Your garden looks amazing! The decor is beautiful, there's no doubt that here is the talent of Dianne!

Dianne: Thanks for the consideration, but we all help. For our Rose, all is worth it.

Elizabeth: Friendships like that are precious. - Sketching a smile of who had what she meant, Elizabeth returned to congratulate me and went back to Anna. - Well, I take no more of your time. Once again congratulations Rose and thanks for the invitation.

Rose: You welcome. Girls, I'm just going to put this with the others gifts.

Dianne: Modesty aside, it's really fantastic! The gift of our hands and the wonderful view of our Rose! Are the perfect combination.

Joan: It took some hard work, but it's very pretty, indeed?

Rose: Joan, you're here!

Joan: Happy birthday, Rose!

Rose: Thank you! Come on, let’s dance.

Joan had just arrived, however, didn't look so present. While we danced she wandering around as if seeking something or searching for someone! With a smile, she camouflaged the concern, but I know her better than that.

Rose: It's everything okay, Joan?

Joan: Are all the guests here?

Rose: Yes. Wait, I know, you want to see the presents!? Are inside with the birthday cake.

Joan: Ah, okay! We could sing already happy birthday!

Rose: Okay, we sang happy birthday and then I open the presents.

Joan: Good! If anyone has to leave early, won't lose the cake.

Rose: You're a bit weird.

Joan: I'm not, is it your impression. Come on, I'm going to go get the cake. Do a surprised face.

It wasn't just me! She was acting weird. Her insistence was not as innocent as she tried to demonstrate. She came in through the kitchen door and went to the office. When passing by the present, the smile that disguises the concern vanished, leaving transparent her feeling of something strange in one of the packages.