Your absence is felt (S1 Ep.13-3)

Saturday, November 16

The girls are almost here. I don't deny, I'm nervous. Weird?! Well, I've prepared a short presentation of the project to integrate them, for the whole, in my idea. So, in a way, they get to see, through my eyes, what I want. And ... This is the first time that I will show my pieces. This is my first collection of complete outfits!

The anxiety to see their reactions made me increasingly restless, especially knowing that I wouldn't have the support of Joan.

I prepared a snack for us. Organized the chairs in the dining room in favour of the computer monitor. I put the bases for drinks coordinated with the chairs… Anyway, I couldn't be steady. Suddenly the sound of the bell. Finally!

Dianne: Heih! Look what we brought. - Said holding up the bags in her hands.

Rose: Come on in, girls!

Monic: Hello, Rose.

Rose: Well, you came loaded! There was no need.

Sofie: Of course there was…

Dianne: Let's do a "refresh". The school work is delivered, it's weekend, we need to relax.

Rose: Oh… ok!

Dianne: What about Joan? I thought she'd be here!

Rose: She ... She had some obligations to do, she couldn't come.

Dianne: Hum… I see.

Monic: I guess it's really a party. - Had kebabs of fruit and had savoury sandwiches prepared on the table and arranged the juices bottles in the bar.

Rose: I've prepared a short presentation of the project, do you want to see?

Sofie: Of course.

Dianne: Obvious. And where do we put the bags?

Rose: Here in the kitchen. We open one by one and then goes to the table, too.

They brought Jello shots, more finger food, marshmallows, drinks and cupcakes. The prospect of extending the lunch for the whole afternoon made me uncomfortable. The week was intense and, as Dianne said, we were in need to relax, but without Joan, this "celebration" seemed wrong. It made no sense that she's not here. So, I sent her a message but got no immediate response.

Monic: It’s everything okay, Rose?

Rose: Hum?! Yes. I was just texting Joan.

Monic: Do you want to talk about it?

Rose: There are certain things that are best being unspoken. Or we end up hurting or pulling away.

Monic: I understand, but ... - looked at Diane and Sofie, smiling, putting the dishes on the table and continued – there's no secret, lies or omission is worth a friendship. If this one is true forgiveness is a step of courage away.