Anita’s birthday party was in full swing and the guests were having a wonderful time. The fire was crackling in the large fire pit, and the smell of cooking meat wafted through the air. Pork, fish and beef mixed and filled the nostrils of those already digging into the salads and appetizers laid out on the table.
They were a lively bunch, some family, some friends and some lovers. Such was the case between Gem and Dean. They had only recently started seeing each other, but they had known each other for more than two years now. They were both involved with other people when they met, and they instantly grew close. Now both single, they rekindled the friendship.
They met a couple of weeks earlier, and immediately fell into each other’s arms, beginning their own adventures together, yet Dean anxiously waited for the perfect moment to tell her that he had fallen in love with her.
Carol and Mitch were also another couple at the party. Carol was Gem’s sister, and her and Gem roomed with Anita at the large house that housed the birthday party. Both Carol and Mitch had been through many problems together and apart, but now enjoyed a happy life.
Anita, the woman of the hour, was still alone in her life. She did invite a fellow coworker to her own party though. This is where Ike arrived, carrying a large bouquet of flowers that he grew in his own garden. He was a taller man, well defined with brown eyes and dark hair.
He arrived a little later than the rest of the group which now stood oohing and aahing as he presented the flowers to Anita, kissing her lightly on the right cheek. Anita’s mother, Sara and Gem & Carol’s mother, Danielle along with the rest of the guests embarrassed the newcomer with their witty comments.
Anita’s children happily ran around the adults, bouncing from one person to the next, trying in vain to persuade someone to play a game of badminton with them. Finally Dean and Mitch joined them and se up a makeshift net using the front driveway’s gate. The two adults suddenly felt their age and conceded to the two youngsters.
The day passed into evening, and evening brought out the laughter and giddiness in all. Some of the group were slowly leaving, but still a handful remained, engaging in a stimulating conversation about ways of the world. Conflict erupted, so Anita quickly changed the subject to one of complete and utter silliness.
She leaned close to one of her friends.
“If you were stranded on a desert island, which three items would you like to have with you?”
The debate about articles that each person would bring was both hilarious and captivating, ranging anywhere from a dictionary to a satin robe.
More and more people left, leaving only the three couples together. Dean and Gem were huddled close together in front of the crackling fire as Carol and Mitch were inside the house upstairs preparing drinks for everyone. Anita and Ike grew a little closer, their friendship seemingly reaching newer heights.
Carol and Mitch returned from the house, holding the drinks for the two other couples.
“I think we’re gonna head over to Mitch’s tonight. Happy birthday Anita” said Carol, tenderly kissing Anita on the cheek.
They waited until their cab arrived and whisked the two of them away from the backyard, which was quite full earlier in the day.
Anita and Ike, Gem and Dean moved their chairs in closer to the fire and talked about their jobs. Gem was telling them how the lounge was slowly picking up and how Dean was stirring the crowd up every Saturday night. He had even managed to keep the secret relationship hidden, drawing in more of the eligible single women to the lounge.
Anita excused herself and strolled into the house. Ike and Dean walked toward the house, admiring the large wooden table next to the front porch.
“Hey! A ping pong table! Cool!” said Ike.
Gem’s eyes glistened and hugged Dean. He glanced at her and immediately knew what was to come next. Anita herself had heard Ike’s exclamation and a smile crossed her face.
