“Alanna,” I hear a strong voice say as hand briefly caresses my shoulder. I turn around and I am surprised when I see Dr James - at least I think it is him. He is in a black suite and matching mask. His dark hair is in a quiff and his eyes are as black as the night. I smile at him as I begin to say hello.
“James?” I ask quietly. He laughs at me as he slips his mask from his face.
“Yes Alanna, it’s me. Happy birthday.” He says as he pulls me in for a hug. I grip him awkwardly and then I pull back. I glance at Sophie and I feel that James stuns her.
“James this is my friend, Sophie,” James reaches out for her hand as he makes eye contact with her. Sophie blushes and I feel that Dr James might just have a little crush on Sophie. As he holds Sophie’s hand in his, I am reminded of his relationship with Emma. My heart starts to race, as I fear what will happen when Dr James sees her here tonight. What will he do? After all the last time I saw him he told me that he was still in love with her. How will he act when he finds out that she is with Michael? My thought bubble is disturbed as James begins to talk.
“Alanna how have you been,” he asks in soft voice. I try to hide my anxiety as I reply.
“I have been great James and you, how have you been?”
“Yes I am fine. I see that you have met Emma?” My heart rate drops at his words, I glance over to the bar, and there is Emma and Michael. I franticly search for a reply.
“Yes, I hope you don’t mind that she is here?” Dr James smiles as he takes my hand.
“It is fine, Emma and I have talked and I have moved on. Speaking of which would you like to dance?” Dr James says as he holds out his hand for Sophie. She instantly takes him up on his offer and she smiles back at me as he leads her onto the dance floor. I am relieved that he and Emma have worked things out and I am excited about how he seems to feel about Sophie. I watch as they dance and they look like the perfect couple.
I search the room again but I still cannot see Adrian. I frown as I make my way over to the bar.
“What can I get you miss?” The server says as I tap my hand of the surface of the bar.
“Water please,” I again glance around the room but I still cannot see Adrian. I wonder where he is and I wonder what is taking him so long. I jump as I feel a hand on my back. I turn around and I see my dad standing before me. I lunge into his arms and he laughs at my actions.
“Happy birthday,” he says as he lets go of me. I look at my dad and I take in his handsomeness. He is dressed in a black tuxedo and he has opted not to wear a mask. His thick brown hair is flat and his big brown eyes are sparkling in the light.
“Thanks dad,” I say in a smooth voice. One of my dad’s business associates interrupts us.
“Jack just the man I have been looking for.” A tall grey haired man says as he embraces my dad with a handshake. My dad quickly introduces me and then he again wishes me a happy birthday as he heads off with man. I sigh as I turn back around to the bar. I lift my water and I take a sip. I again glance around the room and but I am yet to see Adrian. My mind is going into over drive and I fear the worst. What if he has been hurt, or what if he has decided not come? My heart races, as my emotions spin. I try to compose myself as I see Michael heading in my direction. I smile at him and he is breathtakingly beautiful. Michael has chosen a dark blue suit with a white shirt underneath. His black hair is strangely and his eyes are piercing blue as he stares out from his black mask. He glides over to my side and he gently kisses my cheek as he wishes me a happy birthday. I close my eyes at his touch and I lose myself in his beauty. He orders a scotch as he hands me a little black box. I gaze at him and I cannot hold back my smile.
“What is this?” I say as I lift the box from the surface of the bar. Michael lets out a laugh as he responds.
“Open it and you will find out!” He says as he sips his drink. I again smile at him and then I slowly begin to open the box.
“Michael you shouldn’t have,” I say as I stare at a huge pair of diamond earrings. Michael rolls his eyes at me and then he takes the earrings from the box. I look at him in wonder and then I blush as he gently puts the earrings into my ears. He smiles at me.
“They suit you,” I blush again but I manage to thank him.
“Thanks they are beautiful!” Michael finishes his drink and then he looks as if he has something to say.
“Where is Adrian?” I remember that Adrian is not here and I again scan the crowd for him. I still cannot see him and Michael notices my disappointment.
“He is not here yet.” I confess. Michael narrows his eyes at my words and then he reaches out for my hand.