Damaged Goods by Diane McNab - HTML preview

JANE'S 36TH BIRTHDAY

27 OCTOBER 2016

Jane's 36th birthday was coming up and Michael with sheer audacity rang and let her new family know it was her actual birthday. He said that since she was getting used to having people over why not have it there.

“Of course, I won't tell her that you are all coming, as she hates fuss of any kind but I decided to let you guys know and in doing so have probably put my job on the line.”

Michael arrived at Jane's with a beautiful cashmere sweater.

“I love it Michael, it is so me. I was sure you were going to bring a hamper donated by our adoring public and was ready to hit you over the head with it.”

“Nothing wrong with the hampers we receive. Some of them have the best champagne in them. Talking of which I will pour us each one and cheer your day.”

“A man after my own heart” said Jane.

“Boy you are either getting old or you have slim pickings, cause if I am a man after your heart you are in deep trouble” said Michael.

That's when the doorbell rang. “I will get it” said Michael a little sheepishly.

Jane sat sipping her bubbles thinking Michael must have arranged takeaway.

“Hello, hello, we come bearing gifts. Prepare yourself” announced Zac.

With that he disappeared for a second and him and Alex arrived in to the room carrying God knows how many parcels.

“Not going to let me know it was your birthday?” asked Zac with a stern look on his face. “Well it is the first and last time you can do that in the future, do you understand me?”

Jane felt a little overwhelmed saying “It's just another day in the scheme of things. No need to make a song and dance about it.”

“That's bullshit” said Alex “everyone should take a moment to enjoy life and celebrate, particularly on your birthday”.

“Totally agree” spoke Summer walking in behind him. “Happy Birthday Jane”.

With that Madge piped up saying “Wouldn't have forgiven you if we had missed it.”

Michael passed around champagne and Jane could no longer help herself but ask “What the hell is in so many bags?”

“It is called turning your house in to a home” declared Zac. “Now ladies please retire to the dining room and we will talk to you soon. Michael you can stay and help.”

The three woman sat down together giggling.

“I feel like a little school girl” said Jane “what on earth are they up to?”

“No idea” said Madge “but if it is anything to do with Zac it will be colourful”.

As soon as Summer had heard Jane's birthday was coming up she had roped Zac in, contemplating what to get her. “Well she lives in a beautiful house that's for sure” said Zac “but it's like walking in to a museum, there is no depth or warmth.” Mother and Son hatched a plan.

“Ladies please enter at your own risk” declared Zac boldly.

The three woman walked back in to the lounge and Jane caught her breadth not believing what she was looking at.

The harsh outlook had been changed dramatically. The furniture had been moved and large cushions were placed on the sofa's to give a lived in feeling. A huge bamboo plant had been placed in the corner in the most gorgeous stand Jane had ever seen. Candles flickered down the coffee table and a stand up lamp gave even more warmth. All in all the whole dynamic of the room had changed.

“I am speechless, honestly speechless” said Jane “this is astounding”.

“Just wait and see what I do with the rest of the place, if you allow me to” said Zac grinning.

On that note they ordered takeaway delivery. “Night off, don't mind if I do” said Madge.

After eating Summer said “I have a present for you, I will go grab it”.

“More. You are kidding me aren't you?” asked Jane.

Summer walked back to the front door and re-entered the room looking a little hesitant. She was holding a canvas which she unveiled. On Zac and Alex's wedding day she had taken a photo of Jane and Zac smiling at each other and there it was on canvas. A beautiful moment held in time.

“I hope you like it” said Summer.

“I love it. This is the most wonderful birthday” spluttered Jane.

“Well” said Madge “I have been out done by all of you. All I brought was the birthday cake, though I will say it took time and effort.”

Zac kissed Madge on the forehead and said “Birthdays would never be the same without your cake Madge” and they all dug in.