by Kendra Riley
The kids were all running around and getting to know one another and at one stage, Hazel just stood against the wall and watched everyone. It was complete chaos. That’s when she thought of all the cars parked outside and realized that she was at the party.
“Hey, Haze.” It was her mother who had hooked arms with her and was watching the madness unfold. “Isn’t this lovely? I love it when the house is like this.”
“It’s a complete mad house here. I love it. The neighbors, I’m sure, aren’t so happy. Everyone is so loud. I swear it’s like they’re all trying to do outdo each other. Thanks for this, Mom. Seriously, it’s the nicest thing that anyone has ever done for me. You and Dad have been so good to me.”
“Don’t thank me. It was all Damien’s idea.” They watched then as Damien was talking animatedly to Mark and Wesley. It was a very happy thing to watch. Then her mother clapped her hands eagerly. “OK, who’s ready to eat?” she yelled and everyone ran to get a place at the table.
Hazel laughed as they all found a seat and waited eagerly for her mother to bring out the food. Everyone wanted to help but she refused. This was the part that she liked best – feeding her guests and making them happy. The kids all sat together at a separate table and were already tucking into their food as they had been served first. Hazel groaned at the thought of the mess after the party – especially since most of the kids decided not to use their utensils.
Her mother brought out all the dishes and Hazel noticed that her brother was eying the roast potatoes. She caught his eyes and squinted at him as if to say ‘don’t you dare’ and he just squinted right back at her. They were just about to start dishing up when her mother spoke up.
“Now I can already see Hazel and Mark eying those roast potatoes. This is a big group of people so everyone is only going to get two potatoes each. Mark, Hazel – you can’t be greedy this time.”
“Ah, Mom, you know I deserve three and Hazel only needs one,” Mark announced, his eyes on the potatoes.
“What? This is my party, which means I should actually get four and you should get none. Yes, I think that is only fair. I’m your little sister, after all, you should be looking out for me. What do you think, Mom?”
Her mother was looking around the table. “Actually, I just counted and I think I miscalculated. You can only get one each. Maybe one and a half if some people are willing. Sorry about that, but there is plenty other food for you to enjoy too.”
“One and a half! That’s nothing!” Mark said. He sounded like a little child.
Hazel was giggling, “Ah you see… that’s what you get for being greedy. Mark, I think you should give yours to me. You’re looking a little chubby these days.”
“Chubby? I will never be chubby. And anyway, I will gladly put on weight if it means eating more of these. Gladly!”
“You two are ridiculous! You know that? Shame Damien, look what you’ve gotten yourself into. It’s too late for Theresa. Save yourself.” Her mother announced and then burst out laughing. “I’m only kidding. As if I wouldn’t make extra. Silly children.”
And with that she ran to the kitchen and came back with an entire bowl filled with more roast potatoes. Everyone burst out laughing and her and Mark immediately went in for them first.
After dinner and dessert, when everyone was full and sitting back with a cup of coffee, Damien got up and walked to the front of the table. Hazel watched in confusion as he cleared his throat and then got out a piece of paper. His hands were trembling slightly. Just then her father made a clinking sound with his spoon against a glass and everyone went silent.
“Can I have everyone’s attention? I’m sorry… I wrote some notes down because my memory is awful when I’m nervous and I am so nervous right now. Uh… firstly, thank you so much to possibly the best family I have ever met. I’m very grateful for everything that you have done for me, Robert and Angela. And Mark – thanks for not kicking me out when you saw me again. You’re all amazing and I promise you that I will do everything to make sure that I never break your trust again.
"Thank you also to my amazing brother and his family and to Charles – who already feels like family to me. I will definitely be coming around to say thank you to each of you individually because you’ve all played a huge part in making me who I am today. I’m still learning and I’ve got a long way to go but, damn, you guys are some good role models for me to have.”
Hazel was shocked to see how emotional he was getting.
“And, of course, to the lovely Hazel. The most amazing and beautiful woman in the world. Thank you for giving me another chance and for seeing something in me that I never saw myself. Thank you for trusting me, believing me and loving me – despite all my scars. There is, of course, another twist to this party. The real reason that I wanted everyone here. And for that, I’ll need my trusty partner in crime to help me. The boy with the coolest clothes. And someone who I am so happy to finally have in my life. Ben, can you come here quickly.”
Ben got up and ran towards him. Damien bent down and whispered something into his ear and then handed something to him. Ben nodded and then brought the box over to Hazel. He did it so carefully as if this were an important job for him.
The moment Hazel took the box she saw that Damien had walked up to her and had gotten down on one knee. She felt her hands shaking as he signaled for her to open it. For a while she just stood and stared at the box and at Damien – too shocked to do anything.
Then Ben yelled, “OPEN BOX!” and everyone burst out laughing. That was all the encouragement that she needed. She opened the box and inside was a ring. A beautiful silver ring. She examined it. On the outside was a tiny engraving of a Panda.
“Oh, Damien,” she whispered, “this is so beautiful.” She had no idea that he had been organizing this party and getting the ring. He had done so much for her.
Damien grinned and looked around. “I know this is a very private moment for you all to be in but it was important to me that you were all here. I want Hazel and all of you to know that there are no more secrets. This is the girl that I love. And I will love her forever. Hazel, little Panda girl, will you marry me?”
“Of course I will.” And then she reached down to embrace him and whispered in his ear, “Cute boy.” He laughed and whispered back, “Don’t tell the others. That’s the only secret we have.”
Ben ran over to hug them, not wanting to miss out on this big family moment. He saw the ring and he grinned. Then he pointed to himself. “Panda!”
THE END
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