Go to a party
Annie hovered outside on the pavement, the huge gift-wrapped present slipping in her hands. She could imagine Polly urging her on. Just go in. What have you got to lose?
Luckily, the door opened as she stood there. Miriam was wearing a party hat and an adult Elsa from Frozen costume. “Saw you from the window. You coming in or what?”
“Um, I was thinking about it.”
“We’ve got cake. And costumes. And fairy wings.”
“Cake is good.” Cautiously, Annie began to move toward the door. The memories of this same day two years ago were flooding her. Running out to her car, screaming in Mike’s face, driving off without him.
Miriam put an arm around her. “Hey, it’s okay. Today’s another day, yeah?”
“Mummy, Mummy, can I have my cake now?” Behind Miriam, a small girl was dressed as a mini Elsa, a large badge with the number three on it pinned to her chest.
Annie’s heart contracted: she was so beautiful. Huge dark eyes, red ribbon threaded through her hair. A little girl she might never have known, never have seen again, if it wasn’t for Polly’s interference. She bent down, still clutching on to the overlarge present. “Hi, Jasmine. I’m Annie. Happy birthday, sweetheart.”