For me, Valentine's Day is as much about the appreciation of
friendship as it is about any romantical love. My Birthday is only a few
days before Valentine's day, so I generally celebrate both events
together.
Most of my ladyfriends are very busy, but they somehow always find the
time to come and help me celebrate. They usually bring gifts, something
cute and small; a special eraser, a trinket -- something they know I’ll
like.
I also like to throw a little party. Nothing fancy, simply an
afternoon get-together, drinking coffee or tea, laughing and talking a
lot. My friend, Suzanne, couldn't come to the party this year. She
called and apologized, and we arranged a date for the middle of the
following week.
When Suzanne arrived, she carried a large shopping bag, from which she
took out a small glass bottle, two delicate wine glasses and a
beautiful chocolate cake. The bottle sported a white label decorated
with flowers and a handwritten HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
I was thrilled.
We made some toasts, ate some cake, and talked until she had to go.
When she stood up to leave, I noticed the cake. We had barely touched
it. My heart began to beat a little faster and I started to sweat. If
she left the cake here, I would certainly eat every bite. Being on a
diet, that was the last thing I wanted.
The cake was beautiful and very delicious, so throwing it away wasn’t
an option. Besides, it had been a gift, and I couldn’t throw away a
gift.
The problem was further compounded by the fact that, being too busy,
Suzanne hadn't simply bought a cake from the bakery. In her kind
hearted eagerness to bring me something special, she had asked another
of her friends, Ann, to make it for me. Throwing the cake out would not
only hurt Suzanne's feelings, but Ann's as well.
The only other solution was to ask her to take it back with her. I
only hoped she and Ann wouldn’t be offended.
Suzanne noticed that something was bothering me. She cocked her head
and narrowed her eyes. I avoided her gaze. Instead, I stared at the
cake, hoping she would read my mind.
Thankfully she did.
Suzanne suddenly started to laugh. “Oh. Don't be so nervous,” she
said. “I promised my granddaughter I'd visit her on the way home.
She’ll be more than happy to help us eat that cake.”
I hugged her warmly, all the time thinking how lucky I am to have her
as a friend. Not only did she save the cake, but spared me some
embarassment as well.
(Charlestown, Rhode Island) - Welcome to AILEEN’S GUESTHOUSE where locals and lodgers have more in common than first meets the eye. And, there's plenty of blame to go around.
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