The Anniversary

The Anniversary

Claire Montana couldn’t believe that the day had arrived. There was still much to be done before the party could begin. It was already 11 o’clock, and in 3 short hours the guests would be arriving. Everything at the fire hall was in place. The decorations had been hung, and the tables set. As she got into her van, and headed towards the store she began to think about her parents, and how surprised they would be. They had no idea this party was for them, and were under the impression that a birthday party for neighbor Agnes was taking place. Their story was nothing short of a love story, and although she had heard it a million times, she would always remember the way her mother would light up as she told it. Her grandparents had lived down the street from each other on Veronica Ave, and had such a deep dislike, almost hatred for each other. Her parents managed to live on the same street, but never met, until one summer night. It was the night of her mother’s 13^th birthday, and a huge celebration was taking place. Her father, along with his friends Ben, and Marc, heard news of this party at school and decided to crash it. Story goes that her father had been in love with Rose, who was rumored to be attending this party. It didn’t take long for her parents to see each other and it was love at first sight. They knew it would never work, their parents hated each other and such a love was forbidden. They dated in secret for nearly a month before they knew that it was meant to be, and that their feelings would never die. As Claire pulled into the parking lot and got out of the van she stopped and shuttered. This part always upset her, and she always took a moment to thank the good Lord things worked out. Her father had the idea that the two should fake their death, and leave town. So one night, both left farewell notes and just disappeared. Nobody ever found the bodies, yet the cars were found nearly sunken at the bottom of the town gorge. Life was hard for the young couple, but her father had been smart and hid away a large chunk of money in the month before leaving. They never regretted their decision, and were always content to be with one another. As Claire made her way to the bakery she thought about the love that had always surrounded her parents, and how even now, 50 years later, they still adored one another. As she approached the counter she caught the eye of one of the workers. “I’m here to pick up a cake please” she said. “Sure” the woman replied. “Would this be under the name Montana?” she asked. “Yes it would be” Claire replied. As the woman handed over the cake Claire stopped to take a look. It was one of the prettiest cakes she had ever seen. White frosting with blue birds surrounded a soft pink heart. In the center of the cake in big bold letters were the words “Happy 50^th Anniversary Roman and Jules” It was then that Claire knew the party was going to be one nobody would forget.

Jenna Webster