Sally grouped us altogether to play one more party game. Myself, Melanie and Mollie formed one team and Sally, Sarah and Kirsten formed the other. We played balloon volleyball using the bunting as a net. It wasn’t easy but it was lots of fun. The premise was first team to ten points would win but it took so long to score one point, we decided to call it a draw at six-all (it took about half an hour to get that far).

The meticulously planned party came to its inevitable end and the guests went up to Sally’s room to change back in to their normal clothes. I helped Mum tidy up and when asked, I bashfully admitted that I’d had a great time. “Better or worse than paint-balling?” she asked.

“Errr…. different.” I replied. “At least with paint-balling I could boast about it afterwards… I don’t think I’ll be boasting to Mark and Jordan about this… or anyone else.”

“That’s understandable.” Mum replied. “But I still think you should have invited them… it seems wrong you not having any guests.” she added. “It was just as much your party as it was Sally’s.”

“I know… but if they came then Melanie wouldn’t have, and Sarah’s nice.” I said.

“I can’t believe Mel wore those shorts rather than a dress.” Mum grinned.

“Yeah… she looked cute though, not that she seemed too happy when I said so.” I grinned.

“Words like ‘cute’ and ‘pretty’ aren’t as complimentary as they used to be… not where girls are concerned anyway.” she said. “Well… girls who aren’t your sister.” she smiled.

We cleared the dining table and put the leftovers in plastic tubs and the plates, bowls and beakers in the dishwasher. We lifted the dining table back to its usual position in the centre of the room with the dining chairs around it. I climbed the step-stool to remove the balloons and passed them to Mum who deflated them. We took down the bunting too and before long, everything was back to normal… almost. “Shall I go and get changed?”

“Do you want to?” Mum asked.

I tried to act casual. “Well… I don’t mind keeping it on for bit longer.” I said. “I probably wont have an excuse to wear it again.”

Mum chuckled and said I don’t need an excuse. “You can wear it as often as you like if you want.”

The sound of footsteps from the staircase drew our attention. Mel, Mollie, Kirsten and Sarah returned to the dining room wearing the casual clothes they’d arrived wearing and Sally still had her party dress on. Mollie and Kirsten were the first to leave. They thanked us for the party, said they’d had lots of fun and expressed their delight that I’d worn a dress and told me that I look ‘great’. “Aw thanks… just don’t tell anyone at school.” I almost pleaded.

“Oh well… I don’t know if I could resist it.” Mollie grinned.

“Me neither.” Kirsten said. “But if I do tell anyone.. I’ll tell them that you really really hated it… OK?”

I knew they were teasing and played along. “It has been horrible.” I claimed. “Worst birthday ever!” I grinned.