Ричард Кертис (Richard Curtis)CHAPTER FIVE
The Birthday Party
Max was busy preparing the meal. 'He's bringing a girl?' he asked his wife, Bella. 'Are you serious?'
'Yes. Quite a surprise, isn't it?'
'Does the girl have a name?'
'He didn't say.'
Black smoke was pouring from the oven. 'Oh no! What's happening here?' said Max, running towards it. Then the doorbell rang and he ran to the door. He threw it open. 'Come in, come in! Food problems!' And he ran back to the oven.
William and Anna walked into the large kitchen.
'Hi! Sorry - he's finding the meat a bit difficult,' said Bella, welcoming her guests from her wheelchair.
'Hi,' said Anna.
Bella looked at her carefully. 'Hey! You look like...'
'Bella, this is Anna,' William said quickly.
'Right,' she replied, looking carefully at Anna's face.
'OK, I've solved the problem,' said Max, turning back from the oven. 'Hello, Anna!' He stopped in surprise as he saw her face. 'Er... Have some wine.'
'Thank you.'
The doorbell rang again and Max went to the front door.
'Happy Birthday! You look wonderful,' he said, as Honey hurried in.
Honey, a small young woman with a big smile and large eyes, danced around happily, showing her new dress. Max followed her to the kitchen.
'Listen,' he whispered. 'Your brother has brought this girl and... er...'
They reached the kitchen.
'Hi, everyone!' Honey smiled to the others. Then she suddenly saw Anna. 'Oh, wow!'
William spoke quickly. 'Honey, this is Anna. Anna, this is Honey. She's my baby sister.'
'Hi,' said Anna with a smile.
'Oh, wow! This is one of those really important times in a person's life. I know I should be calm about it. But Anna, I love you! I think you're the most beautiful woman on Earth. And I have honestly believed for some time that we could be best friends. What do you think?' Anna looked surprised and amused, but pleased. 'Marry Will!' Honey continued. 'He's really nice, and then we can be sisters.'
'I'll think about it,' Anna laughed.