Happy birthday

Sefi put her plate aside and took the tray from the girl regardless.  Momentarily surprised by the weight of it.  It sure was heavy, she raised an eyebrow.  There must've been at least a dozen champagne flutes all filled with ice cold pink coloured liquid bubbling away. 

She followed the maid into the mansion, through the hall and along the corridors before stopping in front of a closed door with a little square of window on the wall next to it. 

Before Sefi had the chance to think, the girl pushed open the door to let Sefi in and Sefi walked straight in without a second thought. 

The first thing Sefi noticed were the tons of people gathered around the room and in the centre was Eve sitting in front of a grand piano.  She must've just finished playing a song because the spectators suddenly broke into a huge round of applause. Their faces filled with admiration. 

Oh crap, she'd been set up! Sefi suddenly realised, turning on her heels to leave. 

"What are you doing here?" Eve suddenly gazed up, noticing her standing amongst the guests, she asked with a frown on her face. 

"She's here to serenade you with a birthday song, isn't that right?" Caitlin walked over to Sefi, a look of glee in her beautiful eyes.  This country pumpkin wasn't getting away this easy. 

"Yes, that's exactly why I'm here." Sefi exclaimed, thrusting the tray of champagne in Caitlin's direction, which the latter caught with both hands instinctively.  Well, it wasn't like she had a choice, she either took the tray or she was going to be wearing it all over her dress. 

Eve remained seated, still uncertain what Sefi was playing at? Watching Sefi approach her was like seeing a poltergeist out of a horror film. "What do you want?" She hissed loudly. 

"Move." Sefi whispered menacingly, which caused Eve to jump out of the way like a frightened rabbit. "If you don't move how can I make a fool out of myself?" 

"Have you lost your mind?" Eve asked, wandered over to where Caitlin was standing.  Why was Sefi being so scary? 

Caitlin had dished out the champagne to all the guests whilst keeping two glasses back for her and Eve.  Seeing Eve returning, she handed her a glass then put her slender arm around Eve's shoulder. 

"Let the show begin," Caitlin smiled like a Cheshire cat, she raised her champagne flute and clicked against Eve's in a delicate chime.  "Cheers!" 

She brought the glass to her cherry red lips and took a sip, it was delicious. And they say revenge was a dish best served cold.  That served Sefi right for appearing out of nowhere and trying to steal Nathan from her. 

She was going to get what was coming, because she already knew Sefi doesn't know how to play the piano. 

Eve bit her lower lip, uncertain what she should do.  She couldn't give a damn if Sefi made a fool of herself in front of everyone. But she cared about Nathan.  And if he found her and Caitlin tried to embarrass Sefi he might get angry. 

Sefi sat on the stool in front of the piano and smoothed her duck tail then took a deep breath, trying to remember a tune in her head. 

"Wait," a male voice called out. 

Sefi looked up, it was Jin, he must've been in the room the whole time.  

Jin was dressed in a formal suit and his perfect hair was gelled in a very fashionable style, he looked completely different from that day at the park. 

He walked over towards Sefi and spoke in a lighthearted tone, "everyone knows Eve graduated from Juilliard.  It would be highly unlikely anyone could play as well as her." 

You have got to be freaking kidding me?! Sefi felt like swearing.  Witch Eve went to Juilliard School?! No way! 

Sefi just thought she was some rich spoilt brat, no way did she think she had any talent! Was there any justice in the world?

"It's fine," Sefi said in a clear voice, "it's my gift for her". 

She could see Jin was trying to fend for her but there was no need.  He can't stop the unavoidable. 

She raised her hands over the piano keys and Caitlin watched on with a wicked glint in her eyes. The country pumpkin was going to be the joke of the school. 

"Dang, dang dang dang..." 

Sefi pressed on the piano keys a few times, Caitlin snorted a small sound of laughter whilst Eve and Jin looked on with a worried impression on their faces. 

Then Sefi started playing properly, her slim fingers tapped against the keys in a fluid manner and a beautiful cheerful tune radiated across the room. 

Jin's face broke into a wide grin.  Good on her, he was impressed.  It certainly was a delightful tune.  It was the theme tune for the film "Ponyo". 

Caitlin looked like steam was about to come out of her ears! When did that country pumpkin learn how to play the piano? She didn't know how to play three days ago! 

"Did you teach her the song?" She asked Eve. 

Eve shook her head, she too was just as surprised as Caitlin. But she was somehow secretly relieved that Sefi didn't end up embarrassing herself. Or Nathan would kill her. 

Once Sefi finished, she closed her eyes momentarily as if she was savouring the very last note. 

Jin started clapping and everyone else followed suit. Some people even whistled to cheer her on. Caitlin continued to scorn but nevertheless clapped unenthusiastically. 

Sefi reopened her eyes slowly and was instantly met with Nathan's intense gaze.  He was dressed in a formal navy suit and looked even dapper than normal.  

When did he come in? Sefi wondered how much of all that he witnessed? 

As the sound of the clapping gradually died down, Sefi stood up and whilst continuingly looking into Nathan's eyes, she spoke indignantly, "happy birthday." 

Without waiting for a response, she got up and proceeded to walk out the room.