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“If you don’t mind, I’d like to come back and visit Brenda and perhaps remind her of the good times she and Ivy had together.” I smile at Thomas.
“I think I’d like to hear those stories myself,” Thomas says and laughs. “You know she saved my life. I had a heart attack at fifty-five, and she performed CPR until the ambulance arrived. It’s why I visit regularly. After all she did for so many people, she doesn’t deserve to be alone at the end of her life.”
“Perhaps we can all meet here once a month,” Mum suggests. “It will give Eden some time to read and absorb what Ivy wrote.”
“And since I have read her other diary, I can remind Brenda of all the fun times they had together,” I say affectionately.
Mum and I say our goodbyes and head back to the car.
Holding the diary in my hands, I flick the tainted pages like a deck of cards and close it again. “Now I have it, I’m not sure I’m ready to read it.”
“It’s there for you whenever you are ready.” Mum turns her head and gives a quick smile before focusing on the road ahead. “You need to be first to read it even before your father. If some details need screening, then I’ll leave it to your discretion whether to tell him.”
“I think he’s ready to know everything. He has to, for Gran’s sake. I need Dad to be proud of the work she did and not think of her stay in the jungle as time lost with him as a toddler. There were many positives of her going to Ulara, and I hope Dad can also come to understand the importance of her journey.”
44
EDEN
Most people loathe working on their birthday.
I’m no exception.
“Have a good day,” Mum says and kisses me on the cheek. Rose whimpers. She’s aware I’m leaving for the day, and I’m thankful today is a day she gets to spend with Mum. Mum lifts her onto her hip and leans in so Rose can kiss me.
“Mwa,” I emphasize the sound. “Have fun with Nanna, gorgeous girl.”
“We’ll leave here around six and walk to The Shores. I’ve booked ahead to ensure your favorite seafood dish is available,” Mum says. Rose holds her hands out for me, and I pretend to kiss each one. She giggles, and it’s the best sound to warm my heart.
“Have you done something different with your hair? You look different today.”
I shrug my shoulders. “Spent a little more time on my makeup trying to make myself feel special.”
“My darling, you are special. I like it and think it makes you look…” Mum hesitates. “You always look beautiful, but there’s a glow about you today.”
“Ha. That’s because I was running around after missy here between finishing my makeup.”
We both chuckle, knowing how Rose likes to have us chasing after her.
“It’s your birthday. Accept compliments without blushing and feeling you don’t deserve them.” Mum smiles. “I know you, Eden. Say thank you and smile.”
“Thank you and smile,” I repeat, mocking her because we both know it will not happen. I laugh when she shakes her head and heads down the stairs.
I open the office door and, “Happy birthday to you,” is playing from the computer’s speaker.
“Seriously?” I laugh and can’t wipe the smile from my face at the dozen pink helium balloons floating from the ceiling.
“Happy birthday,” Dana sings and wraps her arms around me. “We have cake for morning tea so bring on ten o’clock.”
“Ha, you’re always thinking about food.” My arms tighten around her back. “Thank you for cheering me up.”
“You’re welcome.” She kisses my cheek. “I think we need to order in lunch for a proper celebration and have a bottle of bubbles.”
“You sound like my friends.”
“Happy birthday, honey.” Dad squeezes me in an almost bear hug. “Your mum has everything under control for tonight.”
The second he releases me, Ethan is hugging me tightly. “Happy birthday, Eden. Now you have caught up to me. I can verify twenty-six isn’t so bad.”
