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Chapter 6: The anniversary party

He was a bit agitated when he arrived, and he did not really know why. This party was in honour of his parents after all. His whole family would come, including his friends. So why did he feel a little uncomfortable, as if he wasn't supposed to be here at all.

Lansbury's, his parents' favourite restaurant, had been reserved for the evening, especially for them, and the place was already crowded when Alec arrived. Alec walked up to his mother and father and congratulated them.

"Thank you dear... I am happy to see you and your brothers here" Mellissa said and pointed across the hall to where the rest of her sons were standing.

"Erm. Where's Ella? " she asked Alec as she stepped back to see if she happened to walk by.

"I have no idea. She was coming right?" replied Alec confused; not understanding why Ella should be with him.

"Alec... Why didn't you pick her up?" his mother exclaimed in a slightly annoyed tone and a disapproving look.

"I honestly didn't think about it..." he replied sounding slightly guilty and to be honest he hadn't either. He didn't know why it hadn't occurred to him to ask her along; might have been so gallant all the way after their last argument.

"It was the least you could do" she chided him "but ah there she is". Alec turned in the direction his mother was looking for and... there she was indeed... in a flowing salmon pink dress, with a ruffle accent by the sleeves. The dress accentuated her olive-coloured skin; making her look glowing and emphasising her curves. She had chosen to let her medium length brownish red hair down for tonight and it fell loosely over her shoulders. Her makeup was subtle; just right, not too much not too little, and carefully applied. In her hand she had a lovely; expensive looking bouquet variety of roses and somehow.. that completed 'her look'.

She didn't see it herself, but she had caught the attention of the bystanders who looked at her with curiosity, especially the male part of the guests who were momentarily distracted by her. And Alec was one of them, though of course he wouldn't admit it.

She came walking towards them after seeing Melissa and Alec.

"Good evening," she said nervously, hoping it didn't quite come through in her voice.

"Ella, how nice of you to come" Melissa said as she kissed Ella twice on her cheeks.

"Congratulations on your anniversary. I didn't know what to bring so I brought flowers. I hope that's OK" she stated as she handed the flowers to Melissa.

"Oh, these are lovely...thank you so much. How are you doing dear?" she asked as she gave a brief glance at her son who to her confusion had not yet spoken but seemed to be a little perplexed..

"I am well, thank you for asking. How are you?".

Melissa replied with excellent and chatted briefly with Ella, about small talk, how her brother was etc before indicating that she was going to say hello to the other guests.

"Diner shall be served shortly but until then; feel free to have a drink. Alec... Would you get one for Ella?". This caused Alec to 'wake up' so to speak and he wanted to turn to Ella; however, it seemed like he had something in his throat suddenly, so he had to clear his throat.

"Of course. What would you like to drink, Ella?".

"A gin-tonic please" she asked and off he went. At the bar he saw one of his brothers, Daniel, and the two greeted each other with an embrace.

"Long time no see, big brother" said Daniel.

"You saw me just last month when I was with you and Sophie for dinner..." Alec replied a little sarcastically, he was a busy man after all.