*Reborn in Shadows*

Chapter 13: An Evening to remember

I woke up, still tired from the day before, but there was a spark of excitement in her heart. I clumsily threw my  hair into a messy bun and headed downstairs, drawn by the noise coming from the living room.

As i entered, i saw Derek and James with the household staff, transforming the room into something magical. The chandelier gleamed, casting a warm light over the red and gold drapes, and flowers in shades of white and pink filled the air with a sweet fragrance. Crystal vases caught the light, sparkling from every corner, and a grand piano sat in the center, polished to a mirror-like shine.

I rubbed my eyes, yawning. "What's going on here?"

Derek glanced over at her, a grin spreading across his face. "Nice hair, Cath. Didn't know we were having a scarecrow as a guest," or you Going for the 'I just wrestled with a tornado' look?" he teased, pointing at her disheveled bun.

"Har-har," i shot back, trying to smooth my  hair. "But seriously, what is all this?"

Derek approached with a grin, "It's Mum and Dad's anniversary tonight. Big party, lots of guests. You might want to start getting ready."

Before i could respond, Ryan shuffled into the room, his hair just as messy as hers. He leaned against me yawning again. "Morning," he mumbled.

I  patted his back, smiling. "Morning. How was the exam yesterday?"

Ryan made a face, eyes half-closed. "Ugh, let's not talk about it."

Everyone chuckled, and they shared a knowing look. Ryan sighed dramatically before trudging back upstairs. As he left, Derek called after him, "Get your lazy butt ready, Ryan! There's work to do!"

I  turned back to Derek and James , feeling a little out of place amidst all the activity. "Can I help with anything?"

They  exchanged glances. "We've got it covered," Derek began, but seeing the determination on my  face, I guess they relented.

James chimed in, "How about the flowers? You're good with those? "

My eyes lit up. "I can do that!"

After a quick shower, I returned to the living room to find Ryan and Michael arguing over some task, their bickering filling the room with a lively energy.

"You're doing it wrong, Michael," Ryan insisted, his voice exasperated. "It's supposed to hang like this!"

Michael rolled his eyes. "You have no idea what you're talking about, Ryan. Just leave it to me."

"Yeah, like the last time you said that, and we ended up with the most crooked banner ever?" Ryan shot back.

I  couldn't help but laugh as she walked by, finding their banter oddly comforting. "Guys, it's just a decoration. I'm sure it'll look great either way."

Derek, already dressed in a sharp suit, was busy giving instructions to the staff. He looked up as I  passed by, raising an eyebrow. "Don't think you're off the hook, Cath. Just because you're handling flowers doesn't mean you get to slack off."

I stuck out her tongue playfully. "Yes, sir!"

As i arranged the flowers,I  glanced over to see James and Emily hugging, their smiles wide and eyes full of love. I felt a warm glow in her chest, the happiness in the room almost tangible.

Before long, it was time to get ready. I  chose a floral blue and white dress that complemented her new chocolate-brown hair. applying a light touch of makeup and made my way downstairs, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement.

The boys were waiting, dressed in shades of blue and white. We all were complimenting each other. Derek's teasing grin appeared the moment he saw her. "Wow, Cath, you clean up nicely. Almost didn't recognize you without the bird's nest."
I gave him a playful shove. "Thanks, Derek. You don't look too bad yourself."