Joanne through the years.

The Birthday Party

The days until Saturday went quickly. Dianne and I sent the occasional text to one another but nothing more. I wanted to speak to her more but at the same time didn't want to force us into being friends again. We would spend all our time together at training which started on Monday. Right now, Zoe was helping me set up for my birthday party. I had invited her early, knowing that I could use the help, as decoration wasn't my strong point but I was quickly regretting my decision and wishing that I had just attempted to do it myself.

"Its Janette isn't it?" Zoe said for what felt like the 100th time. "I know it's Janette. she's the only person small enough for you.  Yep. I can tell by your smirk that it's Janette" She smiled excitably and began jumping up and down.

"I'm not telling you who it is" I grinned. I loved tormenting Zoe like this.

"Tell meeeee" Zoe moaned.

"Nope"

"Fine. I'll just ask Byron" she stuck her nose up in the air and stalked off.

"So who is it Joe?" Alfie asked.

"oh my Deyes Alfie! I'm not telling anyone" I chuckled before bursting out laughing at my crap joke.

"I don't get it?" Alfie then moved into some kind of trance as he thought deeply about what the joke was supposed to be.

"Just think about it mate" I laughed and patted him on the back before hurrying off to find Zoe and Byron, leaving Alfie staring blankly at the wall. I found them in Byrons room. Byron was flat up against the wall whilst Zoe advanced on him with a toilet brush.

"Tell me who it is or I'll do you in" Zoe threatned jokingly. Byron on the other hand looked terrified.

"Calmy doon Zo. Byron doesnt know. Only the people who were actually present at the time of the partnering know. We can't tell anyone until it's aired" I intervened.

"But I'm your sister" Zoe loosened her grip on the toilet brush but kept her eyes on Byron.

"Yes and you will find out at the same time as everybody else. In the mean time, there is a very lost Alfie Deyes currently in my living room as he dies inside at not being able to get a simple joke. I think you need to go and help him."

Zoe sighed. "You're harsh on him Joe. He's just a bit of a daydreamer. Thats all."

"He never used to be like that" I replied defensively. "Do you think he's...you know?"

"No!" Zoe said loudly. "He would never cheat on me. Alfie and I have been together for over six years now. And one day we'll get married and have kids. He would never ever dream of cheating on me and dont you dare ever suggest it." And with that she turned on her heel and flounced out of the room. Her bleach blonde bob swinging from side to side.

"I think you're right bru. There's something odd about him today. I don't quite get it. He's acting strange" Byron said in his slow South African accent as we walked back to the kitchen.

"It'll come out eventually. Whatever he's up to...I can't quite tell if its good or bad. Either way, something is bothering him."

*

People began arriving around 5:45 as the episode was airing at 6:30.

"How are ya Jospeh?" Janette pulled me into a hug as she entered and I could see Zoe smirking.

"I'm all good. How about yourself?"

"Doing good. No Aliaz unfortunately tonight as he's not feeling great."

"Oh no. That's a shame-"

Dianne

"Where you off to babe?" Anthony shouted from upstairs.

"I'm going to Joes birthday party" I called back.

"That's nice. Is it a big birthday or just a regular?" He poked his head around he doorframe and grinned at me before walking down the stairs. I smiled back. Gosh, I loved him.

"Just a regular but we're all gonna watch the first episode of strictly and it'll be good craic I'm sure."

"Well have a good time. I'll wait up for you."

"Nah. Its fine. I might be really quite late. Get yourself some sleep. We can go out somewhere tomorrow as you head back up North on Monday and I start training" I smiled.

"Sounds good. Have a great time. Love you" He pecked my lips and I bid him goodbye and left. He was the nicest boyfriend I had ever had. I loved him so much. It was times like this when I realised why we were still together. Whilst he was away, I questioned why I still loved him and seemed to think that the long distance thing didn't work but as soon as he was home, it was like he had never left. It was then that I realised that I could never leave him and I would continue long distance just to be with him for those few days. We face-timed and texted all the time but actually seeing him made my day.

I hopped into a taxi and was driven to Joes. I twiddled my thumbs nervously. When I reached his flat I was not expecting it to be so large. Joe had told everyone to just come on in so I had. I knew that Joe must have a fair amount of money but never this much. The smell of alcohol and food wafted towards me as I walked through to Joes living and kitchen area. It was dark in there with coloured lights and lots of people chatting, eating and some even dancing.

Joe spotted me standing nervously in the doorway and made his way over to me.

"Are you all right?" He asked concernedly.

"I'm so scared to see everyone" I confessed. Do you wanna go through to Byons room over there. I think I should gather our old friends up and send them in there to see you. We don't want to draw too much attention to this and it saves you answering loads of questions the whole night when you can get it over with in one go.

I nodded and made my way to where Joe was pointing. Byrons room was nice. A bit plain, but his bed looked so comfy. I perched nervously on the edge of it whilst ringing my hands. My eyes kept darting towards the door occasionally. Just then the handle turned and I braced myself for who was on the other side.

A/N Sorry for not uploading for ages. I kinda lost interest in this book for a while but I'm back now.