The Black Rose

Chapter 1

                                                                                    Sarah

   She was late. Again. Clutching a bottle of prosecco, she pressed the buzzer. A chirpy "Who is it?" made her heart beat fast.

"It's Sarah."

   A click sounded and she pulled the front door open. Three flights of steps later, she finally arrived at 31A. The door opened blasting her with Usher's Yeah. Amelia greeted her with a wide friendly smile.

"Sarah! Come in!"

"Thanks."

She placed the bottle on the coffee table. Claire greeted her with a bear hug.

"I'm so glad you came. We didn't think you'd make it."

"Sorry I'm late."

"I know. Do you want Prosecco or Bailey's?"

"Prosecco would be good. Thanks."

Claire passed her a cool bubbly glass. She sat next to Jane.

"Hi Jane. How are you?"

"I'm good. Thanks," she frowned.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," she looked down at her black boots.

Sarah removed her denim jacket and downed the whole glass.

"Jane, what's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"I'm trying to help you."

"Really? Help me? Why don't you ask yourself what help you need?"

Sarah stood up, nostrils flaring and hands on her hips. Jane stood up and stepped back.

"Fuck off Jane. I'm trying to help you. Why are you behaving this way?"

Jane moved a few steps forward.

"Because you keep talking behind my back, that's why!

Claire hurried towards us, blonde hair fanning behind her. Her heart pendant swayed back and forth.

"Girls! Stop fighting! This is a celebration."

She looked at us with that resting bitch face we're all used to.

"Fine!"

   Jane flopped down clutching a cushion. Sarah flailed her arms around whispering to Claire. She ignored the person sitting next to her. A hot seething anger ran through her body. Flash backs of happier times with Sarah replaced her anger with deep sadness. A warm arm wrapped around her shoulders.

"Alright Janey?"

Lizzie smiled compassionately. Her purple hair and nose ring made her look instantly cool.

"No, not really, but I'll be alright."

"If you need to talk, let me know."

"Thanks Lizzie."

   A chocolate cake with a single candle emerged from behind the sofa. Claire started singing happy birthday and we all joined in.

"Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday dear Amelia, happy birthday to you!"

   Sarah filled everyone's glass and drank the rest of the prosecco from the bottle. We clinked glasses and took a few sips. Claire passed around slices of cake on napkins. Jane moved over to sit on a sofa parallel to the one she was sitting on.