Ivy was the most unremarkable guest at Megans birthday. The girls had been studying together at the local college.
Megan waved a broad invitation, asking anyone who could to come, but many of the students were heading back to the countryside for the weekend. Ivy, shy and quiet, decided to take the offer.
She never went out much, and she had just turned eighteen, the same as Megan. Yet Ivy hadnt bothered to celebrate her own day with anyone.
She had no close friends, and her parents had urged her to stay home, to spend the evening with Granddad and Gran together in the cosy kitchen.
So thats how it ends birthdays at five, at eighteen, all the same, she thought sadly.
Of course Ivy loved her family, but she didnt understand when she would finally be an adult, independent, when some bloke would notice her modest charm, her hidden beauty, her gentle kindness.
She dreamed of love, but she was embarrassed by herself. She wasnt as bright as Megan, or as confident as Rachel.
The girls dyed their hair boldly, dressed fashionably, even a little daringly for college parties, earning sharp remarks from lecturers.
Ivys wardrobe, however, was always chosen by her mum, and the sweaters were handknitted by Gran. She resented that her granddaughter seldom wore them.
Ivy simply could not step out in Grans oldfashioned cardigans; she kept them for home, and only in winter, when they made a little sense.
That night Megans friends and college mates gathered twelve lads in all.
When the feast dwindled and the music started, Ivy slipped out of the flat and perched on a bench by the entrance. No one noticed her departure. She felt embarrassed by the strangers, though they had never paid her any heed. Perhaps that was the most painful part.
She glanced at her watch.
Maybe I should have gone already; Mothers probably worrying, she thought. I promised I wouldnt be late
Suddenly a boy emerged from the stairwell not one of Megans guests.
He sat on the edge of the bench and stared sadly at Megans windows on the second floor, where laughter and lively music floated up.
Are you from there? he asked Ivy, pointing at the windows.
She nodded toward Megans flat.
Hows Megan? Dancing? Having fun? he pressed, his eyes heavy.
This time Ivy dared to answer:
What? Cant you hear? Yes, theyre having a good time
Exactly. Thats what birthdays are for, the boy said. Ive been mourning my own. Didnt even mark it. Just tea and cake with the family, like a nurseryschool teatime
Ivy raised an eyebrow in surprise.
Same here. Are you her friend? she asked, nodding again toward the windows.
Sort of, he replied. Id be happy to be friends with her, but she barely looks my way. She didnt even invite me to her birthday. Were neighbours, you know, and she sees how I treat her
He fell silent. Ivy sighed, understanding. Then, out of the blue, she said:
Dont worry. Im feeling the same. Whats the point? No one notices us anyway. I walked out and no one saw. So Im an invisible person I exist, yet Im ignored
Come on, you the boy tried to soothe her. Youre right, there are people like us. Unlucky
No, not unlucky. Unnoticed. Nonintrusive, perhaps even a kind of advantage. Theres a certain freedom in that.
Do you think so? he asked, surprised by her thoughts. By the way, Im Paul. And you?
Ivy.
They lingered, listening to the music, glancing now and then at the lit windows, each hoping Megan would appear and summon them to the flat for dancing and merriment. But no one called.
Its been nice meeting you, Ivy said politely, but I must head home. I promised not to stay out too long.
Let me walk you a bit, at least to the bus stop, Paul offered.
They strolled through the park, talking, smiling at each other without quite knowing why.
Paul felt a warm flush in Ivys cheeks, the tiny dimples, the flutter of her long lashes. He started sharing funny anecdotes from his younger days, hoping to hear her bright laugh and linger a little longer.
At the stop, Ivy thanked Paul and began to say goodbye, but he lingered until she boarded her bus. She missed the first bus by a whisker and caught the second.
She waved at Paul from the window as if they were lifelong friends. He stood on the pavement, rooted, unable to move, enchanted by the girl with expressive eyes and those cheek dimples.
Paul turned and walked back toward his flat, then realised he wanted to see Ivy again. He had no phone number, no address was that even proper? It felt awkward.
The next morning Paul woke, raced up to Megans flat, and rang the bell.
She opened the door, a sigh escaping her lips.
What now, Paul? Im not going for a walk with you again, she said, a hint of exasperation. I told you
No, no Paul stammered. I actually wanted to ask for your flatmates number. She was here yesterday. I need to give her something she left on the bench Could you give me her number, please?
Whose? Megan asked, puzzled.
Its Ivys, Paul replied.
Ivy? Which Ivy? Megan hesitated. Oh, Ivy right! Hold on.
A few minutes later she handed him a scrap of paper.
On Romeo. Quiet one When did she just manage to? Megan smiled and shut the door.
Happy, Paul clutched the note like a talisman and sprinted home. He spent the whole day rehearsing words, nervous as a schoolboy. As evening fell, he called Ivy.
He invited her for another walk and promised icecream. To his delight, Ivy accepted, her voice over the phone softer and sweeter than before.
They wandered the park, shared the cold treat, and discovered how much they had in common.
Now its my turn to invite you, Ivy said with a grin as they part ways. Next time we wont go to the park but to the cinema. Sound good?
From then on Ivy and Paul were inseparable. They frequented the cinema, museums, and after a year they started travelling together, already being talked about as a couple.
Two years after they first met, they married.
Ivys mother declared it was far too early for her daughter to wed, while Gran praised, Well done, love. Youve found your destiny. No need to keep swapping suitors. A lad like Paul will be a good husband, caring for you like his own child. What more could you want?
Look at those two quiet ones, their college mates teased. First one to jump the broom, and the boys practically glowing.
Both glowed, finding in each other understanding, care, and the love theyd always dreamed of.
Years later they smiled as they recalled the bench by the entrance that had somehow tied their lives together for ever.
