The best birthday

Magician Kate is home for her sister's birthday.. but there's something else she must tackle

- A short story by S Bee

There's no need to worry about anything, Kate. Clare's arranged everything for the party. The venue, the food, the music, the entertainment," my sister Sue began.

I'd popped round to Sue's for a coffee, but the name Clare rang a bell...

I turned to her. “Please don't tell me you've got pally with Clare Archer?”

Sue avoided my gaze. “Yes. She's a good friend of mine now.”

I bristled. “Oh I see.”

Sue's forthcoming 40th birthday was being held at the village hall, and included a topnotch buffet, a free bar, and a fancy big cake.

A local male magician had been booked and there'd be speeches, karaoke and a disco.

Taking a week off from my hectic work schedule, I'd made sure that Sue's birthday was a high priority. I'd be able to see my parents and enjoy a good catch-up with all the family at the same time.

This news about Sue and Clare... well, Clare hadn't exactly been supportive towards me at secondary school, and Sue knew it.

My mind flew back... I was 14 when I'd first become interested in magic tricks.

At Christmas and birthdays, I got props, costumes, boxes of tricks, packs of cards and instruction books.

At school, my little hobby somehow got spread around the class. As it was a male-dominated passion, the girls were especially interested - something different from mooching over pop stars and obsessing about makeup and fashion.

One day at lunch time, Clare approached me. My heart lurched.