There is a huge, gift-wrapped box beside her and she smiles as we take the surrounding seats.
Sophia has arranged a tray of refreshment and, as we all take a glass, Sister Agatha smiles. “Happy birthday, Tiffany, and I’m so encouraged by how well you all look. I can’t wait to meet your children, but first there is one loose end to tie up.”
Alice catches my eye and I turn to Rose, who is on the edge of her seat, apparently holding her breath she is so still.
“This gift contains three gifts. Not from me, but from your father who sadly couldn’t be here but would be so proud of you all.”
My breath catches as I stare at the box, almost wishing it remained a secret.
Nothing about how we got to this point was easy, and this is merely a reminder of a past I am trying hard to forget.
Sister Agatha leans down and unties the ribbon, handing me the first box, Alice the second, and Rose the third.
Sophia watches on with interest as we hold the small wooden boxes in our hands.
“So, this is it.”
Alice sighs, her reaction obviously the same as mine, and Rose whispers, “We don’t have to open them.”
“We don’t.”
I gaze at my box thoughtfully, wondering what’s inside. It could be papers or a memory card perhaps with instructions.
Alice sighs heavily. “He must have had a good reason for giving them to us. Do you remember how on edge he was at the time, which was so unlike him?”
“It was weird.” Rose acknowledges and Alice nods.
“He was a difficult man but, in that moment, he was almost apologetic. Do you think it was because the contents of these boxes make our lives difficult?”
“There’s only one way to find out, girls.”
Sophia says lightly. “I must admit I would have opened it myself by now. I’ve never been patient.”
“You can say that again.”
Sister Agatha rolls her eyes, and it strikes me how deep their friendship is to have stood the test of time. It’s almost as if they are sisters and share an easy familiarity which I love.
“But we don’t have the keys, remember?”
Alice smiles at Sophia, who laughs out loud.
“Of course. Forgive me, I was so excited I forgot you needed those.”
She reaches inside her pocket and the familiar iron keys are heavy in her hand.
“Tiffany.”
She hands one with a red ribbon to me, my name engraved on the side.
“Rose.”
Her ribbon is pink, the key also engraved with her name and Alice is last, the green ribbon and her name identifying the correct person gets the right box.
“Do we go one by one, or all together?”
Rose asks, and Alice grins as she catches my eye.
“Together.”
