Ivy was the most unremarkable guest at Mollys birthday celebration. The two girls had been classmates at the local college in York.
Molly, with a generous wave, invited anyone who could make it, but many of the girls had gone home to the countryside for the weekend. Ivy, shy and quiet, decided to take up the offer.
She hadnt been out much, and she had just turned eighteen, the same as Molly. Yet Ivy chose not to mark the day with friends at all
She had no close pals, and her parents persuaded her to stay home, to spend the evening with Grandmother and Grandfather.
So it turns out birthdays are either for fiveyearolds or eighteenyearolds, she thought sadly.
Of course Ivy loved her family, but she could not see when she would finally become an adult, independent and noticed. When, she wondered, would any lad see her modest beauty and gentle nature?
She dreamed of love, yet she was too embarrassed. She was not as flamboyant as Molly, nor as bright as their other friend, Claire.
The other girls painted their nails boldly, dressed fashionably, sometimes even daringly for college parties, drawing a rebuke from lecturers. Ivys wardrobe, however, was always chosen by her mother and knitted by her grandmother. She complained that her granddaughter rarely wore those clothes.
Ivy could not bring herself to step out in Grandmothers old-fashioned cardigans; she kept them for home, and only in winter, of course.
On the night of Mollys party, the college crowdtwelve lads in allgathered in the flat. When the feast ended and the dancing began, Ivy slipped out of the flat and sat on a bench by the stairwell.
No one noticed her departure. She was ashamed of the unfamiliar boys, though they had never paid her any attention. Perhaps that was what hurt her most.
She glanced at her watch.
I should be going; Mother must be worrying, she thought. I promised I wouldnt be late
Suddenly a boy emerged from the stairwell. He wasnt one of Mollys guests.
He perched on the edge of the bench and stared sadly at the windows on the second floor, where lively music and laughter drifted up.
Youre from there? he asked Ivy abruptly. She nodded toward Mollys flat.
So, hows she? Dancing? Having fun? the boy asked again, his eyes soft.
This time Ivy found the courage to answer:
What? Cant you hear? Yes, theyre having a good time.
Exactly, thats why its a birthday, the boy replied. Ive been sulking on my own. I didnt even celebratejust tea and cake with the family, like a schoolage child.
Ivy raised an eyebrow in surprise.
Same for me. Are you her friend? she asked, nodding toward the windows.
Iboth and neither, he said. Id be glad to be friends with her, but she doesnt notice me. She didnt even invite me to her birthday. Weve been neighbours for ages, and she sees how I look after her
He fell silent. Ivy sighed understandingly, then spoke:
Dont worry. Im feeling the same. Whats the point? No one notices us. I left there and no one saw. So Im an invisible personwhat I am and what Im not, nobody cares
Come off it, the boy tried to comfort her. Youre right, there are people like usunlucky, I guess
No, not unluckyunobtrusive, Ivy corrected. Maybe thats an advantage. It gives a sort of freedom, a quiet independence.
You think so? the boy, whose name was Paul, asked, surprised by her thoughts. By the way, Im Paul. And you?
Ivy.
They listened to the music for a while, glancing now and then at the windows, each hoping Molly would appear and ask them to join the dancing. But no one called.
Its been nice meeting you, Ivy said politely, but I must be home. I promised I wouldnt stay long.
Let me walk you a bit, at least to the bus stop, Paul offered.
Through the park they walked, chatting and smiling without even trying. Paul felt his attention make Ivys cheeks blush, the little dimples appearing as she looked away when he noticed her long lashes.
He started joking, recalling funny incidents from his youth, hoping her bright laugh would linger longer.
At the bus stop Ivy thanked Paul and prepared to leave. He hesitated, not wanting her to board until she was ready. Ivy deliberately missed the first bus, catching the second.
On the bus she waved at Paul as if they were old friends. He lingered on the platform, unable to move, enchanted by the sweet girl with expressive eyes and those charming dimples.
Eventually Paul turned and went home, suddenly realising he wanted to meet Ivy again. He had neither her phone number nor her addresshow could he find her again? It felt awkward.
The next morning Paul woke, raced up the stairs of Mollys flat, and knocked on the door.
Molly opened, a grin spreading.
What now, Paul? Im not going for a stroll with you again. I told you no, she said.
No, its not that I just need the number of your flatmate. She was here yesterday. I have something to give her. She left a note on the bench. Could you tell me her phone?
Whose? Molly asked, puzzled.
Ivys.
Ivy? Which Ivy? Molly thought a moment. Oh, Ivy Right, give me a sec.
A few minutes later she handed Paul a scrap of paper.
On Romeo. Thats it, quiet Ivy and when did she just get here? Molly laughed and shut the door.
Happy with the note, Paul tucked it away like a talisman and hurried home. All day he rehearsed what to say, nervous. By evening he called Ivy.
He invited her out again, promising icecream. To his delight, Ivy accepted gladly, her voice over the phone even softer and sweeterat least it seemed that way to him.
They walked through the park, ate icecream, and learned a great deal about each other. Their personalities and interests matched surprisingly well.
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. Interested?
From that day on Ivy and Paul were inseparable. They frequented the cinema, museums, and after a year they began travelling together, soon being spoken of as a couple.
Two years after their first meeting they married.
Ivys mother declared it too early for her daughter to wed, while Grandmother proudly exclaimed:
Well done, dear Ivy. Youve found your fate and settled down. No need to chase after countless suitors. With a lad like Paul youll have a fine husbandhell look after you as if you were a child. What more could you ask for?
Shes a quiet one, their college mates teased, but shes the first to jump into marriage. And Paul looks radiant, glowing with happiness.
Both shone with youthful joy. Ivy and Paul found in each other understanding, care, and the love they had both once only dreamed of.
Years later, they smiled when they recalled that little bench by the stairwellthe very spot that had linked their lives forever.