"Happy 18th Birthday Resena!" Cont...Pt7

"Happy 18th Birthday Resena!" Cont...Pt6
Both Carla and Sabrina blushed, just then Lawrence the estate’s head cook walked over and grabbed Resena into a bear hug lifting her slightly off the ground as he spun her around. Finally putting her down he stood back and gasped.  

“Ms. Resena! Happy Birthday! You look beautiful!”

Blushing, Resena began to laugh. 

“Thanks Lawrence!” 

Julius wasn’t sure why, but for some reason, he felt a tinge of annoyance hearing Lawrence praise Resena and hug her, “when did they become so close?” He wondered as she continued to laugh. Suddenly, Lawrence turned towards Carla, his eyes gleamed. 

“Carla, wow! You look amazing!” 

“Oh, t-thank you.” 

“Mind if I ask you for a dance.” 

Carla’s face was filled with shock. When she looked over, both Resena and Sabrina were smiling giving cheers. Gleaming back, Carla placed her hand into Lawrence’s as they headed towards the dance floor.  

“Well, they got the right idea! Let me go find some young gentleman to twirl with!” 

Resena and Julius began to laugh, just then, she heard a familiar voice say her name. 

“Lady Resena, oh my goodness. Just look at you.” 

Resena slowly turned around, it couldn’t be! It was just too good to be true! As she finally looked at the person calling her, Resena could not believe her eyes, there before her was Ella! Without a second thought, Resena ran over to her and hugged her tightly, tears flowing down her face. 

“Oh my gosh! Ella! What are you! How are you! What are you doing here!” 

“Oh Ms. Resena, it’s so good to see you again! Look at you, all grown up into a beautiful woman! Oh, my goodness!” 

Both women stood there hugging and crying, it had been so long since they saw each other. Stepping back, Ella began to speak. 

“Your fiancé invited me to your special party! I’m so glad I got to come!” 

“How do you know Julius?” Just then, Julius walked up. 

“I actually had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Ella a little while ago. She was kind enough to give me some information regarding your aunt and uncle.” 

Resena was still confused, why had he gone to speak with Ella? She would be sure to ask for the details later, but for now, she just wanted to enjoy seeing her long-time friend. After a brief catching up, another familiar voice called out to Resena. It was Mr. and Mrs. Femella. 

“Well look at you! You look absolutely stunning!” 

“Mrs. Femella! Thank you!”

Winking at Resena, Mrs. Femella grinned.

“See, I told you he was a catch!” 

Resena laughed thinking back at that day, who would have thought this was where they would end up. After catching up some more with Ella, Julius walked back over. 

“Oh Resena, we must catch up one of these days! I cannot wait to hear about everything that has happened since I last saw you.”

Hugging Ella one more time, Resena quietly replied,

“It’s a date.”

After thanking Julius one last time, Ella walked back over to her husband. Julius smiled at Resena, the joy in her face was worth 1000 words.

“So, would the birthday girl care to join me in a dance?” 

Beaming, Resena took Julius’ hand.

“I’d love too.” 

Julius led Resena onto the dance floor as the band began to play a new song. Suddenly the entire floor was covered with dancing, chattering, and people catching up. As the evening went on, Resena found herself speaking to almost every guest. Each one of them had stories about her parents, she loved hearing the impact they had on the country.  

“So Resena, where have you been all this time? I didn’t even know Marlow had a daughter!” Martin Hanbor of Hanbor’s copper asked.

An overshadowed feeling of gloom suddenly entered Resena’s mind. Having to think about her aunt and uncle was something she tried very hard not to do since moving in with Julius. However, she knew it was only a matter of time before she would have to explain where she’d been. Smiling, Resena replied. 

“I actually was staying with my mother’s sister Larna and her husband Delvoy Lanster.” 

“Larna Lanster is your aunt. Huh, I didn’t know that.” 

Resena began to feel uncomfortable, just then Julius walked up. 

“Martin, how’s business been?” 

“Sir Julius! Business has been great, thank you for asking! The copper business is cutthroat, but we always pull through!” 

“Yes, I’ve been meaning to setup a meeting with your execs, I was interested in using Hanbor’s Copper company for our new devices.” 

“I-Is that so! Well! We would love to work with Spencer Tech! I’ll have my execs set up a meeting immediately! Thank you!” 

“Absolutely, enjoy your evening, make sure you and your lovely wife get some dancing in.” 

“Absolutely! Julius, it’s always a pleasure! Lady Resena, it has truly been a remarkable pleasure meeting you this evening. You look so much like your mother!” 

That comment made all the bad emotions Resena was beginning to feel immediately disappear. 

“Thank you so much for that Mr. Hanbor. I truly enjoyed meeting you as well as your wife this evening.” 

Julius took Resena by the hand and pulled her close. 

“Sorry about that. I know speaking about them is still uncomfortable.” 

Smiling. “It’s okay. I’ll have to get used to people asking that obvious question.” 

“True, but not tonight.”