Stella kept up her smile as she cut the cake. For now, the party was going well with all her friends here to join her. She did not miss her family on such a momentous day; the lack of their presence made this party even more enjoyable for her. Still, the sight of Emma and Hani being close together did hurt her. She still liked Hani, though she knew that she was now dating Emma. Something inside her felt as if she had waited too long for herself to realise her own feelings, letting Hani slip through her fingers.
You have to hold it together. Everyone is here to celebrate your birthday. Things happen. Hani may not be with you, but she is still your friend. She is also dating your now friend Emma, who is helping you. A tinge of pain was felt in her heart as she pushed on. I guess it would have been better if Aria were here. I think it was all a little bit too much of a last-minute thing for her to come.
