A Surprise for Nina

On Friday Nina was going to turn twenty-three, and her friends were determined to give her a surprise party. Julia, Omar and Pablo met at a café to plan it. There was no free table, so a waiter led them to a seat at the back. “Is this table ours?” Pablo asked. “Yes, it’s all yours,” the waiter said.

“Let’s have the party at my flat,” said Julia. “Shall we invite the whole class?” Pablo asked. “No, only a few friends,” said Omar. “Nina prefers small parties.” Julia agreed and wrote a list of eight names on a napkin.

“Who’s going to bring the music?” Julia asked. “The speaker is mine,” said Omar, “but I need a little time to put together a playlist.” “Why don’t we ask Nina’s sister for ideas?” Pablo suggested. “She knows all of Nina’s favourite songs.”

Julia looked at the list again. “Is there anything else we need?” “Somebody has to keep Nina away from the flat until seven,” said Pablo. “I’ll do it,” Omar offered. “I’ve got nothing to do in the afternoon.” They all laughed with relief.

Before leaving, the three friends went over the plan once more, because nobody wanted to forget anything. On Friday at seven, Nina opened the door and heard a shout of “Surprise!” She was so astonished that she could not say a word.