**Diary Entry**
Id always been the quiet one at partiesnever the centre of attention. So when my college friend Emily invited everyone to her birthday, I was surprised I even went. Most of the girls had gone home for the weekend, back to their villages or nearby towns. But I stayed. Id just turned eighteen myself, the same as Emily. Yet while she celebrated with a crowd, Id spent mine at home with Mum, Dad, Nan, and Grandad.
*Another year, another quiet birthday,* I thought bitterly.
I loved my family, but I couldnt help wondering when Id ever feel truly grown-upwhen someone would finally notice me, not just as a girl in the background, but as someone worth seeing. I wasnt bold like Emily or her best mate, Sophie, who always wore bright makeup and the latest fashions, even if the lecturers scolded them for it.
My clothes? Picked by Mum. My jumpers? Knitted by Nanwho was always hurt when I didnt wear them outside. But how could I? They were so old-fashioned. I only wore them at home, and even then, only in winter.
That night at Emilys, there were about twelve of us. Once the food was gone and the music started, I slipped out unnoticed and sat on a bench by the flats. No one even realised Id left.
I checked my watch. *Mum will be worrying. I should go.*
Just then, a boy I didnt recognise stepped outside. He sat at the far end of the bench, staring sadly up at Emilys window on the second floor, where laughter and music spilled out.
You from the party? he asked suddenly.
I nodded toward Emilys flat.
Hows she doing? Dancing? Having fun? His voice was quiet.
This time, I dared to ask, Why? Cant you hear? Yeah, theyre enjoying themselves.
He sighed. Well, it is her birthday. Mine? I just had tea and cake with family. Like a kid.
I blinked. Same here. So youre her friend? I gestured to the window.
Sort of. Id like to be. But she doesnt notice me. Didnt even invite me tonight, and weve been neighbours for years.
I understood that ache. Dont worry, I said softly. I get it. You pour your heart out, and no one sees. I just walked out, and no one noticed. Makes you feel invisible.
No, youre not he started.
Maybe its not so bad, I said. Being unseen. Theres a kind of freedom in it.
You think? He looked surprised. Im Paul, by the way.
Im Emma.
We sat there a while, listening to the distant music. Part of me hoped Emily would lean out and call us back inside. But she didnt.
I should go, I said finally. Promised Mum I wouldnt stay out late.
Let me walk you to the bus stop.
As we crossed the park, something shifted. Pauls attentionthe way it made me blush, the way his jokes sent me laughingit was new. Id never been listened to like this before.
At the stop, I pretended to miss the first bus just to stay a little longer. When I finally boarded, I waved as if wed known each other forever.
And he just stood there, watching the bus leave.
The next morning, Paul went straight to Emilys flat.
Not this again, she groaned. I told you, Im not
No, no, he stammered. I just need your friends number. Emma. She left something behind.
Emma? Emily frowned. Oh, *Emma*. Quiet little thing. Didnt know she had it in her.
A few minutes later, Paul had the number. He spent all day rehearsing what to say before finally calling.
And when he asked me out for ice cream, I said yes without hesitation.
We met in the park again, talking for hours. And when it was time to leave, I surprised myself. Next time, lets go to the cinema. If youd like?
From then on, we were inseparablecinema trips, museum visits, even short holidays once we were engaged. Two years later, we married.
Mum said I was too young. Nan said, Good for you, Emma. Found your match and stuck with it. No need to keep looking when youve got a lad like Paul.
Even the girls from college were stunned. *Quiet Emma, married first.*
But we just laughed, remembering that bench by the flatsthe one that brought us together and changed everything.
