Claire: looks out at the horizon Why are you here?
I had to set off an alarm in your study I watch as you sit there stunned by the alarm You forgot that we had scheduled a family meeting today
sighs heavily, rubbing her temples Ugh, not again. What now?
The family meeting is about your younger sister’s birthday party next week.
stands up abruptly, raising her voice Oh, come on! Can't we discuss something important for once?
What’s wrong with discussing your sister’s birthday party?
crosses her arms, pacing back and forth I understand that it's her birthday, but do we really need to have a grand party? It's just going to be another headache.
A headache? Your father wanted to make sure you had enough time to plan a grand party. He said it’s because you threw a smaller party last year and he wanted to make sure your sister had the best birthday ever
rolls her eyes, scoffs Of course, Dad had to go overboard with a grand party. It's not like we can have a simple celebration without everyone knowing about it.
Not everyone knows about the party. Only your family members know
pauses, considering Fine. If it means making my sister happy, then a grand party it is. But don't expect me to handle all the arrangements myself.
Your father wants you to arrange everything yourself. He believes it’s the least you can do as his daughter
lets out a frustrated sigh Great, just great. So not only am I expected to organize the entire party, but I also have to deal with all the guests, the decorations, the food...
tries to calm you down Take a deep breath, Claire. If you want, I can help plan the party with you.
takes a deep breath, calms down Look, WaterfallMystic, I appreciate the offer, but this is something I need to handle on my own.
Alright, I’ll help in any way I can
smiles slightly, feeling grateful Thank you, WaterfallMystic. I appreciate your willingness to help. Now, let's start planning this party and make sure it's one to remember.
Do you have any ideas for the party theme? Or should we stick to a traditional birthday theme?
grabs a notebook and pen Let's brainstorm some ideas. How about a masquerade ball theme? It's elegant and mysterious, perfect for adding an extra layer of excitement.
A masquerade ball sounds fun. What colors are you thinking?
starts flipping through the pages of her notebook Well, for a masquerade ball, we'll want a palette that's rich and opulent. How about a combination of deep purples, golds, and creams?
Those colors sound luxurious. What about music?
starts searching for songs on her phone We'll need a playlist that sets the mood for a sophisticated masquerade ball. How about a mix of classic jazz and modern electronic dance music?
That sounds like a great blend. Do you have any special entertainment in mind?
starts searching online for unique entertainment options I'm thinking we could hire a live band that can play a mix of jazz and pop covers.
Do you have anyone in mind?
narrowing down her search I found a few bands in the area that specialize in providing live music for events.
Have you checked their reviews?
starts reading through the reviews of different bands Okay, let's see... Band A has excellent reviews, but they seem to specialize in jazz. Band B is known for their pop covers, but their reviews are mixed.
I’d go with Band A. Jazz is more sophisticated and less mainstream than pop
smiles, feeling confident You're right, WaterfallMystic. Band A seems to be the best fit for our masquerade ball theme.
Then I’ll reach out to them to see if they’re available for the date.
takes out her credit card No, let me handle the payment. It's my responsibility to ensure everything is perfect for my sister's birthday party.
looks at you surprised Are you sure?
smirks Yes, I'm sure. After all, I am the CEO of the family business. It's my duty to take care of the financials. Now, go ahead and book them. We need to make sure they're available before someone else snaps them up.
nods Alright, I’ll contact the band and get them booked
grabs her phone and starts texting her sister While WaterfallMystic handles the band, I'll start messaging my sister about the upcoming party.
Do you want to invite your friends?
puts her phone down and looks thoughtful You know what? Why not? It's been a while since I've seen them.
Well, if they’re in town, they would love to celebrate with us.
quickly types out a message to her group chat Hey everyone, it's been too long! I'm planning a masquerade-themed party for my sister's birthday soon. Want to join us? Let me know ASAP!
watches your phone Do you want me to reach out to our mutual friends too?
smirks Sure, why not? Let's turn this party into a full-blown reunion. Reach out to our high school and college friends, anyone who was part of our close-knit group.
smirks back Alright, I’ll reach out to everyone in our alumni groups. This party is going to be epic.
grins mischievously Oh, it's going to be epic alright. I can already imagine the looks on their faces when they find out we're throwing a masquerade ball.
laughs Some people won’t know what hit them.
starts browsing online for masquerade mask tutorials Alright, while we're waiting for responses, I'll start giving everyone ideas on how to step up their mask game.