Chapter One

The Anniversary Party

Joan

The air told me it was going to be today, as I stood in the park smiling. The party had been postponed ever since I first tried to plan it. But today would be the day.

"Joan," Arthur startled me, from behind. I smiled. "I know it's going to work this time."

I smiled. "Yes, it will." I said. I was trying to celebrate Annie's joining the CIA team anniversary. But, every time I tried to throw a party, something came up. But, today would be different. Almost everyone was coming. "Oh, Arthur, did you remember the cake?" I asked, suddenly remembering it.

Arthur sighed.

"Sorry, forgot to stop at the store," He said, rising from off the park bench. It was nice and sunny out with a nice, soft breeze.

Arthur headed to his car. "Which store was it again?" He asked, turning around.

I smiled. "Buffy's Bake Goods." I said. He nodded, and headed back to his car. We had arrived here separately, since he still had work today. I called for the day off, even though I knew I'd soon regret it. I began, doing last minute preparations getting things ready.

People began to arrive, and Arthur wasn't even here with the cake yet. To make matters worse, Annie should be here any moment!

I sighed, as I tried to calm myself down.

Then, I spotted his sports car speeding down the street, I smiled in relief. He parked in the parking spot in the far right and power walked to the party. "Here you go." He said, with a smile, handing me the cake. I smiled.

Happy Anniversary, Annie!

"It's beautiful!" I cried, then I looked up to Arthur and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you."

He smiled. "Anything for one of our best operatives." He whispered.

"Uh, Mrs. Campbell, I just got a call from Auggie, they're about five minutes out." Rachel, one of our new field agents, reported. I smiled. "Thanks," I whispered. "Let's get this party started." Arthur replied.

I saw Annie's car pull into a parking spot, as she looked around. I smiled. Annie had no idea of this, Auggie did, but she didn't. "Everybody get ready!" She said.

Everybody gathered together in a small group, Arthur in the middle hiding the cake with the millions of bodies we had. "Auggie, what's this?" Annie asked, as she came towards us with us. "Joan?" She asked.

"Surprise!" everyone cried.

Annie paused, she was awestruck.

"Annie?" Auggie asked.

She smiled, softly.

"Happy Anniversary, Annie," Joan replied, as the cake made an appearance.

Annie smiled. "Joan, you didn't have to do this." she said.

"Oh, but I wanted to." I said, with a smile. "You're the only operative that made me want to do this."

Annie smiled, and wrapped me in a hug. "Thank you." She whispered. "You're very welcome." She whispered back.

"I'm so glad it's over!" Auggie said, from behind Annie.

"Why?" Annie asked.

"Because it was becoming hard to not tell you." Auggie whispered. Both, Annie and I, smiled. Annie went to him and hugged him close.

"Let's have cake!" Arthur shouted, as he put the cake down on the first available table.

###

I had brought a small dock and set my tiny iPod on it as a source of music. Arthur and I danced together until he had to return to work. I then sat down at my table.

"Joan?" Annie asked.

I turned to find them side by side.

"Hey, Annie, Auggie." I said.

"Uh, Joan, we have to tell you something," Auggie whispered.

"What is it?" I asked.

"We're dating." Annie answered.