Six: Birthday Surprises.

Jonah walked up Anastasia's front path as quietly as he could.  He wanted to surprise her.  He used cautious, slow, deliberate movements.  He anticipated the shock on Ana's face.  The outraged exclamation that was sure to come when she realised he'd outsmarted her.

Suddenly the door opened, the sound of protesting hinges sounding particularly loud in the early morning quiet. A crack as it shut again.

"Jonah." a shout also cut through the calm and, blinking, Jonah found himself enveloped in his sisters hug.  It took him another moment to register the fact that he'd been scuppered.

"How did you..." he began.  "I was expecting you." Ana cut him off.

"I knew you wouldn't miss our birthday.  I heard your cab arrive."

"Damn." Jonah muttered.  "Well"

"Happy Birthday." the twins chorused.

"I'm here now, the party can start."

Not one to let her brother have the last word, Ana smiled "You're a bit early, but come on in."

They each grabbed one of Jonah's large, heavy suitcases and lugged them inside.

The twins talked, laughed and caught up.  They changed into party clothes.  Before long Anastasia's friends arrived.  Alex, Ryan and Johnny were pleased to meet Anastasia's brother.  Much ribbing ensued.

"So you're the brother we heard so much about?"

"The doctor"

"Whose sister had to bait his fishing hook for him." 

Over cake and music, Jonah won them over with his natural charm.

Eventually the party broke up with handshakes and smiles.  Jonah was quick to help tidy up.  He was thoughtful while working over the hot, soapy sink.  He had another surprise for Ana.

Later that evening, when they had showered, the twins sat together on Ana's little sofa.  Anastasia was taking her time over a light supper.  Jonah was laughing at a humorous greeting card that Ana got in the mail.  He decided to tell Ana of his plans.

"Sis."

"Yeah."

"You know how I brought so much luggage?"

"I did wonder about that.  If you're planning to stay for a month we may have to get another bed around here."

"This place is really tiny." -chuckle-  "Anyway, I thought about what you said and I've transferred to OSGH.  I got the confirmation just last week.  The rest of my stuff is in storage waiting for me to find a place out here and have it shipped over."

A moment of silence while Anastasia absorbed this news and Jonah waited for her reaction.

"Really!?!" Ana squealed.  Then she leaned over and hugged her brother, which put him in some danger of being covered in food.

"Yeah." Jonah laughed.  "I miss you.  Besides; you need your big brother to look after you."

Ana punched him playful on the arm. "We're the same age.  Seven minutes doesn't count."

"Older is older" Jonah grinned.