On the screen Dana’s face appeared. I smiled instantly at the sight of this. The Dana on the screen began to talk.

“Al, this is what I was planning when I got that video recorder for you. I’ve been making this video ever since your birthday and I have to admit I had to get Max to help me a bit, you know how bad I am with computers. I thought making a DVD would mean that we could look back at this time in years to come, when I hope we will still be as happy as we are now. I know I will still love you just as much, I will never stop loving you Alice. Who knows, maybe we will be showing this to our kids in a few years. I just wanted to capture all the special moments we have together, and I hope there will be many more to come. So…here goes, enjoy it baby. I love you.”

Already I had tears in my eyes, so touched by Dana’s thoughtful gift. I looked up at her at grinned, laughing at being so emotional. I turned back to the TV as Dana’s face faded and we appeared on the screen, in the limo on the way to the parachuting place. We were sat there with all our friends, smiling and laughing. Over the top, ‘You and Me’ by Lifehouse played while the videos changed to show what was one of the best days of my life. The video showed my parachute jump and me and my friends joking while we enjoyed our picnic. After that the music showed and Shane’s face appeared on the screen.

“Hey Al, I’m doing this while you’re up in that plane, you crazy fucker! In all seriousness, you are my best friend Alice, you’ve stuck with me through all of the shit and I love you so much. I’m so happy for you and Dana, you both deserve to be happy and I think it’s fucking awesome that you’ve found it with each other. Now I think about it, I couldn’t think of two people more perfect for each other, we can all see that now. So, happy birthday Alice, and here’s to many more birthdays and special occasions in the future”. Shane held her champagne glass up to the camera and took a swig. Next, Bette and Tina’s faces appeared.