Good morning Mum, Dad. Well, I made it. 18 today! Missing you both, I'll make you proud.
As if to acknowledge her thoughts, a chill fell over Rita briefly. She smiled, and as she bounded downstairs, wondering who would greet her first on her special day.
It's 7:00am, where is everyone?
The silence in the home was strange as Rita walked through looking for the family. She stopped and stared though the large glass doors over the deck area, no one was around. Rita slumped and sighed, turning back to the living room.
Oh well, better get some coffee...
"Surprise! Happy Birthday!"
Startled, Rita jumped backward slightly, before seeing her new family before her, wearing party hats and smiling at her.
"Wow, you scared the dingles out of me! Ha-ha. Thanks guys, you're the best!"
Bonny rushes first to embrace Rita, "Happy Birthday Sis." A loving hug, followed by Bonny's parents cuddles and well wishes, before Rita spotted Luke in the background, smiling at her.
"So, where's my Birthday hug Luke?" Rita asked with a cheeky smile, holding her arms out.
"Well my dear, I didn't want to interrupt. Best for last and all that." he said laughingly.
Luke wrapped his arms around Rita. Pulling her close, he whispered "Happy Birthday gorgeous." kissing her on the cheek before releasing her.
"And from today, you can start the placement work within the foundation as part of your studies, so I guess I'll see you around a bit more." Luke said with a smile.
Rita had been studying at the Santobahn University with Bonny this year after succeeding in her school final exams. The benefit of turning 18 meant she was now able to partake in study placements within the Foundation, for hands-on trial work. This was very exciting for Rita, to finally be putting her studies to real world scenarios.
The buzz soon settled and everyone took a seat in the lounge room. After some light breakfast and general conversation, everyone turned their attention to the day ahead.
"See you soon Birthday Girl" Luke called out as he waved goodbye and headed for his van.
"Thanks Luke, see you there."
"C'Mon Rita, we gotta go." Bonny was in the living room calling up to Rita who was still in her room getting ready.
"Righto, just had to make sure I got everything. Thanks Doug and Jan, see you tonight"
Out to the car and it wasn't long before the pair were singing their usual car karaoke and laughing, as they headed toward Santobahn.
"Well Rita, you're finally an adult like the rest of us hey? How does it feel?"
"Ha, only 4 weeks behind you sweets, but yes, finally, I wonder if going out for a drink will be as exciting now, since I actually have real ID now" Rita laughed.
"I guess we just have to find out this weekend. Also, what about 'the plan'?" Bonny asked, using her fingers to show an air quote.
"Yeah, haven't moved much on that lately. I've enjoyed hanging out with you too much, studying, living, being in the moment. I've had so much in my head the last few years since..." Rita's words trailed off, remembering her parents.
Sensing the emotional tap that had just been turned on inside Rita, Bonny placed her hand on Rita's thigh lovingly, offering support as always. Wiping a few tears from her eyes, Rita chuckled.
"Thanks Hun. Yeah, I haven't done much lately. How about we head to the cottage this weekend and go over it some more?" Rita smiled as she wiped a few tears from her eyes.
"Sounds great! Now keep that smile and enjoy your birthday today.
Speaking of smiles, what do you think Luke meant about seeing you around a bit more?" Bonny asked with a cheeky grin. "Doesn't he work in a different area to where you will be?"
"Stop it." Blushing, Rita dismissed Bonny's suggestion, though also thinking about it a little. "He is public relations officer, so I guess he covers the whole Foundation." Bonny smirked at her and winked, her silence and suggestion, making them both burst into laughter.
Bonny turned into the driveway of Santobahn, a steady line of traffic in front and behind, indicating the start of the busy day. Gradually, vehicles were being granted access through the boom gates, a security checkpoint 500 metres from the main road, the car park and buildings that make up the Santobahn Foundation, equally as far the other side.
"Good morning ladies, ID's please."
There were armed guards on either side of the car. Whilst intimidating, they were also smiling. Rita and Bonny held up their respective ID cards for scanning.
"No problem. Oh I see it's your Birthday Ms Jenkins. Happy Birthday." the guard said with a smile. Both guards stepped clear and motioned for
Bonny to drive through the boom gate, while also singing Happy Birthday. Rita blushed and laughed as Bonny drove on to the carpark, continuing the singing.
The entrance to the Santobahn University, and all of the buildings in fact, were lined with a grand array of native plants and flowers, along a manicured lawn and paver pathway, that led to the majestic entrance. Each building had a theme, the University main building theme was Sustainability.
Solar lights integrated seamlessly with grass and flowers, mini wind turbines with flower petal shaped blades where interspersed within the garden, the building was stone, yet was covered in climbing ferns that bought the building to life. Everywhere you looked and ventured, was a demonstration of how to live in a sustainable way.
As Rita and Bonny ventured through the grand hallway, they were met by the Dean of the University, Professor Bruce Fentill. He was an older gentleman, tall, slender, formal looking and always wore a colourful bow-tie, which possibly accounted for his constant smile.
"Good morning ladies, and Happy Birthday Rita. 18 today, time to get serious." he said with a cheerful disposition.
"Good morning Sir" they said in unison.
"As this is quite the special occasion, I've arranged a meeting today within your schedule, with myself and a few other significant parties of the Foundation. It will be at 11:00am in the boardroom, I've added the information to your daily schedules. See you there."
Professor Fentill smiled and gave a wave gesture as he turned and continued along the hall, greeting others as he passed.
"Wow, what the hell do you think that's about Bonny?"
"Bloody hell, I didn't get an audience on my birthday!" Bonny replied laughing.
"That's what I mean. Why?" Rita thought about this for a while then pulled out her phone to check her schedule.
11:00 - 12:30: Official Reception, Rita Jenkins/Bonny Weston.
Santobahn University Boardroom.
Hosted by Prof. Fentill.
The information had indeed been added to her schedule. As Bonny looked on, she checked hers to find the same amendment had been made. It seamlessly fitted between the lectures they had scheduled, so apart from missing their lunch break, it all seemed to work out.
"Well, they better bloody well feed us then." Rita laughed.
Rita and Bonny attended their first lecture, while trying to concentrate, Rita was unable to stop thinking about this 'reception'. What was it for? Why are they doing it? Is it because of my parents? Rita felt a nudge in her side, ignoring it for a second, she felt it again. She turned to Bonny
"What are you doing?" she blurted
"Ms Jenkins. Would you care to join in now you seem to be back in the room?" was the voice of the now slightly frustrated lecturer, Mr Manheim. On seeing Rita off in her own world, decided to pop quiz her on atmospheric properties.
Rita looked at Bonny, who gave her a nudging look.
"Sorry Sir, would you mind repeating the question?"
"Oh no, my apology Ms Jenkins, sorry to bother you whilst you're otherwise occupied. Though if you insist, could you please explain to me the Exosphere in relation to the Atmosphere, and both it's lower and upper limits."
Rita, caught off guard, thought for a second while Bonny looked on with a look of 'Yes, please explain'.
"Well Sir, you see." pausing for a moment and hearing some laughter in the room, Mr Manheim stared walking back to his podium.
"It seems Ms Jenkins..."
"As I was saying Sir," Rita interjected. "The Exosphere is the highest point in the atmosphere, and often not considered within our atmosphere due to the high level. The base level of the Exosphere, also known as the Exobase, is between 500 and 1000 kilometers from the earth, depending on the level of X-Ray and UV light from the sun at the time. The highest point is the limit of space, up to 190,000 kilometers from earth. Some scientists..."
"Thank you, Ms Jenkins, that will do. Welcome back."
Bonny looked at her with an amazed smile, Rita shrugged her shoulders and before long the lecture was over. Packing their things, and receiving some words of praise from other students as they exit, the ladies left the room and headed toward the University Board room for the 'reception.'