# Lena's Birthday Surprise
*CEFR A2 · Story 2 of 2 · American English · ~280 words*
*CEFR A2 · American English · ~280 words*

Lena's birthday is next Saturday, and her friends are planning something special. "We're going to have a surprise party at my apartment," Maya said. "I'm baking the cake, and Josh is bringing the music."

On Monday, Maya invited everyone in the class and sent a note with the plan. It said: "The party is on Saturday at half past four. We are meeting at my apartment at three o'clock to get everything ready. Please bring something to eat or drink. Don't say anything to Lena. It's a secret!"

The friends had a lot of ideas. "The cake should be bigger than last year's," said Josh. "Chocolate is the best flavor." "Let's buy some balloons too," said Ana. "The biggest balloons in the store!"

On Saturday morning, everyone was busy. Maya baked a chocolate cake and wrote "Happy Birthday" on it. Josh went to the store to buy bottles of orange juice. Ana chose sixteen red balloons. At three o'clock, everything was ready.

But then Lena called Maya. "Hi! I'm coming to your apartment at three to study for the exam. Is that okay?" Maya thought quickly. "Not today," she said. "My aunt is visiting. Would you like to meet at the library tomorrow instead?"

Finally, Lena arrived at half past four. She opened the door and everyone shouted, "Surprise!" Lena laughed and laughed. "I knew nothing about this!" she said. "You're the best friends in the world!"

They ate the cake, danced to the music and took photos with Maya's camera. At the end, Lena smiled and said, "This is the most awesome birthday ever. You should all join me next year. The party is going to be even bigger!"