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. . .

I glanced over at Sophie, who was sprawled out on the bed, reading over the notes I had scribbled down in my notebook from my Spider-Man mystery board at home. The warm, cozy atmosphere of Sophie's room was enough to make anyone relax, but my mind was elsewhere, another thing I had noticed occupying space in my mind.

When we had been grabbing dinner earlier, I spotted a calendar hanging on the fridge in the kitchen. Sophie's birthday was circled in bright pink, just a few days away on September 28th. There hadn't been any mention of plans, no sign of excitement from Sophie, and I couldn't help but wonder if she had anything planned at all.

"I'm just gonna run to the washroom, I'll be right back" I excused myself, Sophie nodding along while her eyes never left the page. Slipping out of the room I made my way to the kitchen where Meredith was tidying up after dinner.

Meredith looked up when I entered, smiling warmly. "Hey, Maggie. You girls doing okay?"

I nodded, then shifted my weight, glancing at the calendar again. "Uh, I saw on the calendar that it's Sophie's birthday soon. Is she... doing anything? She hasn't mentioned it."

Meredith sighed softly, wiping her hands on a dish towel. "Sophie's not big on making a fuss about her birthday. I think she doesn't want to seem like she's asking for too much, you know?"

My heart clenched a little at that. Something I could relate to. "Maybe... I could do something for her? Like, decorate or hang out with her while you're at work? Just to surprise her."

Meredith's eyes lit up, clearly touched by the idea. "That's really sweet of you, Maggie. I'll be working late that day, so it'd be great if she had company. You're more than welcome to come over early and decorate before she gets home from volunteering. She'd love that."

I smiled, a feeling of eagerness bubbling up inside her. "I can do that. But how would I get in?"

I knew I could easily find my way into their apartment, no problem. However being questioned on how I managed to get in would lead to some problems I was not willing to deal with.

Meredith chuckled, nodding toward the door. "Stan, the old man who lives across the hall, has a spare key. He's been a family friend forever, so he's got one just in case. He can let you in if I'm not here."

I grinned. "Perfect. I'll make sure it's a birthday she won't forget."

Meredith smiled at me with kind affectionate eyes. "You're a good friend. I think you two are going to be in good hands with each other."

My cheeks flushed as I quickly waved off the sentiment. "I just want to do something nice for her."

Meredith smiled knowingly. "Well, she's lucky to have you."

I thanked her and quietly slipped back into Sophie's room, my mind already buzzing with plans. Sophie was still lost in the reading, completely unaware of what I was scheming. A small, satisfied smile tugged at my lips. This was going to be perfect.

. . .

I leaned against the subway door, watching the tunnels blur by as the train rumbled beneath the city. I was on her way to Sophie's apartment, my heart racing with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Sophie had been volunteering at FEAST all afternoon, and I had a few precious hours to set up a birthday surprise before she returned. The idea of pulling this off without Sophie having any idea made my stomach do little flips of anticipation. What if she hated it?

When the subway reached my stop, I quickly hopped off, dodging the late afternoon crowd. I clutched a shopping bag in one hand and a bakery box in the other. The bakery down the street from my own apartment had made a stunning cake — simple but elegant, decorated blue and white with pink flowers to match the 'Mamma Mia' theme I knew Sophie loved.

As I arrived at Sophie's building, I made my way to the door, knocking gently on Stan's apartment across the hall. A few moments later, the door creaked open, revealing the elderly man with a knowing smile on his face.

"Ah, Maggie," Stan greeted, his eyes twinkling. "Meredith told me you'd be coming by. Come on, I'll get you inside."

I smiled gratefully as Stan unlocked Sophie's door and pushed it open, stepping aside to let me in.

"Thank you so much, Stan," I said. "I really appreciate this."

"No trouble at all, dear," Stan replied with a wave of his hand. "You girls have fun now, and if you need anything, just knock."

I nodded and stepped inside the apartment, already imagining Sophie's reaction. The place was quiet, and the soft afternoon light filtered in through the windows, giving it a warm glow. I set the bags down on the kitchen counter and took a deep breath.

"Okay," I muttered to myself, hands on my hips, "time to get to work."

I started by pulling out the decorations I had picked up earlier that day — blue streamers, silver balloons, and a 'Happy Birthday' banner that was styled in the classic 'Mamma Mia' lettering. Sophie was obsessed with the musical, so I had leaned into the theme. I carefully hung the banner across the living room wall, then wound the streamers around the furniture, giving the place a cheerful, festive vibe.

After hanging the final balloon, I took a step back and admired my work with a satisfied nod. The apartment was transformed, bursting with blue and silver. It was simple, but it felt special — just what Sophie deserved.

Next, I turned my attention to the cake. Meredith had mentioned she could only afford a few cupcakes for Sophie's birthday, and when I heard that, I insisted on covering the full cake. Sophie would never say it, but I could tell it would mean a lot to her.

I carefully opened the bakery box, revealing a blue cake with delicate white frosting, the words 'Happy Birthday, Sophie' written in elegant script. I found a spot on the kitchen table and set the cake in the center, then arranged a few candles nearby. I couldn't wait to see Sophie's face when she walked in.

With everything set up, I checked the time. Sophie would be home from FEAST any minute. I took a deep breath, double-checking the decorations, making sure everything was perfect. There was a moment of quiet, and my heart swelled with the excitement of what was to come.

Just then, I heard the familiar sound of keys jangling in the lock.

I grinned and quickly ducked behind the couch, out of sight, waiting for Sophie to step inside. This was going to be perfect.

Sophie pushed the door open, her shoulders heavy from the long day of volunteering at FEAST. It had been fulfilling, as always, but tiring, too. She was looking forward to just crashing on the couch with some food and maybe watching a movie to unwind. But as soon as she stepped into the apartment, she froze.

The sound of ABBA's 'Dancing Queen' drifted through the air, and the apartment was completely transformed. Blue and silver streamers hung from the ceiling, a 'Happy Birthday' banner stretched across the wall, and balloons floated lazily by the windows. The smell of vanilla cake hit her nose before she even noticed the beautiful cake sitting in the center of the kitchen table, candles waiting to be lit.

For a moment, Sophie just stood there, her mouth open in shock. Her birthday was never a big deal, always something small with just her and her mom, and she hadn't mentioned it to anyone — certainly not to Maggie. She hadn't expected anything, much less this.

"Surprise!" My voice called out, a little unsure but full of excitement.

Sophie turned to see me stepping out from behind the couch, a nervous smile on my face.

"Did you—" Sophie stammered, her eyes wide as they darted around the apartment. "You did all this for me?"

I shrugged casually, though a smile tugged at my lips. "Yeah. I, uh, thought you could use a little surprise. I saw your birthday on the calendar, and, well... I wanted to do something nice for you."

"Ahh! Oh my god! Maggie!" Sophie squealed. Her heart swelled. No one had ever gone out of their way like this for her. She felt a wave of gratitude, mixed with pure excitement, and before she could stop herself, she darted forward and wrapped me in a tight hug.

I stiffened, clearly taken off guard. I wasn't used to physical affection, especially from a friend, but after a second, I awkwardly patted Sophie on the back.

"Happy birthday!" I smiled at her when she pulled back.

"You are honestly the best, no matter what anyone says about you"

"People are saying stuff about me?" I asked, feigning knowledge and she just laughed, bringing a laugh out of me too.

Sophie had a beaming smile lighting up her face. "This is incredible! I can't believe you did all this. You have no idea how much this means to me, Maggie. Thank you."

I shifted awkwardly, clearly unused to this level of emotion, but I smiled back. "I'm glad you like it."

Sophie glanced around the room, taking it all in again. The music, the decorations, the thought behind everything—it was perfect.

"Best birthday surprise ever," Sophie said, her voice full of warmth.

My face softened, my earlier awkwardness fading a little. "Good. That's what I was hoping for."

Sophie reached for my hand, giving it a squeeze before letting go. "You really are the best friend I could ask for."

The two of us set up a spot on the floor with many blankets wrapped around us. Bowls of popcorn and bags of candy scattered between us. The familiar opening chords of Mamma Mia filled the air, and Sophie hummed along to the tunes, completely absorbed in the movie.

"I have a dream, a song to sing," Sophie sang softly, her eyes glued to the screen as the story unfolded for the hundredth time.

I chuckled, grabbing another handful of popcorn. I wasn't as obsessed with Mamma Mia as Sophie, but seeing my friend so happy made the movie even more enjoyable.

"You don't know my daughter, this would be like a bombshell" Donna tells Rosie and Tanya in her room after shutting the door.

"Donna, they're gone" Rosie reminded.

"I don't know that. I don't know where they are. I don't know why they're here. And I brought this all on myself because I was a stupid reckless little slut" she sat down at her vanity.

"Woah! Don't you sound like your mother" Tanya commented in shock while Rosie chuckled. Donna shot her head around to glare at them both With annoyance.

"I do not"

"Yes, you so do!"

"Oh my god, I do not!"

"You do, it's catholic guilt! You've been living like a nun." Rosie commented with a pointed finger.

"Yeah, whatever happened to our Donna?" Tanya asked, handing Rosie a dress up pirate hat and grabbing a green feathered boa. "Life and soul of the party" she put the boa around Donna's shoulders.

"Yeah" Rosie put the hat on Donna's head.

"El rock chick supremo?"

"I grew up" Donna deadpanned to them.

"Well, then, grow back down again!" Tanya cheered, Sophie beside me cheering along at the same time.

"Screw them if they can't take a joke!" Sophie, shouted out with Tanya and Rosie.

"You can dance, you can jive!" The music played, characters singing the song. "Having the time of your life. Ooh, see that girl, watch that scene, diggin' the dancing queen"

Donna tore off the hat and boa, running to her bed and hiding her face in her pillows. She peeked out, not seeing her friends in sight. "Friday night and the lights are low" Tanya and Rosie stood from the bottom of the bed, using hairbrushes as microphones before kneeling back where they couldn't be seen.

"Looking out for a place to go" they stood again, "when they play the right music, getting in the swing, you've come to look for a king" Donna's friends danced around the room.

"Anybody could be that guy, night is young and the musics high. With a bit of rock music, everything is fine, you're in the mood for a dance." Tanya and Rosie dug through the costume chest while Sophie pulled me to my feet. "And when you get the chance..." the characters sung, Sophie joining along.

"You are the dancing Queen, young and sweet only seventeen. Dancing Queen feel the beat from the tambourine oh yeah!" Sophie sang out while spinning me around with laughter, Donna joining her friends dancing on screen.

"You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life ooh, see that girl, watch that scene, digging the dancing Queen" I joined in, singing with Sophie as we danced around the living room to the music, copying the dance from the movie.

As the final scene played out, with the whole cast dancing and singing to 'Waterloo,' I glanced at Sophie, who was practically bouncing in place, her eyes wide and a grin plastered on her face.

"Best movie ever," Sophie declared, throwing her arms up in victory as the credits started to roll.

I laughed, shaking my head at the energetic girl. "You're such a nerd."

"And proud of it!" Sophie shot back, beaming.

Just then, the front door clicked open, and both of us turned to see Meredith stepping inside, her tired eyes brightening when she saw the scene in front of her. The apartment was still decorated with blue streamers and silver balloons, the cake sitting on the counter, untouched but waiting.

"Hey, girls," Meredith said softly, smiling as she set her bag down by the door. "Looks like you two had a fun night."

Sophie scrambled to her feet, pulling the blanket off her shoulders. "Mom! Maggie set all this up. Can you believe it?"

Meredith's smile widened as she glanced around the apartment. "I can believe it. She told me she had something special planned." She looked over at me, her gaze warm and grateful. "You did an amazing job, Maggie. Thank you."

I shrugged, a little awkward about the praise. "It was no big deal. Just wanted to make sure Sophie had a good birthday."

Meredith walked over to Sophie, pulling her into a hug. "Happy birthday, sweetheart. I'm sorry I couldn't be here earlier."

Sophie hugged her back, shaking her head. "You're here now, and that's what matters. Plus, Maggie made it amazing."

Meredith pressed a kiss to Sophie's forehead before glancing over at the cake. "Well, it looks like we haven't had dessert yet. Why don't we light those candles and make a wish?"

Sophie's eyes lit up, and she darted toward the kitchen table. I followed while Meredith grabbed some matches from a drawer.

"Alright, birthday girl, light 'em up," I said, smirking as Sophie lit the candles one by one with the matches her mother handed her.

Once all the candles were flickering, Meredith dimmed the lights, and the three of us huddled around the table. The soft glow of the candles illuminated Sophie's face, and I couldn't help but feel a swell of happiness at seeing my friend so content.

"Make a wish, Sophie," Meredith whispered, her arm wrapped around her daughter's shoulders.

Sophie closed her eyes, taking a moment before she blew out the candles in one breath. The room erupted in applause as the candles extinguished, and Sophie grinned, looking around at both of us.

"What did you wish for?" I asked, a teasing smile on my face.

Sophie shook her head. "If I tell you, it won't come true."

Meredith laughed softly, cutting slices of the cake. "Well, I hope whatever it is, it's something good."

"Oh! I also got you something else" I reached into the pocket of my jacket, pulling out a small white box and passing it to Sophie who eyed it wearily.

"Maggie, you really didn't have to" she shook her head, guilt gnawing at her.

"Just open it" I encouraged and she flipped the box open, revealing a golden sun shaped pendent on a necklace.

"This is beautiful" Sophie eyes found mine, filled with genuine gratitude. Meredith took the necklace from her daughter, brushing her hair aside to clip it around Sophie's neck.

We sat together, eating the delicious cake I had brought, talking and laughing as the night grew later. Finally, as the clock neared midnight, I reluctantly stood up, gathering my things.

"I should probably head home," I said, glancing at Sophie. "This was fun, though. We should do it again sometime."

Sophie, still buzzing with excitement from the day, pulled me into a quick, spontaneous hug, something that still caught me off guard. "Thank you again, Maggie. This was the best birthday ever."

I patted Sophie's back awkwardly, but smiled nonetheless. "You're welcome. I'm glad you had fun."

Meredith walked me to the door, squeezing my shoulder gently. "You're welcome here anytime, Maggie."

I nodded, grateful. "Thanks, Meredith. See you guys soon."

I stepped out into the cool night air, pulling my jacket tighter around myself as I walked down the quiet street. I couldn't help but hum Dancing Queen under my breath, the melody still stuck in my head after watching Mamma Mia with Sophie. The evening had been perfect, and even though it was late, I felt light, like I was walking on air with no worried holding me down.

The streets were mostly empty, and I was  used to navigating New York at night—especially taking the subway back to Hell's Kitchen. It was my routine by now, and despite how it looked, the city didn't scare me like it did most people.

I rounded the corner, heading toward the subway entrance, still quietly singing to myself. "You can dance, you can jive..."

Then, a shadow flickered overhead, and a soft whoosh of air made me stop mid-hum. I looked up, my eyes narrowing as I caught a blur of red and blue swinging across the skyline.

Spider-Man.

I rolled my eyes. Of course.

I quickened my pace, hoping he was just passing by, but when I heard the faint thwip of webbing behind me, I knew better, letting out a huff of annoyance.

"Hey, you're that girl from a few weeks ago, right?" came his familiar voice as he landed smoothly on the lamppost a few feet ahead of me. He perched casually, upside down, his masked face angled curiously in my direction. "Fancy running into you."

I stopped, crossing my arms. "It's New York. It's not that hard to run into people. Especially if you're... you know... Spider-Boy."

He flipped off the lamppost, landing gracefully in front of me. "True, but I noticed you humming Dancing Queen. Kind of hard to miss."

I raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "And that made you decide to drop in?"

"Hey, I like ABBA as much as the next guy," Spider-Man replied with a grin under his mask. I listened to his voice, still itching the back of my mind for who he sounded like. Then my focus shifted, reaching out to hear the steady beat of his pulsing heart within his chest.

I let out a sigh, "Okay, look. I get it. You're curious or whatever. But maybe stop creeping on me? It's not exactly comforting."

Spider-Man raised his hands defensively, web-shooters glinting in the dim streetlight. "Whoa, creeping? No, no, I'm just being friendly. Neighborhood watch and all that."

"Right," I said, narrowing my eyes again. "Well, thanks, but no thanks. I've got it from here."

I glanced at the subway entrance just ahead and started to walk toward it. Spider-Man lingered for a moment, clearly unsure whether to push for more information or let it go.

"You sure you don't want an escort? Hell's Kitchen can be—"

I kept walking forward, raising my arm to flip him my middle finger. I heard a slight huff of a laugh come from under the mask the boy wore as I lowered my hand and disappeared into the subway station.

Spider-Man shrugged before jumping up and swinging around the city again, continuing his patrol with Dancing Queen stuck in his head.

. . .

Question of the day: What is your favourite ABBA song?

Happy birthday to Sophie!
The next chapter will be posted within the first few days of October and you are gonna meet some more characters soon! Who do think is gonna show up next?

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