Monica: Hi, Tom! Happy birthday!

Tom: Oh, hi Monica, I’m glad you found the time to come.

Monica: It wasn’t easy, really. It’s exam time. And I still have to pass two exams before Christmas.

Tom: You will, don’t worry. There is still two weeks before Christmas.

Monica: It’s not a lot! Anyway, it’s your special day today so this is for you.

Tom: What’s this? It looks like a pack of sweets.

Monica: Just take of the package and you’ll see.

Tom: Oh, ski sunglasses, they are beautiful, Monica. You knew just what to get. I’m going to a skiing holyday and your present is just in time.

Monica: I’m glad to hear it.

Tom: Please, come in. Let me put your capote and gloves in here. You are the first one, actually.

Monica: Oh, who else is coming?

Tom: Some mates from my baseball school team, some class mates and my older sister. You remember that she is a university student, don’t you? She studies in Canada and works there too but she came here especially for my birthday.

Monica: Lucky you.

Tom: Yes, she always is taking care of me. Now it looks funny when I’m taller than her but she still treats me like a child.

Monica: But it feels good to know that someone cares for you. Are you going to that Canadian university too?

Tom: I don’t know yet. I still have 2 more years at school anyway, so I’ll decide later.

Monica: Your point. Oooh. You’ve got some nice pictures on the wall.

Tom: It’s my mum’s.

Monica: Is she an artist? I didn’t know that!

Tom: Kind of. She does it as a hobby. Our family and friends like them.

Monica: She’s definitely has got a talent.

Tom: Yeah, but unfortunately she doesn’t have much time for painting. She is an economist in a large company and it often means working long hours. Sometimes she has to drive to her office even on weekend.

Monica: Yes, I can understand that. Is she going to be at the party?

Tom: Yes, but she is doing it a bit later. She has to get my birthday cake.

Monica: Where from?

Tom: From my grandmother’s. we never buy a birthday cakes in a shop. My granny always make them by herself and they’re delicious. She’s brilliant at it, you’ll see.

Monica: I’m dying to try it. Homemade things are always better. (doorbell) oh, so more guests have arrived.