My Lucky Charm is a Rose (HSMTMTS)

8. I've got absolutely nothing.

"So, when were you planning to tell me your birthday was on January 19th?" Never, if I could help it, EJ.

"Is never an acceptable answer?" We're heading into school on the dreaded Valentine's Day, which is just an excuse for stores to upcharge the price of flowers, chocolate, and perfume in accordance to a stupid, make-believe holiday.

"No, it is not. Were you seriously never going to tell me?" I just want to know how you managed to figure it out at all.

"Wasn't planning on it. That day doesn't exactly bear the greatest memories." I think I lost him on that. "You know..."

"Those are the same day?" Unfortunately, they are. And now, I get a permanent reminder of the worst day of my life until I die. Again.

"You can imagine why I wouldn't enjoy that day. Anyways, what are you doing for Valentine's Day?" All I want to do is forget this conversation, so please take the hint.

"Nothing. It's the first time I've been single on Valentine's Day in years." Sucks to be you. I've never not been single, but by the looks of it, he's not taking it super well. He's dressed in all black. Shirt, pants, socks, shoes, and I wouldn't even be surprised if his boxers were as well.

"I can tell." Pointing to the outfit, he actually seems surprised he's wearing all black. "The all-black outfit gave it away."

"I didn't even notice." Like hell you didn't notice. "Well, I've got to get to class. See you later?"

"Of course, EJ." I don't even think he realized I don't have a Valentine. Not that I care. My goal is to get EJ and Gina to agree to a date, or at least set them up for one. Everyone knows they're a cute couple.

EJ: Wait, do you have a Valentine?

Me: I've never had one. This year included

EJ: Seriously? Valentine's is so much better with a date

Me: I wouldn't know

Me: But I don't mind. It's not a big deal

EJ: Do you want to do something together?

Me: I have plans with my mom, sorry

EJ: No problem

Me: But I think Gina's available

Okay, so I have no idea whether that hint will work, but I actually do have plans with my mom. Kind of. She actually has a date with someone I've never met, but if the date goes well, I'll meet him tonight. And his kids. Actually, I think he just has a daughter. But, my mom made sure that he only knows what's necessary, which means he has no idea I'm probably two or three times his daughter's age. I haven't heard much about his daughter, but I do know she's younger than me. At least a bit.

The day passes pretty quickly, with only a few hiccups in boring classes where I got so bored I almost fell asleep. I did stay awake, though. I'm not that bad of a student. Eventually, I just started looking up songs in my later classes and listening to them. I'm trying to find a really powerful song I can use for my "speech" in front of Parliament. Or, at least get enough inspiration to write my own song. The latter is definitely preferred, though.

"So, are you going to watch us today, or doing something else?" EJ wonders, still in all black. He could have at least changed his shirt or pants to be a different color.

"Oh, I'm watching today. Although, I'll probably be in the back of the theatre as you guys rehearse." His side glance almost makes me cave, but I shake it off.

"Come on. You can sit a little closer." EJ, you're pretty bad at begging.

"I have a lot of other things to be worrying about, but I'll still give some tips." Understatement of the year. Exactly twenty-four days until my hearing and I'm about to freak out because I have no idea what I'm doing. I have ten minutes and I plan to use every second. Pulling out a notebook, I start to write down things I want them to know. But, it isn't as easy as it sounds.