Love Week

Thank you for saying yes to today. I've never asked a girl to join my friends and me for Valentine's activities. We usually play basketball or some games and all that, but today was special. Thank you for letting me know more about you too. If you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here.

Ian

I stare at my phone screen for a few more seconds before turning it off. Kaylie has a teasing smile on and wiggles her eyebrows. "What did he say?" She asks, slipping into her cowgirl boots. I shrug and try not to smile. "Just that he's thankful for me and that I can talk to him." I open the door and wait for her to follow. "Mmhmm. I'm sure that was a very short summary." She walks out, and I lock the door behind us. "From now on, please tell me more of what's happening between you two. I'm sure there's more to it." I don't question her change of tone or playfulness, so I just roll my eyes.

We make it to the lobby, where I stop myself, trying to make sense of what's happening. Kaylie smiles at me. "So that's why you've been weird all morning," I mumble under my breath. She laughs and nods. "You go, girl." She gives me a nudge, and I take a few steps forward. "You should be glad no one else is here, or else I would be running away." She keeps her bright smile on and nods, "I know."

Ian walks up to me and hands me the small bouquet of flowers with a note in the middle. I accept the flowers, trying not to overthink. What does this mean? Is this really happening? "Don't over think it, Miranda. You deserve it." He says warmly. I look up at him, into his understanding eyes, and nod. "Okay." He smiles. "Have a good day. I'll see you later." I keep nodding and say, "Okay." Wait. Okay? He'll see me later why? Joshua laughs and I look over at him. "Don't overthink it, Miranda. We'll catch ya guys later." The guys leave in the opposite direction and Kaylie helps push me out the doors so we can get to class. "Am I supposed to hold these all day?" I ask her. "I'm asking because you're an expert in this." She rolls her eyes. "Yeah, yeah. And no, you can place them in your bag. I know yours is pretty organized." She helps me set the small bouquet in my bag in a way that they wouldn't get harmed.

"How are you feeling?" She asks as we walk to class. I shrug. "Good? In shock? I still don't know why this is happening." I admit. She stops us and stares at me. "Miranda. He likes you. And I've known Ian for a while now. He hasn't done this for anybody. He likes you." She pauses and looks at me as if to find something she's never seen before. "And to think, it only took a few days. He must really like you." I roll my eyes. "Kaylie, I'm not like you. Guys don't just 'like' me." She links her arm to mine and shakes her head. "Miranda, that's the point. You're not me, and Ian likes you for who you are. Not because you're like any other girl but because you're you. I know I've been blessed with your life, so I'm not surprised our star basketball player is too."

After classes, Kaylie insists that we go to the gym to watch the practice. I tried to talk her out of it, but with us walking towards the gym now, I know I lost.

The guys have a game this week and so they're doing all they can to prepare. I don't think we're supposed to be watching their practice, yet coach hasn't said anything against it. In fact, he lets us play again when practice is over.

"You play pretty good for someone who doesn't like to show any interest in sports." One of the guys says. I shrug. "Thank you." He pats Ian's shoulder as he walks over to me. "You had a good day?" I look up at him and nod. "Well, I hope you enjoy your evening." He gives me a wink then waves goodbye as I turn to walk back to Kaylie. Hmm.

We walk back to our dorms, talking about the team and the latest things. When we get back to our room, I see a box in front of our door with my name on it.

I open it and gasp at the contents. My Valentine sweater is inside along with a card. "My parents personalized this sweater for me and we would wear our matching sweaters on Valentine's. How did this get here?" Kaylie opens the door and ushers me inside.

"Someone asked your mom if there was anything she could send over for you this week. He knew it was sentimental for you." She explains with a smile.

I hold the sweater in my hands and close my eyes. "He's really outdoing himself." I whisper. "He just really likes you, Mira." Kaylie replies.

*
The week goes by and I don't know what to think of it. Ian has been giving me little gifts or letters throughout the week and I updated my mom about all of it and thanked her for the sweater and card. She told me that Ian must be one of a kind but I told her that that's why it might hurt too much when we graduate.

"I feel like I've known him for so long but it's only been a week!" I told her. She and Kaylie gave me a look and I sighed. While Kaylie was there in person and mom was on a screen, they both gave the same, obvious, reaction. "He likes you!"

"But do I like him?" I replied. They both gave another look and I sighed again. "Maybe I do. I mean, I've never really talked a guy for so long or hung out with a guy and felt comfortable and like myself. Plus, he has fun playing basketball with me and sharing that part of his life with me." They both shared a smile and I gave up. I knew what was happening, but I was afraid to step into it.

I look at my "Valentine pile" as Kaylie calls it. The tote bag and sweater are in this red box along with a bouquet of flowers, a few handwritten letters, and my favorite chocolates. We also have some pictures and videos together that I can't seem to stop watching.

"You don't have to hide it, you know. What you guys have is special. I can tell you that much," Kaylie says softly. I look at her and see her smiling warmly.

"I don't want to go on this date knowing you have to stay here alone." Kaylie waves my worry away. "Oh, Mira. You deserve it. I'll be fine. Besides, Ian's never been on a date too. So, you can both be awkward or be fun. Up to you guys."

She stands and helps me fix my dress and hair. "You look beautiful. Now go." I give her a hug and wave goodbye as I head down to the lobby and walk outside to where Ian waits. I try not to gasp. It's my first time seeing him in a formal attire. He sits on the bench where we first met. He seems a little nervous as he looks around. His eyes widen when he sees me and I guess he's never seen me in a formal attire either. I'm wearing a red dress paired with red heels.

"Are you ready?" He asks, holding his arm out for me. I take his arm and nod. "Let's go." He leads the way and I follow him to wherever he's taking us.