Picture Perfect

Chapter 17: Logan

Chapter 17: Logan

+++

Song of Chapter: Celebration by Kool & the Gang 

Birthday Part 2

 

   

   Today is my birthday. Today is the day I'm turned 18. Today is the day my dog Rolland died. Today is the day I realized I love Valerie. I'm going to tell her the next time I'm going to see her. Hopefully, it will be today. Emma and Michael were holding hands laughing about something Michael said. I smile at them. They've been together for about a year. I hope Valerie and I are like that. "Where are we going?" I ask them. Emma turns around to me and smiles.

   "We are going to you're two favorite places in the world," she says. Michael chuckles. 

   "The arcade, Play House, and a store, Daren's?" I ask.

   "Yes! I got you a $75 card for Play House and Michael got you $100 card for Daren's.  No need to thank us. You can thank Valerie. It was her idea." Emma hands me the cards. 

   "How does Valerie know these are my favorite places?" I ask them. I never told her.

   "She asked, we answered," Emma smirked.

   I look at the cards and smile. Valerie has put all of this effort into me that I never would have asked for. I met this girl two months ago, and now, she's the girlfriend I've been dreaming for. She's been here for everything. I can't ask for anything more. It feels like she is the one. Many people say that there are plenty of fish in the sea. I think I found my lucky fish. I never thought I would find someone as perfect as Valerie. She lifts me up when I'm down. Whenever I see her, my heart jumps in my chest. This is was love feels like. I never felt like this with Renee. I really liked Renee, but I love Valerie. 

   The car stops at the arcade. I'm hoping to see Valerie here. I want to give her a big hug and tell her thank you for all she has done for me. I step out of the car and walk with Michael and Emma, and we walk into the doors of the arcade. It was packed full of teenage boys and little kids. I look for the red head all around the arcade, but I can't find her. "Where's Valerie?" I ask Michael and Emma. 

   "She's getting a few things." Emma smirks. I scrunch my eyebrows with confusion. What does that even mean? I look at Michael to see if he could give me answers. He only shrugs and smiles. I want to see her. "Come on, Logan. You can live without seeing Valerie for a few hours. It's only been 30 minuets. We are meeting her at you're house at five."

   I look at my phone to see the time. 12:00. "That's in five hours away!" I exclaim.

   "Again, you can live without her for a few hours. Logan, just enjoy the afternoon with you two best friends! Come one," Emma hold out her hand. "let's play a few games while we're here." I smile at Emma and take her hand. 

+++

   We stayed at the arcade at 3:30 until Emma says it was time to go. She dragged us to the mall so she could pick up a few things at some girly stores and stores I wasn't allowed to go in. Michael stayed with me the entire time. We sat on the bench waiting for her. "So, what's going on?" I ask