Marching Band: The Journey [EDITING]

24 - Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day.

A day filled with love: friendship, romance, family. It doesn't matter who you spend it with, as long as it's with someone you love.

Last year, Tony and I had only been dating for a five months. He surprised me with Taco Bell and a movie marathon of my favorite movies: 10 Things I Hate About You, Grease, Dirty Dancing, Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, Titanic, The Notebook, and all the Fast & Furious movies with Brian and Mia moments. I would have been fine with just quality time with him. Okay, the Taco Bell was a plus.

This year, though, he's been hush-hush about it. There have been times when I see him whispering with Carson. I've been suspicious. Knowing the two of them, they could be planning a double date. Thank the band gods that Valentine's day is on a Friday. Although all the single people at school are usually mopey, it's interesting watching girls walk around with giant teddy bears. Em made Carson promise he wouldn't get her anything like that. I wouldn't mind, I just don't want to carry it around.

Em and I didn't want to look ugly, but we didn't want to dress up for school. We wanted to save our best outfits for tonight. I went with some simple light-wash ripped jeans, a long sleeve maroon shirt with a plunging V-neck, and matching maroon high-top converse. Em wore black leggings, a white tank-top, and a black sweater with black vans. When we got to school, Tony and Carson were waiting by the front door. We went along with the nothing special act as they greeted us with smiles. As we were walking towards the cafeteria, a group of people dropped a banner that was painted beautifully.

YOU'RE OUR SPECIAL LADIES

It was painted in black swirly letters, a rose vine wrapped around the letters. A few small red rose were painted around the edges, framing the banner. As we continued down the hall, a few people handed Em and I each a flower. She got a red rose and I got a white one. By the time we entered the band hall, all the people dispersed, leaving us with our boyfriends. I gave a quick hug to Em before allowing Tony to pull me into the alcove. Once we were away from view, he pulled me to him and laid a soft kiss on my lips.

I savored it, knowing we wouldn't get many during the day. He reluctantly pulled away, a mischievous glint in his eyes. As I raised an eyebrow to question him, he pulls his arm from behind his back. In his hand is a bottle of Dr. Pepper with a little note tied around it. I had greedily taken it, glad I had something to brighten my day besides my wonderful boyfriend. After reading the note, I'd look at Tony to see him. His eyes full of love.

I don't get to say it much, but you're the best thing that has ever happened to me and I'm so grateful to have you. I love you so much, Angie. -T

I wrapped my arms around his neck and hugged him tight. His arms instantly encircled my waist, pulling me closer to him. He buried his nose in the crook of my neck as I smiled like a crazy person over his shoulder. Down the hall, I noticed Em practically strangling Carson from how much she had hugged him. I chuckled as I pulled away from Tony slightly, making sure to plant a kiss on his cheek.

The rest of the day went by smoothly. At lunch, Tony and Carson disappeared to return with Taco Bell for Em and I. We kissed them crazy before digging in, enjoying the cheese of Nacho Fries, a.k.a. bae! When school ended, we both kissed our mans' goodbye before heading over to my house. Tony and Carson said they would come to get us at five, so we only had two hours to get ready.

Em goes to pull on her outfit while I wet my hair. Two hours won't be enough to curl my hair completely, but it'll be enough to start. After my hair is soaked, I brush it and put my curlers in it. Then I set to helping Em with her make-up. While she applies an even layer of foundation and concealer, I straighten her hair. To compliment her outfit of black jeans, a white crop-top, and black combat boots, we went with a neutral eyeshadow color and a light layer of mascara. She didn't want lipstick, so we went with tinted chap-stick.