Lakewood: The Next Chapter

My bloody Valentine

Valentine's Day arrived, and so did dad's reservations about our plans.

"I don't know, Mal," dad said, shaking his head.

"Dad, the school canceled dances and school functions because of what's happening? We can't go out because of the curfew. It's Valentine's Day, and I would like to spend it with my boyfriend. You remember Luka," I said.

Dad gave me a look. "I'm aware that Luka is your boyfriend - no need to remind me," Dad told me.

I shrugged.

"I think it's a smart idea. The kids will be together, and we can have a romantic night," Mom mentioned.

"Ew, I didn't need to hear that," I said.

My parents looked at me, unamused.

"Gabe, Charlie will be home with Claire. The kids will be safe," mom reassured dad.

Dad looked at us, and I stood there, anxiously. First Valentine's Day with a boyfriend is way better than no boyfriend on Valentine's Day even if Luka got roped into referring Damon and Niko.

"Okay," Dad answered with reluctance.

I cheered, and Dad rolled his eyes while Mom laughed. Someone knocked on the front door. I grabbed my coat, opened the door, shoved Luka away from the door, closing it behind us.

"Is there a reason that you're in a hurry?" Luka asked me, walking to the car.

"I don't need Dad changing his mind," I answered.

We got into the car, and Luka pulled out of the driveway, driving over to Damon and Abby's house. We pulled up in front of their home, and Luka put the car into park. He reached around to the backseat and grabbed something. He handed a bag to me.

I opened it and pulled out a comic book.

"This comic is the first edition of the first Superman comic," I said, shocked.

"I contacted a few collectors and bought two, one for your collection and one for mine. I know it's not hearts and flowers," Luka said.

"No, but it's perfect," I replied grinning.

Luka smiled. I know that people won't think it's a romantic gift, but to me, it is. The fact that it's in a plastic sleeve is even better, fewer germs. I put the comic back into the bag and set it on the car seat. We got out of the car and went into Damon and Abby's house.

Do you know how most people decorate with hearts and Cupids? Yeah, Abby didn't do that. It was more of bloody hearts and demented Cupids. I looked around as Luka looked at me, unfazed.

Abby bounded into the living room. "Welcome to my Valentine's Day theme. I call it love hurts," Abby announced, throwing her arms apart.

"Interesting concept, because love can hurt as Cupid hunts you down and shoots you in the butt with an arrow," I mentioned.

"Exactly. You so get me," Abby exclaimed.

"Great, my friend is corrupting my girlfriend," Luka sighed, walking away.

"Says the guy who hates all things romantic," Abby yelled to Luka.

"Not all things, I love Malia," Luka yelled back. I chuckled as Abby rolled her eyes.

Niko showed up Taylor. "Nice theme, Abby," Niko commented.

"Luka doesn't think so," Abby said.

"Luka is a big ape," Niko mentioned.

Luka threw a damaged heart cookie at Niko, who caught it and took a bite.