Onwards: A Collection of Short Stories

Valentine's Day

You wake up today with an aching neck. For a minute, you wonder why you were not sleeping on your bed and instead, you have found yourself on your desk, your books and notes everywhere, a few of them wrinkled and covered in drool. Then, you realize that you stayed out late last night doing your homework.

Good job, it looks like you've finished them all.

Checking the alarm clock by your bedside table, you realize that you don't have time to shower or eat breakfast today if you don't want to be late for your classes. Still, with a lilt in your step, you go to the bathroom to brush your teeth and change your clothes. You pick your favorite outfit, a red sweater and tight black jeans that make your butt look nice, to wear because you feel exceptional today like nothing can get you down.

Until you reach the school.

There were a few things, a few giveaways, that would have clued you in but you were too distracted to notice. Like the guy on the phone sitting by the bench near the school with a big brown teddy bear and a bouquet of white roses beside him. Or, the guy in a convertible with the top down that drove by, pink and red balloons on the passenger seat. Or, the giggling girls by the school gate who had hearts in their eyes as they looked at the boys with varsity jackets by the parking lot.

No, today's date had to be spelled out to you by a banner that hangs unabashedly on top of the bulletin board near the trophy cabinet by the entrance. Happy Valentine's Day, it says.

You can't remember when it started but February 14 has been the one day of the year that you wish to not see in a calendar. In addition to White Day, of course, even if that day isn't really celebrated in your country. You think that it shouldn't even be considered a holiday; everything is just for show. After receiving gifts like chocolates or flowers or balloons or a trip to the spa, couples will still fight so what's the use other than to make certain businesses boom?

If you had known, you wouldn't have worn red, the color of the day. But, you still feel proud of yourself for not falling for the hype. If you could pat yourself in the back right now without it looking weird, you would have. So, instead, you settle for a smirk on your lips every time you pass by a couple being sweet to each other or a girl whose face shines with hope.

You decide to stop by your locker before you go to your first class. As you are taking a book out, a piece of paper fell to your feet. You bend down to pick it up and you look to your left and right to catch the culprit who slipped the note in your locker but no one seems to want to own up. You unfold it, not expecting anything, but as soon as you see your name written on the first line, you feel your heartbeat faster and faster with each succeeding word.

"Dear Bridget", it says. "I'm pretty sure you don't know this but I think you're the coolest girl in this school. Your smile always brightens my day and the way you give it freely to everyone is awesome. I wanted to give this letter to you personally but I don't think that would be enough to woo you so I've prepared something special just for you. Can you come to the schoolyard before your first class starts? It would just take a few minutes. Don't worry, this isn't some evil scheme or anything like that. I'll be waiting."

The letter wasn't signed and you feel slightly frustrated as you wonder who the sender could be. Still, something inside you begins to spark. It's as if you have gained a little understanding of what Valentine's is. Your smile turns genuine all of a sudden as you think: maybe today isn't so bad after all.