| What a Valentine's Day... I've gotta say that this last Valentine's day is one I will never forget... Where to start... hm... Well, about a week ago, I realized that Valentine's day was coming up soon, so I figured I should get my lady friend something. I looked all over Independence for a flower shop that would deliver to Oak Grove where she lived. I checked Hy-Vee and ran into Robert and Anna there, so I said "hi." I never ended up finding a store that delivered flowers that far from Independence, so I just figured that I'd buy some on my own, and drive them out to her myself. If it were any other situation, I would've just forgotten about it, because it wouldn't've been worth it. Gas money all the way to oak grove and back is sorta expensive. But, I said to myself, Julia is worth it. It'd be more romantic if I showed up in person, anyway, I thought. On the way back, I found a nice arrangement of three roses in a heart-shaped vase, and a box of chocolates for about $49. I even wrote a sincere, but sappy message on the little card that was included. It was just what I had in mind; expensive, maybe, but definately worth it. So, after heading home with the roses I bought, I looked up directions to her house, and hopped back in my car, filled with foolish anticipation. After about 30-45 minutes of snowy highway driving, I found my exit and proceeded to her house. I pulled up into the driveway, got out the flowers, and knocked on the door...... ....and it was the wrong house. It turns out, that Julia had apparently moved, and the map I had been using was wrong. Good thing for me it wasn't too far from where I was. Embarrassed, but still anxious, I sat for a second wondering how I could manage to bring the flowers to my beloved. For a moment, I was tempted to come home unsuccessful, but Julia was worth it to me. I decided to call her mom's cell to see if she could give me directions from where I was. I pulled into a McDonalds parking lot just off of the highway, and called from there. Luckily, it wasn't too far away from there. After about 5 minutes of careful maneuvers, I came up to her doorstep, flowers in hand, to be greeted by a huge, woofing, great dane-type of dog. After a second or two, the dog was quiet, and Julia's mom let me into their house. I set the flowers down on a counter, and was looking around to see if Julia was there. She wasn't. Since her mom had been in some of the college classes I had recently taken, I talked for a bit about them with her. About half an hour later, her mom decided that Julia should come home for a bit and see what I had brought her; naturally, I didn't stop her. About 15 minutes later, I hear the front door opening, and the large dog started woofing again. Soon, I saw the figure of the one I had waited so long to see, and talk to, and smother with love... and a moment later, I saw the figure of.. a boy about 17 who turned to me, smiling, and said "Hi, I'm Luke. I'm Julia's boyfriend." I choked, but I didn't show it. "Oh... Hi." I managed to fake a smile. It turns out that I wasn't the only one who had brought Julia flowers that day. Luke had bought a whole dozen roses, and made quick work of locating a vase inside the house to display them in. I just sat in a nearby seat trying to quell my shocked expression. I was able to put up with the tension for about an hour or so by making light conversation about music and jobs. But, when I couldn't take the awkwardness any more, I decided to remove myself from the situation. "Oh, you're leaving?" Julia asked. I was reaching for my coat when she came over to me. "I really liked the flowers you got me, Eddie" she said. After a brief and uneventful hug, I was on my way out. I was almost to the door, but I thought to look back to make sure I hadn't forgotten anything. What I saw made my theeth grit behind my lips and made my face hot. Julia's back was toward me, and her head was covering Luke's. One of his hands was in Julia's hair, and the other was around her waist. That's it. That was all I needed to see. BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE! On my way home from college today, I made the mistake of calling Julia to see if I meant anything to her. Normally, she didn't answer my calls, but for some reason, she did this time. After a bit of stuttering, I asked the stupid question, "So, if he's your boyfriend, then how do I fit in here?" I had always assumed that I was her boyfriend, apparently I was wrong. She said "Oh... well, I guess we could just be friends." With my heart obliterated, I hung up the phone. Apparently, that wasn't enough. About 30 seconds later, Luke decided to call me. Then came the questions.. "So when did you think you and her were boyfriend and girlfriend? What gave you that impression?" .."Well, if she never answers your calls, maybe that's a clue?" There's really nothing more to say, is there? Basically, that's how I've been... L8er, Eddie |
