I get a call from Selena, and the moment I pick up,
all I hear is screaming and giggling. Her excitement is infectious, even through the screen.
She's beaming, her face glowing with unfiltered joy, and I can't help but smile along.
But beneath my smile, a familiar ache creeps in. A tightness in my chest. I know exactly what it is, and I hate that I feel it.
Neo must have gotten her something she's been wanting for Valentine's Day.
"Is Neo around?" I ask, my voice light, feigning ignorance.
"Nooo," she pouts, the brightness in her face dimming slightly.
I know that look. He always makes sure to travel back to see her on special occasions, yet today, he's not around.
I don't want her to dwell on it, so I quickly shift the conversation.
"So tell me what you got! I'm dying to know."
Her eyes light up again as she lifts her phone, adjusting the camera to show me the gifts. A brand-new MacBook, a Van Cleef bracelet, and a bouquet of deep red roses.
My mouth drops open in shock.
"Oh my God," I whisper, my heart squeezing in my chest.
I'm happy for her, I really am. But I can't shake this feeling off. The bitter pang of comparison.
"I know, right? I didn't even expect this! I only mentioned the bracelet once, and he remembered. Neo is the best!" she gushes, eyes sparkling.
"Nah, he totally outdid himself," I agree, forcing a bright tone.
Her eyes narrow slightly, like she's studying my face. "So… did Dan get you anything?"
I hesitate for half a second before forcing a smile. "Yeah, he got me my favorite flowers, pink roses". I lie
I hate lying to her, but Dan hasn't gotten me anything yet.
'Maybe he just forgot. Maybe he'll surprise me later'.
Selena raises a brow. "Really? He did that?"
"Yeah," I nod, as I fake a smile.
"I would show you, but they're in the kitchen in a vase."
She seems to buy it, smiling slightly.
"At least he's trying to make it up to you."
I say nothing. I just sit there, holding onto my fake smile while watching her inhale the sweet scent of her roses.
Then, her expression shifts.
"Helen, you need to check the school group chat," she says with urgency.
"Sabrina got gifts for Valentine's, and she and her friends are gloating about it."
I instantly minimize our video call and open the group chat. My eyes scan the screen as a video starts playing.
Sabrina is walking into a room full of balloons everywhere, a massive sign reading,
"Will you be my Val?" sprawled out.
A bouquet of roses on the bed. Designer bags neatly lined up beside them.
The caption reads: From a Secret Admirer.
My stomach twists.
'Please. Please don't let it be from who I think it is'. Ipray and hope silently.
"I don't think you should read the comments," Selena murmurs, voice cautious.
But I already am.
One says, "Obviously, the secret admirer is Dan."
The other comment replied, "I mean, it's no secret."
I stop reading. I can't.
"She literally said it's from a secret admirer. How are they all just assuming it's Dan?" I ask, my voice tight.
Selena doesn't respond right away. She just looks at me, taking a slow, deep breath.
"You know if it was really from Dan, she would make sure the entire class knows, especially me".
I add quickly, trying to sound convincing.
Selena opens her mouth like she wants to say something but then stops.
I let out a nervous laugh.
"You know what? Sabrina would do anything for clout."
"That could also be true," Selena nods, though, she doesn't look entirely convinced.
I quickly scan the comments again, looking for any of Sabrina's friends confirming the sender.
Selena, sensing the tension, abruptly changes the subject.
"You know, we could go to that paint and sip event or the karaoke night we've been talking about."
I hesitate.
"I don't think I'll be available," I say, my voice quieter.
"What?" Her disappointment is palpable. "But we've been planning this for weeks!"
"I know," I sigh.
Then, before she can say more, I add,
"It's just that… Dan planned something for today."
Selena blinks at me, surprised. "Dan planned something?"
I nod, forcing a guilty smile. "Yeah. I was shocked, too." I tell her,
I am also shocked too at my lie
Selena's expression shifts from surprise to sadness. "We never hang out anymore, you know."
I bite my lip.
"I promise, Sel, I'll make it up to you," I say, placing a hand over my heart.
She exhales. "Okay."
A silence falls between us, and I scramble for an escape.
"I think I hear Mrs. May calling me, I'll talk to you later!"
Mrs. May left for the weekend. But Selena just nods, looking a little deflated.
The moment we hang up, I let out a breath.
I had lied about everything.
Dan hadn't sent me flowers. We hadn't planned anything. Nothing.
'Maybe he just forgot. He forgets a lot'.
I quickly dial his number. It rings. Once. Twice. Three times before he finally picks up.
"Hey!" I sound cheerful, hopeful.
"Hel," Dan's voice is sluggish, tired.
I frown. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah," he clears his throat.
"Just feeling a little under the weather."
Relief washes over me. 'He's just sick. That's all'.
"Aww, I'm sorry," I say softly.
"Thanks." He responds sharply.
I hesitate, then clear my throat.
"I don't want to sound insensitive, but… you've been saying we should hang out soon."
Dan goes silent.
Then, in a confused tone, he asks, "Did I say that? When?"
My stomach drops slightly.
"You mentioned it the other day at the clinic," I remind him, letting out a nervous laugh.
Another pause. Then finally, "Oh. Yeah, I remember now."
I brighten. "So where do you want to go?" I ask him.
He exhales. "I don't know. What do you have in mind?"
I bite my lip. "I was thinking karaoke or paint and sip."
Dan groans lightly. "You know I'm not an outgoing person."
I deflate slightly. "I know."
"But…" He pauses. "We could hang out at my place."
Relief floods me.
"Okay! That sounds great," I say quickly.
We agree on a time, and I hang up, already booking my ride.
Tonight, I'm going to make sure he doesn't regret this.
I get ready meticulously. A short red dress. Red lipstick. My Victoria's Secret perfume. I know Dan's tastes, and tonight, I am everything he likes.
When I ring on his door bell,
he opens it, and I can tell immediately—I've succeeded.
His eyes drink me in.
"You look so good, Hel," he murmurs, pulling me into a tight hug, his hands sliding down to grab my waist.
My whole body shivers under his touch. His brown eyes lock onto mine, then he leans in, pressing his lips against mine.
My small handbag slips from my fingers, hitting the floor with a soft thud.
"God, the things you do to me," he mutters against my lips, smiling slightly.
I giggle.
He takes my hand, leading me into the living room.
My heart warms at the sight of his living room,
He's made an effort. The room is bathed in soft red lighting. There's popcorn, a cozy blanket on the couch, juice, and a glass of best boyfriend and girlfriend gifted by his mom to us.
"You did all this for me?" I ask, my voice softening.
"Yeah. Let's call it a Valentine's movie night," he grins.
I melt.
Dan picks a movie 'Call Me by Your Name'.
"I remember watching this with you on our first Valentine's," he says.
My heart swells. He remembers.
' it's my favourite love movie of all time'.
We curl up together, his arm wrapped around me. The popcorn is warm, the juice sweet.
I feel his eyes on me again. When I turn, he leans in, kissing me deeply, taking my tongue all up in his mouth as we suck into each others gently.
The movie fades into the background as our bodies press together,
I can feel Dan harden, I feel my body yearning for his. And I know he's yearning for me too.
The heat rises between us.
Then, we hear the doorbell ring,
Ding-dong!
We freeze.
Dan groans. "Probably my mom.".
He was expecting his parents back today,but like later on in the day
I adjust my dress, preparing to say hello.
It has been a while, I had seen his Parents, especially Mrs Bonfire, she is always do find of me and always getting me gifts from her travels.
He opens the door, And my heart nearly stops.
Standing there is Dom, holding a massive bouquet of roses.
Beside him, an older woman, elegant, poised, also clutching a bouquet and a gift bag.
Dan stiffens.
My breath catches in my throat.
What the hell is Dom doing here?