Dear Valentine, I Hate You

Chapter 1

The last thing Chance wanted was to be there, in that auditorium, in that school really, getting ready to perform. If you should even say the word “perform” about a five minute skit for English class. He was backstage, and paced among the old costumes and half broken down sets from the previous school production. It was dimly lit where he was, but it had to be, to counteract the harsh brightness of the stage lights that shone so they blinded you. He didn’t mind though, he was glad it was, so no one could see how pale he was or how much he was sweating. Other than those two uncontrollable natural responses, Chance showed no other signs that he was nervous. He had no nervous tick, other than his pacing that could testify to his impatience, and his face showed no fear; it was a blank slate. It normally was. In all his time at Washington High School, Chance’s peers had only seen three facial expressions painted on him at all times; anger, annoyance, and nothing- emotionless.

Chance paced lost deep in his thoughts and worries, when a familiar and annoying cry against injustice shook him from his daze.

“What’re you doing?” Kendra Jane, Chance’s project partner, came rushing at him, although she wasn’t moving fast. She was wearing a long medieval style gown; the mahogany velvet dress was tripping her up, and she was struggling to keep ahold of it as she tried to lift it from her foot’s path.

“Why aren’t you in costume?” Her brown eyes were brimming with frustration. Her brown hair was frayed from running around backstage looking for him, the majority of the locks tucked up in a tight bun precariously balanced on the top of her head.

Chance turned to her, trying to look as bothered as he possibly could.

“Relax, I’ll be ready when we go on. All I have to do is put on the hat. There’s still a few more clown acts before ours. So just chill. ”

Kendra screwed up her nose in anger her freckles bending, and to Chance it made her look all the more pathetic.

“ What about the rest of your costume?” She was seething, making it all the more enjoyable to him.

“ I don’t have it.”

“What do you mean you don’t have it?” She questioned.

“I don’t have it.”

“Then where is it?”

“At my house.”

“You forgot it?” She screeched, causing Chance to wince.

“No, I left it. It was stupid and I wasn’t wearing it.” He turned back around, but out of the corner of his eye he could see her. She bit her lip to keep herself from exploding; her eyes were wide and the way she was swinging around her arms it looked as if she was trying to land a plane. She exhaled abruptly.

“Fine. Just… don’t wear the hat. Just wear your normal clothes.-”

“What else would I wear?” He shot back and smirked when he saw her countenance darken.

“Right, well, I’m gonna go change- we’ll do a modern rendition of our scene. Can you translate your lines into more modern terms?”

“I can. If I will…” he drew out his last word then shrugged.

“Will you?” She gritted her teeth.

“I’ll see what I can do.”

Kendra clenched her fists, but then relaxed.

“That’s it. I’m doomed.” She shook her head, her eyes looking off as if seeing the inevitable failure their project was going to turn out to be.

“Chill, Barbie. I’ve got it.” Kendra sucked her lip, her eyes emblazoned. She whirled around and stormed off. Chance just smiled.

Kendra came to the girl’s dressing room, turned to the left, and punched the wall. She immediately regretted her decision as pain shot up her arm and the impact caused the right side of her body to shudder. She withdrew her fist and held it close to her body, muttering over and over, “ow, ow, ow, ow…” . As soon as she had stormed in, Hye and Joyce had came running from the costume rack to see what was askew with their friend.

“So... things didn’t go as well as you hoped?” Hye asked already knowing the answer was ‘no’ based off the way she punched the wall.

“He’s infuriating!” She yelled. “I tried, oh, I tried. I’ve been trying real hard to be patient with him, but I just snapped! He- and I- and I can’t. I’m done- and he-” Kendra was already being loud, but her voice was steadily escalating as she got more and more worked up about her problematic project partner.

“Inside voice,” Joyce gently reminded her. Kendra huffed.

“Sorry, but I just can’t anymore. I mean, he’s not dumb, that’s for sure, the way he knows what will push my buttons.” She took down her bun and started to remove some of her Juliet costume. “And he’s not lazy either. You guys know how I hate it when people are lazy.”

“We may not, but Jeff Duncan does.” Hye added remembering back to eighth grade when Kendra flipped out on the poor unsuspecting boy for not carrying his own weight in their conjoined science class project.

“It’s just, he doesn’t care. That’s his problem- Unzip please,” she asked turning around so Joyce could free her from the outdated gown. “ And you know what the worst part is?” Kendra continued her tangent as she went to the back of the dressing room to change her outfit to something more updated.

“And what’s that?” Hye said, wondering what could top Kendra’s list of Chance’s worst attributes.

“His stupid nicknames for me.”

This intrigued her friends as they looked at each other, wondering what she meant by, “nicknames”.

“What kind of, ‘nicknames’?” Joyce asked for the both of them.

“Uncreative ones, I’ll tell you that.” She answered sassily as she re entered the outer room to join them. “He calls me princess, and Cinderella and he calls me Kendra in the most condescending voice. Oh, and the worst is Barbie. Last I checked, Barbie wasn’t black!”

“Oh, but she might be.” Joyce interjected. Hye and Kendra gave her a strange look, as if questioning what that had to do with their conversation. “Well she might be. They’re making a bunch of new barbie’s with multiple races and body shapes. It’s a major win for body type and race positivity.”

“Okay,” Hye said slowly. “I agree with you, but what does that have to do with Chance flirting with Kendra?”

“Flirting?” Kendra asked surprised.

“Ya know you should be more excited about this. They’re finally making Japanese looking dolls for kids that don’t look low key racist.”

“Well to start, I’m Korean not Japanese.” Hye pointed out.

“Dang it, well now I’m racist.” Joyce said dejectedly, rather disappointed in herself.

“You tried.” Hye consoled her friend, patting her on the back.

“Gals!” Kendra got their attention back. “Hye, what do you mean by Chance is ‘flirting’ with me?”

“Oh come on, isn’t it obvious?”

“No,” Kendra and Joyce said in unison.

Hye rolled her eyes. “The nicknames, the nonstop teasing, the way he’s always smiling around you. Don’t tell me you didn’t notice it, Kendra.”

“The nicknames are to tease me, the teasing is to mess with and annoy me, and the smiling- that’s not smiling, he’s smirking because he finds it amusing to mess with me.” Kendra clarified.

“Is there really a difference between smiling and smirking?” Joyce wondered aloud.

“Okay, point taken. But still, don’t tell me you don’t think he’s cute. In a bad boy kind of way.” Hye prompted, trying to get a reaction out of Kendra. “ His crystal blue eyes.”

“His black, wavy hair.” Joyce chimed in.

“ His jawline,” Hye cooed.

“He looks pretty ripped.” Joyce added to the list.

“He’s tall. That’s always something to look for.” Hye said matter-a-factly.

“And, he has a terrible personality, and acts as if everyone around him is a burden.” Kendra countered. “So forget it. I’m not interested. I’m just going to get through this project and be free of him. End of story.” Kendra turned to leave the room, then paused and turned back to the two of them. “Oh, and don’t think I don’t know what you’re doing.”

“And what might that be?” Hye tried to sound innocent.

“You’re trying to get me a date for Cupid’s Dance tonight, and that’s not going to happen. You can’t force love.”

“And we’re not trying too,” Joyce assured her. “But there’s nothing wrong with getting a guy for just our school’s Valentine’s Day ball. A one night stand of sorts.”

Kendra rolled her eyes.

“C’mon. I’ve got an act to do.”

“Hey, I’m back.” Kendra made her presence known to Chance who was creeping behind the curtain watching the current presentation.

“Don’t care.” He responded abruptly. Five more minutes. Kendra reminded herself. Five more minutes. “Where are the handcuffs?” His question caught Kendra off guard. She had completely forgotten about their most primary prop, and was shocked that Chance remembered.

“Oh, right. One sec I’ll get them.” Kendra was heading toward the changing room to get the handcuffs she brought from home when she passed Joyce. “Hey, Joyce. Could you run to the dressing room and get me my handcuffs?”

“Yeah, sure.” Joyce trotted off, and returned in seconds.

“Thanks, you’re a lifesaver.”

“No problem. Now, go break a leg! Not literally though, that would be bad.” Kendra smiled at her and ran back to Chance.

“Here,” she handed him the prop, and he placed it in his sweatshirt pocket. Kendra opened her mouth to say something to Chance along the lines, ‘ no matter what, we did a good job. Now good riddance’, when Ms. Carter, the English teacher who assigned the amorous projected called, “Delaney, Jane! You’re up!”

Ms. Carter had decided, that in honor of the holiday Valentine’s Day, she’d have her pupils rewrite, then act out the last scene of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. However Ms. Carter couldn’t just have them read it, or do limited actions alongside their words in the front of her classroom, no. She had to rent out the auditorium, use the stage lights, props, the whole mile. Rumor had it Ms. Carter only did so because she wanted to be around Mr. Jefferson, the performing arts teacher. Mr. J’s rule was that anyone can use the auditorium as long as he, or the other drama teacher was in the room to make sure the theater wasn’t being misused. Coincidentally, Ms. Carter’s two classes were during Mr. Jefferson’s two free periods. Who knows Ms. Carter’s true intentions for going all out with the project; either way love was the culprit. But after all, isn’t it always?

Kendra and Chance had gotten through the first three to four minutes of their skit with no hiccups, which both were grateful for. And both were ready to get the whole thing over with.

“No, no please, don’t go.” Chance’s voice was laden with grief. His eyes pleading like his words. “Don’t leave me…”

“ Then chain yourself to me, and then you have no choice.” Kendra’s voice was barely above a whisper. He put one hand cuff around her wrist, the other around his.

“ Together to the end,” she said.

“ Together to the end,” he said. Her eyes shut, he lowered his head. Applause erupted in the auditorium, some of the students clapped because they were forced to, others clapped because it was the most professional act all block. Ms. Carter had a tissue clutched in her hand, and her massacre was running. They had gotten an ‘A’ for sure. Mr. Jefferson had a small smile on his face, as he was clearly impressed.

“Well,” Ms. Carter started. “I think that was the perfect way to end today’s class. Good job today, everyone. I know it’s not easy to get up there and do what you did, but good work. Your grades will be up by Monday.” She turned to Mr. Jefferson. “And I’d like to thank you, Mr. Jefferson, for generously lending your theater and your time to me- and my students.” The way Ms. Carter said and spaced her words may have proven the rumors for her alternative motives to be true. The bell rang and Ms. Carter tried to yell over the bustling kids, but gave up and turned to talk to Mr. Jefferson.

“Good job,” Kendra attempted one last time to be kind to Chance.

“Whatever.” Kendra’s attempt was shot down. They walked off stage side by side, because they had no other choice with the handcuffs holding them together. Hye and Joyce attacked her with hugs and praise for her work as Juliet. Chance stood as far off as he could, and had the corners of his mouth pointed south.

When Joyce cared to noticed Chance she said, “Oh, you did good too.”

“Thanks,” he said passively. “Now can you free me, Juliet?” Kendra glared at him for a moment and then turned to Joyce.

“ Joyce could you get me my key from my bag?”

“Why?”

Kendra became wary, dread pricked her heart. “So we can unlock the cuffs. The ones you got. From my bag.”

“But I didn’t get it from your bag-”

“What?” Kendra was doused in panic.

“Yeah, I got it off the prop rack. I thought that’s where you wanted it from.” Kendra brought her hand to her forehead, and pulled her hair back in exasperation.

“I bet Mr. J has a key,” Hye offered optimistically.

“He better,” Chance growled. “ Or I’ll be very unhappy.”

“Oh, big whoop.” Hye said sarcastically. “ You don’t scare us.” He looked at her unnervingly, causing her to look away. “Maybe just a little.” She mumbled. He smirked.

“Mr. Jefferson!” The three girls hollered running, dragging Chance behind them. Mr. Jefferson had been locking up his classroom when they found him.

“Mr. J, we need your help.” Kendra explained their situation to the teacher, with Joyce breaking in at one point to justify herself and the mix up.

“Can you help us?” Hye asked hopefully, all of them holding their breath, except Chance who appeared bored out of his mind.

“I’m afraid not.” Their hope sank. “ Any keys for unlocking props would be back on the prop rack. Did you check there?”

Hye nodded. “Twice.”

Mr. Jefferson sighed heavily. “Then I’m sorry. There’s no way I can help you. But good luck.” He started to walk away when he turned back to Chance and Kendra. “Have either of you considered the performing arts? You’re both very good; especially you young man.”

“Thanks, but no thanks.” Chance said tartly.

Mr. Jefferson nodded, but a sort of sad nod, and said, “Have a good Valentine’s Day,” before departing.

Kendra had had enough. She could take Chance being rude to her, to his peers, and to her friends even, but when he starts disrespecting teachers, that’s where he crosses the line.

“You didn’t have to be so rude.” She turned on him.

“Oh, calm down, righteous Rachel. What’re you gonna do, call the police? In case you hadn’t noticed, I’ve already been apprehended and detained.” He lifted his wrist to show the handcuffs to emphasize his point.

After a moment of silence, Hye said quietly, “So what now?”

“I can get us out of these,” Chance said, as someone would mention something in an everyday conversation.

“So now you tell us?” Hye was fed up with Chance. She had a new deep found respect for Kendra and her patience.

“Only problem is, you have to come back to my place.” All three girls became standoffish at Chance’s proposal. “Typical,” he muttered.

“Fine, but all three of us are coming.” Hye gave their answer. The only answer as it seemed.

“No, no just me.” Kendra stated. She sounded unsure, but her words were firm enough.

“Kendra, no.” Joyce fretted in concern for her friend.

“You two need to get ready for the dance, I don’t want to delay you guys. Who knows how long this’ll take.”

“The dance can wait. Your safety is our number one priority.” Chance rolled his eyes, as they talked about him like he was a rabid dog.

“I’ll be fine. I don’t want to ruin your Valentine’s Day. I’ll tell you what, I’ll meet you guys at five thirty at Hye’s place. If I don’t show up by then, you guys can worry and overload my phone with calls and texts. Trust me, I’ll be fine.” Hye and Joyce looked unsure. They turned their gaze to Chance to look him over.

“Don’t worry ladies, I don’t bite.” He said smugly. Now more annoyed than afraid of Chance, they nodded reluctantly.

“Okay,” Hye agreed. “Okay. Five thirty, no sooner and no later.” Joyce gave Kendra a quick squeeze while Hye glared skeptically at Chance who simply grinned at her and then winked. Hye audibly gagged and then with one last look at Kendra, left with Joyce to go get ready for Cupid’s Dance.

Kendra looked to Chance. “Show us the way.”

To be continued.