Valentine❤️

“Everyone..” the teacher says, getting the wild middle school kids to settle down. “I have an important announcement to make.”

Madison, or what everyone else called her, Maddy, just fidgets with her pencil at her desk. She didn’t really mind this announcement, figuring it’s just about an upcoming test or project.

“Maddy and Evan are doing a booth for Valentine’s Day. Be sure to stop by during lunch.” Maddy was taken aback when the teacher says her name. “How did she know?” Maddy thinks to herself as her gaze goes towards Evan’s, and he sends a small smile her way.

At the time, I thought the booth would be a dumb idea. Now? Well, now it’s smart. Kids want to tell their crushes they like them without saying it. This was a perfect way.

Evan stacks up the money before turning to me. “Today was our best day!” He exclaims with excitement. “I think we made a good profit too!” I smile before responding, “That’s always good.” He nods. “Good job, partner” He high-fives me before we start packing up. “You take care of the cards, and I will buy the flowers.” I nod. “Actually..” He takes half of the cards before finishing his sentence, “I’ll take half.”

I felt like he was doing all the work, but whenever I try saying something.. “No, I got it.” He just insists more. “No, I want to help..I like helping you.” “But this was your idea, and you bought all the supplies!” I argue. “..gosh you’re annoying” He laughs by my comment. “Aww come on~ don’t be like that~” He teases before nodding “Ok then. See you later shorty~” He messes up my hair before walking away. “How annoying..” But a good annoying.

For our booth, kids bought a flower and a card for six dollars. They tell us their crush and what class they’ll be in so we can deliver it to them. My job was to fill out the cards..one hundred of them! It would have been two hundred if Evan hadn’t offered, so I guess I’m happy he did.

As I was writing them in my room, I couldn’t get earlier out my head..

~ two hours ago ~

“Are you excited for tomorrow?” I asked Evan as we sat in science together, now finished with our work. He smiles before answering, “Mhm..it’s going to be really special..”

~ present ~

“What does he mean by special? Is he maybe..asking someone out?” I thought to myself as I wrote the cards. Why did I care? I mean..he’s my best friend, but maybe..just maybe..I wanted to be the person he was asking out.

I jump when my phone makes a loud ‘ding’ sound. I exhale and pick it up to see a text from Evan.

~ over text ~

Evan: I got the flowers!

Maddy: Nice! I’m making the cards now

Evan: Yeah, me too😄

Evan: Remember to take breaks

Maddy: 😅

Evan: lol listen to me!

Maddy: ok ok

Evan: Good🙂

Maddy: The flowers look really nice though

Maddy: You didn't have to get something special

Evan: Tomorrow people will be using our cards and flowers to confess to the ones they love

Evan: They deserve nice flowers

Maddy: 🙄

Evan: What? Too much?

Maddy: Wayyy too much

Evan: 😣

Maddy: You sure are passionate about Valentine's Day huh?

Evan: No just this one is special

Maddy: Why’s that?

Evan: I can't tell you🙃

Maddy: Rude😒

Evan: hehe

Maddy: Evan has a girlfriend!

Evan: Nooo

Maddy: Evan and..someone sitting in a tree!

Evan: what was the point of ”...”

Maddy: K.I.S.S.I.N.G

Maddy: First comes love❤️

Maddy: Then comes marriage💍

Maddy: Then comes a baby in a baby carriage👼

Evan: You don't now?

Maddy: Yeah I’m done

Evan: good..five year old

Maddy: NOOOO

Evan: YESS

Maddy: No!

Evan: Yes!

Maddy: You’re the one bickering with me

Evan: You started it

Maddy: that’s the most five year old thing to say

Evan: No “I’m telling mom” is

Maddy: 😂

Evan: Get your facts straight

Maddy: They are! Thank you very much

Evan: 😘

Maddy: Meanie..

Evan: No you

Maddy: Shut uppp

Evan: Fine..

Evan: Are you going to ask anyone out?

Maddy: Nah

Maddy: Why jealous🙃

Evan: Noo

Maddy: It's ok, I know you've fallen in love with me😇

Maddy: I mean, who could blame you

Maddy: 🤠

Evan: Brooo shush

Evan: Go to bed

Maddy: No

Evan: Goodnight~~

Evan: Sleep well😇

Maddy: Goodnight🙄

Maddy: You too🤠

It's moments like these that I love..us just being goofy with each other

- the next day -

We somehow manage to deliver all 200 flowers and notes by the end of the day. Delivering fifty each block. By the end, there was one more flower.

I punch his shoulder playfully. “You literally got one extra! Can you not do math?!” He laughs as I yell at him. “I can, silly~” Evan picks up the rose before looking at me, smiling. “What is he doing..” I think to myself as my heart starts to pound out of my chest before he speaks, “Maddy~” he says my name in a shy, cute way. “W-what? What do you want?” He laughs before handing me the flower and a note. I look up at him before reading it.

Will you be my Valentine?

I look back up to see him holding a box of chocolates. He smiles. “Will you?”

I quickly go into his arms, hugging him tightly. “Evan!” I exclaim his name, making him laugh. “Yes?” “Of course!”