Day 14.

I was never a fan of Valentine’s Day. So, it came as a shock to me that my boyfriend of three years suddenly asked me out on a date.

“You’re not going to ask me to marry you, right? Not on this day.” I asked. “Maybe you’re breaking up with me. It seems more logical. I’ve experienced it before.” I added.

He didn’t look at me, but he smiled. He wore a nice blush-colored button down. His tux hung behind him as it swung side to side while he drove. His bowtie never matched his serious persona that it seemed out of place with the rest of him. I’ve always adored him with ties. He caught me looking at him and it felt like he knew what I was thinking.

“A bit of a change, don’t you think?” He queried.

“I don’t like it. It doesn’t suit you.” I said as-a-matter-of-fact.

He seemed puzzled. “I was talking about today. It’s good to sometimes have a break from what we do. I wanted to go out."

Oh, right. I thought. I never told him I never liked him wearing bowties since this was the first time I saw him wear one.

“What doesn’t suit me? The bowtie? I think it looks good on me. It’s different.” He took one hand from the steering wheel and adjusted the ribbon making it pop on one side.

“You can wait tables when we get there then.” I wasn’t really in the mood to please him but he seemed offended.

“Hey, just think of this as any other date besides Valentine’s Day, okay? Why do you have to be a downer?”

I never knew why it wasn't such a big deal to me. I never had the chance to ask myself why I never cared for the day. It seemed illogical to me that someone made a fake holiday to remind ourselves that we have to show our loved ones that we love them on this day. Shouldn’t you be doing that every single day? Should there really be a reminder that we love someone? A few years ago, my then-boyfriend broke it off with me on Valentine’s Day. A year after that, my best friend started going out with him. It might seem fitting as a reason why I hate the day but it is not. I never celebrated the day even then.

I never said anything else after that. I sulked for the rest of the drive on my red dress. Something I had to buy two days ago, upon the request of Tom. Buy something red.

We arrived at the fancy pants restaurant right on the dot. I’m not going to lie, it looked pretty expensive. It was between two other restaurants but it was the quaintest. There were tables outside and right at the edge of it before going beyond the restaurant beside it stood an old tree with bright ball of lights that hung from it. The table beneath it was brightly lit, and it looked romantic. 

The other tables were set a bit farther from it for a more private setting. The table was already set waiting for two guests. It wasn’t windy, but it wasn’t hot either. It was just right. I didn’t like Valentine’s Day but this sure was made my heart melt a bit that I felt guilty about being too hard on him.

He had his car parked and I waited for someone to assist us. Finally, the man led us to our table. To my surprise, he didn’t lead us to that beautiful corner outside. Instead, he led us inside where there were a lot of couples having their dinner. I was disappointed, not that I cared. But maybe I did. A little. Probably more than I should. 

We settled at a table near the window overlooking the street across us. The waiter gave us the menus and Tom asked for the wine.

“You’re quiet.” He said. “You probably were expecting that table outside."

I didn’t say anything.

“It may seem as the perfect place to have dinner but the lights above would be too warm. Plus, someone else reserved the seat before I did.” He held my hand. “Aren’t you even going to look at me?”

I looked at him. He smiled. “I thought you didn’t care about this day?” I looked away. I didn’t care but all the preparations made me care a little bit. I looked around. Everyone was busy looking lovingly into their loved ones’ eyes. I noticed something odd, though.

“Why do we have two extra chairs? Are we waiting for someone?” I asked.

“They’ll be here in a minute. They just rounded the corner at Houston.”

“Who are we waiting for?” I was getting anxious. I didn’t like surprises because I might not like them. I didn’t like not knowing. It made me nervous.

“Can’t you just tell me who they are so I’d know what I’d do?”

“You just have to be yourself.” I slumped in my chair. I hated that advice. Be yourself. Sometimes you just want to make a good impression to people you meet. Sometimes you just don’t know how being yourself would help you in making a good impression. So, you try to not be yourself. You try to get out of your comfort zone.

“They’re here, love.” I froze. I held his hand so tight. Slowly, I turned around to meet these strangers the love of my life wanted me to meet so much on Valentine’s Day. It turns out being myself wouldn’t be so hard to do. The wrinkled, familiar faces smiled warmly at me and reached for an embrace.

“Mom! Dad! What are you doing here?” Tears were already forming in my eyes.

“Why? Can’t we be with you on this day? We haven’t seen you in a year!” My mother was still beautiful despite her age.

“We weren’t busy, and it was a good idea to spend this day with you both.” Dad chimed.

I missed them. My life revolved tremendously around my work, Tom, and keeping my life together that I forgot about everything else. I rebelled on spending this day with Tom each year that I forgot about the other people I love. I guess I have forgotten to show I cared about my parents while I was busy with life. I didn’t even notice how old they have gotten in a year.

“What’s for dinner? I’m famished.” Dad laughed as his rotund belly shook.

There really shouldn’t be a special day to show someone how much you love them. When you love someone you always make time for them. No matter who they are in your life. But maybe sometimes, you also need to be reminded that you’re neglecting them. As sad as it sounds.

Happy Valentine’s Day, indeed.

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KLGE