Author's note -- This is a short/flash story for Valentine's Day. I'd like to thank Poizon69 for his help. Feedbacks are always welcome.
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Alana and I had been friends for the past three years. We had met at a friend's party, and we clicked. From there we had built a great friendship. Whenever both of us weren't dating someone we would go out with each other. Frankly I had more fun with Alana than with my dates.
The pressure wasn't there like it was with the dates. There wasn't the constant judgment that goes on with dating. Instead there was fun, great conversation and genuine friendship. This was a great relationship, not just a romantic or a physical one.
One night we were watching a movie together at my apartment. Alana even likes the same types of movies I enjoy. We had been talking about how silly the people we meet were on a daily basis and how they would fit into movies when I looked over at her and it struck me hard. I love this girl. Isn't that interesting that I love her, and just realized it?
Of course I didn't say anything about it right away. I haven't committed to anyone or risked anything for a number of years in the relationship department. Just because I realized I loved Alana didn't mean I was going to jump until I had totally thought this through.
It was a week after my thoughtful revelation that I made my decision. I needed to let Alana know how I felt about her. Kind of strange that I had known her for three years and I hadn't made any move on her, now after just a week I knew what I wanted to do. The hard part was how I was going to do this.
Now I'm not Mr. Romantic or anything. Really, I'm not. However, I think that this will require a romantic act to show Alana how I feel. If I'm going to make a fool of myself, I might as well go all the way. Well, I'm a great planner, just not always the best at carrying out the plan.
I was real lucky; it was the month of February, right at Valentine's Day. This was a perfect time to implement my plan. My God, even in my mind it sounds like I'm putting in action the plan for a war front.
I called her up on Valentine's Day at about 2:00 in the afternoon. "Alana, what's up? How are you?" I asked her casually
"Well, I'm OK, Matt," said Alana. She sounded little down.
"What's the matter? You really don't sound too happy." Oh God, please don't let her have problems with a new boyfriend or something, I prayed.
She took a deep breath and said, "I always seem to get a little down on Valentine's Day. I'm not really sure why. I just do."
"Well, how about coming over to my place tonight? We'll order pizza and watch a little TV." Now that was sounding bland, I thought.
"I guess that'll be fine. I hate being alone on Valentine's Day."
"All right, then. I'll see you when you get off work." I hung up the phone and almost screamed YES!
I was ready at about 5:00. Unfortunately she wouldn't be here until 6:00. That's ok; I would be ready for her.
At about 5:45 I started lighting candles. I might have overdone the whole thing because it took almost 15 minutes to light all of them. It sounds silly but I had a feeling Alana would love candles with strawberries scent, she loved strawberries.