Valentine’s day started out just like every other Valentine’s Day that Harriette has experienced. The smell of her mom’s famous pink strawberry pancakes filled the air and Harriette could hear the twins being noisy downstairs. And, just like every other Valentine’s Day, Harriette popped out of bed excited about her day.
After getting ready for the day she joined the rest of the family downstairs.
“I see you’re in the Valentine’s spirit,” her mom said as she entered the kitchen, referring to Harriette’s very Valentine’s inspired outfit. She was wearing a pink sweater with white hearts all over it and a lacy white skirt. Also the adorable necklace Collin gave her last year, two linked hearts. Might seem like a strange gift for your brother to give you but that’s just how close they were.
“You know I love this holiday,” Harriette said.
She took a seat next to Collin, “Happy Valentine’s Day!”
“To you too,” Collin said. “Do you have any big plans?”
“No,” Harriette said, “I was hoping you were free, since both of my friends have plans.”
“I’m always free,” Collin said.
“Great,” Harriette said.
“Ooo, I love that sweater,” Tamarai said, taking the seat next to Harriette.
“Thanks,” Harriette said. “I like your outfit too.”
Truthfully Tamarai’s outfit was nothing that Harriette would wear for Valentine’s day, or really ever. A mint crop top with a silver heart and a pink and white ombre skirt, and of course an arm full of bangles as always.
“Okay, eat up,” her mom said setting a plate of pink heart shaped pancakes in front of each of them. “Don’t want to be late for school.”
“So what are your plans for today?’ Tamarai asked Harriette.
“Probably just gonna stay home and do something with Collin,” Harriette said, “What about you?”
“Well, as you already know, Teddy asked me out. I don’t know what we’re doing, he said it was gonna be a surprise.” Tamarai said. “Isn’t that cute?”
“Totally,” Harriette said.
They finished their pancakes and then piled into their mom’s car and headed out for school. Just like every other Valentine’s day.
---
After surviving a full school day of question after question of “what are you doing for Valentine’s day?” Harriette was glad to be out and away.
After seeing Tamarai off to her date went up to her room and realised just how bored she was. Here she was on Valentine’s day with nothing to do.
“You okay?” Collin said, standing in her doorway.
“Yeah,” Harriette sighed. “You don’t think I’m a loser, right?”
Collin laughed, “Of course not. Why would I think that?
“Because I don’t have anything to do for this big day,” Harriette said.
“Well, neither do I, does that make me a loser?” Collin said, joining her where she was sitting on the bed.
“I guess not,” Harriette said. “I feel like the same thing happens every Valentine’s day. I mope around about not having a date, then I have an epiphany about how dates don’t matter. It’s like a bad TV show.”
“Well then you better stop moping,” Collin said, standing up. “I have the perfect plan, you just wait here. We’re gonna go somewhere.”
“Can you tell me where we’re going?” Harriette said. “I need to know what to wear.”
Collin laughed, “What you’re wearing is fine.”
“Okay,” Harriette said.
---
DaeRi sat across from Payton at an upscale restaurant in the city. She was telling him about how Harriette was still dateless and how she wondered what she was up to.
“Probably on a stupid ‘date’ with Collin,” DaeRi laughed. “Only Harriette can get away with spending Valentine’s day with her brother.”
Payton sighed, he looked bored.
“What’s wrong?” DaeRi asked.
He glanced at the notebook that he had to write in if he wanted to talk. He just shrugged.
DaeRi frowned, going on a date with someone who can’t talk is kind of frustrating.
But she didn’t even know frustration compared to what Payton was feeling. He wanted to talk so badly, to have a normal conversation. But he couldn’t and he didn’t want to write in the stupid notebook. At least with his family he could use sign language but Daeri didn’t know that so he was stuck with the notebook.
“Am I boring you?” DaeRi asked.
Payton shook his head quickly. He gestured for her to continue talking.
She shrugged, “Okay.”
And back to the long rants, because really Payton didn’t mind. because there was one thing that DaeRi didn’t do and that was try to get him to talk anymore then she would any other person. And that’s why he liked her.
---
“The lake?” Harriette said as her mom pulled onto the dirt road that led to the lake.
“Yep,” Collin said, “I love this place.”
Harriette laughed, “You love the lake? Gosh no one goes here anymore.”
“I do,” Collin said, “It’s peaceful and it’s got a lot of stuff to draw.”
“Whatever you say,” Harriette said.
“Here you go,” thier mom said, parking in front of one of the trails that led closer to the lake.
“Come on,” Collin said, getting out of the car and pulling a picnic basket out of the trunk.
“A picnic by the lake?” Harriette said, now very impressed. “Can you even get more perfect.”
Collin shrugged, “I thought it would cheer you up.”
Harriette laughed. “I think it’s working.”
“Good, now follow me,” Collin said, leading the way down the trail. Harriette was glad they put gravel on the trail back when this place was a popular hangout spot, because she was not wearing proper shoes for hiking.
Soon enough the trail opened up to a clearing by the lake. Harriette remembered all the partys she went to here back in Middle school. It was where she went on her first date with Gregg. It looked different when it wasn’t covered with kids pretending that they were adult and cool.
She watched as Collin set up the picnic.
“You know you really need to get a boyfriend,” she said.
“Why?” Collin asked.
“Because you’re wasting all your perfectness on me,” Harriette said.
“It’s not a waste,” Collin said, filling two cups with some tea.
“I’m your sister,” Harriette said. “You’re not supposed to do this kind of stuff for your sister. It’s weird.”
“Why shouldn’t I?” Collin asked. “I mean you’re more deserving of it than anybody I would date.”
“Stop it,” Harriette laughed, “You’re too nice to me.”
“I don’t think there is such thing as being too nice,” Collin said. “Come on, sit down.”
Harriette walked over and sat down on the blanket. Collin changed the topic and asked how school was that day.
They talked about a bunch of random stuff as they are the turkey and avocado sandwiches that Collin had made. For dessert there were mini raspberry pies that their mom had made the night before and let Collin take a few for the picnic.
By the time that their mom came to pick them up Harriette had completely forgotten that she was upset about not having anything to do. So basically it was just like every other Valentine’s day.
But maybe this one was the best.
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