The day of love came and went, across the valley. As Johnny mentioned to his friends, he and Ava missed school. First, he woke up early and went to Sandcastle Bakery. It's there he bought Ava's favorite cranberry muffins and cranberry scones. He also bought her fresh fruit, caramel coffee, and white chocolate cranberry cookies.
After stopping by the florist, for a dozen red and pink roses (each), he returned home and set everything out on a breakfast tray. He carefully took the treats into their bedroom and set them at the foot of the bed. Then he woke his wife up with a kiss. When she sat up, her face glowed brightly at him.
After a quick roll of the neck, to get the kink out, she asked "Johnny, what on earth?" As she took in the breakfast and flowers, she told him "You didn't have to do this." But she's glad he did because those muffins are to die for.
Sitting beside her, he admitted "Yeah I really did have to. But there are more fun treats awaiting you today. So eat up Babe." He took the breakfast croissant (that he bought for himself) off the tray and ate it. Once they had finished, he took the tray away and ordered her into the bathroom to get ready.
Little did she know that inside the bathroom is a tray of lychee rose hand cream, rose-scented bath salts, and peony shower gel waiting for her. All of her favorite flowers and scents. He's too much! Her gift to him has been put to shame ten times over. When she was fresh and dressed for the day, she found him in the living room. He's sprawled out on the sofa with his feet propped up on the coffee table.
Coming to sit in his lap, she wrapped her arms around him. "Johnny you're too much. The breakfast and flowers are enough. All of the bath things are SO sweet of you." She reached under her grey and red striped tank and withdrew a card. It had been tucked into her black leggings. Handing it to him, she stated "My card seems pitiful compared to all you've done for me."
He disagreed with her. "Babe, it's our first Valentine's as a married couple. I just wanted to do something special for you, for us. That's all. Hopefully, you think I treat you like this every day. Sometimes I hate how this day is so filled with declarations of love. I think to myself, what about the rest of the year?"
She kissed his cheek and agreed with that statement. "I do think you're romantic and full of love every day." With eagerness, she exclaimed, "Now open your card." Holding her breath, she watched him open it.
His face lit up. Inside is a gift certificate to the bike shop on Cove Street. That bike shop is amazing. It has everything a guy could want for a dirt bike or a real motorcycle. He hasn't told her yet, but he wants to get one (one day)... a real motorcycle. "Ava, this is the perfect Valentine's gift besides..." His voice trailed off as he started planting kisses along her jaw and neck.
Knowing what his "besides" meant, she laughed. "Johnny be patient. We have a whole day. Later we can have fun with your besides."
With a final kiss to her neck, he breathed out the words "OK." Then collected himself. "You're right. We need to get going anyway."
Curious, she asked, "Where are we going?" His only response is "You'll see" as he got them up from the sofa. She ran back into the bedroom to put on her tall black boots, and black and grey cropped houndstooth cardigan. Grabbing her purse, he ushered her to his car. Once inside they kissed and drove out of the garage.
They arrived at Golf 'N Stuff, just before eleven. The place is packed with moms and kids. Turning to face him, she really wants to know "What are we doing here?"
Huge smile on his face, he revealed "Recreating our first date. Remember?" Seeing the realization dawn on her, he continued talking. "I took you here in the hopes you'd have fun and want to be my girl."
Her eyes brightened at the memories. They got out and held hands. As the two of them walked to the entrance she noted "I did have fun, except for when you beat me at Galaga. And then we sat on that bench." She pointed to the bumper boats, which they could see from their position. "We shared our pasts with each other. I think you're the first person, besides my mom, I had ever shared any of the middle school stuff too. But when you hugged me, I never wanted you to stop."
Squeezing his hand, she paused in the middle of the parking lot. "True confession. I think I fell in love with you that day. Being with you was unique and unexpected. Nothing, and no one, was like you before. And there was nothing like you after, even when we broke up for two years. I've always loved you. You were always in my heart."
He can't believe what he's hearing. It's how he feels about her exactly. "I fall in love with you every time you look at me. You see me, Ava. You see the real me and stay around anyway. You see all of my mess and moodiness, and you stay. It's funny because I thought I was the one rescuing you back then, like some knight in shining armor. Especially after you told me about that ass in middle school. But it turns out you were the badass princess rescuing me all along."
Before they even walked in to recreate their first date, they hugged. "Your hugs are my home. Babe love is just a word. It's four letters. But you define it for me, every day since the day you hugged me on that bench over there." He couldn't help but tell her this. He wanted her to know. Which is why he has to say something else too. They walked over to an outside bench and sat down. It's there he spoke these words. "And when you dumped me it killed me. My home was taken away. My safe place was gone."
They've spoken about this before, but in the light of being married, it means so much more. "I know John because I felt the same. Knowing what I know now, I wish I had stayed and worked things out with you. It would have saved us heartache, and you acting on poorly thought-out choices. Choices that landed you in many detentions. But things happen for a reason and we needed to grow up. The truth is clear though. We're married and love each other more now than we did back then."
A tear rolled down his cheek. Her thumb wiped it away. "Another true confession. When you broke up with Ali, over the summer, I knew we'd get back together. I don't know how I knew, I just knew. And it set my soul on fire. I looked forward to it, and also dreaded the day I looked into your eyes once again."
He rested his forehead on hers. "Why'd you dread it?"
Closing her eyes, she shared "Because then I'd have to explain myself and why I hurt you. And I hate to see you hurt, especially if it's because of me. I never ever want to hurt you the way I did, because I hurt myself too." She has a weakness for his forehead on her own, and his arms around her body. Her other weakness is his words on her heart and his eyes seeing into her soul. He is her weakness and she doesn't have the willpower to refuse anything. And she knows he feels the same about her.
He soaked in her words and her love. "True confession. Once I broke up with Ali, I knew I would find you. I just didn't want to right away. But Bobby kept nagging me about you. He's always known you were it for me. And even when I was dating her, he'd question it. I can hear his voice now. Why are dating her? It's only going to end in misery for you both." He chuckled. "He was right. We broke up in July, and I wanted nothing more than to run to your house and ask you out again. But I waited, cause what if you didn't want me back?"
Her mouth opened, but he held a finger up. "I know now I should have. However, I like the way it happened. I got to rescue your books and you got to rescue my heart. So, it all worked out." He kissed her forehead. "Tommy takes French, you know. He told me not too long ago, something profound. Which is shocking, cause Tommy being profound is mind-blowing." She pinched his side for that. "Seriously he said tu me manques, which means you are missing from me. The whole time we were apart, you were missing from me and now you're not."
She wants to smother him in kisses, but if they kiss here now she won't have the willpower to stop. So, she placed two kisses on both cheeks and a peck on his lips. "Later, we have later." He nodded and got up. Stretching out his hand for her, she took it and he pulled her up. They walked into the place of fun, paid, and began their adventure at Skeeball just as they did years ago.
Having bested him at both Skeeball and mini-golf, where he again claimed she cheated. "When your ball rolled off the green, you put it closer to the hole. You cheated. You're a cheater" She did not cheat, neither did she do what he claimed. He's just a sore loser. They then went to the arcade, where they played all the same games. This time when he beat her at Galaga, she did not run off. She cheered for him and offered her congratulations.
When they left Golf 'N Stuff, it was almost three. They had spent the whole day there just having fun. Before they went home to rest up and get ready for dinner, he drove them by Sonic. He knows she loves their slushes. Instead of her favorite cranberry slush, she went for the mango one this time. For himself, he got blue raspberry. It was perfection in a drink.
At home, they cuddled on the couch and watched a movie. She told him to choose since he's planned all of this for her today. He chose Return of the Jedi, of course. It was either that or Rocky, and she begged no Rocky. Those movies bore her to tears, just like Dirty Dancing does him.
Her inquisitive nature took over. "Johnny if we were still dating and not married, what would we be doing today? What would you have done for me?"
Only his wife would ask such a question. He answered honestly. "I have no idea. We'd probably be in school. I probably would have bought you some of those lame lip lollipops and dozens of candy grams. Then we would have gone to the country club dance, where I would have given you a dozen roses. At some point, there would be some major making out happening. Other than that I don't know."
Huffing out a breath, she stated with truth "Gee that sounds rather boring compared to what you planned today. But seriously, why wouldn't you have planned something like this for me if we weren't married? I mean you eventually would propose."
With a chuckle, he stroked her hand. "Who says I wouldn't have planned something romantic? You're dwelling on what-ifs that aren't even possible. We're married, not dating. End of story. Now, make out with me."
Turning herself over, she looked up at him and remarked "I thought you wanted to watch the movie."
Looking down at her, into her eyes, he smiled. His blue gaze became more intense with each passing second. "No. I'd much rather watch you, make out with me," he proclaimed. Then proceeded to put her hands around his back, and her breath quickened. Those same blue eyes admired her mouth, for a long moment. His head lowered, slowly, all the while gazing back into her eyes. Then his lips connected with hers.
Fireworks exploded all over her body. She giggled and he stopped. A perfect eyebrow raised in question. She couldn't help it. The giggle escaped of its own design. Maintaining eye contact, with a bright smile, she pulled his lips back to hers. They both smiled into the kiss, where he began to kiss the life out of her. When they no longer wanted to kiss, he got up and held out his hand. Once she took it, he scooped her up and whisked her off to their bedroom. The whole time she felt cherished and honored, with his words and actions, and care.
Later they showered and dressed for dinner. In the spirit of the day, she wore a pink and red dual-colored lace dress. It's a stunning sheath silhouette with a round neckline, short sleeves, and scalloped hems. It's the perfect dress for the occasion and Ava especially loves the exposed zipper at the back.
When Johnny saw her completed look, he whistled. She felt pretty, which is how he always makes her feel. His love makes her bloom, from the inside out. Johnny knew this too. His mother told him before, when he was in seventh grade, "A young lady is like a rose. If you treat her right, she'll bloom. If you don't, Son, then she'll wilt. So, be the guy who takes care of the rose." It's funny how some flowers grow in the right conditions, while others in the same set of conditions don't do half as well. Ava is his rose.
They make a stunning couple and turned a few heads in the restaurant. He took her to Sapore di Mare in town. It's this high frequented Italian bistro in Sandcastle Cove. Ironically enough, his mother is the one who told him about it. She handed him a magazine and declared "Johnny you should take Ava to this restaurant." After reading about it, he booked reservations for tonight. That was two weeks ago. And thank goodness he did, cause the waiting line is out the door and almost halfway around the block. Crazy!
The dinner and conversation were incredible, as is the restaurant staff. They were well taken care of, from the appetizer of calamari to the bottle of Italian wine. Everything was magnificent. Even the next day was magnificent. Life is good, they can't complain. Or they couldn't until Sunday night's dinner.
They dressed the same as always for the dinner, casual but dressy. Ava wore black skinny jeans, with a silky hot pink tank, and a black tweed blazer. She zhuzhed up the sleeves, as she usually does. On her ears, dangle her Valentine's gift: double diamond hoop earrings. When he presented them to her, she became stunned to silence. Tears streamed down her face, the earrings, the amazing day, their warm conversations, his regard for her is too much. She's never been treated so well and so lovely. And today, Sunday, she honors him by wearing them.
Johnny almost mimicked her in dress, save for the hot pink tank and skinny jeans. His was a blue Henley and black pants, with a black tweed blazer. He also zhuzhed up the sleeves.
When they arrived, same time as always, they noticed other vehicles. They hadn't been informed of other dinner guests, so they were confused. However, the minute they set foot inside, and Marvin led them into the family room, they wanted to leave. For there are her Uncle Tom, Aunt Kimmy, younger cousins, and Misty. Oh, barf!
Their hands clasped a little tighter around the other. Grandma Irene welcomed them into the room. They greeted her, Grandpa Jack, and her aunt and uncle, purposely ignoring Misty. Grandpa Jack called Johnny over and began their regular financial discussions. Tom joined in where he could.
The women discussed Valentine's Day and what their husbands did for them. Grandma Irene informed them all "Jack gave me a bright diamond bauble to pin on the lapel of my blazers and jackets. Same as every year. He also took me to dinner and dancing at Chez Rivera. How about the two of you?"
Kimmy made known that "Tom cooked me breakfast in bed, gave me a dozen red roses, and this pretty bracelet." She held up her wrist for inspection. Gracing her bony wrist is a Click H Hermes bracelet in this pretty grey color. Of course, Irene and Ava gushed over it, even though Ava could care less.
Eyes landed on her next and wanted to know how she spent her Valentine's this year. Not wanting to seem braggadocios, she simply explained Johnny bought her breakfast, flowers, and took her on a date. She failed to mention how many dates or her earrings. Some things should be kept private.
Then the two older ladies asked Misty how her Valentine's went. With a flip of her hair, she bragged "I received thirty candy grams, which is a lot for a Senior girl. I also got bouquets of flowers and dozens of love notes. It's good to be so liked." She said the last part as a snub to Ava.
With an internal eye roll, Ava pasted a fake smile onto her face. Looking across the room, she saw Johnny deep in conversation with her grandfather and uncle. Her smile became real. She doesn't need thirty candy grams, bouquets of flowers, or love notes. She just needs him.
After dinner, Ava went with her grandmother to some room upstairs. She gave Johnny an apologetic look. He stayed in Jack's company, until Jack insisted on him fetching a particular financial book from the library. As he was turned, in the library, trying to find the book, a pair of arms wrapped around him. Thinking it's Ava, he voiced "If you wanted me in a dark, quiet place all you had to do was turn off the lights at home."
What a foolish thought that was. For he heard in his ear "Now what fun would that be? I'd rather see you." Lightning quick, he jumped away.
Anger written on his face, and a book in his hand (which he will use as a weapon if needed) he pointed it at her. "Stay away from me."
She shook her brown hair. "No. I'll stay away when I'm ready." Her hot pink pointed nails, which looked a lot like claws, ran over the spines of several books.
It made Johnny's skin crawl in disgust. Ready to leave the room, he maintained a great distance between the two of them. Having enough of her game, he walked to her and grabbed her arm tightly. "No. I'm tired of this game. It ends now. I'm going to go tell your family about your scheming lies, you skank." He let go and started to head for the door.
"Oh! Oh my arm." She held her arm to her chest like it's hurt. "Not only did you grope me in the shower you hurt my arm too. I'm sure this will bruise nicely."Â His hand faltered at the door. "You're playing by my rules. I'll let you know when I need you." She pushed past him and exited.
No sooner had she left than he sat down on the sofa in the room. His head fell to his lap and his mind wandered away. He got himself together and then got himself up. Back into the living room he went, where his wife came to stand by him. She grabbed his hand. "Are you ready to leave?"
He nodded. Oh hell yes. "I've been ready since we got here and saw the company," he grumbled. She pulled him to her grandparents and said their goodbyes. The ride home was quiet. Determined not to bring that trash into his house, he exhaled before he got out of his car. The minute they stepped inside, he pulled Ava close and crushed his mouth to hers. The feel of her lips took away his tension and the yuck factor leftover from the evening.
If she blooms with his love, then his own growth is watered by her. Every flower must grow in dirt. Dirt is not a bad thing. It all comes down to growing in spite of it, letting the right nutrients in. Flowers grow out of dark moments. This dark moment will pass. Something good will come of it, right? But what? He'd really like to know what her trashy cousin's end game is. He may never know, but he's not going to let her get him down. He's going to bloom, in spite of this dirt, with his wife's love.