Weeks Later
Alexa's Point of View

"Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. I have no idea what to get Aaron. He has all the money a boy his age could possibly need and want. What could I get him that he couldn't just buy himself?" I asked Hamzah.

"That doesn't matter. He won't care about a price tag. You know him the most. Right?" Asked Hamzah.

"Yeah but.." I trailed off. "Has he said anything?"

"I don't think so," Hamzah shrugged.

"Oh you're no help Hamzah!" I said slightly shaking my phone.

"I have work in an hour. Talk to you later?" Asked Hamzah.

"Fine fine," I said. "I get it, you're sick of me."

"Not at all," Hamzah rolled his eyes. "Text me when you figure something out."

"Of course," I said. "Bye Hamzah. Have a nice day doing.. whatever a bookkeeper does."

"I keep track of the cash register transactions!" Hamzah exclaimed. "Talk to you later though!"

"Love you Hamz," I said.

"Love you too Alexa."

I hung up the phone and started brainstorming ideas. Maybe Aaron and I just needed a small getaway.

I pulled out my laptop and began looking for available hotel listings nearby. A staycation seemed like a good idea.

I didn't want to book one too far or else he'd have to drive us here and back and that didn't seem fun for him. But at least it was something, even if the hotel was close by.

I had a ton of money saved up from working at the diner all these years and my birthdays. I rarely ever had to buy anything for myself because I did come from a good family, at least for most of my life.

I scrolled through the endless hotel listings. I came across a hotel in particular that seemed nice. They had a suite that even had a kitchenette. The suite costs two hundred and eighty-five dollars per night. I decided to book for a weekend.

February sixteenth through February eighteenth we'd be able to stay. I paid almost six hundred dollars out of my savings account and lied back on my bed, taking a deep sigh.

I decided to go the store and grab more things. I got up and put on my winter coat out of the closet near the front door. I had been staying at the basement apartment to escape my mother's wrath. Apparently her and my father did get back together. But I couldn't care less.

I stopped home every once and a while as they worked and snatched whatever I needed from my room and brought it back to the apartment. I didn't mind living on my own. Aaron even got to spend nights with me a lot.

I started walking down towards the a shopping center nearby. It was across from the diner. Walking to the diner was so much nicer now. Of course it was still cold, possibly even colder. But the commute was so much quicker.

I walked into Bed Bath & Beyond and grabbed random face scrubs and more spa treatments. Aaron had just began his swimming final season as a senior. We spent less time together as he spent more time practicing. But I didn't mind, swimming made him happy so it made me happy too.

I grabbed body creams and face moisturizers and even hair masks. I even grabbed several candles before paying at the register. As I walked out I bumped into someone. I said a quick, "Sorry." But continued to walk out holding my bag of spa necessities.

I heard laughs behind me and turned around. There was Ryleigh and her crew. I rolled my eyes, "Really funny."

"I just find it funny how secure you feel in your relationship with Aaron," Ryleigh laughed as she walked towards us. "Valentine's day is coming up y'know. Are you ready?"

"What is your problem?" I asked her as I crossed my arms.

"I hope you're not expecting a little hang out with him," She said.

"And why not?" I asked as I balled my fists in anger.

"I think him and I are going to do a little something," She said with a wink. "Anyways, I hope you find a valentine! Just not Aaron." And at that she turned around and walked away.

"She's so corny," I whispered to myself as I left the shopping center and went home.

Now at home, I decided to call Aaron. It was getting late and I should start to make something to eat. I dialed Aaron's number and he eventually picked up after a few rings.

"Hi Aaron," I smiled into the phone as I held it up to my ear.

"Hey," I heard his voice. "What are you doing?"

"About to make some dinner. I was wondering if you wanted to come over and eat with me?" I asked.

"I would but, I'm busy with Ben right now," He said with a sigh.

"Doing what?" I asked feeling my heart rate pick up.

"His car needed a bit of help," Aaron shrugged. "Nothing crazy."

"Okay," I nodded. "Do you want to come over tonight though. If you have time?"

"Yeah I'll see," Aaron said.

"Okay," I said. "Good luck with whatever you're doing to his car."

"Talk to you later," He said before hanging up.

I furrowed my eyebrows but ignored the odd tension as I cooked dinner for myself instead.

***

It was Valentine's Day morning. I woke up and checked my phone. I had a text from Aaron.

a<3: happy valentine's day beautiful! you mean the world to me<3

I didn't even know what to say back. I was too busy blushing to even be able to think do what to say back.

me: happy valentine's day! thank u for all the awesome things you've done for me <3 can't wait to see you tonight mister :)

I kept smiling at my phone. This week we had winter recess so there was no school. It was already Thursday though, and Monday we'd have to go back to school and would have another break until spring break.

I showered. Then I got dressed in a light pink collared argyle sweater and light blue jeans. I put on my platform converse and walked to the diner.

I picked up pancakes for Aaron, and waffles for myself and Ben. I then kept walking. I took around twenty-five minutes for me to walk to Ben's house.

I knocked on the door to the big house. It took a few minutes, but eventually a shirtless Aaron answered the door.

"Hey Alexa," He smiled as he pulled me into a hug and kissed the top of my head. "Happy Valentine's Day."

"Happy Valentine's Day," I smiled as I put my chin on his chest to look up at him.

He pulled me into the house and shut the big front door.

"Is Ben here?" I asked.

"Yeah, he's probably sleeping in his room," Aaron said with his groggy voice. "Why?"

"I brought him some pancakes," I said as I started up the stairs. "I didn't want him to feel left out."

Aaron laughed, "Of course."

I knocked on Ben's door lightly, "Happy Valentine's Day!" I cheered as I placed the container of pancakes on his night stand.

He opened his arms so I leaned down to hug him, "Eat up Mr. Bellson," I laughed as I pulled from the hug.

"Thanks Lex," He smiled before he rolled over in bed.

Aaron and I went back to the dining hall downstairs.

"Thank you Alexa," He said as we began eating.

"Of course," I smiled.

"What do you want to do today?" He asked as he poured syrup on his pancakes.

"Well, whatever you want to do. But this weekend I have something planned out," I said.

"Like what?" He looked up at me and cocked an eyebrow.

"Stop," I said. "Don't look at me like that!"

"Like what?" He asked.

"Like.. that!" I said pointing to his face once he cocked his eyebrow again.

He rolled his eyes, "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Oh yeah I'm sure you don't," I answered him.

Once we finished eating, he threw out the empty containers and we went up to his room.

"Do you want your gift now?" Asked Aaron giving me a daring look.

"No," I shook my head. "Tonight."

"If you say so," Aaron said with a small smirk on his face.

"What?" I asked.

"Nothing," He shook his head, his face still smirking.

"Am I missing something?" I asked.

"Nope," He said.

"Whatever you say," I said before leaning back in his bed and he climbed on top of me.

A/N: just got hired at party city ! so updates may be a little slower. however, i do have a forty minute commute to & from school so i will probably continue to write then or else i'd be bored out of my mind. anyways, have a good day/night!!!! <3