TaterTot's story

Valentine's Day

Eve

Eve tapped her fingers rhythmically in her lap, eyes closed and head tilted back, positioned so she was facing the sky. She was humming a lullaby, like she always did. It made her think of her grandmother. Next to her on the bench sat her Valentine's Day gift for her girlfriend, Zoe. This was an important place for them, because it was where they first met: by the bench that was just a little off from the others, just a little too close to the lamppost. Eve sat at the very same bench that she had met Zoe, and waited for her to arrive.

She pulled out her phone and looked down at the time. She saw that it was only just past 10 o'clock, and dismissed her worries. Eve, always punctual, had arrived at 10 on the dot. She resumed humming her melody and returned to her thoughts.

Suddenly, she heard a teenage girl giggle, followed by an emotional, "Thank you!" Eve opened her eyes and snapped her head forward, looking around expecting to see Zoe. Her gaze landed on two couples, one clearly having just exchanged Valentine's Day gifts. Her eyebrows furrowed, waiting still.

Eve wasn't the impatient type, but she was the worrying type. She had asked Zoe to meet her here this Friday morning, if it wasn't too much trouble. They had planned to go to the bookstore downtown, and then a few other places nearby. Now Eve was worrying that she wasn't firm enough to get a concise answer. Or maybe Zoe had thought she meant next Friday? But that wouldn't make sense either, they had school next Friday. Or what if Zoe was mad at her? Her thoughts were circling ceaselessly, and finally it was 10:30. She pulled out her phone again to text Zoe, but hesitated. Eve didn't want to bother Zoe, if in fact Zoe was mad. Then she thought better of it and pulled up Zoe's contact. Then she let out a sigh of relief, and chided herself for worrying so much. Zoe had texted her, at 9:30, "Sorry, I'm going to be reeeaally late!! I'll be there around 11, could you wait for me? Also, want me to bring coffee?"

Eve grinned, worry gone. She texted back, saying that it wasn't a problem, and yes please. It was odd, but talking to Zoe always made her light up, made her feel warm and fuzzy inside. Even the little conversations. She was nervous, but excited for a day with Zoe. Only 20 minutes to go, and then the day is ours.

Zoe

Zoe was running, every movement deliberate and quick. She swung around the banister and hopped up the stairs, and turned to the room there. She burst through the door and looked around. Her eyes fell on her little cousin, Jax, sitting on the bed with a cupcake. Probably one from her own family's shop, too. She practically pounced on him and said,

"Where is it do you have the gift its in a small paper bag red and perfect with a heart gift tag and do you know where it is?" she said, panting. Jax's eyes were wide, surprised to see a panicked Zoe. Then a grin broke out on his face, finding this side of Zoe very funny.

"Martha Auntie asked me to take it downstairs, so it was ready when you were gonna leave," Jax said. "Is it for Valentine's Day? Who's it for?"

Racing out the door, Zoe said, "The most amazing girl in the world!"

A split-second later she said, "Oh, and," Then she peeked her head back through the door, "thanks!" Then she sprinted down the stairs and for the door. Seeing her bag lying next to the door, she grabbed it and reached for the door handle. Then a voice called out.

"Zoe, the coffee!" her dad called, holding out two coffee mugs in a carrying case. Her mom watched with amusement.

"Oh, right!" she reached over the bartop and took them. Once again, Zoe ran to the door. "Thanks Dad! Love you guys, bye,"

"Bye sweetie!"

"Have fun!" called her parents. And with that, Zoe swung out the door.

Eve

Eve had been pacing around the lamppost, consumed with anticipation for the last 20 minutes. She had been thinking over her gift and hoped Zoe would like it. And not think the note was too cheesy. She had thought about taking it out, but realized it wouldn't hurt Zoe if it was, only embarrass Eve herself. But if Zoe liked it, she'd be happy, so the risk was worth it.

Suddenly, she heard footsteps drawing nearer. Then she felt a body crash into her, and arms wrap around her. Eve turned in surprise and delight. She saw Zoe with glee on her face, and smiled broadly. Eve reached around Zoe and hugged her in return. After a moment, they broke apart.

"Hello, Zoe," Eve said, a tranquil happiness in her expression.

"Hello!" Zoe said.

Zoe

"Sorry I'm so late, the shop was reeeaally busy and it was too much for my parents. They said I could go, but I felt bad leaving them. I'm sorry," Zoe said, hands clasped and face apologetic.

"That's okay, I understand. How are you?" Eve asked.

"Eve, a funny thing about you is that you're the only person that isn't a parent that actually bothers to ask that." Zoe grinned. "Much appreciated, though. Well, I'm doing great and OH I need my coffee. And how are you?" Zoe said, still stumbling over her words from excitement. Eve laughed softly. Zoe's heart lit up when she heard it. She hoped Eve couldn't sense how fast her heart was beating. Well, more like, sense her constant desire to kiss her and hold her, but also anticipating every reaction from Eve.

"Good to hear you're well, and I'm well too, thanks," she said. "Shall we get your coffee?"

"Yes! I left it on the ground over there so I could surprise you," Zoe said. "Without, you know, spilling coffee all over us."

They got their coffee, and Zoe reached for her gift bag she had prepared. She opened her mouth to ask if she could give it, but Eve spoke.

"Could I go first?" Eve asked, hesitantly. Zoe looked at her quizzically, but accepted it. She nodded. Eve reached next to her for her own bag, and handed it to Zoe.

"You know, I was planning on taking you out on a date for Valentine's Day, but you beat me to it," Zoe said, grinning. Eve only smiled, focusing on the gift. Zoe pulled a carefully wrapped box from the bag, then peered inside and saw more. Her eyes lit up.

"Oooh, you got me chocolate!" Zoe exclaimed. "Classic and lovable," she said, popping a heart shaped chocolate into her mouth. Then she pulled out a pair of socks, with the Gryffindor crest decorating them. "They're fuzzy!" Zoe said, easily excited. She looked at Eve. "Thanks!" Eve smiled.

"Open the box?" Eve asked. Zoe nodded, excited. She carefully tugged the ribbon loose, then as if giving up being neat, and preserving the beauty, she ripped open the wrapping paper.

"It's the new Stalking Jack the Ripper book! You know me so well," Zoe said delightedly. Already, Zoe's heart was filling with joy. Eve's presents, and the thought, brought her unimaginable joy, anything from Eve would. However, that wasn't the end of the gifts. Beside that was a pair of earrings. They were a column of small, golden sakura-shaped flowers that were smaller towards the top and bottom, and largest in the middle. When they moved, you could see that the flowers rotated from the base and would turn, leaving a glittering effect. Zoe looked at them in amazement.

"Oh, they're beautiful Eve!" Zoe said. "Thank you, thank you, this is the best day ever!" she said, voice expressing her happiness.. Eve's eyes were shining, glad to have pleased her.

"There's still the letter," Eve said quietly, not meeting Zoe's eyes, feeling shy. Zoe's mouth made a silent o, and she looked back into the box, and saw a white envelope. Zoe stared at it a moment, then slitted it open carefully. She removed a folded paper slowly from the envelope. Zoe unfolded it and glanced at Eve for a second. Looking back at her, Eve stared, clearly anticipating Zoe's reaction. Then her eyes wandered to the letter, and Zoe's eyes followed. She read it silently, slowly, taking it in. It was a letter about Zoe, all the things Eve loved about her. So, everything. Then Zoe smiled, and brought her hands to Eve's face gently. She pulled her lips to her own and kissed her softly. Zoe pulled away, looking into Eve's surprised, gray, eyes and spoke.

"I didn't write you a letter," she said, tilting her head. It was a silent promise, and a thank you in a few words. Eve just shook her head, as if to say no, no need to worry about that.

Then she asked anxiously, "Wasn't... too much?" Zoe shook her head vigorously.

"It was perfect, love," she said. She hoped her voice was conveying how she felt. Though, Zoe sensed that Eve being Eve, understood everything she wanted to say. Zoe wrapped one arm around Eve, leaning against her. "Ready for your gift?"

"Yes!" Eve said excitedly. Zoe grinned. With her other arm, she handed Eve the bag. She watched as Eve's slender fingers lifted the gift tag, and as Eve smiled at it. She was adorable.

Zoe bit her lip as Eve took the red tissue paper out of the bag. It wasn't as if she worried the reception would be bad, rather, that she simply hadn't given Eve the gift she deserved. And Eve's gifts had been so thoughtful, so sweet. But Zoe watched on, quiet.

Eve peered inside the bag. Inside was a puzzle. Of course, a puzzle, for puzzle-obsessed Eve. Eve took out the puzzle, seeing that it was a scene from Fruits Basket, a book series they both loved. Her eyes sparkled.

"Can we do this together?" Eve asked. Zoe nodded vigorously.

"Of course! I'm looking forward to it," Zoe said, and grinned. Eve smiled in return, and looked back down to the bag.

Zoe watched Eve's deft hands pull out the next gift. Zoe hoped tea wasn't too boring, even though Eve loved tea. Eve looked at it and lit up, in a really funny, cute way.

"Thanks!" she said. Zoe grinned again.

"Tea isn't too boring, then?" she asked, half-joking.

"I like the little things," Eve replied, a small smile on her face.

Then she pulled out the last gift. Zoe watched as she took out the small jewelry box. Eve opened it and lifted out the necklace.

Eve

Eve lifted the necklace carefully from the box. She marveled at the gleaming silver. It was a beautiful silver chain with a ring at the end. However, the ring wasn't a complete circle, right where the beginning and end should meet, it tapered slightly on both ends, and left a small gap in between. It was simple, but enchanting. She reveled in its simple beauty. Eve knew she could stare at it for eternity and never tire of it. Eve held the ring in her palm, then noticed another feature. Engraved on the inside if the ring was her name. Written beautifully in cursive was her name, "Eve", naming the ring as her very own. Eve felt tears well up in her eyes. She turned out of Zoe's hold to hug her fully. She rested her head on Zoe's shoulder, and felt Zoe's hand rest on her head.

"Thank you," she murmured.

Zoe

Zoe felt Eve's tears on her neck. Then she released Eve.

"One more thing," she said. Eve's eyebrows raised in adorable surprise. Zoe was ecstatic that Eve was happy. She reached for her collar, and lifted her own chain so that it was visible. It was identical to Eve's, except that on the inside, "Zoe" was written. Zoe had bought them, wanting to have matching necklaces. She watched as Eve's eyes widened.

"They're matching! Oh Zoe I love them," she said, clearly touched.

"Can I put yours on?" Zoe said, extending a hand. Eve nodded and placed the necklace in Zoe's hand.

Eve

Eve watched as Zoe fumbled with the clasp, until finally it came undone. Then Eve turned her back to Zoe and lifted her hair to the side. Zoe reached around her neck, holding the necklace. Zoe's cool touch at her neck began to make her heart beat rapidly. She would never get used to it, really. She felt Zoe struggle yet again with the clasp, at the back of her neck. Finally, Zoe got it into place, and pulled Eve's hand down, telling her she was done. Eve released her hair, letting it fall to her waist. Then Zoe took her by the arms and spun her around to face her. Eve's heart was in heaven. She smiled, and Zoe smiled back. Then Zoe put her forehead to hers, their bodies close.

"And look," she murmured. Eve could feel Zoe's breath, they were so close. Her skin flushed. Then she watched as Zoe lifted her own necklace to Eve's, and slid the ring through the gap of the other. Then she let them fall, and they remained connected. Eve marveled at the two interlocking rings, feeling the significance of it. Her skin still hot, she felt a tear trail down her cheek again. Zoe reached up and with a delicate finger, wiped away the tear at her cheek. Then Zoe pulled away, and Eve immediately longed for her warmth. But then Zoe took her hands in her own, and pulled them to her chest lovingly. Suddenly, Eve spoke.

"We'll always be together, right Zoe?" she asked softly.

"Forever," Zoe murmured, smiling. Then, awkwardly, she said,

". . . wanna head over to the bookstore now?"

Eve laughed. Still holding Zoe's hands, she leaned her head over and rested it in the crook of Zoe's neck.

"One more moment of our forever, love," she whispered.

The End