I hate St. Valentine's day. Boys become just mad. Every year on this day I go home from school with my bag full of love stuff – flowers, sweets, teddy bears and a huge pile of valentines.

On this day it's impossible to go through the school corridor without receiving a present. Some guys hand me small paper hearts, and smiling impudently, ask me to spend the evening with them. Others, shyly looking at their feet and mumbling compliments, give me a flower or a chocolate bar. After lessons, when Valentine's Post arrives, I always get more valentines than anyone else in the class. Girls look sideways at me with visible jealousy; boys playfully stare or wink at me.

Though I'm not quite right when I say that I get more valentines than anybody else. There is a boy, who gets at least no less valentines than I. Nick Kontellis, a very charming and good-looking boy, also is in the centre of attention on this day. Somehow I can't stand it. I don't know why. Nick isn't my boyfriend, and has never been, but every time when a girl hands him a paper heart, I feel a pang of jealousy. Although, when Nick indifferently shoves their gifts into his bag or book, my feelings calm down a bit.

But it isn't the reason why I dislike St Valentine's day. Of course I like this attention from boys, I like to feel that I'm a beautiful and adorable girl and to know that there are people, who love me.

I don't like this day, because for the recent three years I wake up on 14th of February in expectation of a miracle – that a boy I have been dreaming about for so long will say that he loves me. When we started TPI, I couldn't even imagine that I would feel so strong feelings for Nick. We hadn't been too close before TPI, or probably we were too young to think about feelings and relationships, but TPI made us good and close friends. All of us. From a circle of people, combined by one idea of a job agency, we turned into a gang of best friends. And one day I realised that I was in love with Nick. Though he kept considering me a light-minded girl, his best friend and work mate.

I like to sit next to him while he tells about his problems or achievements. He thinks I'm a supportive friend, but I simply enjoy this closeness between us, from time to time nodding and putting in a word. He tells me about his lessons, new computer games; he told me about his first dates and now I know everything about his girlfriends. At these moments I'm burning inside with jealousy, but all the same, I smile and support him.

Though almost all Nick's romances finish one and the same way – he disappoints in his girlfriend. Every time after breaking up with his new girlfriend, he comes to me and I comfort him, secretly hoping that I will be his next girlfriend; and not for a couple of weeks or a month, but for much longer. During these three years I have been consoling and sympathizing him; I held his hand while he complained about a girl, he'd broken up with; or smiled and supported when he told me about his new passion.

I am under no illusion about our relationship. Nick loves me, but only as a good friend, no more. I perfectly know it, but all the same, every St Valentine's day I wake up awaiting a miracle. My heart starts wildly beating when I meet him. I nearly faint with happiness when he hugs me, kisses my cheek and hands me a valentine. With trembling hands I open the card, hoping to see the three coveted words. And every time my heart tears apart and sinks somewhere down when I read "to my best friend with best wishes".

But all the same, I thank him and kiss his cheek.

I know it's naïve and stupid, but in the evening I look through my valentines, teddies and cards in flowers, hoping that one of them is from Nick. I imagine that in the pile of valentines I find the one, where Nick says that he loves me, but he's afraid to tell me about his feelings in person and that's why he sends me this valentine.

But when all presents are sorted out, there is nothing from Nick.

It's a terrible feeling when you feel disappointment after a long expectation of something. At these moments I feel so cold emptiness inside that tears come into my eyes. And I feel even worse when I think that at that moment Nick might be having a good time with his girlfriend; that he might be kissing and caressing her. It's so depressive.

When will this craziness finish? Love is a weird thing. Sometimes it can last only for several days, even if you try to save it; and sometimes it can last for many years and all your efforts to get rid of it are unavailing. You already know everything about the person you love, and you're even used to loving him, constantly thinking about him, he becomes as necessary as air for you. You are tired to live like that, but still can't get him out of your head.

I already know everything about Nick, probably I know him better than even he knows himself. I know what he likes and dislikes; I can tell you his favourite colour, singer, movie. I even know which of girls are in love with him (though I'm not alone here). I can unmistakably say that he feels bad even if he's smiling. The only thing I don't understand is why he still doesn't notice my attitude towards him. Or maybe he knows about my feelings, but doesn't want to show it so as not to complicate his life?

###

14th of February. St Valentine's day.

I wake up in a good mood with a strong feeling that this year my miracle will definitely happen today. As usual on this day, though. I don't know why I can't learn from my own mistakes. It's so naïve to expect that Nick is going to say that he loves me. Especially after our yesterday's conversation.

###

The day before

I'm sitting on a bench in the school yard and fumbling in my bag for my cell phone. A woman's bag is an amazing thing! It looks so small, but can contain so many things that it's just unreal to find anything in it.

"Bye, Richelle! See you!" Tom and Sunny rush past me.

"Bye," I mutter to myself, without even glancing at them. Neither Sunny, nor Tom are those people I'd like to speak to. Tom is too freaky and Sunny is too cold and close.

I stopped searching and raised my head to look after them. They are going, hand in hand, and gaily chatting. Tom trips over something and nearly bumps into a tree. Sunny giggles and helps him to pull leaves out of his hair. Tom cautiously touches his forehead, and laughing, they go through the school gate and vanish from my sight.

I shrug and return to my bag. For the second time I'm checking every single compartment in my bag. Where the hell this phone can be? Maybe I lost it? I'm so oblivious and inattentive that I easily could leave my phone in… anywhere actually.

"Hi, Richelle," Liz sinks down on the bench next to me.

"Mmm," I moan without looking away from my bag. At that moment my fingers find a flat, oblong thing. Oh, at last! I clearly remember that I've already checked this pocket at least three times. My phone turned out to be lost in the fold of the bag's lining. I pull it out of the bag and realise that Liz is watching me, patiently waiting when I deign to pay attention to her.

"Do you know Danny Wiliams?" she says when she understands that I'm at last ready to listen to her.

"Yeah," I nod. Danny Williams is a pretty boy a year older than we. Liz has been hopelessly in love with him for ages.

Liz leans towards me and confidentially whispers. "I want to send him a special valentine tomorrow."

"Good for him," I shrug. I glance at my phone, which I still have been holding in my hand, and realise that I don't remember why I was looking for it. Probably I wanted to phone someone, but I completely don't remember whom I wanted to speak to and why. Dad? Or Nick? Or maybe my dance teacher? I wonder what Nick is doing now. Should I call him? The other day he told me that he liked Kaylee, that girl who lived down his street. I wonder if he's going to ask her out tomorrow. Kaylee is a good-looking girl, like other his girlfriends though…

"Richelle?" Liz pats my arm.

I return into reality, realising that I tuned out again while Liz was talking something to me. What was she talking about?

"So? How do you think? Will Danny like such a valentine?"

Oh, yeah, Danny Williams! Liz was talking about him. But what valentine does she mean? Though, I don't feel like telling her that I wasn't listening, otherwise she'll start all that again. So I just nod. "Of course he will," I say.

"Do you think so?" Liz beams. "Sunny also said that a hand-made valentine is a cute present. But what should I write?"

"Write?" I stare at her.

"Yeah," Liz nods. "I've just told you, I want to tell Danny about my feelings for him through the valentine."

"Why?" I open my eyes wide in surprise.

"What why?" Liz stares at me.

"Why tell him about your feelings? Isn't it guys who should do the first step? What about your female pride?"

"What has my pride to do with it?" Liz shrugs. "I'm just tired to live like that. I like him, and sometimes he seems to like me too. But then he doesn't even notice me. I just want to know."

I nod. Yeah, this point I understand very well. I also would like to know about Nick's attitude to me. Will we ever be a couple or my dream never will come true?

"Besides, as I've just explained to you, I'm not going to tell him that I like him so straight out," Liz keeps talking. "I just want to hint and see his reaction."

Tell a boy about your feelings? Maybe I should do the same? What will I lose after all? If Nick says that he definitely doesn't feel anything except for friendship for me, I, at least, will get rid of this painful expectation, hope and uncertainty. Or if he says that he feels the same… I can't describe what I would feel if he says this. Probably all stars in the sky will blow up at once. He'll lean closer to me and slightly kiss my lips. I'll feel his heart beating next to mine. Then he'll take my hand and whisper that he loves me too…

"Richelle! Are you hearing me?" Liz gives me a little nudge, jerking me out of my dreams.

"What? Oh, yeah. Sure."

"So what should I say?"

"What say? To whom?" I stared at her, puzzled.

"Danny!" there is an obvious irritation in Liz's voice.

I pouted. "There's no need to yell," I muttered.

"Sorry," Liz sighed. "I ask you because you always get so many valentines. You must know how to tell a boy about your feelings, but without complicating your current relationship with him."

How to tell a boy about your feelings? I wish I knew!

"Just tell him that you like him," I say out loud.

"Just tell him that?" Liz exclaimed, horrified.

"Yeah," I shrug. "If he says the same, you'll get a boy, you've been dreaming about for so long. But if he makes fun of your feelings… Well you'll understand that he's a swine and isn't worthy of you.

"Well, maybe," Liz says doubtfully. "Okay, thanks, Richelle. I have to go. Are you going home? We can walk together."

"No, I'll stay here for a while," I reply, absent-mindedly looking at my phone.

To tell a boy that you like him is a brave step. But perhaps it's a right step too.

The more I think about it, the more it seems a good idea.

At last I've made up my mind. I dial Nick's number to ask him about his plans for tomorrow.

###

"Hi, Rich!" Nick exclaims. "I'm so glad that you're calling! I need you!"

"Oh… Do you?" my heart starts beating so fast that I hardly can breathe. "Why?"

"I want to speak to you. Can we meet now? Where are you?"

"In the school yard," I babble.

"I'll be there in a minute!"

###

Several minutes later Nick sits down on the bench next to me. He looks excited. I'm trying to look calm, but my heart is thumping against my ribs. I can't believe it! Is he really going to invite me somewhere?.. I just see how Nick asks me to go on a date with him tomorrow. How we sit in a restaurant and Nick takes my hand and says that he's in love with me… Stars blow up and fall down on us like sparkling rain…

"Remember I told you about Kaylee? Oh, Richelle, I like her so much!" Nick dreamily rolls his eyes. "I want to give her an unusual present tomorrow, something romantic and cute. Can you give me some advice? I need your help!"

All my stars faded at once, my world became cold and lonely. Tears of disappointment welled in my eyes. So, it's the end of my dreams. Everything what I had been thinking since Liz went off is senseless now. I don't have to tell Nick about my feelings now, he's already answered my unasked question.

"Richelle? Are you all right?" Nick puts his hand on my arm and anxiously looks into my eyes.

"Um, yeah, I'm fine. I just… I was thinking…"

"So, will you help me?"

I raise my eyes at him. Here he is, Nick Kontellis, my dream, one of the best-looking and popular boys at school, is sitting next to me and looking at me with his clever, piercing, black eyes. And again I realise that I'm hopelessly in love with him. And no matter how much I dislike this Kaylee, it's not Nick's fault that he doesn't feel the same to me. I can't blame him for that.

"Of course,' I force myself to smile. If you can call this fake twisting of lips "a smile". But probably my acting ability is better than I think, or Nick is too busy with his own thoughts. Whatever it is, he's beaming at me.

"Great!" he grins.

And I'm also smiling, this time sincerely. I just can't help smiling, when he looks so happy.

"Well, first of all, buy her a big bunch of flowers. But not roses or lilies, they are too cliched. Buy other flowers, maybe simpler, but more unusual. Girls are fond of unusual things," I explain to Nick. He's doubtfully looking at me.

"What kind of unusual flowers?"

"I don't know," I mutter. "It's your girlfriend, not mine. You should know better what she likes."

Though I won't be surprised if this Kaylee prefers boring red roses, I added to myself. As for me, I would like to receive gerberas. I think these flowers are the most romantic of all flowers. But we're speaking not about me, unfortunately. What an ironic twist of fate. I'm helping Nick to plan a perfect and romantic night with his girlfriend wishing I was on this girl's place.

I jerk my head and return to reality. Nick is thoughtfully looking at the ground. Probably he's trying to figure out which flowers except for roses he can buy for a girl. I roll my eyes. When it comes to how to surprise a girl, Nick doesn't differ from other guys. They all have lack of fantasy.

"Okay, what else?" Nick breaks the silence. "Dinner?"

"Yeah, dinner will be appropriate," I agree. "But I personally would prefer not just dinner, but dinner in a very romantic place, where I would feel like a princess."

Nick ironically raises one eyebrow.

"Don't sneer," I punch him slightly with my finger. "All girls like attention. Of course you can buy her a bracelet or a huge bunch of flowers, or take her out to dinner in an extremely expensive restaurant. But believe me, an unforgettable, romantic evening will impress her much stronger. An evening, which she'll never forget, and on all next St Valentine's Days, when her future boys give her flowers or teddy bears, she'll think of you and your romantic night."

"Oh, thank you, Rich. You didn't simplify it at all. Quite the opposite, I'd say," Nick sighs. "Princess? Does it mean that I have to wear a tux and find a horse-drawn carriage?"

"Don't be silly," I waved him off. "To be a prince doesn't mean to dress up like a prince. It means to act like a prince. Who madly loves his princess."

Nick gave me an attentive and unexpectedly long glance.

"Thank you," he says quietly. "It's a great idea. I knew that you'd help me."

"You're welcome," I smile. "I'm sure that Kaylee will appreciate it."

Now I feel like a little mermaid from the fairy tale, who felt as if she was walking on sharp knives, but despite it, she smiled and looked happy. Like her, I smile at Nick and help him to charm another girl, but every word is very hard for me to say, my heart is tearing apart and tears are burning my eyes.

###

Present time

I shake my head to banish this recollection; jump off the bed and go over to the wardrobe. Will my miracle happen or not, I'm going to look as gorgeous as ever. And I'm going to tell Nick about my feelings. Yeah, he has a date with another girl tonight, but all the same, I want him to know about my feelings. I just want to get rid of this hope.

Having finished with my make-up, I go downstairs to the kitchen and see three bunches of flowers there.

"What's this?" I ask.

"One of them is for me from your father. And the other two are for you," mum smiles.

Oh, great, I think as I come up to the flowers and read the cards. Jim Winslet and Peter Crage. Both are from my dance class. Without bothering to put the flowers into water, I sit down at the table and pour juice into my glass.

Mum's looking at me reproachfully.

"Mum, I'm sick of them and their flowers and sweets," I say crossly. No, honestly, I woke up only one hour ago, but they've already managed to bring the flowers. I don't mind such attention from boys, but not now, when I want so much to get flowers from the one and only. He thinks about another girl, but I can't stop myself from dreaming about him all the same. And with every new flower or valentine from another boy I feel nothing but disappointment and irritation.

###

While going to school, I got two valentines and one little teddy bear. In the school yard I meet Liz. Beaming, she shows me a red rose.

"It's from Elmo," she says.

"Wow! Great!" I made an interested face.

"Elmo's so cute, isn't he?" Liz sighs

Oh, here we go, I think gloomily. Now Liz is going to whinge about poor Elmo, and his feelings for her, and that she feels so guilty because she makes him suffer. I've heard this stuff a thousand times before.

"I feel so bad when I think that I make Elmo go through this," Liz sighs as if she read my thoughts.

Secretly I roll my eyes. I don't want to listen to this stuff all over again, but I need to ask her about her valentine for Danny. I hope she won't ask me why I want to know what she wrote to him.

###

We are walking along the school corridor. Liz is still chatting about "poor Elmo". Every now and then boys stop me and give me presents. Liz also got several valentines, mostly from her friends, though. A boy, probably a year younger, comes up to me and begins murmuring compliments. Liz watches us with mixture of envy and happiness. I impatiently take his valentine, give him a polite smile and drag Liz further.

"Liz, have you done that valentine for Danny?" finally I ask her.

Liz blushes. "Yeah, I've done it," she says reluctantly. "But I'm not brave enough to give it to him in person. So I decided to send it by the Valentine's post. I hope he'll call me. Richelle, you can't imagine what I feel now. I can't wait when he'll receive my valentine, and at the same time I'm so afraid of this moment. I don't know what he'll think of me. Why do you ask, by the way?"

"I… um, I…" I felt my face getting hot. "I also want to write to someone," I mumble.

"You!?" Liz stops short and stares at me as if there is something weird about me. "Someone doesn't want to go on a date with you? Do such guys exist? I thought all boys were fond of beauty Richelle."

"Well, apparently not all of them," I pouted. "There is one who isn't. And I'm sick of it. If he learns about my feelings, I will be able to decide if we'll ever be together or not."

"Is it Nick?" Liz asks quietly.

I look down my nose at her. "It doesn't matter," I snap.

Sometimes Liz is incredibly irritating. I knew that she would start asking. My personal life and my feelings for boys are not her business. If I wanted to, I would tell her about it long ago. At this time instead of questions I'd prefer to get her advice what to say to him. But her idea to send the valentine by the Post is good. In this case I won't feel embarrassed when he gets it.

###

During the whole morning I have been thinking of what I can say to Nick. I've already written all over several sheets of paper, but haven't found proper words yet. Finally I got sick of it. I take the valentine, which I bought for Nick, and write simple "I love you." For a while I was thinking if I should sign it or not. If I don't sign, Nick may not understand that it's from me. Besides, in that pile of valentines he'll receive, he might just miss my valentine. But on the other hand, I don't want to write my name either.

In the end I decide to put "R." under my message. I hope he'll understand.

After lunch I go to the Valentine's post box. A lot of kids crowd around it, mostly because of two huge Cupids, who are bouncing and clowning around. Ignoring them all, I come up to the box and put the valentines for my friends into it. Then I look around self-consciously. Kids are busy playing with Cupids. Only two boys are staring at me with interest. My face is starting to grow hot. Somehow I feel as if I'm going to do something indecent.

"Come on, Richelle," I say to myself. "It's nobody's business what I wrote to Nick or someone else."

I take a deep breath, then decisively pull my precious valentine for Nick out of my bag and quickly put it into the box. After that I sharply turn around and stride off, avoiding looking at anyone.

"Richelle," I hear too familiar voice from behind me. My heart starts beating faster.

Oh, God! I hope he didn't see me near that Valentine's Post box, a desperate thought flashes in my mind. Oh, even if he did, so what? I object to myself. I didn't do anything wrong. I just put valentines for my friends into the post box. There's nothing obscene about it.

I stop and turn around to face Nick. He's holding a big paper bag in his hand. My heart is beating so fast now that I feel I can faint.

"I've been looking for you for the whole morning," he says. "This is for you. Happy Valentine's Day," he hands me the paper bag and kisses my cheek.

Nearly fainting, I open the bag and see a lovely angel girl and a paper heart. With trembling hands I take out the card, open it… and feel my heart falling somewhere down and tears starting burning my eyes.

"To my best friend with best wishes" is written in Nick's fine hand.

"Thank you," I smile and hug him, doing my best not to show my disappointment. "I'm sorry, I… I sent you my valentine by the post."

Nick seems a bit disappointed. "Oh… I can't wait," he says. Am I dreaming or his voice sounds unexpectedly offended?

###

By the end of the school day I have nearly driven myself crazy by this endless thinking. What will Nick think when he reads my message? Will he reciprocate my feelings? Or will our friendship finish?

At the end of the last lesson two Cupids bring the box of valentines. My heart starts beating frantically again. This is it. The moment has come. I take a deep breath trying to look naturally casual. One of Cupids hands me a pile of valentines and a few chocolate bars. Out of the corner of my eye I see Tom staring hungrily at the chocolates. I pretend to read messages on my valentines, and secretly watch Nick.

Cupid comes up to him and pulls out valentines from his box. Nick nods "thank you" and unenthusiastically starts looking through them. I keep looking through my valentines, though I don't see anything in front of me. I try my best to calm down and look natural, but I can't. My heart is hammering, throat is unbearably dry, my face is burning.

Nick puts aside one valentine after another, but suddenly lingers on one of them. For a while he scowls at it, then he turns his head and looks at me, his eyes are full of bewilderment. I already feel sick. All what I want now is fall down through the ground and run as far as possibly away from Nick. I pretend that I'm reading a long message on one of my valentines, but feel that Nick is staring at me. Please, turn away! I mentally beg him. Don't look at me!

At the very last the bell starts ringing. I jump up to my feet, shove my stuff into my bag and practically run out of the class. I wanted to know Nick's reaction to my confession? Well, now I completely don't want to know it. I don't want to know what he'll say or think, I don't want even to see him. All what I want at the moment is get home and hide from anyone.

As fast as I can I'm walking across the school yard towards the gate. Dad promised to pick me up. I hope he won't be late. I don't want to stay here a minute longer.

"Richelle?" Nick calls me from behind.

"Damn it!" I think desperately. "I should have walked faster."

So, I have to face it.

I stop, take a deep breath and turn to him. Nick catches up with me. "What does it mean?" he demands.

"What?" I pretend to be surprised. By this time I have decided that I won't discuss my feelings with him. I'm going to pretend that I didn't write anything and this valentine is just someone's stupid joke.

"Richelle, you wrote that… that… Did you write it?"

"I don't understand what you're talking about."

Nick fumbles in his pocket and pulls out my valentine. "Isn't this yours?" he shows it to me.

I open my mouth to say that I have never seen this valentine before and don't know who could write it. But then it crossed my mind that it's not a good decision after all. Nick will find it out, somehow. Plus he knows my handwriting. And if he understands that I deceived him, it only will complicate this situation. So I take a deep breath, pull myself together and very quietly utter just one word, "Yes."

"Yes?"

"Yes, I wrote it. Yes, I've got feelings for you. But it's not a big deal. I just wanted you to know about it. That's all. You don't owe me anything."

I turn around and go towards the road. Luckily dad's already here and waiting for me. He's only ten steps away from me… Ten little steps… Nick catches up with me and grabs my hand.

"Not a big deal?" he exclaims. "It is a big deal! Richelle… I don't understand… How… When… How long…"

"Does it really matter when and how long," I raise my eyes at him. Nick seems embarrassed.

"Richelle, I… I don't know what to say…"

Tell me that you love me too, my heart yells. "Don't say anything then," I snap out loud.

"I… I like Kaylee," Nick says very quietly, almost in a whisper. "I'm sorry."

"I know," I reply in the same voice. I raise my eyes at him. He looks so upset that I'm starting to feel sorry for him even more than for myself. I feel a tear rolling down my cheek and quickly wipe it with my hand.

"Richelle, please, don't cry," Nick mumbles. "It makes me feel awful."

"I'm fine," I say. "It's not your fault that you don't feel the same to me."

"It's not that," Nick shakes his head. "You mean a lot to me… But as a friend." he takes a step closer. "Can I?" he whispers.

"Sure," I reply, perfectly knowing what he means. I also want him to do that. Nick hugs me, and I put my head on his shoulder.

"Thank you," I murmur in his ear. "By the way, happy Valentine's Day!" I stealthily wipe my tears, kiss his cheek and let go of him. "Shouldn't you go to Kaylee? She must be waiting."

Nick shakes his head. "We arranged to meet at six o'clock." He looks at me attentively. "Are you sure that everything's okay?"

I nod. "I have to go. Dad's already waiting for me. Call me after your date. I want to know how it was," I turn around and walk towards dad's car. While climbing into it, I cast a glance back. Nick is still standing there and looking at me.

Well, at least I've done it, I think sadly as dad starts the engine and drives onto the road. As they say, a negative result is still a result. Now I know that friendship is all what Nick can give me.

###

I sit in my room alone in the whole house. It's nearly seven o'clock. Nick must have already met Kaylee. I wonder where he's going to take her out tonight.

All of a sudden I feel angry. Why the hell I'm sitting at home alone while Nick's having a good time with his girlfriend? Even my parents are having a romantic date, why am I suffering then? That's enough. My usual excuse that Nick might have feelings for me is senseless now. So I should stop thinking about him. I need to find someone else.

I decisively take my bag and dump all valentines onto my bed. There are lots of valentines. Boys really seem to like me. I reread messages and signatures on the valentines. I'm going to find the best boy and ask him out tonight. Nick isn't the only one who can be happy on this day. I also can and should be happy. And I'm going to go on a date today, even if the boy isn't the one I love.

Finally I choose the best boy of all boys who sent me presents. Peter Crage, the guy from my dance class. I know him very well. He's a quite cool guy, and he's pretty, and he always pays special attention to me. Yes, he's good enough for this evening. I take my phone and find his number.

Peter agrees to go out with me once I said that I was alone and had nothing to do. Though I have a feeling that he had already arranged to meet with someone else tonight, but decided to cancel it without thinking twice. He suggested meeting at eight o'clock in the Black Cat café. I agreed and hung up. So, I have one hour to prepare for the date. Nick it is or someone else, I must look as gorgeous as ever.

At this moment I felt a prick of conscience. Peter is a good guy, and he really seems to like me, but I use him just to distract from another boy. It's mean and selfish. Besides, if I'm right and he cancelled his date because of me, someone else will feel abandoned this evening.

But I immediately throw these thoughts out of my head. I can't think about other people all the time, can I?

At 19:30 I put on my best shoes on high heels, and check myself in the mirror. I look great. Peter's sure to appreciate it. Unlike Nick.

I take my purse and go downstairs. The house is quiet and empty. Even Jason, my younger brother has a date. I take the door handle, open it… and bump straight into Nick. My jaw drops. At first I can't even believe my eyes.

"Nick?" I gasp. "What's the matter?"

"I don't know," he replies quietly.

"What do you mean "I don't know?" I ask. "Right now you must be in the middle of romantic date with Kaylee. Has something happened? Have you quarreled?"

"No," Nick seriously looks at me. "Are you leaving?"

"Um…no," I realise that for some reason I don't want to tell him about my date with Peter. "I… I just was going to a shop."

Nick raises one eyebrow, but doesn't comment. I feel myself starting to blush. Honestly, to go to a shop in shoes on high heel, short dress and with full make-up is strange even for me. Luckily everyone knows about my desire to look great in every situation. So Nick doesn't say anything about it, even if he finds it strange.

I secretly glance at my watch. In ten minutes I must be in the café and I've got another ten minutes before Peter starts calling me. I don't want to disappoint him, but I just can't tell Nick that someone else is waiting for me. Whatever happened between him and his girlfriend, I can't tell him to go away.

"Come on in," I suggest.

Nick agrees. "So, what's happened?" I ask again, letting him in and closing the door. "Has Kaylee stood you up?"

Nick grins. "A girl stands me up? Is it possible?"

I doubt it, I smile to myself. "What's up then?" I ask him. "What happened to your romantic night?"

Nick seriously looks at me. "Are you busy now?" he asks finally after a long pause.

"No," I lie. Probably I should call Peter and warn him that I will be late or won't come at all, I add to myself. Who knows how long Nick's going to stay here.

"Come with me, please," Nick says.

"Er… sure," I agree. So, obviously it's going to be another St Valentine's Day without a date. Well, at least I will spend it with Nick. But first I must find a way to warn Peter. "I'll be back in a minute," with these words I run to the kitchen and quickly text Peter that I'm not able to come. Of course it's mean to tell a guy that you won't come on a date by sms, but I have no time to call. And I don't want Nick to hear this. I'll deal with Peter tomorrow. I don't think he'll understand though, but I don't care.

So in five minutes Nick and I go out. I'm trying to figure out where we're going, but to all my questions Nick briefly replies "you'll see."

We go through the gate and onto the road. Huge, black Audi is parked in front of my house. Nick comes up to it and opens the rear door.

I gasped. "What's going on?" I demanded. "Where did you get this car?"

"Would you like to have a ride with me, Miss Brinkley?" Nick makes a gallant gesture, inviting me inside. But I could see him desperately trying to hide a smile.

I put my hands on my hips. "Are you kidding me?"

Nick chuckled. "Richelle, get in."

I climb into the car, scowling and pretending that I don't like this mystery. But deep inside I'm smiling. Whatever happened between Nick and Kaylee, he's with me now, not with her.

Nick slams the door, walks around to the other passenger side and climbs in. We're not alone in the car. There's a man in the driver's seat. I've never seen him before. Nick leans towards him and quietly says something. I, meanwhile, look around. The car is really luxurious. It's huge and spacious. Leather seats, fabulous interior, let alone the car itself.

The driver starts the engine and began to drive out of his parking spot.

Nick turns to me. "I don't know how modern princesses prefer to travel," he smiles. "Is this car good enough?"

"Nick, I don't understand… You looked forward to this night with Kaylee. Why do you…"

"Because I realised that Kaylee isn't the one I want to spend this night with…"

Nick bends towards the front passenger seat, takes a bunch of flowers from there and hands it to me. Fascinated, I take the bouquet. I can't believe it! White and lilac gerberas, my favourite flowers. I look up at Nick.

"You said that roses are too clichéd," he smiles self-consciously.

"But how do you know that I like gerberas? And that white and lilac gerberas are my favourite?

Nick shrugs. "I know you, Rich."

Trying to hide my happy smile, I bury my nose in the flowers. Out of the corner of my eye I notice another bunch of flowers on the front seat. Red roses as far as I can see from here. A huge, luxury and apparently very expensive bouquet. Nick follows my eyes.

"These were for Kaylee," he says quietly.

He sighs. "I was waiting for her near her house when I realised that I didn't want to go on a date with her. Richelle, your confession shocked me. I've been running our conversation through my head again and again. I… I don't know how to treat you now. For many years I'd been considering you my best friend, but you turned out to… to have completely different feelings for me."

"I didn't want to tell you. It just happened," I whisper.

"Your confession altered everything," Nick goes on. "I can't see a friend in you any more, even though I did try. I was so angry with you today that I didn't want to see you ever again. But I couldn't throw what you'd said out of my head," Nick fumbles in his pocket and pulls out my already quite crumpled valentine. "I was looking at it while I was waiting for Kaylee," he utters thoughtfully, "and I realised that… that first I needed to see you," he looks at me. His eyes seem almost black in the dimness of the car. His pretty face is serious. "Um… Can I?" he whispered

I nod, perfectly knowing what he wants to do. My heart is beating so hard that I feel a bit sick. Nick leans closer and kisses me. At this moment all stars in my world blow up and rain down on us.

"I love you too," Nick whispers into my hair. "I haven't realised it till you told about your feelings."

"Thank Liz," I grin. "It was her idea."

The car stops.

"It's here," Nick says. He climbs out of the car, opens my door and helps me to get out.

I look around. We stand in front of a luxurious restaurant. I've heard a lot about this place – delicious dishes, great furniture and incredibly high prices.

"Nick," I gasp. "Whence all this stuff? The car, this restaurant, flowers? Where did you get money for this?"

"I wanted you to be a princess tonight," he ironically raises one eyebrow. "Okay," he sighs when I give him a grave glance. "It's handy when your family has a lot of money."

"Your father paid for all this stuff?" I gasp.

"Well, not exactly. He gave me money for this stuff. I'll have to work with him for several next weeks to earn this money. But this evening is worth it," he takes my hand. "So, princess? Let's go?"

I put my arms around his neck and pull him towards me. I kiss his lips, feeling passion flow through my veins; my heart is going to jump out of my chest. Judging from Nick's thumping heart, he feels the same. I don't want to let go of him. I don't want him to stop kissing me. I just can't believe that my dreams came true and I don't want to break this magic moment.

I completely don't care that we're standing in a main street in front of the most luxurious restaurant in the city; that people stare at us or mutter something as they pass by. My dream has come true! That's what important now. Thank you Valentine!