Miranda – Happy Valentine's Day

A short story in 3 little chapters.

(Please note – this is not related to any of my other stories, and is set mid series 3)

Chapter 1

AT THE FLAT

Well hello to you! And Happy Valentine's Day! I'm so excited! I know – I don't usually celebrate with the masses on this particular day, in fact it's always been quite a lowlight on my calendar, but this year I am in an actual, real life, proper grown up relationship! It's so nice to have a boyfriend on Valentine's Day! I anticipate a candle lit dinner, flowers, expensive jewellery...Mike hasn't mentioned yet what we'll be doing, but I am sure he's got it all planned! I've bought him a card and a lovely gift – it was quite tricky to choose something, but I managed to find something that says 'I really like you rather a lot, actually...', that sort of thing...not too slushy, and I've even purchased a new dress to wear – get me! Ok...let me update you with other news...Gary is still with Rose but only just, they're a bit rocky, I'm trying to feign concern, but I really don't care, and Stevie has introduced yet another obscure line of merchandise in the joke shop – self help books! I ask you! What is joke shoppy about a book entitled 'Find Your Emotional Jumper' or 'It's Not You, It's Them, A Guide For The Paranoid'? Suffice to say, they're not currently our biggest sellers, in fact they're selling less than life size toy kangaroos, i.e., none. Right, I'm off to the restaurant, big day ahead so I'll need a proper breakfast...ta ta!"

AT THE RESTAURANT

Miranda – "Morning Gary!"

Gary – "Hi Miranda, Happy Valentine's Day!"

Gary hugs Miranda and rather awkwardly kisses her cheek. Rose walks in and Gary seems a bit flustered.

Rose – "Hi babe! Are you all sorted for this evening?"

Gary – "I'm really sorry Rose, I've got to work, we've got this Valentine's Day Masked Ball and Buffet here tonight and no-one else can cover."

Rose is disappointed. Mike arrives.

Mike – "A Valentine's Day Masked Ball and Buffet? That's sounds good – we should go Miranda!"

Miranda – "Ok, sounds fun!"

Mike – "Happy Valentine's Day! I hope you like it..."

Mike hands Miranda a large, squishy, beautifully wrapped gift and kisses her forehead.

Miranda – "Oh Mike, thank you!"

Mike – "Well, go on, open it!"

Miranda is aware that everyone is staring avidly and is suddenly embarrassed.

Miranda – "Can I open it later?"

Mike – "Oh, ok...sure."

Gary – "So...two tickets for tonight...there you go."

AT THE SHOP

Miranda shows Stevie her present from Mike.

Stevie – "Well go on then...open it!"

Miranda – "Ok. I think Mike was upset that I didn't open it in front of him, but I suddenly panicked with everyone looking, in case it was something...you know.."

Stevie – "Oh Miranda, Mike's not the sort of guy to get you something like that!"

Miranda – "Yes, you're right, but Gary was there and I felt really self conscious."

Stevie – "Why though? You're over him now aren't you?"

Miranda – "Oh, yes, of course! Oh never mind, right, here goes."

Miranda opens the parcel. It's a set of fleecy pyjamas and matching bed socks. Miranda is nonplussed.

Stevie – "Oh dear!"

Miranda – "I know! What was he thinking? Perhaps it's his aunt's birthday and she's ended up with my real present?"

Stevie – "Well..."

Miranda takes the pyjamas and stomps upstairs to the flat.