Ace Combat: Skies of Deception
Flashback 6:Valentine And Birthday
When Ángel and Julieta returned to class after holidays, their friends were not surprised that they were dating. Carlos, Rebeca and Sergio reacted just as the couple had predicted, but, instead of teasing them, they were very glad to hear it. Not everyone at school was happy, though, as some of Esteban's former friends were mad because Esteban's worst enemy and the girl that dared to force his downfall were together, but those were the least of them. And no one was fool enough to mess with either the couple or their friends, since no one wanted to be put through the same problems as the bully.
Sunday, February 14th 2010, 18:30 hours.
It was St. Valentine Day, and Ángel had something for Julieta. Something he knew for a fact she would love. He had bought some flowers for her, but that was only a part of the gift he had prepared for his beloved girlfriend.
Ángel arrived to Julieta's home and was greeted by Elena, who opened the door. She saw Ángel with a bouquet and a rather big box.
-Hello, Ángel.-she greeted him.
-Hi there, Ms. Álvarez.-he answered.-Is Julieta at home?
-Yes. She's in her bedroom, but she's doing homework.-Elena answered.
-OK.-Ángel said.-I came here to bring her a gift. I'll come back later if she's not available now.
Suddenly, Julieta's voice was heard:
-You can come in. It's not like my homework is that difficult.
Ángel entered her room.
-Hello Julieta. Happy St. Valentine.-he said, kissing her and giving her the bouquet, after placing the box carefully on the floor.
-Happy St. Valentine to you too.-Julieta answered. The bouquet had roses, daisies and carnations.-That's a wonderful bouquet you brought me.
-It's only a part of the gift.-he replied, with a small smirk on his face.
-A part?-she wondered.-What is the other part?
-I'll show you.-he said.-Please close your eyes first.
Julieta closed her eyes, but tried to open them as he turned around, out of curiosity.
-Please, no cheating.-he said.
Julieta closed her eyes again. She heard him opening the box and placing something heavy on her desk.
-Now you can open them.-Ángel said.
When Julieta opened her eyes, she thought she was dreaming.
Ángel had brought a figure of the Sideshow collection, just like the one with the Tyrannosaurus fighting the Velociraptors he had at his home.
-You bought this for me!?-she asked, almost squealing.
-No, I didn't.-he answered.-This is the one I had at home.
When Julieta heard that, she almost broke down in tears. The figure was a very personal thing for her boyfriend, for it was a gift of his deceased grandfather.
-But, Ángel, this is one of the last things your grandfather could give you. Why did you turn it into a present for me!?-she asked, on the verge of crying.
-Well, at least I keep the other one.-he answered.-As long as I have it, I'll have a small memory of my grandpa with me. And, since the day you saw it, I knew that you would love one of them. You can take this figure as a token of my love for you.
Julieta couldn't believe her ears. Ángel had given her something very dear for him, in St. Valentine. She started crying out of happiness.
-Julieta, what's wrong?-Ángel asked, when he saw her crying.-Didn't you like it?
-Like it?-Julieta answered, wiping the tears from her face and looking at her boyfriend.-I love it! But not as much as I love you.
That being said, she pulled him into an Ustian kiss. Ángel was caught off-guard, but loved it nonetheless. They kissed for a good twenty seconds before pulling apart.
-This has been my first Valentine of my life,-said Julieta.-and thanks to you, the happiest.
-I could say the same.-Ángel answered.-Because, when I'm with you, there's nothing else I could ask for.
-Thank you for the presents.-she said.-Unfortunately, I have to finish my homework, since tomorrow we have classes.
-First obligation and then devotion.-he answered.-Goodbye Julieta. I love you.
-I love you too.-she answered, blowing a kiss for him.
Tuesday, April 6th 2010, 19:00 hours
It was Ángel's birthday, and he played host to a great party at his granparents' house, which, since their decease, was used by Ángel's family in special occasions. And Ángel's birthday was one of these.
Even people like Carlos, Sergio and Rebeca had been invited, and everyone was having a ball. Presents were meaningless for Ángel when compared to the joy of having people in his birthday.
It came without saying that Julieta was at the party too.
-16 years, and it's said soon, my friend.-said Carlos.-I hope you're having a nice birthday.
-It's being great.-Ángel answered.-And thanks to my family and friends.
-Not at all.-Sergio answered.-Maybe this will make up for us being total jerks to you in the past.
-Nonsense.-answered Ángel.-Forget about the past, and let's enjoy the present.
The whole day was wonderful for everyone. After the party, while the whole Román family was cleaning up the house, Ángel was approached by Julieta.
-Hey, I have something for you.-she said.
-Well, let's see.-he answered.
They went to the entrance and Julieta pulled a golden necklace with a golden heart on it.
-I truly hope you like it.-she said, putting it around his neck.
Ángel looked at it in awe. It was by far one of the best gifts of his birthday.
-Have you tried opening the heart?-Julieta said suddenly.
Ángel did as she told and saw a small photo inside the heart. It was a photo that she had taken of them some days before.
-Wow, it's beautiful.-he said.
-Thanks.-she answered.-I know it's not that much, but less is nothing.
-Are you kidding?-he asked.-Of all the gifts I had, this has been one of the best, to say the very least.
Julieta blushed when he said that. It didn't help at all that Ángel pulled her into a passionate kiss.
-Ángel, if you're finished with Julieta, please come here now and help us clean this mess.-said Lucas.
The teenagers blushed when Ángel's father called his son.
-Well, I'll see you tomorrow.-he stammered.-Goodbye.
-Goodbye.-said Julieta, heading to her home.
Sixth flashback. Delays again, but real life takes its toll, and quite a heavy one. Remember to follow the story if you like it. Good luck and take care. See you next time