As Andrew walked through the arcade he pushed through over a dozen balloons. He tried to be considerate of them but there so many and it was making it so hard for him to make his food deliveries, so by the time he reached the counter he found himself punching one right into the air.

"Calm down!" A sweet familiar voice said from behind yet another heart shaped Serena. "If there was a scrooge for Valentine's Day, my friend it would be you!"

"Ugh I am sorry Sere, I am just over these balloons and flowers." He made his way to his safe haven as Serena sat on what looked like the only stool left. "I have been popping allergy medicine like candy!"

"That doesn't sound safe."

"Ehhh...my best friend is a doctor." He shrugged.

"Yeah? And where is your best friend?" She rested her face on her little fist.

"Who's asking." He tried to pry.

"Ehhh. Nobody." She shrugged and threw her purse on the table.

"Making room for someone else?" Andrew again tried to fish.

Serena threw her head back and laughed. "Nope it is just going to be me today."

"Where are the girls?"

"On dates with their guys." She smiled. "I helped them get ready. They looked so gorgeous."

Her eyes sparkled when she talked about her friends. He could see why Darien was so mesmerized by them. If she was not so much like a little sister to him, he would be in too.

"I took some picture, and I would show you but you look so busy."

"Yeah. Didn't realize there were so many kids in this area."

"Me too. But seeing all of them is so nice." She smiled. "I love, love."

"Some of them are a tad too young for love." Andrew argued.

"Maybe. But in this moment it's magical to them." She scanned the room. Quickly observing all the couples. Still smiling. "Andrew." She finally said before turning to him.

"What's up?"

"I think I am just going to get a drink to go?"

"Yeah?" He asked surprised.

"Yeah. I am going to walk around the park."

"Why the park?"

"I love the park and honestly if it were me...my ideal date would just be walking around the park." She pulled out her wallet. "So I want to see how many other couples will be doing the same."

"You wouldn't want some fancy dinner."

She shook here head. "The waits would be too long. And the places would be too crowded. You can't truly hear someone with all the distraction and something about the simpleness of the park... Is beautiful. Just like this holiday."

"You know Sere. You really are something special you know that?" He handed her her drink.

"Thanks Drew." She smiled at him and removed the wrapper around the straw. "Here." She went to hand him some money.

"Not this one is on the house. Happy Valentine's Day Serena."

"You have a happy Valentine's Day too Drew." She slid off the stool. Threw her purse over her shoulder. Grabbed her drink and headed out.

Her walk to the park was a lot shorter than she remembered. She kind of just let her feet lead the way as she looked at all the couple walking by. The happiness across their face. The comfort she felt knowing that love was all around her. She took a deep breath. She could smell roses everywhere. Then she sighed. She wished she could've figured out her secret valentine was, but she refused to dwell in that feeling. She kept walking until she reached the top center of the bridge.

She leaned over the barrier and looked at the water for a minute. Then she looked to the side where the park was. She watched as a young man pushed his date, or whoever she was to him in the swing. She couldn't hear them but from the look on her face she was laughing.

"They are cute aren't they?" A deep voice interrupted her trance. She turned to the opposite side, then looked up.

"Darien." She said surprised.

"Expecting someone else?" He held his breath for a second.

"No." She looked to the corner of her eye at the water. "Just umm." She cleared her throat. "Just didn't realize you were there."

"Yeah I just got here actually."

"Oh well. I am actually heading that way." She pointed behind him. "So you have a good night." She forced a smile and started to walk away.

Suddenly flashes of all those time she ran away, flooded his mind. Particularly the event yesterday, when she chased after him and again he let her go. His body was starting to freeze up again. He wanted to turn to her, but his range of motion was practically gone. She was about to be gone again, if he didn't do something.

"Youneveransweredthequestions." He blurted out.

Serena stopped. "What?"

"You never answered the question." He exhaled and used every ounce of energy he had to turn around. "They're cute aren't they?"

"I am sorry who?"

"The couple at the park." He pointed over his shoulder. "I saw them earlier, while I was waiting here."

Serena was confused. "Oh were you waiting for someone?" She bit her lip.

"Yeah I was."

Serena's heart sunk. She could not figure out why. "Well...I hope she gets here soon." She again forced another smile. "I am sure you have amazing plans with her tonight."

"Ummm..it's nothing too crazy really. I just planned to take her for a walk. Maybe smell some roses." He did an awkward nod. He had so much he wanted to say but nothing was coming out. "You know something simple."

"It's simple but it's lovely idea." She crossed her arms around her chest.

"Are you getting cold?"

"I am fine." She shook him off. "I really don't want your date to come and see me wearing your jacket. I know if it were me I would shattered."

"Shattered in general? Or shattered because it was me."

Serena let out an awkward laugh. "I really should go Darien. I am sure she will be here soon." She went to take another step.

"She's already here."

Serena closed her eyes for a long blink. She could feel her nose tingling and tear forming in her eyes. She pressed both her lips together, breathed in. "Then I better go. Have a good night." She took one big step only to feel one pull of her arm behind her.

He spun her around. "No don't go."

"Your date is coming and it's Valentine's Day, I would prefer not to have to get into a fight."

"No, there won't be any fighting." His heard pounded. "Well not physically at least."

"Darien, maybe I am that big of an airhead. But I am not following what you're saying. So I am going to go." She tried to tug her arm out of his grip but he wouldn't let go.

"No, Serena." His grip tightened just a little more but not enough to bruise her.

"Why do you want me to stay Darien? So you can throw in my face how perfect this girl is compared to me?" She was trying to his gripping hand off her arm. "I would also prefer to save myself the embarrassment tonight."

How low she thought of herself was starting to irritate him. He loved her and everything about her was perfect. He just couldn't figure out how to say it. But before he she gave one big push to his hand, and it finally came off.

"Have. A. Goodnight."

"No." He encircled both arms around her before she could move.

"Darien, this is getting ridiculous. I need to go. And whoev-"

"There is no other girl. It is you!"

She pushed herself off of him. "I am sorry what?"

"You. Okay I was waiting for you."

She scratched the side of her head. "What? Why? Am I being punked?"

"What? Punked? You really think that I would do that to you Serena?"

"Well.. yeah." She nodded.

"You really think I am that much of an asshole to punk you on of all days?!"

"Darien, Valentine's day is just another day to you."

"Says who?!"

"Darien honestly I am not trying to get into one of our screaming matches."

"I am not trying to fight with you Serena. Ugh.." He turned around frustrated. Ran his hand through his hair.

"What is wrong with you?"

"You!" He snapped and turned around, only to see her face go blank. "No Serena I don't mean it like that."

She put her index finger to her lips. "Um.."

"Serena I didn't mean it like that."

"Then what do you mean Darien, because honestly I am so lost and confused, and we have only been here for like 15 minutes."

Darien tried to collect himself. He took a deep breath and then exhaled. "What I mean is, when it comes to you. I have no idea what to do." He took another breath. "I don't even know what to say half the time."

"You could have fooled me with you rude comments."

"I am so sorry for all the things I have said to you." He grabbed both her hands. "I just get so mad that I can't tell you."

"Tell me what?" Her heart started to race.

His palms were starting to sweat. His heart beating out his chest. His mouth starting to get dry. "That I am in love with you."

"Is this a j-"

He didn't let her finish. He let go of her hands cupped her face and pulled it towards his as he leaned down. He gently pressed his lips against hers. "Does it seem like I'm joking?" He kissed her again.

"Umm."

"I figured it would take a minute for you to let it sink in or gasp the idea. So I figured walking around the park would be hard." Her face still in the same spot he kissed her again. "So... I rented one of those."

"One of what?"

"Turn and see."

She turned around to see horse drawn carriage at the end of the bridge. The carriage was filled with roses, and the little balloons in her previous bouquet.

"Oh my god." She put her hand over her chest. "Am I dreaming?"

He kissed her cheek. "I am still trying to figure out if I am to be honest." He grabbed her hand and let her to the carriage.

"Is this real."

"Let me see." He turned her to him again, and again leaned in for a kiss. "I hope to God this is."

She climbed into the carriage. Put her face in the flowers as Darien pulled himself in and sat across from her. She saw a card. Then looked at him.

"Are these for me?"

"Open the card."

She opened the envelope and pulled out the card. "I know you like the simpler things. But I needed you to know, even if I can't say the right words I will always do all that I can to show you. From Your Valentine"

She smiled slid the card back in and leaped into Darien's arms. "Happy Valentine's Day."

"Happy Valentine's Day." She whispered back as her lips were suddenly being smashed against his.

The End.

And Happily Valentine's Day everyone 3