Chapter Forty-Four

Little Faith

''We've all got both light and dark inside of us.

What matters is the part we choose to act on.

That's who we really are.''

''You'll ruin your manicure,'' Mother slapped her hand away from her mouth, as if she was still but a mere child.

''I'm scared.'' Elle whimpered, leaning her feet back on the heels to rest. They had already swollen up and the Manolos were an unbearable agony, everything below ankle throbbed painfully. Nevertheless, Mother had insisted on her wearing her fanciest, most expensive pair.

'It's imperative that you look good', Mother had insisted this morning while helping her shove on one shoe at a time since she could barely reach her own feet. 'You need to look your best for the papers'.

''Let me put some make-up on you,'' Mother ignored her plea, as usual, and gently put on Chanel lipstick, shade Paris. She usually dabbed on just a little, to save it, but this time it was lavishly applied onto her daughter's plump, trembling lips.

''What if he denies it?'' Elle asked in concern, her hands drifting to her belly instinctively. ''What if-?''

''He won't,'' Mother smiled smugly, the way she did when everything went according to her plan. ''Trust me.''

Just then, Chuck showed up, slowly treading his way across the waiting hall. There was clear annoyance on his face, just a shade of trepidation hidden underneath. His shoulders were slumped in a frustrated, uncomfortable way, as if he would be rather sheep herding in Tibet right now than doing this.

The trio were ushered into a private room, and the doctor helped her lie down on the bed. Everyone patiently waited as the instruments were adjusted and until little screen on the side showed the moving form inside of her belly.

''Your son looks very healthy,'' Doctor praised with a smile, moving the cold slimy wand across her stomach.

''Do we have to wait until it's born to determine parenthood?'' Chuck immediately asked, annoyed and fed up with the artificial smiles and nods of approval, while a deep anxiety stirred in him. The scene seemed absurd, surreal. It wasn't supposed to be like this. This was supposed to be a moment he shared with Blair and their future son or daughter, rather than with a couple of unfamiliar strangers.

Determining the fatherhood was the only reason he come today, the sole reason he had chosen to abandon Blair by not giving her a ride to class.

''The insolence!'' The Mother hissed, her face darkening in embarrassment.

''In some cases,'' The doctor cleared her throat awkwardly, looking up at the alleged young father. ''We do not have to-''

''Great,'' He vigorously nodded, clenching his jaw. ''I want you to do it.''

''Unfortunately-'' The doctor suppressed the urge to roll her eyes at the entitlement of golden youth of Manhattan, how he had so rudely interrupted her. She had recognized them immediately. If only they had brains to use protection. But living off of their mistakes wasn't bad sort of income. ''That won't be possible in your case.''

''Why not?''

''She's been pregnant for twenty-two weeks already,'' The doctor went on dully, noticing the way boy paled, not feeling sorry for him in the least. ''We'd have to take liquid from placenta and in that way put baby's life in danger.''

''I think you should contact her aunt in Moscow.''' Allison nibbled on a strawberry macaron in worry.

It was barely breakfast time, when the young Manhattan elite was still asleep and recovering from the previous night's wild party, and slightly more mature individuals were attending business brunches and doing errands. Therefore, the Humphrey store on fifth avenue had a few hours of relative peace, for the ladies and their friend to have coffee undisturbed.

''If she wants it,'' Diana shrugged, purposely knotting her brows and appearing helpless. ''I say let Georgina call her aunt by herself.''

Diana took a nonchalant sip of the coffee, cursing the idiotic Humphreys for trying to meddle and bring up Georgina's aunt. If the woman flew over to the states, the plan had every chance of being ruined. Her aunt would probably see the horrendous mental state of her niece and demand to gain guardianship. That way, Millennium would slip between Diana's fingers.

From the corner of her eye, she saw little Jenny judge her, trying to read her, as if onto her secret. In that moment, doors thankfully opened and the bell chimed, announcing a shopper.

The Humphrey ladies immediately stood up as they spotted who it was, but the newcomer paused, looking at them down her nose.

''Good day, Allison,'' She gently spoke, lines of her face standing very still. ''Jenny.''

Her eyes swept over Diana as the woman squirmed on the store couch, pretending not to see her.

''I was just passing by and decided to say hello, but I suppose I might come by later.''

With that, she gracefully turned around, her sateen coat swirling. But before reaching the door - Diana caught up.

''Evelyn, could it be that you're avoiding me?''

''Certainly not,'' She replied with pursed lips. ''If someone is supposed to keep away, it's you.''

''It doesn't bother me much what you've done to me,'' Diana narrowed her eyes, voice lowering down, as the woman dropped every pretense of politeness. Diana had been waiting for this day long enough, to finally get back at Bart's ex-wife. ''But I'll never forget what you did to my step-daughter.''

''You and motherhood,'' Evelyn smiled sardonically, cocking her head. ''I don't have to get to know you better to see you don't care about Georgina in the least.''

Evelyn, as a mother, felt things others could not. At the beginning, she had seen the way Diana treated Georgina, the way she used her to elevate herself, the way she manipulated late husband. Yet, nobody else noticed, or better yet - nobody cared.

''Now I realize why Bart hadn't been in a serious relationship for years.'' Diana sneered, crossing her arms.

''Is that the problem here?'' Evelyn grinned, exposing all of her pearly whites in a way lion would before clamping his deadly mouth on a neck of a cheetah. ''You've noticed that earlier than I would have expected. What's wrong? Is Bart treating you badly?''

She paused, looking at the odious woman in her too tight dress and sky-high heels. There was too much makeup, and far too much jewelry. As if Bart would ever think of Diana as anything but something to keep his bed warm. As if anyone would ever come close to him and to what they had.

''I can't wait to see you the moment Bart gets bored of you completely,'' She finished arrogantly, putting on her gloves as a sign of the end of a conversation. ''Enjoy yourself while you can.''

''Are you sure you weren't with anyone else?'' Chuck seized the opportunity while the old leech was away to get something out of this girl. The petrifying terror stirred once again in him as the life he didn't intend for himself flashed in front of his eyes. How would he ever raise a child while trying to start a family with Blair? How could he ever tell her another girl might be carrying his offspring?

What if she leaves him?

''Who do you think I am?'' Elle flared up, flashing him a hurt look. ''How horrible of you! Just because I made a mistake one time, you think I'd be the type of girl that spends every night with a different guy?''

''I don't want to hurt you,'' He growled quietly, boring his eyes into her grey orbs. ''But I will. I don't believe that child is mine and I sure as hell don't believe it took you this long to notice you were pregnant.''

''You're just trying to wiggle away from this,'' She shook her head in disbelief. ''I spent months in shock and stupor. I knew you would deny being the father. If it weren't for my Mom, I'd have never gathered the courage to come to you. I would just get through the birth and you would never have known.''

The thought that somewhere, his child would roam the world, completely unaware of his heritage - stunned him. A part of him, drifting through the world alone, deprived of the love of a parent.

He wouldn't wish that on anyone.

''Why did you wait this long if you were so sure?'' He interrogated, taking a step towards her.

''Mother told you,'' She stammered, breathless and confounded. ''I got scared. I needed time to pull myself together. In few months, when I give birth to our boy, you'll realize I was telling the truth and you'll regret this.''

Suddenly, Elle sharply breathed in and clutched her stomach. Before she could fall, for her knees have buckled, Chuck grabbed her under her arms and pulled her up. Thankfully, chauffeur showed up and Chuck handed her over to him, before taking the limo to pick up Blair from class.

''I didn't think you'd ever show up.'' Blair grumbled pouting as she entered the limo, taking off her soaked coat. She had been waiting for him for nearly an hour. ''Where were you?''

''I had some things to do.'' He smiled lightly, taking in her wet appearance. It was raining heavily outside. He noticed the rosy hue her cheeks caught as soon as there was but a little humidity in the air. Chuck wanted to put an arm around her shoulders and kiss top of her head for her hair smelled deliciously flowery when damp with rain.

Instead, he was afraid to touch her. Instead, he simply asked, ''Where are we going?''

''Since we're far from a regular couple,'' She looked over at him, her eyes shining with peculiar brightness. ''We'll try to be one today. We're gong to the movies.''

Chuck absentmindedly sucked in his lower lip, his heart clenching as it sped up. He felt guilty for keeping something away from her. Though it might ruin the day, she needed to know. He needed to tell her otherwise it would eat him out from inside. Inhaling deeply, he began, ''Blair-''

''Stop,'' She cut him short, pulling her palm up. There was no-nonsense look over her face, a determination which everyone envied her for and consequently, everyone feared. ''I don't want to hear it. I sense, by the way you keep shifting your jaw, what you have to say would rain on my parade. Not today, Chuck Bass. Not today.''

''Today is a normal day,'' Blair sang, pushing her hair back. ''Today, we're a normal couple. No Chuck and Blair jiggery-pokery. I've decided, I'm going to tell my dad about us - tomorrow. It's his last check-up at the doctor. Dan and Jessica will be away for the day, I'll seize the opportunity.''

''Chuck,'' She forcefully whispered into the phone as he picked up that night, making a big effort to keep her voice down. She was livid with rage and concern. ''Where are you?''

Midnight passed and he hadn't shown up at her window as he usually did. Her calls once again went unanswered, as if they've had another fight. Which they didn't, as far as she knew. The movie date had gone perfectly, though she had noticed he didn't pay attention to the screen at all.

''Home.'' He drawled on the other end of the line, voice dull and sluggish - devoid of that crazy, stupid love he almost always emitted.

''What happened?'' Blair asked. Was he drunk?

''Nothing.'' He clipped.

''What's wrong?''

''Nothing.''

Too many nothings, she noted.

''You sound bad.'' Blair bit her cheeks as alarm prickled in the back of her head. Something was definitely wrong.

''It's nothing,'' He sighed deeply. ''Go to sleep, Blair. I'll talk to you tomorrow.''

The line went dead. Blair stared at the phone in disbelief with her mouth hanging open. In no way near was she done with the conversation. Now vividly perturbed and somewhat annoyed, she flung the covers away and put on her old jumper to keep warm. Making sure everyone in the house was snoring and soundly asleep, she carefully threaded on the balls of her feet until finally getting out. Only minutes later, she was at his doorstep.

''Oh, God,'' Blair took in his disheveled appearance as he opened the doors; hooded lids, glossed eyes and mess of a hair. She saw two glasses on the table and nearly finished bottle of scotch. Nate must have been here, the pair of them getting sloshed together. What had triggered the hammered episode?

''What are you doing here?'' He gazed down at her with a dose of ardor, bewilderment and pain - his breath a mix of mint and liquor.

''You don't seem to be okay,'' She gently stroked his cheek as they stood in the hall, doors still half-open. Blair imagined he was more bothered by their problems than he was actually letting on. ''You've had too much to drink. Chuck, everything is going to be okay soon.''

''It will.'' He nodded, as if that was exactly what he needed to hear. Chuck took her hands into his, holding her tightly as though his body wanted to do the opposite of what he was saying. ''Now go downstairs before someone sees you.''

Very slowly, he cupped her face in his hands, feeling the silky smoothness of her perfect porcelain skin. Enticed, he stared at her lips. The dazzling, bewitching lips. ''I love you so much, Blair.''

''I love you too,'' She smiled tenderly, kissing him on the mouth. They said goodnight and after Chuck closed the doors, and Blair walked out - a figure awaited her at the hall. It was an ungodly hour and light flickered, making the apparition even more terrifying. A chill went down Blair's spine as Georgina stared at her, motionless, looking like a corpse. As always, there were deep circles under her eyes, signs of insomnia, her hair matted into a gruesome mess, clothes worn for days.

''I heard your voice,'' Georgina rasped, staring at Blair without blinking, voice eerily echoing in the empty hall. Her eyes were wide open, the darkness of the iris encompassing, darting around the room.

''Georgie,'' Blair slowly started, aware what just happened, aware they had been seen. They had been seen by one person mad about Chuck, by one person always jealous of Blair - and one person who was currently mentally unstable. ''Nobody knows.''

''So you've made up,'' Her twitching friend said, gnawing on her bottom lip until it bled. ''But nobody knows? Or - wait - you've never even broken up?''

Blair braced herself for another meltdown, for another attack from her, but nothing happened.

''I'm really happy for you,'' Georgina's lips curved into what appeared to be a smile, blood staining her front tooth. ''Don't worry, I'm not going to tell anyone you guys are together. I swear I won't, Blair. Don't be scared of me.''

In the morning, on Blair's way to class, Georgina had been patiently waiting for her on the street. This time, she seemed to have restored her old glory. Sun shone upon her washed hair, pale face looking refreshed with a touch of make-up.

''I want things to be as they were before,'' She declared with a small smile, effectively blocking her way. ''You and Chuck should come and have dinner with me tonight.''

''I don't think that is going to happen.'' Blair replied carfully, taking a moment to register the surprise request.

''Please, B.'' Georgie pleaded, her hands clasped together as if she was praying. ''I'm helping you out here. I won't tell anyone about you two being together! Please, save me from loneliness - at least for tonight.''

Something struck Blair's heart as she regarded her lost childhood friend. If this was a month ago, Blair would have never accepted the invitation. But Georgie seemed to be getting better, seemed to be doing well. They've almost bonded, though never as they were before. Blair knew in details all the horrendous stuff she'd been through, from losing her family to being abandoned by the only person that was supposed to care for her.

With this in mind, she hesitated, ''I can't promise anything for Chuck.''

''I know he's angry with me,'' G. said sullenly, looking down at the tip of her shoes. ''But you are supposed to be the hostile one. Can you please talk him into it? For me?''

Her friend looked up, staring at her from under her thick eyelashes. ''I really need your help, B.''

Feeling sorry for her, Blair barely nodded when Georgina grinned, hopping off and getting into the cab. Her father came from the opposite way the yellow car drove off, sluggishly walking towards her.

''How are the results?'' She inquired with apprehension, quickly putting her arm under his and helping him into the lobby.

''Doctor said results are good,'' Bob rasped, tired with the journey he'd been through this morning. ''I should keep up with my diet.''

''Great,'' She beamed at him, knowing the time to tell him about her unity with Chuck was almost here. ''I wanted to tell you I'll be having dinner with Georgina tonight.''

''No,'' Her father stopped, looking at her sternly. He pulled back his arm from over hers. ''Absolutely not, that girl is not good for you.''

''Dad, she's alone,'' Blair secretly flared up, hating the way he tried to control her life. If she wanted to have dinner with G., she would damn do so. ''Alone in a big apartment and taking medications, but completely isolated and lonely.''

''Why can't she have dinner at our home?''

Blair suppressed rolling of the eyes, thinking how Sparks huge dining room with mahogany table for ten could hardly compete with one smelly room in her home that served both as a kitchen and a living room. Besides, her father would never let Chuck enter their home.

''Georgina is my oldest friend. Remember back when her parents were still alive, I often ate together with them.''

''May they rest in peace,'' Bob wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead, remembering late Sparks with a great amount of respect. He mulled over the matter and finally said, ''Very well, you may do us. Only because her parents were good people, but I don't trust the girl, Blair. Neither should you.''

''Hall only takes a hundred people, '' Blair corrected haughtily, peering over at his notes. ''You wrote down too many. You'll have us go bankrupt.''

The last person left Management club and she breathed out in relief, her face turning from an arrogant scowl to an anxious grimace. Blair gently put her hand over his, ''What's wrong? Your sulking silence is wiring me up.''

''Sorry,'' He distraughtly replied, shaking his head. ''It's nothing, let's just finish this.''

''I don't care about this stupid assignment,'' Blair said, bothered by the way he downplayed whatever was on his mind. Worst of all, he kept shutting off. ''You've been like this for past couple of days. I don't know what to do anymore.''

She bit her lip, guessing what was bothering him. Blair remembered she promised to announce their marriage to her father, but it didn't happen yet. He must be getting impatient. ''Everything is about to change soon, trust me.''

''I trust you,'' He managed a weak, tired smile, squeezing back her fingers. ''Now go, you'll be late to class.''

She stared at him, feeling herself becoming bundle of nerves by the way he pretended everything was alright while the dark cloud hung low on his brow. And now, he was sending her away.

''I'll be at Georgina's tonight,'' She grumbled, shoving things in her purse, fed up with the way conversation turned out.

''Georgina?'' He repeated with a disbelief and repulsion. ''Is it because she had seen us? Is she blackmailing you?''

''No,'' Blair gave him a pointed, exasperated look. ''She's been feeling bad about everything. Look, Georgina even invited us to have dinner at her place tonight - a reconciliation gesture.''

''Us?'' He groaned, rolling his eyes.

''You don't have to go if you don't want to.'' Blair snapped, gathering her things. ''I'll see you at eight if you decide to show up.''

Jenny was running to meet with Elaine Welteroth, one of Teen Vogue editors. It took her more time than usual to perfect her smoky eyes make-up. Elevator doors opened and she rushed in, knocking into someone. At the impact, Georgina dropped her shopping bags, groceries sprawling over the floor.

Lil. J sighed, thinking it would be bad karma to just dive into the elevator and not help pick up the things, though it was insufferable Georgina.

''You've got to be joking.'' Jenny quirked her eyebrow, looking at a box of rat poison in her hands. ''What's this for?''

Georgina quickly snatched it out of her hands, shoving it into a bag. ''I hear those pests crawling in my apartment at night.''

''Oh, please,'' Blonde scoffed, picking up a jar of marinara. ''There are no mice in this building.''

''It's just a precaution,'' Georgina pointed out, clutching her bags to her chest and swiftly entering her condo.

''What a psycho,'' Jenny muttered to herself as she dashed into the elevator, praying that Elaine hadn't left just yet.

Later that evening, Blair walked into Sparks apartment. With an appraising eye, she watched the lavishing table set. Georgina laid out the best silken tablecloth and fanciest china.

''It smells delicious,'' She noted, surprised at her cooking skills. ''You've gone overboard, though. This is too much.''

''It looks like something Diana would pull out,'' Her friend laughed and only then did Blair notice the way she overdressed for the occasion. Unlike her, Blair herself came in regular clothes - a pair of jeans and a sweater. ''Doesn't it? Well, whatever, the table is appropriately set for this special occasion.''

''Trust me,'' Georgina smiled, boring her eyes into her. ''This night will be worth it.''

Only moments after, Chuck joined them, obviously unwilling to be here. He had dressed all in black, thinking to himself to honor the occasion with appropriate mourning color. They had all sat at the table and their hostess served them each a portion of ravioli with creamy tomato sauce. Both of them ate, Blair much more since she was starving, while Georgina shuffled food around her plate, beaming at them.

''How funny it is to have you here?'' She began, playing with a flickering light of the candle on the table. ''We're having a decent meal together. Who would have thought? But we've always gone through strange things together, haven't we Blair?''

Chuck sipped a glass of red wine, staring at the girl with wary eyes.

''Only last year,'' She continued, reverting her dark eyes at her childhood friend, ''I never would have imagined you to be Chuck's girlfriend or that he would love you this much.''

Blair chewed down on the food, taking a quick sip of water. Something in her guts squirmed gruesomely.

''Or that you would be lying through your teeth about everything.'' Georgina finished dully, her voice quickly losing the agreeable shade.

''Drop it.'' Chuck sharply warned. Blair gulped, angrily pursing her lips.

''I shared my secrets with you,'' Their hostess went on heatedly, ignoring him, her anger building up. The darkness of her eyes flashed, finally unveiling itself. ''I told you how I felt about Chuck. You kept listening to me, all the while screwing him behind my back.''

''Get up,'' Chuck grit through his teeth, looking pointedly at Blair. ''We're leaving.''

They had both rose, pushing back their chairs and odious, sing-song voice followed them as they walked through the hall, ''Lying is contagious.''

Chuck pushed at the knob, but it wouldn't budge. The doors were locked.

''Blair has infected you,'' Georgina called out from the dining room, slowly sipping her glass of mineral water. They said it isn't good to mix alcohol and pills. She thought herself smart enough to listen to her doctor. ''It's like a mean disease.''

''Unlock the doors!'' He barked, going back, loosing his bow-tie for it seemed to be too tight.

''Bad,'' Georgina stared at them, without really seeing them. The thirst for blood was in the air. ''You're both bad. You've been making fun of me and my love for you.''

''Open the doors!'' He snarled, shoving a plate down on the floor in anger.

''Chuck,'' Blair whimpered, clutching her stomach. ''I don't feel so good.''

He caught her as she fell down into his arms, only now seeing how pale she became. Large beads of sweat formed on her forehead, falling down her temple. He himself felt on fire, and his vision began to blur.

''I tried to help you, Chuck.'' Georgina rose, holding her glass of water as if she was about to salute. ''I offered you my hand, yet you have rejected me every time. You have rejected me because of this manipulative liar.''

Georgina laughed as Blair's eyes rolled into the back of her head, shadows in the corners maliciously laughing alongside her. Saliva dripped down their sharp fangs as they stared at the chaos that ensued. This was their idea. This was their brilliant plan.

''You can't be helped, Chuck. I can't do anything for you anymore.''

''You've gone crazy.'' He coughed, feeling his tie was choking him, feeling his clothes were too heavy to bear.

''Perhaps,'' She shrugged airily, lighting a cigarette. ''Or perhaps you have both driven me crazy. You didn't back away, Blair. You didn't listen. What was I supposed to do?''

''Chuck found out about your lies because I told him so,'' She mused with a malevolent smile, deeply inhaling a smoke. ''I first saw you two at Chuck's birthday. I found out about your lies and schemes. Later on, I devised a plan which was easily executed.''

The love couple held onto each other, fire ripping through their stomach, and as they heaved breaths - both of them watched the monster reveal itself.

''I won.''

Georgina's grin fell, her face forming into a grimace. Shadows enclosed on her and she could feel their sharp claws crawling over her skin. Kill, they chanted. Kill. ''But in truth, I have lost. You stole what was supposed to be mine.''

''The prince,'' Chuck grunted, suppressing a the urge to retch. He remembered the day he first came to Georgina, and that old song was playing, the faint smell of cigarettes lingered in the air. He had now remembered it vividly - the trick she played on him. ''The magazines, the throne - you were talking about yourself!''

''We'll all be better off if she died right now. Everyone, including her family. What a pest she is, and pests need to be exterminated.''

Having no strength to stand up, they had crashed down together. Chuck clutched on the silken tablecloth in dire need of support, and the whole dinner came hurling down on the floor, priceless china breaking into pieces. Georgina calmly sat on the chair next to their heads, watching life fade out of their eyes as she smoked her cigarette in peace.

She watched them spasm in unthinkable agony as dark, flickering shadows danced around them, singing in delight - their red eyes gleaming.

Chuck was still half-conscious, reaching out for his wife's hand. He coughed, spitting out blood, ''Georgina, let us go.''

''You didn't listen to me,'' She shook her head in pity, admiring the way their bodies slowly transitioned into looking like corpses. It was beautiful, it was art. ''I told you many times, yet you didn't listen. Now what? Was she worth of it?''

''Chuck,'' Suddenly, faintest of the voices could be heard coming from between Blair's blue lips. Hovering somewhere between two worlds, she whispered the apology into the black void, stars slowly dying out to make way for the darkness. ''Help me.''

''Blair,'' He made an effort to turn around towards her, every movement searing his flesh. Upon seeing the state she was in - unmoving, eyes closed - a shiver ran down his spine. Fear fueled whatever consciousness there was left in him. ''Don't give up! Hold on, just a little bit.''

Every word he uttered burned his throat, but he had to keep going, he had to keep her alive.

''I have forgiven you, Blair.'' Georgina declared as she neatly put out the smoke in the ashtray nearby, though the entire floor was covered with dinner and wine. ''I managed to do it, despite the fact that you stole my entire life. But you have played a trick on me again. Once again, you have stabbed me in the back.''

''Call 911,'' Chuck moaned, vertigo setting in. Ceiling spun between his lids, making him want to throw up even more. Slowly, he could feel himself beginning to go numb. It started from his feet and worked it's way up his body.

''This is all your fault, Blair, I'll never let you hurt me again.'' Georgina spat, pursing her lips as flickering shadows roared, demanding more blood, more gore. Blair's phone rang and she peered at it, shoving a ravioli off the screen with her heel. Georgina diabolically smiled as she the read name off the screen. ''Oh, look. It's your mommy. Do you want to talk to your mommy one last time?''

The phone continued to ring persistently, as if knowing what was going on, and Georgina pressed her heel against the vibrating device. Her eyes filled with darkness as they glowered at the dying girl on the floor, ''If you were a good friend to me, none of this would have happened. Admit it already. Admit that you've destroyed our childhood and our friendship.''

''Say something,'' Chuck panted after eerie silence met them, nudging her stiff shoulders. ''Blair, open your eyes!''

But Blair lay unresponsive, her body turning cold.

A/N: Can you imagine someone was dumb enough to post this pic on Wattpad? And they used my avatar as story picture? I laughed my arse off and then reported it. It was taken down day after. I mean, thank you for the compliment, but girl. lol.

Happy Valentine's Day!