Valentine's Day. For some this day brings romance, for some it's heartache and for others it's loneliness. We've all been there; the warmth and excitement of sharing the day with your special someone, or the pain of missing the love you had, or the feeling of isolation that comes when everybody around you has someone and you're alone. Yes, everyone has felt all three on Valentine's Day at one point or another. And if you haven't, you will… Everyone loves, everyone hurts and everyone feels lonely…

Ariel was going through her DVDs when the doorbell rang. Charlotte was coming over for a Girls' Night In slumber party. Even though it was only six o'clock, Ariel was already in her pajamas: an overgrown blue t-shirt and white shorts. Ariel giggled when she opened the door and saw Charlotte. She was in her pajamas already as well: pink pajama pants and a matching pink tank top. She had her hair in pigtails with pink bows. She had her pillow in one hand and her favorite stuffed animal (a gray cat she named Buttons) in the other. Ariel noticed Charlotte also had a backpack on her back and she could tell by the pink and white straps that it was her Care Bears backpack.

"You look adorable," Ariel said as Charlotte walked into the house. "I was just getting some movies to watch. You can go right up to my room; I'll be up in a minute."

Charlotte nodded and went upstairs. Ariel continued to go through her movies and decided on Bring It On, Mean Girls, She's All That and John Tucker Must Die. When Ariel entered her room Charlotte was pulling her makeover kit out of her backpack.

"I though we could give each other makeovers while we a watch a movie," Charlotte said.

"All right." Ariel set the movies on the bed. "You wanna pick a movie while I get my stuff out of the bathroom?"

Ariel walked over to the bathroom her and Andrina shared. She grabbed her makeup and hair stuff, then joined Charlotte on the bed. Charlotte had chosen Mean Girls and was just getting the movie started. Charlotte knelt behind Ariel and started brushing her hair.

Ariel was excited to be having a slumber party with Charlotte, but she couldn't help feeling kinda lonely. It was Valentine's Day, after all. Ariel had never had a date on Valentine's Day before, but she also never really liked anyone before, either. Until Saturday night, that is. She kept hearing Jim's comment over and over. "You make that dress look pretty." Ariel wasn't sure if she actually liked Jim or if she just liked him because he complimented her. Either way part of her, a big part of her, wished she was spending Valentine's Day with Jim.

When Charlotte was done braiding Ariel's hair, she sat down in front of her and handed her some makeup. Ariel took the eye shadow out the makeup bag and brushed a little bit over Charlotte's eyes. Then she added just a touch of blush. She was just finishing up applying some glitter lipgloss when Charlotte's cellphone started ringing.

"Sorry," Charlotte said, digging through her bag. "It's probably my mom; I forgot to call her when I got here."

Ariel nodded and started putting Charlotte's makeup back in the bag.

When Charlotte found her phone, she squealed. "It's Naveen! I have to take this."

With that, Charlotte disappeared into the hallway. Ariel sighed. She knew Charlotte wasn't coming back for a while. She went into the bathroom, applied her own makeup, then lied down on her bed. She reached over and picked up Buttons.

"I don't understand, Buttons," Ariel said. "Naveen broke her heart and she still chose him over me."

Ariel didn't think it was possible to ever feel lonelier than when your best friend chooses a boy over you. Ariel finished watching the last half of Mean Girls and all of John Tucker Must Die before Charlotte finally came back into her room.

Everyone feels lonely…

XXX

Aurora could hardly sit still; she loved Valentine's Day and was really excited to find out what Philip had planned for them. When Philip pulled into the parking lot of the stables, Aurora nearly jumped out of the car. She had never gone horse back riding with Philip before. Aurora squeezed Philip's hand as they made their way to the stables. She was surprised to see that Philippe and Samson were already ready to go. Philip helped Aurora onto Philippe, then he quickly mounted Samson.

"This is amazing," Aurora said as they started down the trail. "I've always wanted to go horse back riding with you."

"I'm sorry I haven't had time to take you," Philip said.

Aurora shook her head. "No, it's okay. This is great."

They rode along the trail until it led them out to the beach. They rode down the beach for a while. Aurora's breath caught as they approached a small table set for a candle lit dinner for two. They tied up their horses and Philip held out a chair for Aurora.

"Philip, this is incredible," Aurora said. "How did you do this?"

"If I told you, it would take away from the magic," Philip said as he sat down.

Aurora noticed there were a couple boxes from Mickey's sitting on the table. She opened the one in front of her. He had gotten her macaroni and cheese; her favorite.

Aurora smiled at him. "You're awesome."

"I also got fries and gravy," Philip said, pointing at a couple other boxes. "And brownies for dessert."

It was then that Aurora noticed her strawberry milkshake. "You're the greatest boyfriend ever!"

Philip smiled at her. "I wanted dinner to be romantic, but none of your favorite foods are romantic."

Aurora laughed. "I know. But, everything is perfect."

They ate their dinner quietly, then put the boxes in the takeout bag.

Aurora picked up a fry and dipped it in the gravy. "I actually have a present for you."

Aurora popped the fry in her mouth and opened her purse. She pulled out two plane tickets and handed one to Philip. He looked at the ticket then back up at her.

"What is this?" he asked.

"Belle and I are spending the summer with my mom in California and I want you to come, too."

"I don't want to impose on your guys' time together," Philip said.

"Don't worry. I already talked to Belle and she's totally cool with it."

Aurora could see Philip starting to get excited.

"I guess we're going to California," Philip said. He set the ticket on the table and pulled a small box out of his pocket. "I got you something, too."

Philip slowly opened the box and Aurora gasped. "A diamond bracelet!"

Philip took it out of the box and fastened it around her wrist. Aurora held it up to the candle and admired it.

"Oh, Philip, it's beautiful," Aurora said. "Thank you."

"I love you, Aurora."

Aurora leaned forward and kissed Philip. "And I love you, Philip."

Everyone loves…

XXX

Pocahontas spent all afternoon getting ready for her date with John. She had bought a short white dress for tonight and couldn't wait for John to see her in it. She slipped on her silver high heel sandals and grabbed her white trench coat. She shrugged on her coat as she hurried out to her car. Pocahontas was so excited about the date that it actually took her three tries to get her key in the ignition.

She was meeting John at his house for dinner, and then they were going to see Damn Yankees, a musical being put on at Andalasia Community College. John had gotten their tickets two weeks ago and Pocahontas had checked her purse six times before she left to make sure she had her ticket.

I'm on my way. Love you. –P

As soon as Pocahontas sent the text to John, her phone rang. She looked at the caller i.d. and groaned; it was her boss, Chicha.

Pocahontas hesitantly answered the phone. "Hello?"

"Pocahontas! I'm so glad I got a hold of you!" Chicha sounded frantic.

"What's wrong?"

"Someone just brought in a stray cat that got hit by a car and I need you to come in and help me," Chicha.

Pocahontas bit her lip. "Chicha, I can't work tonight. John and I are going to a play."

"I know, I know. You told me that a couple weeks ago. But I can't get a hold of anyone else. Please, Pocahontas," Chicha pleaded.

Pocahontas glanced at the clock on her radio. Missing dinner wouldn't be a problem, and if she didn't stay too long, she could probably make it on time to the play.

"All right, Chicha, but I can only stay for an hour," Pocahontas said.

"Thank you, Pocahontas. I'll see you in a little bit."

When Pocahontas hung up, she saw she had a text from John:

I love u 2. I'm really looking forward 2 tonite. I miss u.

Pocahontas' heart sank as she dialed John's number. He answered right away.

"Hey, Pocahontas."

"Hi, sweetie. Look, there's a small change in plans for tonight. I have to go into work for a little bit, so I'm going to miss dinner. But, I should make it to the play on time," Pocahontas said.

There was a long silence before John finally said, "This really isn't working for me, Pocahontas. I understand that you need to work and you're busy with school and everything. But, maybe you're too busy to be in a relationship right now."

"No, John, please don't do this." Tears sprang to Pocahontas' eyes.

"I'm sorry. I still love you and I'll wait for you as long as I can. But it's probably best if you just focus on work and school without anyone holding you back," John said.

"John, stop it, please! I'll meet you at the play and we can talk about this afterwards," Pocahontas said.

"I'm not going to the play, Pocahontas. I'll see you at school tomorrow. Good bye." John hung up.

Pocahontas threw her phone onto the passenger seat and started crying. She cried the entire way to work. When she pulled into the parking lot, she made herself stop crying and fixed her make up. She took off her trench coat and pulled her lab coat on over new dress. She slipped on her work shoes and slowly walked into the animal shelter.

Everyone hurts…

A/N: I've created a Facebook profile under my pen name, Meg Rider, dedicated just to my fan fiction. I'll post pictures and links that go along with my stories, as well as updates. I posted the link on my fan fiction profile. You can add me as a friend, if you want. And, as always, I will be accepting requests and suggestions for my stories. Thanks for all the support! :)