Chapter 14 Valentine's Day

It has been several months since that fateful summer in which Ben and Gwen realized their feelings for each other. Ever since they got their family's approval of their relationship the two cousins have gotten all the more closer; spending their time together going to play in the park, the pool and even doing homework together. After several years of being an average student Ben finally began to excel in school thanks to his cousin's help and he couldn't be enjoying it more. He never knew being an honor student could make a person so proud.

We rejoin our two heroes on Valentine's Day which by an amazing coincidence happens to be the two cousin's birthday. Back when they were ten, sharing the same birthday used to be one of the reasons they used to bicker but after some time together during that summer they got used to each other and sharing the same birth date. The two cousins decided to meet at a tea shop in the shopping district downtown. We rejoin our lovebirds while Gwen is getting ready in her room. She was combing her hair in front of a mirror while wearing a nice white dress when someone knocked her door

"Yes?"

"Hey sweetie. Happy birthday" her mother came in and kissed her on the head

"Thanks Mom" said the now fourteen year old girl as she put down her hair brush

"Ready for another date with Ben?" she teased

"Mom!" moaned the girl as her face turned a beat shade of red. Even though she and Ben have been a couple for quite some time now she couldn't help but blush whenever someone would refer to him as her boyfriend.

As a response all her mother did was chuckle

"I'm just kidding hon. You kids have yourselves a great time" she said and kissed her on the cheek and walked out.

After a few more minutes Gwen placed a fake white flower in her hair and with that she thought she was ready to go. She reached for her desk and picked up the gift she got for Ben and headed for the bus stop…

Time passes…

Gwen got off the bus at the right bus stop and looked around her. The shops were all decorated with pink and white ornaments. Some of them had paper hearts hanging over the windows. Feeling a little nervous Gwen walked into the tea shop and sat down. Moments later, Ben showed up wearing a black shirt and blue jeans

"Hey Gwenny" he said as he kissed her

"Hi Ben"

"Happy Valentine's Day" he said happily as she returned the greeting

"How've you been?" the boy asked

"I've been okay. Congratulations on becoming an honor student"

"Thanks. I can't believe that happened. I used to be such a lousy student. I owe it all to you" he said as Gwen blushed at the compliment

"Thanks but it wasn't all me it was also you…" she said softly

"Yeah I guess…" said Ben as the two fell into silence. In an attempt to break the ice Gwen reached for the bag she put on the floor and handed it to her cousin

"This is for you…" she said as she handed him a bag with a square wrapped object in it while blushing hard. She was still new to this whole couple thing; especially now that the whole world has to see it. Not that she's ashamed of Ben or anything she just feels a little awkward dating her cousin in public with everyone watching. But she's willing to go through the discomfort so she could be with him. In due time she knows she'll get used to it just like he already has…

"Why thank you Gwen…" he said and leaned forward to kiss her on the cheek. He then reached for a bag of his own and gave it to her

"Happy Valentine's day Cuz…" he said happily with a warm smile as Gwen thanked as she reached for the bag. Ben decided to let Gwen open her present first. The present appeared to be a small plastic box. At first she thought it was an engagement ring but when she opened it she found a pair of earrings in it. They were silver and a had a small blue gem on each of them

"Why Ben this is a beautiful… thank you…" she said happily as they kissed over the table. Once parted she tried them on and looked at her reflection on the napkin holder

"Wow these are nice. Where did you get the money to be these things?" she inquired

"Seven years' worth of allowance" answered her cousin as Gwen smiled warmly at him

"They're beautiful Ben. Thank you"

"Anytime" smiled the boy as they kissed again over the table while enjoying every moment of it. After they parted they savored the moment for a few more seconds until Ben turned to open his own present. He ripped the wrapping paper off the square object which turned out to be the new game of summo slammers. Ben's favorite video game

"Awesome! Thanks Gwen" he said happily as he hugged her tightly

"Anytime… 'Benny...'" she teased as the two kids burst into laughter.

The kids spend the rest of their time drinking soda while having a nice chat and were having a grand time. Before long the date was over and each of them had to go home

"Thanks again for the earrings Ben. They're wonderful" she said happily as she stood in front of him

"My pleasure Gwen. I'm glad you like them. Thanks for the video game. We can play it together if you want…"

"I'd like that…" admitted the girl as she smiled and her boyfriend smiled too. He leaned in for a quick kiss before they parted

"See you around…" he said

"Yeah I'll see you" said Gwen feeling a little sad that the date was over. As a last minute addition to the date she kissed him on the cheek

"I had a good time" she said

"Me too" replied the boy as they both went their separate ways. There are many ways to win a girl's heart. One of them is being a good friend…

Well looks like the romance is finally coming back. How do you like it? Don't forget to leave reviews…

Thank you…