THE PERFECT VALENTINE

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Amaka hated Valentine’s Day!!! Maybe it was the fact that everyone wore red like they were all part of a secret society or maybe it was the cheesy romantic posts and messages every year on social media but she just didn’t like it.

On her way to work, she could hear her Uber driver scolding a vendor who was running late with his Valentine’s Day “Para ra”
“Madam you people better get there before my babe goes to work ooo!!! If her staff bus gets there before your trumpet and my money pyramid I will not send you your balance!!!”

She found herself laughing at the driver and his vendor, as much as she hated the corniness of the day she wished someone would make the effort for her sake.
“Oga calm down and focus o, make trailer no go jam us,” she said to the driver.

“No vex my sister, you know how women are, if my Elsie doesn’t get her Valentine’s Day treatment I no go get peace till next year Valentine’s Day” he responded getting off the phone.

She laughed at the thought of his girlfriend punishing him for a year because he failed to get her a gift, her gender was petty sha so it was quite likely.
“She’s a lucky woman,” she said to him
“Thank you, Sister…We dey try.”

She wondered how much he earned and how he could afford to make the effort to put a smile on his girls face, non of the men in her life had ever been as thoughtful, she wondered if she was the problem as she seemed to always attract the wrong kind of men.

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When she got to the office the oppression doubled, her female colleagues had roses on their desks, hampers laden with gifts, even the junior staff and interns were not left out, she was the general manager at her firm and yet her office was empty, she could have sworn she heard staff whispering and laughing behind her back.

She spent the day feeling sorry for herself and buried her head in as much work as possible, promising herself a treat after work hours.

She closed later than she would have liked but insistent on making herself happy she drove to her favorite restaurant for a bite and a drink.
The booths were swarming with couples and she was almost convinced to turn around and head home but she found an empty booth and settled in with her meal and a drink.

She was lost in her phone when she heard someone ask if he could join her, “ I don’t mean to impose but I’ve noticed you’re on your own and sitting by myself on Valentine’s Day is super depressing, would you be so kind as to let me sit with you” a fairly good looking bloke asked with an awkward smile.
“I feel your pain, you are welcome to join me” she responded putting her phone down.

As they spoke, she felt better…it didn’t matter that she felt absolutely no attraction to him at the moment and only enjoyed the company because it was better than scrolling through her feed and watching couple after couple profess undying love on social media, it was okay to be single and meeting someone with the same dilemma who could share her plight made her feel a little less alone.

“I think I’m the only one out of all my friends who is still single,” he said in between a mouthful of fries, “since the last breakup I haven’t been interested in pursuing another romantic relationship, unfortunately, that means I’m begging random strangers to engage in conversation with me on Valentine’s Day”

“I know what you mean, I’ve been married to my work and unfortunately it doesn’t remember to send me flowers for Valentines,” she said brushing her hair backward.

“We could cheat on your work if you’re interested, even if only as friends…it would be nice to have a reason to take a break and experience life,” he said looking at her and realizing for the first time that behind her glasses she had really beautiful brown eyes.
“I’d like that…” she responded smiling.

They exchanged numbers after a while and made a date for the weekend, who knew…they might just be together by the next Valentine’s Day.

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When she got home she found a bouquet of really nice flowers, a bottle of red wine, some red velvet cake and a note…” Until you get yourself a nice man to do this for you, please remember that you’ll always be my baby girl and I love you more than life itself…Dad”.
Tears filled her eyes as she took in the gift, maybe Valentine’s Day wasn’t so bad after all.