Taking Chances (Remember to Forget Sequel)

Chapter 8

Luke's POV

Today is February 14. Valentine's Day.

I've never really liked Valentine's Day that much. Or at least, the whole idea of it. I don't see why we need one day for someone we love, it should just be everyday.

But this year, I'm actually looking forward to today. I planned out the whole day for Delilah and me. I just hope it all works out. It could go perfectly or it could be a disaster.

I want to make today special so Delilah knows how much she means to me. We haven't been on an actual, official date yet, so today is the day. To say that I'm nervous is an understatement. I'm also extremely excited to the point where I can't tell if the butterflies in my stomach are because of anxiety or happiness. I think it's a little of both.

I told Delilah yesterday to be ready at 12 o'clock. It's 11:30 right now and each minute seems to move by slower. I just want it to be time to go already.

"Is everything all set?" my dad asks me, noticing me pacing through the house and double checking everything.

I nod. "I think so. I hope so."

"I left some money on the table. Oh, and make sure you're not out all night," he says, grabbing his car keys.

"Okay, we won't," I assure him.

My dad is leaving for three days for work. He's going on a business trip somewhere. I don't really know what my dad's actual job is, I think it involves accounting or something. All I know is that during baseball season, he's usually coaching little league. I'm surprised my dad actually trusts me to stay by myself for the next three days.

Delilah calls me a few minutes after my dad leaves. "I'm ready, is now good?" she asks.

"Yeah."

"Okay. Am I driving?"

"No, we can walk. Where we're going isn't far."

"Okay. Where-"

I hang up before she can ask any questions and make my way to her house. She's been questioning me every day for the past week trying to find out what I planned for today. I want it to be a surprise though.

It was very hard to plan something with such a low budget. I didn't want to make my dad spend a lot. I feel bad having him pay for everything. I promised him I'd get a job so I can start paying for my own things.

I knock on Delilah's front door, and she opens it after a few seconds.

"Happy Valentine's Day!" we say in unison.

We both laugh.

"So, where are we going?" Delilah asks, reaching for my hand and intertwining her fingers with mine.

"It's a surprise," I tell her for the hundredth time, quickly kissing her.

She rolls her eyes and smiles. We start walking downtown, with Delilah asking constant questions. Each time we turn down a street, she asks another question.

"Is it fancy? I'm not dressed fancy," she says.

I laugh. "No, it's not fancy. I can't afford fancy."

"It's not a movie, right?"

I shake my head.

Delilah and I wait for the light to change so we can walk across the street. I hug my arms around her waist and lean my head on her shoulder.

"Tell me where we're going. You know I don't like surprises," she tells me, turning around so she's facing me.

"Too bad. I like surprising you. The light changed," I say, pointing across the street.