I saw him peering over the back of the seat in front of me. He looked nervous, almost afraid. "What's wrong with Drew?" I thought, "He looks like he is going to be sick."
It was Valentine's Day. I had spent the night before writing the names of each kid in my class on the kitten-themed cards, carefully selecting who got which card, so that no wrong ideas were formed. I definitely wanted Miles to get the one with a cheeky message, and Grant had to receive the one about being only 'pals.' I saved all the cutest kitten card for my best friends. They were all packed back in the box and ready for the next day!
"Seriously, Drew looks like he is going to..." He tossed a red box of chocolates over the back of the seat and said, "These are for you. Happy Valentine's Day!"
I stared at him in disgust. Drew was a grade younger than me. We were elementary school friends but I had no idea he wanted me to be his Valentine! I was mortified. If friends asked me where I got the chocolates, I did not want to admit that they were from Drew. And if my mom asked me, I would rather curl up and die! I had to act fast. I couldn't say "no thanks" or "I don't want these" because I was always taught to be thankful for a gift. This was a major dilemma.
"You know who always talks about chocolate?" I thought, "My teacher." She would love these chocolates and she would never know who they were actually from! Drew hadn't signed his name anywhere on the box so the coast was clear!
I carried out the plan. "Oh Megan, I love chocolate!" ("I know.") "What a thoughtful Valentine gift!"
Days later, I received a thank-you note in my school mailbox and opened it on the car ride home. I had completely forgotten about my devious plan. "What does it say?" My mom inquired. "Did Miss. Davey like her card?"
I read:
Dear Megan,
Thank you so much for the Valentine's Day Card and gift certificate! I am a lucky teacher! Also, thank you for the box of choc -- I stopped dead in my tracks. I didn't want my mom to know about Drew and Miss Davey and the re-gift!!
"Box of chocolates?" Mom was confused. "We didn't buy Miss. Davey any chocolates..."
Megan,
ReplyDeleteThis was so fun to read! It definitely has a lot of voice in it and I like that it is so relatable.
How many pieces of work do you have in your collection of little white lies? What a fun idea! Your pieces are definitely creative.
I'm wondering if you can give the reader some more information/background about how you came up with this idea?
Good job!
Megan
Megan,
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job on your story! I love the inner dialogue you have with yourself throughout the writing. I could totally relate and found myself traveling back to grade school as well.
Did Drew ever find out that you gave his chocolates to your teacher? Did anyone see him give you the chocolates and then give chocolates to your teacher?
I think it would be interesting to hear a little more about Drew and who he was. When I was first reading, I was imagining a father or a brother until you had him give you the box of chocolates and you realized he wanted you to be his Valentine.
Great job! I loved reading this story, and I think a lot of kids would relate to all the difficulties that come with grade school Valentines Day.
Amy