The Convenient Valentine

The bright light from the sun had peeked into everyone’s life. Just like any other mornings, the roads were filled with the early birds jogging, and shops opening.

In the background played a song from the late 80s along with a light breeze syncing with it. Young people barely listen to any classics. But she does. Haven Miles.

Haven Miles was a 25-year-old, working as an editor at a publishing company. She was a young lady with a seemingly lean figure and had wonderful assets which will make her look outstanding among the people with loads of artificial. Haven was too pure to anyone’s interest. She believed in simplicity and led her life in the same way.

Haven is the only child for her parents. They live in Chicago and Haven in New York. She moved to the new city when she got the job. After all, it was her dream job. She loves stories: written, read, and watched. She just loves them. Period.

Haven had woken up early today since it was a very special day for her and her boyfriend, James Cross. It was their 3rd anniversary. Despite being the young generation, she was not the modern girl who would just move in and out of relationships and barely thought of commitments. She was in love with James and had a stable relationship for an appreciable amount of time. She always looked forward to their future as a young married couple, good parents, and growing old together with James.

Haven met James at the café in front of her office. He is a regular office worker at a big private company. She had fallen for him at first sight. He is the perfect gentleman, what she always refers to him as.

She couldn’t wait to marry him and become his Mrs. Cross.

Today her excitement was over the bars. She wondered what will James have prepared for their anniversary! How special he will make her feel! She had high expectations from him since he always showered her with loads of love and affection.

Haven sang along with the song which was playing from her phone. She was having her morning coffee while sitting in the patio.

The oven dinged, making her aware that the chocolate chips muffins were done. She baked it, especially for James.

She reached the oven, and the aroma of the muffins filled her kitchen. She felt satisfied with her baking skills. The muffins were baked with perfection. She immediately shifted them into the container and packed the bag with a few more little gifts she had brought for her boyfriend.

Haven had picked a sky blue colored maxi dress. It matched her earnings and neck chain, which was a gift from James. She couldn’t wait to surprise him. She wore minimal makeup and brushed her hair and let it loose.

She wore nude heels and walked out of her house locked it.

“Going out, Honey?” asked her neighbor, Mrs. Morgan.

Haven turned to her and flashed a warm smile, “Yes, Mrs. Morgan.”

Mrs. Morgan was a nice old widow. Haven had grown close to her ever since she moved in here. The old lady loved the company of Haven. She always said to Haven that she reminded her of her daughter, whom she was forced to give up because of teen pregnancy.

Mrs. Morgan raised her brows and questioned, “To meet James?”

“Yeah,” Haven’s blush didn’t go unnoticed by the old woman. She laughed lightly and said, “Have a good time, sweetheart. And happy anniversary.”

Of course, she would know. Haven had not stopped talking about her big day with Mrs. Morgan. Last evening’s tea time talk was totally filled with James and anniversary.

“Thank you. It might get late tonight. So keep an eye on my place for any mails.”

“Sure, Honey. Cya then.”

Mrs. Morgan and Haven exchanged a warm hug before the old lady went inside her home and Haven to her car.

Haven drove her SUV to the driveway. It was a gift from her father when she got the job. Mr. Miles adored and loved his daughter more than anyone could on this earth. There were no bounds to his love for her.

Haven drove her car for about 30 minutes before she reached James’ apartment complex. The reason they didn’t move in together was, Haven, didn’t like the high-end apartments. And James didn’t like the view from an independent house. He always loved to look from the upside than see what is in front of him. While Haven loved the independent house for its environment, neighbors, and the backyard where she grows flowers.

Just like any other couple, Haven and James too had their differences. But that didn’t stop them from pursuing their relationship.

Haven parked her car and was quick to grab the gifts and walked to the entrance. The watchman gave her a smile and checked her ID before logging in her entry into his computer. Although he knew who she was, Haven always insisted that he does his job in the right way.

“How are you this morning, Ms. Miles?” the watchman asked her casually.

She smiled at him and replied, “Thanks for asking. I am doing good. In fact, very good. How about you?”

“I am doing good too. What’s the occasion? You seem happier than usual?” he asked, curiously.

“It’s our anniversary,” she intoned.

The watchman seemed a little worried, while he entered her details into his computer. But he couldn’t make his heart talk to her about it.

He returned her ID and wished her for the anniversary and well for the day.

Haven quickly got into the elevator. Her heart started beating rapidly as she pressed the 15th-floor button. She suddenly felt giddy. She didn’t know what to expect from James.

When the elevator opened on the 15th floor, she got out and walked towards James’ flat.

She punched the password and let herself inside. She always knew the password to his home, but never once did she use it. She didn’t want to take away his personal space despite James’ insistence for her to let herself in whenever he is late from work and she had arrived early at his place. This was her first time letting herself inside his apartment.

The house was still dark. For a split second, she thought if he forgot about their anniversary. She quietly placed the bag on the kitchen counter and walked towards his room.

She heard some rumbling sounds from inside. She was skeptical about opening the door of his room and gave it a thought for some time before she decides to go for it.

She opened the door wide.

She felt like the time on the earth, movements of air were stopped. The scene in front of her eyes was not something she looked forward to. Or even fancied for anyone to have.