Welcome! You have found my entry for the Valentine's Showcase 2008 and you guessed it, its a childhood love story.

Please enjoy and let's get on with the show!

It was a bright sunny day in the nicely lit classroom of Rockwood Elementary School in Room 5. The date was Feburary 14, or otherwise known as Valentine's Day. The classroom was a twitter with sounds of chatting students and coloring on festive holiday cards.

"Alright class, let's settle down now!" said Mrs. Applegate from her desk, her heart headband bobbling with every movement her head made. "We should be finishing up our cards soon and be sure to give it to that extra special person! Afterwards, I will distribute snacks and drinks so leave those tummys extra empty!"

I, Charlie Hunter, glanced at my best friend Alan Kody. "Who are you giving your Valentine's card to Alan?" I said.
"Eh, I'm not sure yet," Third grade Alan mumbled. "Probably just my mom. She goes crazy over this type of stuff. My homemade stuff are her favorite. Who are you gonna give yours too?"
"Uhhh..," I stuttered. "I think Chelsea."

Chelsea Davis. She has sat behind me since the begininng of the school year, but I haven't been able to keep my eyes and mind off of her since I saw her in 1st grade. I know that I'm young, but I think that I am in love with this girl.

And today is the day that I tell her.

Billy playfully punched me on the shoulder. "Alright! You go man!" I blushed.

Mrs. Applegate got up from her desk and walked down the aisle. "Ok," her cheery voice boomed. "Tables 1 and 2 can go and get snacks, and then when they are back at their seats, 3 and 4, then 5 and 6."

I walked up to the snack table. Chelsea was in front of me getting a heart cookie. Alan pushed me and I almost slammed into her and knocked the cookie over.

"Hi." I weakly said as she passed me. "Hi Charlie!" She said in her perfect 24/7 cheerful voice. She smiled at me as she passed by and I almost fainted, but thankfully Alan pushed me back up.

"BUURPP!"
Alan wiped his mouth. "Just give her the card! What's the worst she could say?"
I smacked him lightly. "Don't be so loud! And she could say no and just give it right back to me.."
"Come on bro you know Chelsea isn't rude like that." Alan said between bites. "I don't even think she has a mean bone in her body."

I went back to my Coca-Cola. I wish I was more brave and outgoing like Alan. He wouldn't have a problem giving a dopey card to a pretty girl. But that wasn't me. I'm the shy little boy that can't talk to anyone.

I looked at my hand-made card. It had a sloppy heart on the front with "Happy Valentine's Day" written on it. The inside simply said:

Chelsea,
I'm sorry this couldn't be as pretty as you.
Will you be my valentine?

Love,
Charlie

Mrs. Applegate got up again. "Ok boys and girls. It's clean up time and then you may give out your cards if you have one!" The class groaned and got up to throw out their plates and sodas.

I sunk into my seat. What was I gonna do? Should I give it? Should I just scribble it out and give it to my mom like the past 3 years?

It felt like my heart was going to burst out from my chest.

I stood up and was going to throw the card away. Alan pushed me back into the chair and flattened the kinda-crumpled card on the desk. "What are you doing?!" He whisper-shouted. "Just give it to her! Do you want to regret this moment for the rest of your life?"
My face turned a little red. "I want too, but I'm scared..."
Alan grabbed my shoulders and shook me slightly. "Just. Do. It."

I stood up and took my card in my hand. Even though she sat just behind me, it felt like a mile walk from my desk to hers. By this time my face was full blown red and I prayed that it would turn down a knotch in 2 seconds before I reached her desk.

I could feel eyes on my back. They were staring at me and snickering. I was the only one to actually give a valentine to someone else, not counting the few class clowns to give Mrs. Applegate one.

"Hi Chelsea." I said as I reached her desk. My hands were sweaty and I begged God that they didn't make the colors on the card run.
"Hi Charlie." Chelsea said smiling. "Whats up?"
"I made you this..." I put the card on her desk.

Then I ran back to my seat. As fast as my legs could carry me. Even though it was only a few feet away, I nearly tripped.

I slammed myself in my seat and covered my eyes. Then I peeked out from behind them.
"Oh my gosh," I thought. "What have I done!?" I felt tears coming down my eyes a little bit. Alan patted me on the back. "It's ok man. It was fine."

When I gathered up my courage, I turned around.
I saw her. She was reading my card.
I flipped myself back around and buried my face into my arms.

What have I done?

A few mintues later I heard her get up and stand next to my desk. Alan elbowed me and I stood up.

"Charlie..."

"I would love to be your valetine."

I pulled back, my eyes still closed. She smiled at me and then went back to her seat.

Alan was right. I definatley would not want to regret this moment.

"...And they lived happily ever after."
Charlie, now Charles, cuddled his wife of 56 years on the couch in their home in San Fransisco. He put the black notebook down that contained his childhood love story.
"That is always my favorite story." Chelsea said as she leaned on Charles shoulder.

Charles swopped his beautiful wife into his arms and held her in a passionate kiss.

"Happy Valentines Day my love."