I hugged West tightly and I knew his spirits rose. That’s why I tried not to make it a big deal when I excused myself. “I’ve got to go to a b-ball game.”

“Why?” West was like a little puppy: always willing to follow you wherever you go and wanting to protect you from everything they find bad.

“Edward,” I said quickly and I tried to leave at the same speed but it wasn’t fast enough; I still saw West’s face fall and I know I had accidentally broken him more through the hug than before. “Oh, West,” I murmered. I checked the clock in his all-to-familiar hallway and cursed. I was already late to meet Edward at the game but I couldn’t just leave West.

I stepped toward the door to West’s living room where we had been talking and stopped. Shaking my head I left the house and ran to my car. I threw the door open and drove madly away form the house. It didn’t stop my eyes from drifting to the window. I knew the face I saw in that window would haunt me forever because I chose my love.

“Happy Valentines Day.”