THE VALENTINE’S DAY PARTY

by ChicagoTunnelKid

Vincent felt like he was herding cats!

“Children! Settle down!” he rarely admonished.

Finally, the talking ceased and all were seated. What made them so recalcitrant was the Valentine’s Party scheduled for later that afternoon. Any time there was a chance for sweet treats, the children’s expectations started early.

“As you know, the Valentine’s Day party is later this afternoon.” Nodding heads affirmed his statement. “Miss Catherine brought down some Valentine cards for you to use. You all must choose five cards, and five other children Below. Once you select your five, you are to write down one thing you like about them. Do not sign your name! Instead, you are to sign the card, ‘Your Secret Admirer.’ Does everybody understand the assignment?” Vincent looked around, heads were nodding, and no questions seemed to be forthcoming.

“Okay, come pick up your cards.”

A general melee resulted, but eventually, each child had their cards and returned to their seats.

“If anyone has trouble spelling a name, or any of the words you thought about, I’ll come and help.” Vincent looked at them. “Remember, positive statements only!”

“What do we do when we finish?” Kipper asked.

“Drop them in the box in the back, decorated in red and hearts. Later, at the party, each child will get their cards to read, and they can wonder who their secret admirers are!” Vincent spoke with a twinkle in his eye.

“Do we have to pick all boys?” Jamie asked.

“No,” Vincent said. “Anyone will appreciate being told what others like about them.”

“Can we pick an adult?” Jeffrey asked.

Vincent smiled to himself. He suspected Jeffrey had a crush on Catherine. “I don’t see why you can’t admire an adult, Jeffrey.”

Everyone got busy. Vincent watched as each child thought a moment, then wrote on the card. When he and Catherine had thought up this activity, they had considered what might happen if no child got a card. They decided not to read them in class, but at the party, and if by some chance a child was left out, Vincent and Catherine would write some cards so no one would be the wiser.

Soon, the cards were all deposited in the box. Stares from the children made Vincent reconsider keeping them any later.

“Class dismissed!” he announced and watched as they all scattered like mice.

* * *

The dining hall was gaily decorated as the community gathered for the festivities. The children’s portion would be first, so that they were excused and the adults could enjoy the evening.

On a table in front, stacks of cards were lined up. Vincent and Catherine took turns calling names for the recipients to come claim their cards. No one had been left out, but they did augment a few piles.

One by one, each child came and got their stack. Vincent asked that all hold on to their cards so that everyone could open them together. There remained a few cards on the table.

“William!” Vincent announced. The big man was startled, then blushed, and came up to claim his cards.

“Mary!” Catherine announced, and watched as Mary clasped her hands together in a delighted “Oh!” and quickly came to get her cards.

“Father!” Vincent smiled. Father came up, “Well, I never, humpf,” but claimed his cards, none-the-less.

“Vincent!” Catherine called, having hidden the ones for him earlier. She handed him his stack. “Should I be worried?” she teased softly.

He took his cards, and then pulled out a few with her name on them. “Perhaps it is I who should worry?” He waggled an eyebrow at her.

“Okay, everybody open their cards!” Catherine barely got out the word “open” before tearing could be heard. She and Vincent each went and sat down to enjoy their cards.

Gasps of delight could be heard, as children discovered how much others thought of them. William was observed clearing his throat, and blinking rapidly. Mary held each one to her heart after reading it. Vincent knew that those would go into her keepsake drawer, forever to be treasured.

Father smiled, humbled by what the children admired in him. He knew they often complained about all his rules, yet he was gladdened to know they could see the love and caring he had for them.

Vincent leaned closer to Catherine. “So what do my rivals most admire in you, if I may be so bold as to ask?”

“Well, according to them, I’m a good-looking, nice, and fun lady!” she smiled. “What about you?”

“I’m cool,” he said, adopting a street-wise style of nodding, accepting his coolness. “I’m also kind and smart.”

“What? No sexys this year?” she teased.

Vincent smiled. “That one is reserved just for you!”

Father stood and announced that cake and punch were ready, and the children lost no time getting in line. Each was chattering about their secret admirers, wondering who they could be. Samantha was heard to say she didn’t want to know, that it was more fun wondering, leaving it a mystery.

Father ambled over to join Vincent and Catherine.

“This is a marvelous thing you did. “ Father surveyed the room. “Everyone seems uplifted, and hearts were made light!” He leaned over the table to take a hand of each of them. “Thank you.” He patted their hands one more time before withdrawing. “I believe you two had plans of your own?” Father asked with one eyebrow raised.

“Yes. Catherine?” Vincent held out his hand to help Catherine up.

Together, they left the dining hall to start their own celebration.