Valentine's Day
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing. I was taking a sip of coffee.”
“Happy. Valentine’s. Day. My. Love.”
“Same to you, darling.”
“Why can’t you say it back to me?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Because it’s just some damned, made-up day? You know I don’t have the highest regard for the manufactured card holidays.
“Ah Jesus, there’s that eye roll again. You just love the eye rolls, don’t you? Remember what our therapist said about that.”
“It’s just- Come on, Angela, that’s not our relationship. We’re not some Hallmark card. It’s just nice to spend the day celebrating our love for each other.”
“Oh Lord, Ella? Really? We spend almost every waking hour together. If you need a special day, accompanied by some cheesy card telling you how much I love you, then you and I are in separate relationships.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It’s not supposed to mean anything. But I am the one who’s providing for this little ad hoc family. And I still do half the housework, still pick up Bubba’s shit from outside, still cook half the meals, still clean half the time, while being the only one to bring an income in while you work to find yourself. If you don’t think that’s love, then you and I have very different definitions of love.”
“Tell me how you really feel.”
“Look, sweetie. My kumquat. My darling Ella. I love you. If a card and gift are what you need to see that, then I’ll go pick one up. After this cup of coffee, k?”
“You didn’t get me anything?”
“I thought the roof over your head was enough.”
“Oh, how romantic, Angela. At least that keeps me warm at night.”
“And what does that mean?”
“It means I’m tired of snuggling with Bubba instead of you.”
“We have to share the duties of caring for you, love. You are demanding.”
“Sometimes you can be such a bitch.”
“It’s one of my endearing qualities, apparently.”
“Angela, this isn’t how I wanted our Valentine’s Day to start. Here, for you. I’m sorry.”
“What’s this?”
“Just something to say I love you. Although, maybe that’s not enough now, is it?”
“Ella dear, love was never enough.”