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Kitty continues "We could put red food coloring in the syrup, too, to make it look like blood A bloody heart!"

No, never mind Kitty is all her own

25

THE NIGHT BEFORE VALENTINE’S DAY, I get it in h and cherry turnovers would be a fantastic idea, so I wake up before the sun rises to bake them fresh, and now the kitchen looks like a crime scene Cherry juice splattered all over the countertops and tiles It’s a bloodbath, a cherry-juice bloodbath Worse than the ti in the backsplash tiles I had to take a toothbrush to the grout

But ht out of a cartoon, each one so golden and hoes and the little holes to let out stea these to the lunch table; I know that Peter and Gabe and Darrell will appreciate theive one to Lucas, too And Chris, if she shows up for school

I text Peter that I don’t need a ride, because I want to get there early and put the valentine in his locker There’s so sweet about a valentine in a locker--when you think about it, a locker is much like a mailbox, and everyone knows that letters sent in the mail are far more romantic than when they’re unceremoniously handed over in person

Kitty comes downstairs around seven, and the two of us set a beautiful Valentine’s table setting for Daddy, with his valentines froed around his plate I leave hi reaction because I don’t want to get to school after Peter He always cuts it close, so I figure I’et to school, I slip the valentine into Peter’s locker, then head to the cafeteria to wait for hi by the vending machines withGenevieve He has his hands on her shoulders, and he is talking to her intently She’s nodding, her eyes downcast What could it be, this thing that has her so sad? Or is it just an act, a way to keep Peter close?

Here it is Valentine’s Day and I feel like I’irlfriend Is he really just being a good friend to her, or is it so ed Valentine’s gifts, for old ti that exes who are still friends do?

She spotsto Peter, and walks past me and out of the cafeteria He strides over to me "Happy Valentine’s Day, Covey" He puts his hands onSetting me down, he says, "Can we kiss in public since it’s a holiday?"

"Where’s hs "Dareedy" Whatever it is, I can tell he is excited to give it to me, which in turn excites me He takes my hand and leads me over to the table where his backpack is "First sit down," he says, and I obey He sits down next to me "Close your eyes and hold out your hand"

I do, and I hear hi in my hand, a piece of paper I open my eyes

"It’s a poeing me dreams

Of beautiful Lara Jean

And stars never rise but I feel the bright eyes