Chapter 31
1038 Words
Valentine’s Day.
Dianne had been planning a special surprise for their parents for days, and finally, the moment had come to put her plan into action.
Early that morning, she gathered her siblings to discuss the final details. Since Franie and Joyce were especially close to their father, they spoke with him first, encouraging him to get ready. “There’s a party you’re attending today,” they told him, making sure to keep the whole plan a secret from their mother. If she found out, she might not allow him to go, and the surprise would be ruined.
Their father, a little nervous but trusting his children, got ready at the nearby neighbor’s house—a friend of the family who had gladly agreed to help. The siblings had coordinated everything with the neighbor in advance, ensuring that every detail of the surprise would go perfectly.
Meanwhile, Dianne, together with Arriane and Fred—their eighth sibling, a surgical doctor with a flair for drama—focused on their mother. They gave her a makeover, carefully styling her hair, makeup, and outfit. Their mother looked stunning under their skilled hands. Thirdy, Anton, and Pete, their seventh sibling and a civil engineer, busied themselves in the kitchen, preparing the food that would be served at the table. Biboy, their ninth sibling and a pilot, along with the youngest sister, worked on the decorations and arranged a small mass for their parents. The goal was clear: to surprise their parents with an intimate, romantic date setup.
Once everyone had finished their tasks, the siblings contacted one another to confirm that the preparations were complete.
When Dianne saw their mother in the mirror, she almost gasped. Her mother looked breathtaking in a red sleeveless bodycon dress, paired with red, crystal-like step-in shoes that perfectly matched the outfit. The elegance and glow radiating from her were mesmerizing.
With the table fully prepared, Dianne and her siblings gently guided their mother out of the bedroom. Her eyes widened in shock as she stepped into the living room. The sight before her was unlike anything she expected. She did not know that Biboy and the youngest sibling had decorated the space while she was being styled. It was nighttime, yet the lights were off. Only the soft glow of candles illuminated the room, casting flickering shadows on the walls. The table was draped in a red cloth, and rose petals were scattered across the floor, adding a romantic and magical touch.
On the table, the dishes prepared by Thirdy, Anton, and Pete were beautifully arranged: spaghetti, baked macaroni, and chicken salad. Dianne had entrusted them with the task because they genuinely loved to cook, and their skill showed in every detail. Nearby, the television displayed a video with the words: “HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY, MOM AND DAD.”
A few moments later, their father arrived, holding a bouquet of flowers. He looked handsome and confident, smiling broadly. In the past, he had rarely smiled openly; financial difficulties had prevented him from fixing his teeth, and he had felt self-conscious. But over the years, as the siblings worked and saved together, they had helped him repair his teeth, giving him the confidence to smile freely.
He approached their mother and handed her the flowers. Then, tenderly, he kissed her.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, my love,” he whispered softly.
The children smiled at the heartwarming scene. Their mother, overwhelmed, let fall the tears she had been holding back—tears of joy and happiness.
“Happy Valentine’s Day too, my love,” she replied, wrapping her arms around him. She cried openly, feeling a happiness and love she had never experienced before.
The children helped their parents settle into their seats, while soft, romantic music played in the background. The gentle melodies filled the room with warmth, calming the heart and stirring feelings of love and connection.
After their parents had shared this intimate moment, the youngest sibling approached Dianne.
“Ate, Kuya DJ sent this for you,” the child said, handing her a flower.
Dianne accepted it, curiosity flickering in her eyes.
“Wait… where is DJ? I haven’t seen him since lunch,” she asked.
“The kids said he’s at the resort. Kuya DJ told me to tell you to go there,” the youngest explained.
Dianne quickly got ready to go to the resort, accompanied by her youngest sibling. What she didn’t know was that the rest of her siblings, as well as their parents, had secretly followed to make sure the surprise would be flawless.
When they arrived at the resort gate, the guard greeted them warmly.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, Ma’am,” he said, handing her a flower.
“Thank you! Happy Valentine’s Day too,” Dianne replied, surprised and delighted.
Two resort staff members, a man and a woman, then approached. “Ma’am, Sir DJ sent these for you,” they said, presenting a large teddy bear, nearly the size of a one-year-old baby, and her favorite chocolates.
“Thank you,” she said softly, her heart already racing.
“Right this way, Ma’am,” the male staff said, guiding her along a path lit with soft, twinkling lights. As they walked, Dianne felt her excitement building. When they reached the sandy area, she stopped, captivated by the first of several signs placed along the path: “To an amazing woman of my life.” A few steps later, another sign read: “Happy Valentine’s Day, Babe.” The final sign declared: “I love you so much, my Wonder Woman.”
Before her was a table adorned with pink-scented candles, casting a soft, romantic glow. Rose petals were scattered across both the table and the sand, creating an enchanting scene. Just a few steps away, DJ stood waiting, a warm smile lighting up his face. When he smiled, two small dimples appeared on either side of his lips, making Dianne’s heart skip a beat.
For a moment, time seemed to stand still. The soft sound of the waves, the gentle flicker of candlelight, and DJ’s tender gaze all came together to create a perfect Valentine’s Day moment—one she would never forget.
#for holiday romance
- Writer
