She made fun of my anniversary gift in front of her friends, and that’s not even the worst part.
People make fun of and laugh at Kevin’s love surprise on the eve of a big anniversary. What should have been a happy time turns into a major turning point. With his heart on the line, he has to make a choice that could change his whole future.
Hey, my name is Kevin. Prepare yourself, because I’m about to tell you a true story that completely changed the way I see things. It was, to put it simply, a wake-up call!
So, let’s get to the point. Paige and I have been dating for three years, yes. We moved in together after meeting for a year and have been living what I would call a pretty happy life since then.
We’ve talked about having kids and making plans for what looks like a wonderful future. But this is where things get interesting. It was almost our anniversary, and I wanted Paige to have a really special day this year.
Some weeks ago, she saw a music poster as we walked by the new theatre in downtown Raleigh.
But it wasn’t just any show; it was one by a performer she really loves. Not quite the same as Taylor Swift’s, but it’s pretty close. She got so excited that she screamed like a child in a candy store about how great it would be to go. That’s when it hit me: that was the perfect anniversary present.
I decided right then and there to get those concert tickets, but I didn’t tell her about my plan. But that wasn’t all; I had something even stranger planned.
Things were getting really crazy at our flat a week before our anniversary. During dinner, Paige’s friends were having a great time laughing and talking in the living room.
Up until Paige decided to show some old shots, everything was going well. She ran into our bedroom to get the record. Following a short time, she stomped down the stairs with the concert tickets I had given her as a surprise, not the picture album.
She rushed into the living room with the tickets in her hand and looked at me like she had just found a prize. “What are these, Kevin?” she asked. loud enough for all of her friends to hear.
I was caught off guard, but I thought that since the secret was out in the open, I should just tell the truth.They are show tickets for the artist you want to see. “I planned to surprise you for our anniversary,” I said with a fake grin.
I was expecting Paige to squeal with joy, but her face turned into a sneer. “Imagine him dancing at the concert,” she made fun of him as she turned to face her friends. All of them looked at us now. “I think all he wanted was to hear those girly love songs.”
People in the room laughed out loud. It hit her like a tonne of rocks when her friends laughed. With each giggle, I realised how wrong I had been to think she would find the gesture cute.
Being as embarrassed and angry as I was, I stood there with a face as red as a tomato. But what could I do about it? Fight back in front of all of them?
No, I wasn’t able to handle that. I just took my keys and left without making a sound. The cool night air made my cheeks feel a little better from the intense shame that was spreading from them.
After that, we didn’t say anything else. I was too hurt and shocked by her answer to even think about starting a talk. I kept hearing Paige’s mean words, and each time they came up, they hurt even more.
A few days after what made me look bad, I was looking for old work files in some boxes when I noticed something was missing. Nobody had a ticket to the show left. I had a bad feeling when I went to see Paige because I thought she might have just moved them.
But her answer hit me hard in the face. It was her fault; she said, “I sold them.” “You were stupid to buy them anyway.” I was shocked as I stood there. But she wasn’t done yet. As if selling the tickets wasn’t enough, she told them another surprise.
“With the money, I bought some makeup at Sephora.” If you can’t think of anything better, just get me a Sephora card next time. When she jumped out, a fancy purse hung off her arm.
I was completely shocked and broken. It was no longer just about the tickets; it was about everything they stood for. I made a decision on the morning of our anniversary while Paige was still asleep.
Along with the gift, there was a Sephora card with a letter that told them everything I had been keeping from them.
“You were right” is what I wrote.
“Neither my gift nor I are valuable or smart.” The only thing you didn’t know was that I was going to ask you to marry me at the show. But I’m glad you told me who you really were before I made such a big mistake. Just so you know, I did what you said. I sold the ring and bought a Sephora card because you asked me to. I wish you luck!”
I left that note the same day I moved out. For some reason, it was our anniversary day while I was packing my life into boxes. As I drove away, though, there was both the heavy air of a chapter closing and a sense of relief.
Late that same day, I was finishing up some work when my coworker Jake came by my desk. With a jokey, “Hey, Kev, what are your plans for tonight?”
I shook my head because I wasn’t feeling very good. There is one more ticket left for the show tonight that you were so excited about a while ago. Would you like to take part?”
I thought about it for a moment, but the comedy of the situation almost made me lose it. Then I thought, “Why not?” What did I have to lose? In this way, I agreed.
I almost missed the exciting show, which was a brilliant mix of music and lights. That’s where I met Demi, in the middle of all the fans.
We ran into each other by the snack stand as we both tried to get the last pretzel. She laughed and smiled and said, “I’m sorry, but it looks like we’re going to have a classic standoff.”
Finally, we talked the whole show while we were slicing the pretzel. She was funny, honest, and easy to talk to. She was wonderful. At the end of the last song, we exchanged phone numbers. As we left, she said, “This weekend, let’s grab lunch.” I would like to know more about how you make pretzels.
As I write this story, I can’t help but think about how life can take unexpected turns. Tomorrow I’m going to have lunch with Demi, and I have to say I’m excited about this new start.
That being said, what do you think, readers?
