Torren could not stifle the infatuation he felt in his heart for Shawney, "Same here, I can say it's magical, being with you, Shawney."
"Aye, stop right there, I don't like magic, but believe me when I say this is truly a blessing in disguise. Also, I feel amazing, or even super special."
Torren couldn't hold back, so he agreed immediately, "Shawney, I agree with you immensely. This is awesome."
Shawney lifted her head slightly, only to see how his eyes were dazzling like a deep pool. Lost for a split second in the depth of that pool, wishing she could remain there forever. He may not know it, but this is the best therapy: hearing him laugh.
"Yes, this evening is truly blessed, Shawney. I will always remember it."
After dancing to two more songs, Shawney said, "Let us return to the table, your Dad might say I invited him and now I am neglecting him."
"Shawney, why would Dad say that, when he himself suggested we dance, and look across for yourself, he has company. Let us enjoy this moment."
In her heart, Shawney didn't want to stop, but she felt sorry for his feet, "Well, maybe one more dance won't hurt that much."
Torren thought, 'If only she knew my Dad, she wouldn't say that. He loves to see his children happy, even if it means that he must give up something.' Whispering in her ear, "Am I becoming a bore already?"
Clinging both of her hands behind his neck, whispering in return. "Oh no, my friend, you will never be that. I hope you know I love you very much, but I am feeling sorry for your feet."
Hearing him laugh feels good. 'Dear God, I was curious to see what Mr MacCarty was willing to give up for his son's happiness.
My coming to San Francisco was mainly to see how I could help after seeing how broken he was when relating his situation about Torren. 'That is what causes me to become curious, especially hearing about the other children's behaviour towards him.
'Being close to him those few days, seeing how handsome and carefree he is, fills my heart, removing the void that was there all these years. Now experiencing this special moment, what a romantic he is. He had won me over immensely.
'I didn't even think this evening would have been possible after he turned down my invitation. Being with him now is just so amazing.
I must thank You, Oh God, for You are my Father, and You know my heart. My intentions were truly to see him happy. And Lord, from what I observed, Mr Mac Carry seems very happy also.'
When he whispers in her ear, "Shawney being here with you makes this night very special."
Shawney felt her ear tickle, knowing she was falling head over heels in love. "That's it?"
Torren thought he had offended her, but what could he say? When she said she loved me, I was speechless. "What did I do, Shawney?"
Resting her head on his chest, feeling his heartbeat in a rhythm, "You just said it was special, and I can't agree more."
Feeling his affectionate embrace tighten when he mumbles, "Shawney, you got me frightened, I thought I did something to offend you."
Shawney felt so much love at that moment, knowing it was the very first time she was experiencing what it felt like to feel loved. Shawney relaxed in his embrace, not wanting it to end.
"Torren, you are very special to me, and being here with me makes it even more special. You might not believe this, but being here with me helps me forget what I wanted for this Valentine's Day."
Inhaling her sweet fragrance, Torren was mesmerised; his curiosity got the better of him, "And what is that, my lovely lady?"
With her head still resting on his chest, she felt his gentle stroking. Shawney felt free to open up and reveal her inner thoughts.
"Torren, you won't believe this, but three years ago on this special day, my dad brought a young man to our home, and he proposed. The young man thought my Dad had money, but when he saw our home, he lied and made excuses, then left. My dad was very hurt and upset, thinking it was I who turned down his proposal. After that incident occurred, I left home. I was planning to prepare a special dinner for him on this day, hoping to touch his heart with my cooking. And we will talk about what we missed out on for those three years.
Torren felt his chest wet as her embrace tightened. She was hurting as she said, "But he is no longer around, I waited too long to return home, and now he is gone, and I never told him exactly what had happened. Maybe my family was right when they said he was sick because of me, and I wasn't there to take care of him. They were speaking the truth. I should have never left home on his behest; it was my fault that he left so early.'
Torren felt that heavy burden, knowing he felt that same guilt for so long. I wanted desperately to comfort her when she gently shook her head as though she wanted to get rid of those ugly thoughts.
Shawney took a deep breath and then exhaled. Torren felt his heart warm up to her understanding of her plight.
When she did speak, with a chuckle as though a moment ago hadn't occurred, "Torren, I must really thank you, just for being here for me tonight. I will never forget it. Now, please don't be offended with me, but I crave cake and ice cream."