The Convenient Valentine

The bright light from the sun had peeked into everyone's life. Just like any other mornings, the roads were filled with the early birds jogging, and shops opening.

In the background played a song from the late 80s along with a light breeze syncing with it. Young people barely listen to any classics. But she does. Haven Miles.

Haven Miles was a 25-year-old, working as an editor at a publishing company. She was a young lady with a seemingly lean figure and had wonderful assets which will make her look outstanding among the people with loads of artificial. Haven was too pure to anyone's interest. She believed in simplicity and led her life in the same way.

Haven is the only child for her parents. They live in Chicago and Haven in New York. She moved to the new city when she got the job. After all, it was her dream job. She loves stories: written, read, and watched. She just loves them. Period.

Haven had woken up early today since it was a very special day for her and her boyfriend, James Cross. It was their 3rd anniversary. Despite being the young generation, she was not the modern girl who would just move in and out of relationships and barely thought of commitments. She was in love with James and had a stable relationship for an appreciable amount of time. She always looked forward to their future as a young married couple, good parents, and growing old together with James.

Haven met James at the café in front of her office. He is a regular office worker at a big private company. She had fallen for him at first sight. He is the perfect gentleman, what she always refers to him as.

She couldn't wait to marry him and become his Mrs. Cross.

Today her excitement was over the bars. She wondered what will James have prepared for their anniversary! How special he will make her feel! She had high expectations from him since he always showered her with loads of love and affection.

Haven sang along with the song which was playing from her phone. She was having her morning coffee while sitting in the patio.

The oven dinged, making her aware that the chocolate chips muffins were done. She baked it, especially for James.

She reached the oven, and the aroma of the muffins filled her kitchen. She felt satisfied with her baking skills. The muffins were baked with perfection. She immediately shifted them into the container and packed the bag with a few more little gifts she had brought for her boyfriend.

Haven had picked a sky blue colored maxi dress. It matched her earnings and neck chain, which was a gift from James. She couldn't wait to surprise him. She wore minimal makeup and brushed her hair and let it loose.

She wore nude heels and walked out of her house locked it.

"Going out, Honey?" asked her neighbor, Mrs. Morgan.

Haven turned to her and flashed a warm smile, "Yes, Mrs. Morgan."

Mrs. Morgan was a nice old widow. Haven had grown close to her ever since she moved in here. The old lady loved the company of Haven. She always said to Haven that she reminded her of her daughter, whom she was forced to give up because of teen pregnancy.

Mrs. Morgan raised her brows and questioned, "To meet James?"

"Yeah," Haven's blush didn't go unnoticed by the old woman. She laughed lightly and said, "Have a good time, sweetheart. And happy anniversary."

Of course, she would know. Haven had not stopped talking about her big day with Mrs. Morgan. Last evening's tea time talk was totally filled with James and anniversary.

"Thank you. It might get late tonight. So keep an eye on my place for any mails."

"Sure, Honey. Cya then."

Mrs. Morgan and Haven exchanged a warm hug before the old lady went inside her home and Haven to her car.

Haven drove her SUV to the driveway. It was a gift from her father when she got the job. Mr. Miles adored and loved his daughter more than anyone could on this earth. There were no bounds to his love for her.

Haven drove her car for about 30 minutes before she reached James' apartment complex. The reason they didn't move in together was, Haven, didn't like the high-end apartments. And James didn't like the view from an independent house. He always loved to look from the upside than see what is in front of him. While Haven loved the independent house for its environment, neighbors, and the backyard where she grows flowers.

Just like any other couple, Haven and James too had their differences. But that didn't stop them from pursuing their relationship.

Haven parked her car and was quick to grab the gifts and walked to the entrance. The watchman gave her a smile and checked her ID before logging in her entry into his computer. Although he knew who she was, Haven always insisted that he does his job in the right way.

"How are you this morning, Ms. Miles?" the watchman asked her casually.

She smiled at him and replied, "Thanks for asking. I am doing good. In fact, very good. How about you?"

"I am doing good too. What's the occasion? You seem happier than usual?" he asked, curiously.

"It's our anniversary," she intoned.

The watchman seemed a little worried, while he entered her details into his computer. But he couldn't make his heart talk to her about it.

He returned her ID and wished her for the anniversary and well for the day.

Haven quickly got into the elevator. Her heart started beating rapidly as she pressed the 15th-floor button. She suddenly felt giddy. She didn't know what to expect from James.

When the elevator opened on the 15th floor, she got out and walked towards James' flat.

She punched the password and let herself inside. She always knew the password to his home, but never once did she use it. She didn't want to take away his personal space despite James' insistence for her to let herself in whenever he is late from work and she had arrived early at his place. This was her first time letting herself inside his apartment.

The house was still dark. For a split second, she thought if he forgot about their anniversary. She quietly placed the bag on the kitchen counter and walked towards his room.

She heard some rumbling sounds from inside. She was skeptical about opening the door of his room and gave it a thought for some time before she decides to go for it.

She opened the door wide.

She felt like the time on the earth, movements of air were stopped. The scene in front of her eyes was not something she looked forward to. Or even fancied for anyone to have.

Haven stood near the doorway, dumbstruck. She didn't know what was happening to her! She got back to her senses when someone shakes her by her shoulder. She looks at him, expressionless.

James, her boyfriend of 3 years and lover, was having early morning sex with his colleague on his bed. Haven couldn't believe her eyes. She hoped this was a bad dream.

He downright cheated on her.

Haven looked around his room. Their clothes and accessories were discarded everywhere on the floor. The woman, Ashley, with whom her boyfriend was having sex with, was still on his bed, naked. She made no efforts to cover her bareness.

"Haven," James whispered.

Haven turned to him and said one thing, "We're done."

She left his apartment immediately grabbing her bag. He could only follow her until his door because of his nakedness.

All the tears she had held until she came out of his place, rolled down like waterfalls. She held her chest and crouched down in the elevator. Her head leaned onto the elevator wall to support herself from falling down. There was no end or pause for her tears for even a second.

The watchman's variedness made sense to her now. He was aware of James' activities.

She forcefully got up and walked toward the watchman. She stood in front of his desk with crossed arms, pretending to be strong.

"So you knew it?" she questioned him.

He could not miss the hint of tears in her eyes. He replied, "I don't know anything. I only saw Mr. Cross coming home late last night with a woman. It was dark. I thought it might be you. But when I saw you in the morning, I realized it wasn't you."

Haven didn't believe him. She could no longer trust anyone.

She left an enormous sigh before walking out of the building and got into her car.

Haven's tears flowed with no restraints even as she drove. At one point, she had to stop the car by the roadside because her vision was blurred by her tears.

When she tried to restart the engine, the fuel gauge made a sound indicating it was empty. It seemed like the world was against her today.

She got out of the car and walked to the nearby gas station. She spoke to the owner and asked if anyone could help her with getting into the car and fill the gas. But her luck had an ulterior motive. They didn't own a tow truck or anything of that sort.

She felt dejected with all of the things happening in her life today.

She ran out of the station and went to the public restroom which was by its side. She sat in one of the stalls and cried. Other people outside the bathroom could hear her wailing.

After some time she walked out of the washroom. And silently walked towards her car. As she reached her car, fresh tears made its way from her eyes. How will she even go home now!

She leaned her forehead to her car door and cried.

"Excuse me?" she heard a man's voice behind her. But she was too tired to turn around and look at him.

"What?" she asked, wiping her tears.

"Is there anything I can help with?" he asked.

"My car no have gas. Me... no going... home," she said, least bothered about her improper sentences.

The man chuckled and said, "I can help you with it. I've got a truck."

She didn't feel the relief and happiness that she was supposed to feel. She just went inside her car and sat in front of the steering wheel.

The guy made some mechanical connections between his truck and her car and started the engine of his truck.

By the time they reached the gas station, Haven had dozed off to sleep. She was tired of all the crying and wailing she had done since the morning.

The man thought how careless this girl was to sleep like this in her car. He filled her car with gas. He looked inside her car for her purse to get her address. And succeeded in it pretty quickly. He drove his truck towards her house and parked her car in front of her gate and undid the mechanical connection between his truck and her car.

He had done a quite decent job by dropping her off to her home. And he had nothing to do with this woman. So he drove away.

Haven slept for a good 1 hour after reaching home. She woke up when she heard her phone ring. Her phone was lying on the passenger seat of her car. She looked at the caller ID. It was her father.

She cleared her clouded throat and picked the call, "Hello."

"Hello, Baby," came her father's voice from the other side.

"Hi, Papa,"

"How are you, Honey? How was your day? Did you both enjoy your big day?" he asked, curiously. Although he wasn't sure about Haven's relationship with James, he couldn't say no to his daughter's wish. He had no habit of saying no to his daughter.

The memories from this morning flashed inside her head. She didn't know what to tell her parents. She didn't know if she should just say the truth. Her father could travel to New York right away and kill James. After all, he is an army veteran.

Although Haven wanted to hurt James, she couldn't get herself to tell her parents about him just yet.

"It was.. good,"

"I hope it did and he is treating you well."

"Yes, Papa, he is,"

Haven felt more sad and angry at herself for disappointing her parents. And wondered how disappointed her parents would be about her when they get to know about what has happened. She had no clue about how and when she was going to tell them about it.

They spoke for some time until she felt she couldn't talk anymore. She was very tired and had no energy. She had not eaten anything from the morning. She said bye to her father and disconnected the call.

She leaned into the seat and sighed. Tears still strolled down her cheeks. All of her dreams about her's and James' future was shattered in a moment. She suddenly started regretting entering his apartment by using the password. She thought she shouldn't have done that and waited for him to open the door. The heartbreak would have been postponed for some time. This was so sudden and out of the blue. She didn't see this coming from anywhere. James had always made time for her whenever she wanted to see him. He always was there with her, for her happy times, like birthdays and promotions at work.

She even considered the possibility of James getting bored with her. So that might be the reason for him to cheat on her. She tried to take the blame on herself.

She sidetracked her thoughts to the back of her head. And grabbed her purse and went inside her home. She didn't know what will her future be from now on. The future she had planned for a long time was now down the drain.

"Stop crying, Sweetheart," Mrs. Morgan tried to calm down Haven.

Haven had been crying since this morning when she came across a situation where she had to tell Mrs. Morgan everything that had happened yesterday.

At first, Mrs. Morgan didn't believe what Haven said. Because the James she had known was a totally different man. He loved Haven and had plans for their future. This was abrupt.

"He hurt me, Mrs. Morgan. I loved him so much," Haven cried.

Mrs. Morgan handed her a tissue to wipe her tears. That's what she has been doing since morning. She couldn't stop this young girl crying herself to tiredness.

"I know, Haven, you loved him. But what can you do now? The milk has been spilled, it's gone. Unless you want to..." her words were cut off. "No... no way in hell I would be with him again."

"Fine, then. Move on from him."

Haven had fresh tears in her eyes. She wondered why did her world turn upside down! Why did James cheat on her! Did she have a bad personality! Was she lacking anything!

"I can't," Haven cried even louder. Mrs. Morgan sighed, leaning into the couch. She had no idea how Haven will cope with this breakup. And she also felt extremely bad for Haven for going through this. She didn't deserve it in any way. Haven was a sweet girl. How can anyone even think about hurting her!

Just then, Haven's phone started ringing. She didn't care to look at who it was. James had not even called or messaged her to explain his actions. Haven thought that James doesn't even care about her existence now.

Mrs. Morgan picked Haven's phone and gave it to her. It was her colleague and only close friend, Olivia.

Haven shook her head, saying she doesn't want to talk to anyone at this moment. She might break down in front of them too.

Mrs. Morgan picked up the call despite Haven's protest not to. Olivia was Haven's only friend, and she needed some support apart from the old woman.

Mrs. Morgan informed the current situation to Olivia. And Olivia was fired up. She was a totally different personality from that of Haven. Olivia was a badass woman. She doesn't take bullshit.

Not long after the phone call, Olivia arrived at Mrs. Morgan's place.

"What are you still doing here?" Olivia asked as she entered the living room. Olivia was tall and had a slender figure, almost a model.

Haven looked at her friend, and her tears rolled down and sobbed, welcoming her friend.

"You should be breaking his duck and make him pay for this heartbreak you are experiencing. Come on. Let's go," Olivia said, walking near Haven.

"No... Oly.."

Olivia felt the pain her friend was going through. If she didn't understand Haven, who else would!

Olivia sat on the couch and hugged Haven. She rubbed her friend's back and patted her head, trying to console her.

Olivia softly asked, "Who was it?"

Haven looked up at her. "Huh?"

"The other woman,"

"Ashley. His colleague."

Olivia's blood was boiling at this point, "I said you right, she must be kept off-limits when we met her at that party!"

"Yeah. I know. But I thought...."

Olivia cut her off, "That's the problem. You just blindly believe people. Human beings are not what they show you at first."

"I got it now," Haven sobbed harder this time.

"You better get it now. Or else you will end up getting again," Olivia said, leaning onto the couch.

"What do you mean by that?" Haven asked softly.

"I meant about your future relationships."

"I am not getting into any kind of relationship again," Haven mumbled.

Olivia lightly chuckled, "Yeah. Yeah."

"What yeah yeah?" Haven said throwing her hands out from her jacket.

"What will you do when your real prince charming comes in front of you?" Olivia teasingly asked.

Haven snorted, "Yeah. Prince charming. I will wait. He will come. And we will have a happily ever after."

"He might come. Who knows?" Mrs. Morgan said.

Haven saw Mrs. Morgan and pouted.

"Whatever. And also, I am not coming to work tomorrow," Haven informed her friend.

"Why?"

"I am having a pity party. Do you what to come?"

Olivia smirked at her friend. She was aware that Haven is a sensitive girl. And she felt like she had the responsibility to protect Haven from every dangerous thing on this earth.

Over the years, Olivia and Haven's friendship had grown out of the boundaries. They didn't have any formalities. They had become more like family. They were soul sisters.

"Fine. I will try to come. That if you need to work hard boss lets me."

Haven laughed lightly, remembering her boss. The old woman who was their boss had no family, so she always spent her time at work. Because of her, the employees couldn't log out on time. They had to stay at work until she left.

Olivia rubbed Haven's hair and said, "Take your time. Call me if you need anything."

Haven nodded her head as yes. "I swear if I don't see you at work the day after tomorrow, I'm coming to your home. Or I'll hunt down that asshole James."

"Do that," Haven mumbled.

"Oh, darling. I will definitely do it."

They simply chat a little, after the pity party plans. Mrs. Morgan was just content to have young people at home. After her husband's death, she lived alone. She has no kids.

Olivia casually said, "I am just glad that you came home without crashing your car anywhere." She knew her friend had the ability to do it when she was not stable.

"That's right. What time did you come home last night? I didn't see your car driving in," Olivia asked, curiously.

Haven thought for some time, trying to remember the events from yesterday and also avoiding the memories from the morning.

"I don't remember."

"What?" Olivia asked.

Haven explained to them how her car was in need of gas and when she couldn't find the solution, she cried on the street. "I just remember a man asking me if I needed help and I accepted and got inside my car. That's it."

Mrs. Morgan was shocked about how careless Haven was. She could have been kidnapped or worse.

Olivia applauded her friend by clapping hands.

"Excellent. What a wonderful way to reach home! I am so proud of you."

"I didn't mean that to happen. I was really tired," Haven tried to defend herself.

"You should have called me!" Olivia said in a louder tone.

"Sorry," Haven apologized.

"By the way, was he handsome?" Olivia asked, only to get a hit from the pillow that Haven was hugging. Haven couldn't believe her friend was rather concerned about the handsomeness of the man.