February 14

*Sighs* Maybe I shouldn't do this? Will she blame me for not doing this? Oh, I wish my Rachael was here with me. Ok! *Wipes face*.... I think I have to share my story.

"14th of February, 2012"

At about 12:01am, my phone rang, it was Rachael! Wow! I picked up without hesitation and smile written all over my face. We discussed how we were going to see during the day since it was a free day for both of us. Although, we haven't started dating but we knew what we wanted from each other. I planned to ask her to be my lady on February 14 since it was a day of nothing but love. I couldn't sleep, I was looking forward to her visitation, to see her beautiful face, distinct smile and hear her heart smelting voice. I woke up as early as 7am just to clean my house since I was staying alone ( bachelor life, as they say). Everything was set! I called Rachael to know about her movement and she told me she's left home already, wow! I couldn't sit, couldn't concentrate on anything, all I wanted was to be around Rachael and tell her how much I had fallen inlove with her and the most pivotal thing, ask her to be my woman.

After some minutes, my phone rang,it was Rachael, i rushed to the door thinking Rachael was at my door but to my surprise? I didn't see anybody not to talk of Rachael so I decided to call her back "Hello, where are you now? I really can't wait to see you dear..... "Hello, is this kunle? Sorry, the person with this line just had an accident, she's dead.

Dead was the last thing I heard.

"Before February 14"

I met Rachael during my last year in the university. I couldn't keep my eyes off this girl when I saw her in Front of my departmental building. Her beauty captured me like a weak giant, her smile could heal the sick, her body shape? A portrayal of "Perfection". Some weeks later, we became so close! She was a 300level engineering student while I was in my final year ( Masscommunication) department. Rachael possssed everything I have always wanted in a girl, her character/Personality can't be compared to any. Everybody thought we were dating, I thought also but we weren't. Although, we were so close. I was shy to tell Rachael how I felt about her, I didn't want a NO for an answer. I kept complating about her love for me or let me say, my love for her. No doubt, we had a nice time together.

"After February 14"

She died! Rachael died on Valentine's day! A day people see as "Love day". I never told her how much I loved her, how much I cherished her, how much I cared! I was about to but death took her away. A day I was meant to make her smile, make her feel more better and loved. I was shy to express how I felt, I regret I didn't tell her how she changed my life, how she made me love LOVE. "People appreciate people much more when they are gone" I think I did! I never took my chance and I regret not telling the one I loved so much how much I loved her.

Valentine is a special day of showing love to everybody regardless of who they are and what they do. People like me ( Shy to express love) are many out there and they later regret their action when they see that loved person no more. Love is a beautiful thing? No doubt but it must be said, expressed to the right person and at the right time before it becomes too late.

I waited for February 14 not knowing that was the day my Rachael was going to leave and not come back to me again. I regret my silence.

Love someone today, tell him/her how much you love him/her and grow the love. Love is a beautiful gift from God.

Written by Aderogba Adediji
@Realbabymouth