Gabrielle (Feb. 1):

Diary,

This month sucks. The whole stinking thing revolves around love. What about people like me who don’t have that? Well, okay I know that’s a lie and you do to—my family is awesome—but I want the romantic kind of love.

Brandon (Feb. 1):

Diary,

This is my favorite month of the whole year. insert happy face here Getting to spread love to those around me is one of the best things ever. Except…I do wish I had a person. I’m not ungrateful, just, well, sad I guess. Thought I’d have someone by now.

Gabrielle (Feb. 4):

Diary,

Sorry for skipping the last few days. Junior year is no joke. These AP classes give insane amounts of work. But where did I leave off last time? February sucks. Okay. So I have to be repulsive because there is no other explanation for why I’ve never had a boyfriend. Every time I get bold and ask someone out, I get rejected, and the rest of the time I’m too chicken to do anything about a crush. And no one’s ever come up to me and asked me on a date. Ugh. I’m a lost cause.

Brandon (Feb. 5):

Diary,

I’m alright not having a girlfriend for Valentine’s Day, but senior prom is coming up soon and there’s no way I can go that without a date. The last time I had a girlfriend was…oh wait! Never. I’m a lost cause. On the topic of school: In theory, college seemed like a good idea. The closer I get to graduation though, the more I feel like it’s not what I’m meant to do.

Brandon (Feb. 7):

Diary,

I think I have a crush. Gotta do homework right now, but I’ll write more on her later.

Gabrielle (Feb. 7):

Diary,

Life is making me want to flop onto my bed and faceplant into a pillow. If you’ll excuse me I think I’ll go do that.

Brandon (Feb 11):

Diary,

I’m gonna ask her out today.

Gabrielle (Feb. 11):

Diary,

I don’t really have time to write a lot but some guy was staring at me a little in one of my classes and giving me a weird look. I hope I didn’t have food in my teeth or crazy hair or something. But why else would a guy be looking at me? And a cute one at that.

Brandon (Feb. 12):

Diary,

I totally bombed it yesterday. But I’ll ask her today. For sure.

Gabrielle (Feb. 12):

Diary,

THE CRAZIEST THING JUST HAPPENED TO ME. Remember the guy that was looking at me the other day? I think he might’ve just been nervous because he ASKED IF I WANTED TO HANG OUT AFTER SCHOOL TODAY!!!! And for my number. I’m so afraid to text him. What if I scare him off?

Brandon (Feb. 13):

Diary,

Not only is she kind, and beautiful, but she’s ridiculously funny too. And really talented. We went to Brew-tique (which you know is my favorite coffee shop of all time) and she said she loves it and can’t wait to go back!! Do you think it’s too soon to ask her to be my valentine?

Gabrielle (Feb. 13):

Diary,

Yes, I know he’s the first guy who’s ever shown interest but like…is it too soon to say I think I might be able to love him? He’s not afraid of what other people think and is goofy and silly but not immature. He’s tall and just the right height for hugs (and hopefully someday kisses) and his glasses are just so endearing. We have plans to hang out again after school. This time at the library. (My favorite place ever.)

Brandon (Feb. 14):

Diary,

I had so much fun with her again last night. I think I’m going to ask her in a real date tonight.

Gabrielle (Feb. 14):

Diary,

I have a valentine. He’s amazing and awesome and great. And he’s not going anywhere for college next year, just doing a few online classes, so I think we might have a geniune chance of lasting.

Brandon (Feb. 14):

Diary,

Tonight was magical. I didn’t take her to some fancy italian restaurant, but what we did do was even better. I enlisted my mom to help make some food and later after I picked her up, we ate in a picnic blanket under the stars. I even got up the nerve to kiss her, which was even better than words can describe. I think I might love her. Or at least be able to.

Gabrielle (Feb. 14, Three Years Later):

Diary,

He asked me to marry him tonight!!!! I said yes, of course. All to think, that one moment of courage on his part shaped our lives so much.

Brandon (Feb. 14, Four More Years Later):

Diary,

There must be somethjng about this month, this day. Our precious Valentina was welcomed into the world just hours earlier. I am a father.

Gabrielle (Feb. 20, Same Year):

Diary,

We’re parents now!! squeeeeeaaaaalll And I no longer have anything against the month of love. Because it brought my two greatest ones to me.