I woke up to my alarm clock going off, and rolled out of bed. I could smell breakfast being cooked, so I got dressed quickly and ran downstairs. Dad had already left for work, so mum was just cooking for her and me. She smiled at me as she put my food down.

         “Happy Valentines day, Louise sweetie.”

         I looked up, blinking. I’d forgotten it was Valentine’s Day. Mum’s wearing this really pretty necklace Dad had bought her. She passed me the post and I looked through it, surprised to find three for me. I only ever get a card mum signs from her and Dad; otherwise my only post is at Christmas, Easter or my birthday. I left my breakfast to read the cards out in the hall.

         The first one had flowers on the front so I knew what was inside.

         “Hi Lou!
                 Happy Valentines Day!
                          Mum and Dad”

         I smiled, and looked at the front. It was pretty; lovely pink and purple flowers, very Mum-ish. I looked at the other two, and opened the smaller card, which had pink and red hearts everywhere.

         “Lou,
                 Happy Valentines Day
                          Love you
                                  Me”

         I recognised Rupert’s handwriting, even though he had tried to disguise it. The third card was kinda big, about twice the size of the other two. I opened it excitedly, even though it was hard to open when I’m clutching two other cards and envelopes. There was writing all over the inside, and two teddies sharing a balloon on the front. I read all the inside of the card.

         “My little Lou,
                 As I look into your eyes
                 I see an angel in disguise
                 Sent from God above
                 For me to love
                 To hold and idolise
                 And as I hold your body near
                 I see this month through to a year
                 And then forever on
                 ‘Til life is gone
                 I’ll keep your loving near
                 And now I’ve finally found my way
                 To lead me down this lonely road
                 All I have to do
                 Is follow you
                 To lighten off my load
                 You treat me like a rose
                 You give me room to grow
                 You shone the light of love on me
                 And gave me air so I can breathe
                 You open doors that close
                 In a world where anything goes
                 You give me strength so I stand tall
                 Within this bed of earth
                 Just like a rose
                 And when I feel like hope is gone
                 You give me strength to carry on
                 Each time I look at you
                 There’s something new
                 To keep our loving strong
                 I hear you whisper in my ear
                 All of the words I long to hear
                 Of how you’ll always be
                 Here next to me
                 To wipe away my tears
                 And now I’ve finally found my way
                 To lead me down this lonely road
                 All I have to do
                 Is follow you
                 To lighten off my load
                 You treat me like a rose
                 You give me room to grow
                 You shone the light of love on me
                 And gave me air so I can breathe
                 You open doors that close
                 In a world where anything goes
                 You give me strength so I stand tall
                 Within this bed of earth
                 Just like a rose
                 And though the seasons change
                 Our love remains the same
                 You face the thunder
                 When the sunshine turns to rain
                 Just like a rose

                          Lou, I want you to know, that’s all about you. Maybe one day I’ll let you know who I am. X”

         I read the poem through again, and smiled. I don’t know who it was, but I know who I wanted it to be. Ben. And he wrote poems, and well . . . I’ve given him hope and space and stuff! I can’t just go up to him and ask him though; I’d be so embarrassed if it’s not him. Mum sighed over my shoulder.

         “Louise! Who’s this from?”
         “I don’t know, he didn’t sign.”
         “I think I know who it is. I’m going to have to confiscate that.”

         She snatched my card, my favourite card, out of my hand.

         “Mum! It’s just a secret admirer! Can’t I have one?”

         There was a knock at the front door, signalling that Rupert was ready for school. Mum hustled me out of the front door and I looked at Rupert sadly.

         “Hey Lou, what’s up, no Valentines cards?”
         “I got three . . . but Mum just said I can’t have my favourite one because we have no idea who it’s from. Thanks for your card by the way.”

         He stopped walking, and I stopped too.

         “What card?” He asked suspiciously.
         “I know it was you Rupert.” The card was in my hand so I showed him. He went red. “I feel bad I didn’t get you one though, I didn’t know you were going to.”
         “It’s okay.” He sighed, and threw his arm around me. I put my arm around him loosely and we went off to school, halfway allow our walk I realised why Rupert was so upset-he wanted to be my favourite, the one I couldn’t guess, the one Mum had banned. But he didn’t see the poem, he wouldn’t understand if he did.