I was just twelve years old, and in Junior Secondary Three. Two weeks before Valentine's Day, I suggested to my classmates that we exchange gifts among ourselves to celebrate the day.
It sounded good, I mean, the enthusiasm and glee plastered on their cheeks confirmed it. Immediately, two of my classmates, Jenny and Sunny instructed everyone to write their names on a piece of paper. We did that and the papers were folded and shuffled. After that, we picked names at random.
The idea was simple. You'd gift the person you picked. Not necessarily something expensive, but beautiful and worth it. We were happy with the idea of sharing love in a simple, innocent way among ourselves.
Days rolled by quickly, and Valentine was here. It was on a Friday. Perfect. We didn't have many lessons, and as such, had enough time to exchange gifts and bask in the euphoria of the moment.
I stood before my classmates, ready to set the stage for the day.
“Guys...” I began, clearing my coarse voice. With the twenty-three pairs of eyes fixed on me, I suddenly noticed that my skirt was rumpled, and I used my hands to straighten it.
I remembered to smile. “And guys, the D-day is here. The day we all get to share love in our own small way... right?” My smile left me, unsure whether the question was necessary. They all smiled, and some nodded in agreement. Satisfied that they were following, I continued, fixing a serious gaze at them.
“So, to me, Valentine's Day is the day where people — regardless of their age, class, status, and race — get to share love. And love is better expressed in giving: our time, prayers, words of encouragement, and as agreed today, our gifts.”
With another smile, I stepped aside and a round of applause filled the air. Jenny took over and ushered us into the exchange of gifts. When that commenced fully, screams, squeals, and outbursts of excitement rent the air as the unwrapping went on. I opened my gift — it was a beautiful feminine perfume. I grinned, hugging it to myself. I glanced in Jenny's direction — she was so engrossed in her gift she didn't realise I was smiling at her, thinking of one thousand and one ways to rush into her arms to show my gratitude.
My partner unwrapped his gift — a small, white mug peeked out. I watched his face. A subtle smile crept onto it. I hoped he loved it. I prayed.
Soon, the bell for closing chimed and we all picked up our backpacks with our gifts in them, excited to go enjoy our beautiful gifts.
One week passed. The second came. The third, our principal stepped into our class, his eyes fiery. There was something in them that could swallow a man. We were about to chorus a greeting when his harsh voice stopped us.
“JS Two!”
I froze in my seat. And so did the others.
He called again. “JS Two! What did I hear that you did?”
We cast confusing glances at one another, unsure if we understood him.
He continued immediately. “So, it has gotten to the point that you little children will be doing things meant for adults? Who brought the idea of getting yourselves gifts on Valentine's Day?”
The classroom went silent.
He asked again. Another silence. Furious, he ordered all of us to march to the administrator's office for further queries.
As we did, with trembling feet, different thoughts crossed my mind. Someone had snitched on us and had reported to the principal. The principal had concluded that we were dating ourselves and so must be punished.
I glanced from one face to the other, everyone was as fearful as I was.
After what seemed like forever, we finally arrived at the administrator's office. He stood outside waiting for us.
Not a man with many words in his mouth. He dished out a one-minute lecture on how Valentine was for adults — married or dating. Our punishment came after the supposed lecture. We were to wash the staff and students' bathroom and sweep the whole compound for that day.
This happened many years ago, but now I'm beginning to wonder what we did wrong as students. We were innocent and only acted based on what we perceived Valentine to be. Was there anything wrong with practising the act of giving? Did I do wrong by suggesting that idea?
Let me hear from you, though. What really is Valentine?
All images were generated with Gemini AI
