I'll need you to sign for that...

Annie, Elisa, and Lara were no strangers to delivery service. From pizza to chinese food to (extremely) belated Christmas presents to hair dye, it became a common practice to place your eyes somewhere near waste height when answering the door. After all, unlikely to recognize the delivery man, the cartons of wontons and fried rice remained unmistakable.

This is why someone arriving at the apartment door who isn't employed in the delivery service can be a shocking event. With eyes poised at the belt buckle location, it takes a few moments to draw them back up toward a familiar face.

This is also why when Annie answered the door on Saturday, half expecting her next shipment of neon hair dye, she was incredibly suprised to find flowers in the waist high position, and even more shocked to find Gabe's face poised a few feet above her habitual gaze.



When a boy arrives at the front door with flowers, there are several thing that are appropriate to say:

"Let me go get my roommate" may prove necessary at times.

"They're beautiful, let me find a vase" is very common.

"Thank you" will suffice if one is feeling uncreative and caught off-guard.

but Annie did not say any of these things. She said what was likely the most inappropriate response at that moment.



Oh fuck. Shit. What are you doing here? Shit... Hi! Wow, that's really... well it's totally unnecessary... Ummmm I need to go put real clothes on! Stay here! fuck!



Clad in sweatpants and a torn up T-shirt, Annie ran to her room to find a jacket to throw over herself. Walking back out to the living room, Gabe was still standing by the front door, with flowers and two pink and white sparkle plush unicorns awkwardly suspended in his arms.

Happy Valentine's Day, he offered, extending the bundle of gifts to Annie, who after a moments consideration, realized she would have to eventually take them out of his arms. Struggling to balance the awkward cluster of gifts, she shifted them to the table and resumed uncomfortable fidgeting. So... ummm...

I don't know if you're busy later today...



Annie interjected. Chelsea and I have dinner reservations, but I'll call you later or something?



Yeah, that sounds good... Gabe awkwardly shuffled backward toward the door and opened it to make his escape.

Ummmm thank you! Annie said, a little too loudly as he stepped out into the walkway. Happy Valentine's....

Annie turned to Eliza, who had been audience to the whole event. He's not supposed to...

I know. Eliza said, feigned astonishment on her face.

Things can't change... We're too busy and it was very nice, but not necessary. I didn't ask for this, I take pride in being alo-...

You cannot possibly be trying to feel sorry for yourself in this situation. Eliza smirked. A boy brought you flowers and gifts, just be normal... Be grateful and move on...

Right. Annie resumed her position on the couch.

Pretty flowers! Eliza offered.

Annie looked back to the bouquet now taking up half the kitchen table. I know, right?