Missing the bus sealed the deal

When my husband and started dating, we were 2 unemployed students in our teens that didn't have 2 dimes to rub together. But my husband Ivan managed to save up his pennies and take me out for a wonderful Valentine's Day evening which lasted to the wee hours of the morning. As we made our way to the subway station, a man holding roses approached us. Ivan proceeded to spend 10 dollars on a rose stem to end the evening off. We entered the subway station not knowing that this evening was far from over. We arrived at our subway stop 10 minutes before the last bus was supposed to depart. We waited and waited, but it never came. I suggested we call a cab as I lived 30 minutes away from the subway station. He meekly told me that he had spent his last 10 dollars on the rose and that he had nothing left. I too did not have any money. We had no credit cards (we were in high school) and when we finally found a bank machine, Ivan realized he did not have his bank card and I was horrified to find out I couldn’t take out 20 dollars, as I had insufficient funds, 16 dollars.

Usually, when I retell this story people ask, why I didn’t call my parents. It was 2 in the morning and my parents are heavy sleepers, they would not have heard the phones downstairs. Another suggestion usually follows, why didn’t you get a cab and pay when you got home? We didn’t see any cabs and didn’t even have a quarter to call, not sure if they had 1-800 numbers for cabs back then.

So we did what I know God intended, we walked. It turned out to be the best Valentine’s night ever. It was at least 10 below zero, all the shops were closed and all we had was each other. We huddled up in store fronts to warm up and escape the cold wind. We held each others hand in my left pocket and found an abandoned toque that Ivan graciously insisted I wear. We talked through our runny noses and got to know each other in a way I’m not sure would be possible if not for that night. It was the most memorable Valentine’s Day in our 15 year union.

So what happened you might be wondering. Two hours later, he kissed me goodnight at my doorstep. I then I tiptoed up the stairs and fumbled in the dark to my bedroom to retrieve my emergency 20 dollar bill I hid under the mattress ( should have been stored in my wallet) I called a cab and waited on the porch with him until his ride arrived. And as he kissed me goodbye we looked at each other knowing this would be a Valentines night we would never forget.

i guess you couldn't call a friend or sibbling as you had no quarters either
how about hitch hike ?
hee hee beats walking 2hrs on the cold...

interesting retro story

A very unique story! I suppose the best way to learn about someone is under difficult circumstances - a lot of people probably would have been upset, but I'm glad to hear you enjoyed what was most important - simply spending time with your significant other regardless of the circumstances!