Monday, November 19, 2012

Norm Ali on Valentine's Day


On February 14th, Norm Ali couldn’t have been more excited for school. For you see, Norm’s mom had taught him everything that was normal for people to do on Valentine’s Day.  Norm was prepared for everything.
As Norm walked out the door that morning, his mom said, “Norm, today is Valentine’s Day. Normally everyone wears something red on Valentine’s Day.”
“Yeah,” said Norm eagerly, “I know.”
He lifted his pant legs to show his mom that he hadn’t forgotten. (wearing bright red socks. Mom smiles back)
When Norm got to school, all the kids were exchanging candygrams.
“Norm,” his friend said, “Today is Valentine’s Day. Normally on Valentine’s Day everyone gives out candygrams.”
“Right,” said Norm enthusiastically, “I know. This one’s for you.”
And he zipped open his coat to show his friend that he hadn’t forgotten. (delicious candy strung all over the inside of his coat like a watch salesman)
During art time, all of his classmates were excitedly scribbling on pieces of paper while Norm simply colored a red triangle.
“Norm,” his teacher said, “Today is Valentine’s Day. Normally on Valentine’s Day people draw hearts.”
“Yup,” said Norm passionately, “I know.”
And he put the red triangle in place to show his teacher that he hadn’t forgotten. (several pictures come together to form huge red heart)
At the end of the day, Norm was feeling quite good about remembering to do everything on Valentine’s Day.
“Norm,” his teacher said, “Today is Valentine’s Day. Normally on Valentine’s Day people…
“Of course, of course” interrupted Norm, “I know. You wear red.”
Norm smirked as he lifted his pant legs to show his teacher his socks.
That’s great,” his teacher said, “but what I was going to say is today is Valentine’s Day. Normally on Valentine’s Day people write a love note for someone. Then, Cupid shoots them with a love arrow and they become your Valentine.”
“Oh no,” Norm thought.  “I didn’t know that.”
Norm panicked. He couldn’t think of anyone to be his valentine and he had never even heard of Cupid. And for the first time all day, Norm didn’t feel so prepared for Valentine’s Day.
When Norm got home from school, his mom was waiting for him at the front door.
He muttered, “ Mom, today is Valentine’s Day. Normally on Valentine’s Day people write a love note for someone and ask them to be their valentine… But I didn’t. I have never even heard of Cupid so now I don’t have a Valentine.”
(Norm’s mom kneels down and gives him a big hug)
It was then that the delicious smell of chocolate chip cookies met Norm’s nose.
(Norm sees an arrow stuck in his mom’s back and runs straight to the source of the fragrance where he finds the entire kitchen full of cookies. In the middle sits a note with Norm’s name on it.)
“Norm,
today is Valentine’s Day. Normally on Valentine’s Day I make something sweet for the sweetest boy in the whole world. Will you be my Valentine?”
And so, Valentine’s Day became anything but normal for Norm Ali.
(Norm and his mom are sitting eating cookies while Cupid flies behind them and smiles/winks)

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