Tonight was going to be one of those rare nights for me. My parents had given me permission to be out with friends until late. Like one or two in the AM late. It was New Year's Eve, and, even before they had consented to me being out as they had done since I was thirteen--if I ever chose to go out--I had made plans with Rachel, at least. We were going to go on a walkabout in the downtown area, and probably end up at the park for fireworks and such later. As for mom and dad, they had gone off to some fancy restaurant to celebrate with some old friends and would likely not be home until one or two themselves.
I bundled up warmly enough for the cold weather outside, and then went to Rachel and Andrea's house to pick up my girlfriend for our stroll. Andrea had her cousins to handle tonight, so I felt at least partly guilty about taking off with Rachel, but the older girl had happily insisted we go out together for this night.
“Don't worry about Gemma and Rosie, I can handle them!” she had said.
Which brings us to my walking over just now.
As for the others, Ellie was at her job for the New Year's Special there, Anhe and her mother were celebrating with their family elsewhere in the city, Maryn was going with her family to a relative's, and Lysandra and Belle -- or Christina and Mandy, as they had recently told us, were moving into a new apartment together near their university.
“We're all split up for tonight, huh?” I said to myself as I turned onto the street where my destination lay. I saw the lights on, and I could hear the giggling and shrieking of toddlers even from as far away as I was, four houses away. D-daang, those kids have lungs, I thought to myself. When I got to the porch, Rachel opened the door and quickly darted out, shutting it behind her. Someone locked it from within.
“Got it, sis!” Andrea called from inside.
“Phew!” Rachel sighed in relief.
“I'll chase these brats into the bath if it's the last thing I do -- have fun! Love you both!” she said.
“Love you too, sis!” Rachel said.
“Ahh -- take care!” I called, and then Rachel slipped her arm in mine as we set off. “W-wild night, huh?” I said with a laugh, and she giggled.
“Ahh, those two. They're practically in the buff right now, and Andrea probably will be in a moment as well; but she still can't get them in that tub without a struggle.” she remarked.
“I can't even imagine.” I replied. “And you go through it with her now, most nights.”
“It's good prep.” Rachel said in a bashful sort of tone.
“P-prep?” I wondered.
“I mean... someday... when we get married...” she returned, trailing off into a mumble as we walked along. I caught her meaning and felt my cheeks turning red.
“Ahh... uh... I guess... it is, yeah... true,” I replied, and she squeezed my arm. A moment of silence passed. I suddenly recalled a moment when I was sure Rachel was planning our wedding, back when I had first met her. Maybe she really had been.
“Sean,” she then said to me as we turned left.
“Hmm?” I wondered.
“Downtown's to the right.” she grinned.
***
“Order up!” Miguel called, and Ellie came hurrying over. “Sounds like they're really enjoying the show tonight,” the chef remarked to her.
“Oh def. The Christmas show was spectacular, but this is something else.” the blonde girl returned.
“I'll have to take a look when I get a break!” Miguel smiled, and Ellie nodded back as she hurried out as fast as she dared with the tray.
“Hope you see something good!” she called back. Justine rushed by her, giving a wink as she passed by.
“Friends gaming tonight?” the green-haired girl asked.
“Nope. They're all doing real stuff for a change.” Ellie said with a gentle shrug.
“Hahh!!” the other giggled.
“Right?!” the blonde girl said as she carried on, smiling merrily as she approached her table to serve her customers.
***
Arm in arm, Rachel and I passed through the lightly snow-clad streets of the city. It had snowed a week ago, leaving a few inches or so, but it stuck around stubbornly on account of the deep cold we were experiencing right now. The two of us stopped in at a cornerstore to get a hot chocolate as we made our way downtown, sipping them with grateful sighs as we resumed our walk.
“Ah! It's snowing again!” she exclaimed.
“Oh, nice! Heh, not as heavily as last week, though,” I observed.
“That's a good thing. It'd be a pain to trudge through anything taller than what we got already!” she smiled.
“Oh definitely.” I agreed.
“I wonder what the others are up to...” Rachel then said, gazing around at the sights. A lot of Christmas stuff was still up, along with several Hanukkah decorations and a good collection of New Year's signs.
“Hope they're having fun, wherever they are,” I said.
“Same.” she agreed.
***
“Ahh! Gemma!” Andrea sighed as she wrested her three year-old second cousin from a chair as the young girl giggled furiously. “Rrrrgh! I hope you give your parents this much trouble!” she exclaimed as she tickled the toddler, who giggled even more furiously.
“Andi! Andi!” Rosie said as she entered the room. “You baffing with us, okay?”
“Of course I'm getting in the bath with you-- as soon as you get into the bath!!” the red-haired girl declared authoritatively, setting Gemma down. Both girls then squealed, running upstairs as their older cousin mischievously chased them to the bath.
Finally, Andrea settled into the spacious bath with the two of them, letting out a sigh of contentment as she washed first Rosie and then Gemma as they played with toy ducks and a new toy boat that had been a Christmas present from their grandmother. The giggling was softer now, but still just as merry.
I'm so glad I didn't end up chasing you outside this time... Andrea thought to herself with an awkward smile, reflecting on the time she had been forced to find Rosie, who had just escaped from a bath, while forgetting that she herself was starkers as well. By the time she had caught the young girl they were three blocks away from the house. That was an embarrassing day for her, to say the least, but only a couple of people had noticed, fortunately for her.
She kissed the two little girls on their heads, exchanging the shampoo bottle for a scrubber as she continued to bathe them.
***
“And... that's the final box.” Mandy said as she set it down next to the others. She and Christina had finally gotten all their stuff into their new apartment, though it would take them a couple days more to really get settled.
“At least we got a good deal on the couch,” the other girl said as she flopped down upon it, switching on the television for ambiance.
“Who knew discount furniture stores actually had good stuff?” Mandy agreed as she sat down next to her. “What channel was the New Year's broadcast on tonight?”
“Hmm? I forget... one of the late shows was gonna do a special on the downtown event, too.”
“Oh yeah. Wasn't it the Tonight Show?”
“Maybe?” Christina returned, then shrugged. “Could be.”
“Hmm.” the other girl said, bringing up the menu. “Pizza should be here in a minute or so... oh, there's a nostalgic movie!” she said as she caught the name of an epic fantasy franchise from earlier in the century. Based on books that were even older, the series was still going strong with its fandom.
“Put it on,” the dark-haired girl said, softly smiling at the other girl.
“At least until the broadcast comes on!” Mandy grinned back as the doorbell rang. “Oh! Can you--never mind, you took it off already... be right back!” she said as she got to her feet to get the door.
“Hmm?” Christina blinked uncertainly for a moment, and then noticed her bandeau on the couch beside her. “Ahhh... force of habit,” she said with a wry grin. I've got to tell her... I've got to tell her tonight, she then thought, gazing after the other girl as her heart skipped a beat.
***
It was quiet at the Robertson's country estate, far from the gleaming, ever-shining lights of the big city. Mary gazed out of the window, dressed in a soft red top and white sweatpants, half-sitting, half-lying on the bed. She loved being at this place, where not much happened and there was no rushing around. But she was also glum. Though she kept in contact with her old friends and still went out with them when she could, her new friends had taken up quite a lot of room in her heart, and a certain young man most of all.
But I can't have him. I was too slow in saying what I really wanted. I would never wish for Rachel to leave, or to never have come here... she's my friend now, too, and I care about her so much... but I wish I had said something sooner to you, she mused internally, a tear falling from her eye as she thought about the young man in question.
“Mary?” Dana Robertson, her grandmother called, knocking at the door.
“I'm here, Gram,” she replied, and the door opened. The elderly lady smiled, and came over to sit with her on the bed.
“Dinner is almost ready. Your Aunt Beth certainly outdid herself tonight!” she said.
“She does that!” Mary agreed with a laugh. “I can smell it from here; is that lamb-stew?”
“I knew you'd pick up on that,” her grandmother said, patting the young girl's leg. “You always did love that dish, especially when your grandfather made it,” she remarked wistfully, and Mary took her hand. The elder Mr. Robertson had passed away a few years past, and was sorely missed by the family.
“But what's on your mind, dearie? What's that little tear about?” her grandmother then said, and Mary started, feeling her face.
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“Ah... ahh!” she then said with a clumsy grin. “Just... thinking, about someone.”
“Hmm?” the elderly lady smiled. “A nice someone?” she asked, and Mary shook her head. “A special someone, perhaps?” she gently prodded. Mary's head shook more reluctantly this time, her face crumpling. “Ohh, I know that look.” Dana said as the young lady's face fell, and drew her close.
Mary's tears came more honestly then, and she began sobbing. For nearly four months she had not cried, vowing to support the people she loved; but no one could hide tears or pain from Grandma Dana for long. She kept her granddaughter wrapped in a tender, loving embrace, gently rocking her as she patted her back.
***
Back in the big city itself, Anhe was quietly being a wallflower as her extended family celebrated the oncoming New Year with a lavish feast at her grandfather's restaurant. Her father's father was a well-known chef and businessman, having established the place almost fifty years ago and maintaining it personally all that time. Now in his eighties, he showed no signs of slowing down or of giving up the business.
“To live a long life, you must continually make yourself useful!” was his favorite saying.
I wonder how I can make myself useful...? Anhe thought to herself as Mi-sun, one of her cousins from a Korean branch of the family, came over.
“Anhe! Come dance with me!” she said excitedly, and Anhe smiled, taking the other girl's hand to join her.
Grandfather, I do not yet know what I can do... but I promise to keep searching until I have it! Anhe silently promised as she and Mi-sun began capering around the room to lively and festive music, her mother and Mi-sun's smiling at them as they did.
“What are you thinking?” Mi-sun asked her.
“About how to make next year even better than this one!” Anhe replied.
“Ahh! I should too!”
“We can think about it together, hm?” Anhe smiled.
“Sure!” Mi-sun beamed back. “Whatever we do, we will make it unforgettable!”
“Definitely!” the other girl agreed, gently spinning her cousin as they continued to dance, the two of them giggling happily.
***
Rachel and I reached the downtown area at about a quarter past ten. Our hot chocolates were gone by then, but we got new ones at a nearby stand, sitting down at a bench near the still standing Christmas tree that towered over the pedestrian mall. There were a couple of singing groups at either end of the street, one an a cappella choir and the other a folk band. It was a long street, so there was no real cross over between the two, but we could hear a fair bit of both at different times. People were milling about, some going into shops, some enjoying one of the two singing groups, all of them, and us, in a cheery mood tonight.
“It's almost like going to the shrine at New Year's in Japan.” Rachel said as she and I took in the sights and sounds.
“That'd be fun,” I replied.
“We'll have to go someday.”
“Definitely.”
“Honeymoon?”
“Sure,” I smiled, and she gently nuzzled my shoulder with a sigh. “Fireworks start as soon as the ball drops, huh?” I remarked as I saw the announcement on a screen nearby.
“Hmm... I hope they don't wake the twins!” Rachel said with a soft giggle.
“Hah, poor Andrea!” I replied sympathetically.
“Ahh!” Rachel then sat up a moment. “Thomas was coming over to the house tonight... I bet she forgot...” she said, adopting a sort-of pout.
“Ehh...”
“Hahh... it'll be fine.” she then sighed, snuggling against me again.
“I-if you say so.”
“Even if she forgot, it's not the worst thing that could happen for her tonight.”
“True... and they'll make up quickly enough,” I agreed.
“They really are easy-going, huh?” she said.
“I like to think we are, too.” I replied. A moment passed, and she gently squeezed my arm.
“Definitely.” she said in a happy tone. I smiled, putting my arm around her as we sat together on the bench.
***
“… And stay asleep!” Andrea whispered, giggling as she went downstairs to get something to drink.
Coffee, hot chocolate... oh, maybe both. I wonder if I'll see Sean and Rachel on the live-feed from downtown... those two cuties! She thought to herself happily. Taking a moment to clear her glasses, she then set the coffee and set a pot of milk on the stove to heat it for the hot chocolate, and then sat down on the stool. That was when she felt it crawling.
Her eyes widened, and she felt around. It was under her bathrobe. She practically yanked it off, and there it was, the spider. She let out a scream, flinging it off of her and then running in a blind panic for the door, unlocking it hurriedly and dashing outside before closing the door again, setting herself down and taking deep breaths. Then she stopped.
Ah -- oh no. I didn't lock the door again, did I? Andrea wondered to herself, suddenly remembering that she had hastily flung off her only piece of clothing.
“A-Andrea...?” a voice said hesitantly. She turned around in horror.
“T-T-T--Thomas!!” she squeaked. “Ahhh!! This--!! I'm not--there was a--I panicked--and now it's in the house!!” she chattered, shivering from the cold and turning red in embarrassment. He took off his coat, walked over to her, and draped it around her shoulders. She hiccuped nervously, and he smiled.
“What's in the house?” he asked her gently.
“S-sp-s-s-spider...” Andrea mumbled. Thomas helped her up to her feet, and nodded back to her.
Thankfully, Andrea had not locked the house again, so the two of them were able to head inside, whereupon Thomas got rid of the spider. Andrea scurried upstairs to quickly put on a set of actual clothes, and then came downstairs, her boyfriend's jacket in hand.
“Th-thanks... I'm so sorry, I totally forgot you were coming over!” she told him.
“It's fine, it's fine, I'm just glad you're okay!” he smiled back at her.
“D-did you... see...” she shyly asked him.
“Huh?” he wondered, and then blushed, rubbing the back of his neck. “K-kind of...”
“W-was... was I... that is... d-did you... l-l... like...”
He interrupted her by enveloping her in his arms, gently rubbing her back. That was all the answer she needed, Andrea decided, hugging him back tightly. A sound of something bubbling then caught her attention.
“Ahh!! The milk!!”
***
Mary and Grandma Dana came downstairs to join the rest of the family around eleven in the evening, after the older woman had helped her granddaughter wash her face a little bit so no one else would pry. They sat together at the table as they always did for family events, with Mary's mother and father opposite them. The head of the table was left empty out of love for the elder Dr. Robertson who had passed on. When the rest of the family had gathered, the younger Dr. Robertson, Mary's father, said grace, and their traditional New Year's Dinner began.
“Any wishes for the New Year, anyone?” Mary's mother Claire asked. “Mary, how about you start us off?” she said, and the young lady thought for a moment as she finished the bite of food in her mouth, and then smiled.
“For the happiness and well-being of all our friends and family.” she said, and her mother nodded back happily.
“That's certainly the best kind of wish,” the older woman agreed. Grandma Dana gave her a pat on the shoulder, smiling as she nodded in approval.
Maybe someday I'll leave these feelings behind... but for now, let me at least wish for your happiness, Sean, Rachel... Happy New Year!
***
The one quirk that Mandy had found out about her new friend and roommate Christina was that, while she hated clothes, she loved blankets. The younger girl said it was a different feeling for her between the two, which Mandy could more or less agree with. It was now five minutes until midnight. The pizza had been devoured, and their drinks were now empty. Together they sat on the couch, wrapped in a blanket together while watching the downtown feed.
“Those two look really cute, don't they?” Mandy said as she indicated a young couple standing together near the tree. It was Sean and Rachel.
“Seriously.” Christina nodded. “That's still funny, though!” she remarked with a grin, referring to their recent discovery of who their guild leader really was.
“Oh definitely.” the other agreed with a laugh, and then let out a sigh. “I wish I had a special someone like that to go out with,” Mandy said, and Christina looked over at her with a smile.
“Sometimes... sometimes they might be closer than you think.” the younger girl said.
“I guess so, but I wish mine would hurry up and--” Mandy began, but then Christina reached over to turn her face towards her, and reached over to kiss her.
… Find... me... !!! Mandy continued internally. The kiss ended, and Mandy felt tears coming from her eyes. She looked at the other girl in shock, amazement, and then finally happiness.
“H-how long...?” she asked softly.
“S-since I met you... at the bar...” Christina admitted.
“Over a month, huh?”
“Mm... yeah.” the reply came. The dark-haired girl was now blushing. “D-did... I mean... was that too much? I... know I'm not... not the best at... really talking, when it matters... b-but... you... you make me want... want to try, and I--” Christina began, stumbling over her words, but Mandy then kissed her in return, lying down on the couch so Christina was over top of her. The second kiss ended, and Mandy looked up at her with a smile.
“Then I want to help you. I want to be there for you. As long as you need me.” Mandy softly told her.
“Then we'll never be rid of each other.” Christina gently laughed.
“That'd be fine.” Mandy said, gently dragging her down for another kiss as the fireworks began.
***
“Aww! Our little turtle-doves.” Andrea said as she saw Sean and Rachel in the foreground of the live-stream downtown.
“Oh nice! Bet they wouldn't like that one bit, though!” Thomas replied.
“Not at all!” Andrea giggled. They looked into each other's eyes, each of them smiling happily. The countdown began. Andrea pulled him closer, closing her eyes, her lips parting as he closed his own eyes. Their lips met, and did not part for several long moments. On the screen, the fireworks show had just begun.
***
“Neat-o.” Ellie said as she watched the same live-stream in the staff-room. She and the others had been given a short break to watch the fireworks, if they chose to do so. More than a few of them had.
“Oh, hey! It's your friends!” Justine said as they caught sight of two young people kissing on the screen.
“Rrray-cheeelllll!!! Get him, girl!” Ellie beamed, and she shared a hug with Justine.
“Happy New Year, Liz!”
“Happy New Year, Justine!”
***
Happy New Year's, Sean, Rachel, Ellie, Andrea, Mary, Thomas, Lysandra, Belle... and so many others! Anhe smiled as she watched the fireworks near her own location, blissfully wishing them all the best for the upcoming year.
***
It was five minutes to midnight. Rachel and I had, again, finished our hot chocolates. Everybody was gearing up for the ball drop and the fireworks. A buzz permeated the crowd, enveloping us as well. Rachel looked up at me, smiling that beautiful smile, and I looked at her, smiling back.
“It's like a dream.” she said.
“Then let's stay asleep.” I returned, and then she shook her head.
“But it's not a dream any more; it's real. I have a home I don't have to leave, a school where I can be with my friends, new and old, a boyfriend who loves me more than anyone, and a dream-world we can share together any time we want.” she said, letting out a sigh. “I wish I could express to you how just much these past five months have meant to me.”
“I could say the same to you,” I replied. “If not for you... I might have gone down a much... less happy road. I wouldn't have made new friends. I would have kept shutting people out, more and more... I wouldn't be someone that people want to talk to, that people trust. Maybe it's all coincidence, maybe it's not... but I'm so happy; I want to keep growing with you, to keep loving you, to always be there for you.” I said to her. A few tears came from her eyes, but that magnificent smile never stopped.
We barely heard the countdown. All we were focused on was each other. Rachel put her arms around my neck, hoisting herself up as I lowered my face to hers, our lips meeting, and locking in place as the fireworks show started and the crowds cheered and applauded the onset of a new year.
Happy New Year, Rachel. I love you.
Happy New Year, Sean. I love you too.