72
1264 Words
Boxing Day
26th December
Autumn sat on the bench by the lake, smoking. Daniel sat next to her. “The guys said it was your birthday yesterday.”
“Yeah.”
“You never said.”
“Don’t wish to boast.”
“You wouldn’t’ve been. Anyway, this is from me and the guys.” He said, handing the box.
“You shouldn’t.”
“Well, we did.”
“Thanks.”
“Well, open it then.”
She opened the wrapping around the box and then the box. A gold bracelet lay in it, and a lock and key hung from it. “You shouldn’t.”
’“Nonsense, let me put it on.”
He took it out of the box, opened the clasp and put it around her wrist. Shutting the clasp. “So Con got you the ring.”
“Yeah, and the necklace for Christmas.”
“Nice.”
“Are you two still fighting?”
“No, we’ve sorted out all of our differences.”
“Good. I don’t want to lose either of you.”
“You won’t, I promise.” He placed his arm around her. “I love you Red. If you ever change your mind, I’m always here.”
Tears fell off her face onto his jacket, knowing that Connor would never give her up to anyone, no matter what she decided.
He moved away, wiping her eyes. “What’s with the tears, Red?”
“Nothing.”
“You can talk to me.”
“It’s nothing really.”
“I’ve got to meet the guys. Would you like to tag?”
“No thanks.”
“I understand.” He kissed her cheek, pulling himself up.
“Tell the guys thanks.”
“I will and I’ll see you soon, okay?”
“Okay.”
Daniel walked away. How could she forget about yesterday? She didn’t even know Connor had gone till this morning when she woke. She wasn’t even sure if she’d see him again.
“So you were talking to Dan?”
She looked up. “Con.”
He sat down. “Nice bracket.”
“Yeah, Dan and the guys brought it for my birthday.”
“We’re still cool, aren’t we ?”
“Yeah why.”
“After yesterday and what happened?”
“Yeah.”
“Good.”
“Where did you go, Con?”
“Home. Your mom said I could stay. You were still sleeping when I left. I thought it was best for my olds wanted me back so we could have lunch today. Guess a day late is better than nothing.”
“I’m sorry, Con.”
“Don’t be. I have you and that’s all that matters.’ He said, pulling her close. ’I crossed the line yesterday and I shouldn’t just get closer to you.”
“What are you trying to say, Con?”
“We’re friends. Autumn and I crossed the line and I shouldn’t. I’m sorry.”
“But I thought.”
“I’ll cherish it forever, but it will be our secret, okay?”
“Sure.”
“I just hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.”
She sat saying nothing. She’d wanted to be so close to him for so long, maybe yesterday felt good, but was it the right time for her.
“I hope this doesn’t change anything between us.”
“Nothing ever will, Con.”
“I hope that we’re like it again one day, but you need to sort your demons out. I should’ve realised that before I did what I did.”
“It’s okay, Con honest.’
“Good cause I’d hate it if I lost you to my recklessness.”
“You could never do that.”
He looked at her. “I’ll always love you, Autumn.”
“I know.”
He pressed his lips on hers, kissing her hungrily. He moved away. “So new year.?”
“What about it?”
“My birthday, you are going to celebrate it with me aren’t you?”
“I wouldn’t miss it.”
“Tell your mom you’re staying over it’s going to be good.”
“Okay.”
He kissed her brow, holding her. Was this party such a good idea after yesterday?
27th - 29th December
The rest of the week was quiet. Autumn and Connor did their homework so they could spend the next week relaxing. Autumn and Daniel had finally finished their project. The new year was slowly creeping up. The next big event will be New Year’s Eve in a couple of days. They were all excited to see the news about them together and then spend time together for Connor’s sixteenth.
31st December: New Year’s Eve
Everyone had been running around like headless chickens for the last two days making sure they’d got everything ready. Although the party wasn’t going to be big they had to make sure all the food, drinks and music were ready. They were all going to Ashby’s. As they were all heading to Connors tomorrow, most of their class were on vacation or at their families’ homes seeing the new year in, so it was just a few kids from their year. The disco lights flickered throughout the room.
By nine, the house was full from the fee of those from their year who could make it.
“You look hot, Red?”
Autumn looked up at Stenton. He could always pull off whatever he wore. He had dressed down tonight though he was in Armani. It flattered his physique. “You look good too, Stenton.”
He smiled. “So are you heading to Con’s tomorrow?”
“Yeah.”
“Pity I won’t be able to make it. I think after tonight everyone is heading away for the rest of the hols.”
“So, where will you be heading?”
“Italy, my dad managed to get the only flight left for tomorrow to see the rest of my family.”
“I hope you have a good time.”
“Me too.”
The drinks went round and they were all tipsy, dancing and singing. This had got to be by far the best New Year’s Eve ever. She would never have been allowed to do this back home. His thoughts drifted back to Taylor. They spent their new year together alone after going to Rudgey’s for New Years’. They’d all drunk a lot. Caz had lost her virginity that night but Autumn was not ready for that step, though she and Taylor were inseparable by then.
“You okay babe?” Connor asked, taking her out of her thoughts.
“Yeah, I’m fine.”
“Come in, the count down is on soon.”
She nodded and he threw his arm over her and they walked back into the lounge where Ashby had turned on the television ready for the countdown.
“5...
4...
3....
2...
1..... Happy new year!” They all chimed as Big Ben went off. Fireworks cranking in the air, everyone hugging and kissing cheeks, poppers going off.
“This is the best New Year’s Eve to date. I’m glad I could share it with you, babe.”
“Me too.”
He pressed his lips on hers, kissing her passionately.
“Get a room, guys!”
He laughed, pulling away. “You staying tonight?”
“Yeah.”
He smiled. “We can bunk in together.”
She swallowed and he kissed her again.
- Writer
