New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve 2010 - Part Two

“I’d love to.” I tried to contain my excitement, not wanting to seem overeager, but the thrill of the upcoming New Year’s Eve celebration was already in the air, heightening the moment’s warmth. I wondered if my smile was too bright, especially under the disco lights, but I couldn’t help it. The joy of the occasion was infectious.

“Great!” Robert, my new friend (I felt like I could call him that now, after we had bonded over our shared love for causing chaos), seemed considerably calmer after I had let him out of his misery. He was so cute when he had that expression on his face. And my giant grin hadn’t scared him off, clearly.

We exchanged phone numbers and, in jest, promised to text each other regularly, almost every day. But — somehow — I didn’t think that we would have too much difficulty fulfilling the promise. We seemed to have so much fun together, so I could only imagine how easily that fun would translate to text.

Then came the time for one of the slow dances. During the whole thing, we messed about, while much older couples took it more seriously. At that age, we wouldn’t take slow dances very earnestly. We pretended to waltz around the dancefloor, spinning and twirling as we did so. We must have thought we were on Strictly Come Dancing (a favourite show of my parents’, but I ignored it when it was on Saturday evenings. There were plenty of better things I could do with my time). Because we were spinning so out of control, we almost flew onto the buffet table. Note to self: take some dance lessons...

Again, at fifteen minutes to midnight, we all made our way outside, donning our coats and other winter wear as we did so. The chilly air nipped at our noses, but the excitement of the impending New Year’s speech and the fireworks kept us warm. The backyard was adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations, and the sound of laughter and music from inside drifted across, filling the air. It was time to listen to Frank’s speech. After a quick smile and a wave, Robert and I parted ways, and he wandered off to stand with his parents, and I went to find mine.

I threw my mum and dad a huge grin when I saw them standing next to each other, and I joined them, astounded by how quickly I found them. Mum seemed a little surprised at my cheerful disposition, which was no genuine shock to me. At the start of the night, I kicked and screamed as they tried to heave me out of the house. My fingers almost left indents in the doorframe, attempting to keep myself inside. So, they must have expected a daughter in a similar mood by the end of the night.

“You seem happy,” Dad commented quietly, out of the side of his mouth, not wanting to interrupt Frank’s annual speech. That wouldn’t keep him in the good books, for sure. Also, Frank’s presence demanded more respect than that.

I shrugged, keeping non “halant, althoug” my insides felt the complete opposite. “I’ve had a good night, that’s all.”

“I’ve seen you laughing with Robert all night.” Mum then said, making sure she shared her opinion. Her eyes said so much I couldn’t comprehend. But there was a cheeky glint in them, making my stomach tense. “You seem to get along with him quite well.”

“Yep.” I smiled, keeping it simple. “He’s a great guy.”

We could say no more on the matter—thankfully—as the countdown began. Before we even got to number one, my gaze was up at the sky, anticipating the bright colours and loud bangs of the fireworks. I knew it would be even better than last year’s.

“HAPPY NEW YEAR!” We all shouted in unison and, sure enough, the entire sky was ablaze with an assortment of fireworks. My mouth dropped open as I looked up in awe at the bright colours. The fireworks never failed to amaze me, no matter how many times I saw them.

Fireworks were the best part of New Year’s Eve, without a doubt.

As the firework display drew to a close, I rounded on my parents and gave them an enormous hug, as per tradition. We all wished each other a Happy New Year before seeking other people to send our best wishes to.

I had only one person in my sights as I saw Robert hugging his mother. I skipped towards them both with a massive smile on my face. That was the thing about fireworks; they never failed to put me in a good mood, no matter how Grinch-like I acted throughout the rest of the evening.

“Happy New Year, Mrs Jackson.” I grinned at Robert’s mum.

“Thank you, sweetheart.” She smiled. Frank’s wife always seemed to have a beautiful smile for everyone. “Happy New Year to you as well.”

I thanked her. She waved to Robert and me before walking off to find her husband, who was talking to many of his employees. They were all eager to wish the big boss a happy New Year.

When Robert and I were alone, I stepped forward and threw my arms around him. It didn’t take long for Robert to place his arms around my waist and squeeze me back. There was no doubt that if Robert wasn’t here tonight, it would have been unbearable and undeniably boring.

And Robert gave the best hugs ever.

“I’ve had such a good night.” I smiled into Robert’s shoulder as I gave him one last squeeze. “Believe it or not, I’ve had fun!”

My heart was filled with joy and gratitude for the fantastic night I had experienced.

“You? Have fun? At this party? I don’t believe it!” Robert exclaimed as we released each other from the hug.

“Shut up.” I punched him in the shoulder.

“I’m going to pretend that it hurts, so it makes you feel better.” He said, clutching his shoulder with a fake pained look in his eyes. “No, seriously.” He said, straightening up and dropping the act. “I’ve had a great night too, and it was all down to you. I can’t imagine how much havoc we are going to cause if we meet up outside this party.”

“Oh, I dread to think!” I chuckled, mimicking Robert’s dramatic tone. I placed the back of my hand on my forehead, pretending to be as dramatic as possible and completely failing. Acting clearly was not in my destiny.

We were both silent for a moment, as our joking and laughter died down. Taking a moment, we absorbed the environment. Everyone seemed joyous and excited about what the New Year might hold. The anticipation for the new year filled the air with excitement and hope, and I was delighted to see what adventures awaited me as 2011 unfolded.

Robert smiled at me, breaking me out of my silent reverie. He placed a hand on the top of my head, whilst messing up my already crazy hair; I chuckled as I pushed his arm away.

“Happy New Year, Scarlett,” Said Robert.

“Happy New Year, Robert,” I replied.