New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve 2011 - Part Two

Robert grunted. “You underestimate my father. I’ve asked him multiple times, but I’ve thought about it, and to be honest, is there any point, considering what little time we have left in school, anyway?” I couldn’t argue with him there. It did seem like a lot of messing around for a matter of six months. Robert then pulled me closer to his body. Although my face squished against his side, my face flushed at the proximity. “Besides, we are going to the same college next year! I am making sure of that!”

“Absolutely!” I laughed, my heart soaring at the thought of seeing Robert daily. We were already close, but the prospect of spending all our time together was exhilarating. For some, this much togetherness might strain a friendship, but I was confident that wouldn't be the case with Robert. Our friendship, though relatively new, felt solid and promising.

As I hadn’t even decided on my A-Levels, I found myself hoping that Robert and I would share some classes. I didn't want to only see him at lunch time. Art was a subject that intrigued me, so it was likely to be one of my choices. But the idea of sharing a class with Robert added an extra layer of excitement to my academic decisions.

“What are you thinking about?” Robert asked as he — unfortunately — took his arm away from my shoulder, immediately, I missed his warmth. He moved near the other side of the patio and leaned against a bannister. I went and joined him, looking over at the field in front of us. The cold air nipped at my bare arms, so I moved closer to Robert so that his body heat was warming me up.

“Nothing much, really,” I replied, smiling up at him. “I was just pondering what A-Levels I’m going to do. All this talk of college has made me wonder.”

Our conversation was filled with a comforting familiarity, a sense of ease that always accompanied our talks. I knew Robert wouldn't judge me for anything I would say. My parents were constantly worried I would leave any decisions too late, but I knew I would get there eventually. And Robert knew that too, which made our conversations all the more reassuring.

“Well, art has to be one.” He nudged me, winking at me. My eyes scrunched in confusion — I hadn’t mentioned my love of art to him before. It was something I was almost scared to admit I had an interest in. “What? You assume I haven’t noticed you doodling on your paper when we hung out at yours?” His recognition of my passion for art made me feel more connected to him.

“Well, yeah.” I chuckled, appreciating Robert’s understanding. “I do quite enjoy art, but I know I can't go to college and just do art... as much as I would love to do that. Not too sure what else, though.”

“Are you ever going to let me look at your sketches?” Robert asked, unfortunately remaining on the same unwanted topic.

“No!” I chuckled. “There’s no way you’re seeing my drawings. They’re way too embarrassing.”

I also point-blank refuse to mention the fact that most of my sketches were of Robert himself. Somehow, I wasn’t sure if that would go down very well. I had visions of him running to the nearest exit.

“Right, whatever; I will flick through them one day. I’ll make sure of it.” Robert promised, but he changed the subject, which was terrific news for me. “I might do business because that always seems to be a safe option. Especially if my dad wants me to take over this business when he eventually steps down.”

“Yeah.” I hummed in agreement. I wasn’t too sure how Robert felt about the prospect of taking over his father’s business. He never really mentioned it. But the lack of discussion was very telling. I didn’t want to push him, either, since I saw how uncomfortable it made him and there was no way I wanted to upset him. “You know, I might take business as well. I’ve always liked the idea of opening my own art school or even a gallery. Plus, that would mean we might even have a class together.”

Robert’s eyes lit up. “Hey! That’s such a good idea. Good thinking, Batman!”

I chuckled at him. “Just think, you’ll get to see me every single day for two years! How awesome will that be?”

“Pretty awesome,” Robert winked, surprising me. That was the perfect opportunity for him to make a joke, but he complimented me and went along with me, instead.

It was times like this when I thought it would be easy to open my mouth and say “I like you”. It was this flirty banter that I loved, and it made it so easy to envision what we would be like as a couple. But I kept reminding myself that Robert didn’t like me like that. Because why would he? With looks like his, he could have any girl he wanted. So why would he settle for little old me?

We stayed outside talking for a little while, about nothing in general. We laughed and messed about before going inside and dancing again. The slow dance portion of the evening arrived, and we resumed messing around. But by the end of the song, we had somehow started dancing, like every other couple. In an embrace and joining the pace of the music. I didn’t even know how it happened, but I liked it.

It was finally time for us to make our way outside for the speech. Robert and I somewhat reluctantly peeled ourselves away from each other. The weight of our romantic moment finally dawned on us. After a little smile at each other, we made our way outside. Robert had still kept his arm around my waist as we were walking, and I would not lie; I liked it.

I found my parents and stood with them, while Frank gave us all his usual speech. You would think that after years of telling us the same thing, everyone would get bored with Frank’s speeches. But he was so charismatic that he could change the speech and make everyone laugh every year. Everyone seemed enthralled by every compelling word that came out of his mouth.

Robert was remarkably similar to his father in that sense.

The countdown came and went, and the fireworks shot into the sky as they did every year. But they were still as beautiful and exciting as the first time I saw them. Like Frank’s speech, they changed every year, and they seemed to get better and more spectacular each time.

After wishing my parents a happy new year, we searched for other well-wishers. I saw Robert, and he noticed me at the same time. We picked up our pace until we met in the centre of the field. The first thing we did was throw our arms around each other and squeeze each other hard. Robert bent down and placed a light peck on my cheek.

Well, that was unexpected I thought to myself, a mix of surprise and excitement in my mind. Robert’s actions were a departure from our usual interactions, and it left me wondering what the new year would bring.

“This year is going to be the best, I can feel it!” I let my best friend know. Robert smiled at me in response.

“Happy New Year, Scarlett,” said Robert.

“Happy New Year, Robert,” I replied.