Chapter 63: ONE

*23.23 on New Year's Eve*

Tonight, timing was everything. Where we are on New Years', who we're next to on New Years', that's meant to mean something... According to convention.

Last year I was in my bedroom when the clock struck midnight. And I wasn't even upset about it. I didn't have to worry about holiday surge pricing or how I was going to get home. I didn't have to stand for hours in uncomfortable clothing. I entered the new year in comfort and a onesie. But this year, there was uncertainty. So much fun, but also uncertainty.

I watched Austin speak to the mysterious girl. Her hair descended in dark waves around her shoulders and her smile was radiant. They sounded so excited talking to each other.

"What are you doing here?!" Austin asked her, visibly surprised.

Lara replied, equally shocked, "I was going to ask you the same thing!"