New Year’s Eve

Book:His Winter Heart Published:2024-5-31

Days passed by and it was already New year’s eve and I was at Jackson’s residence, which mom agreed to come to and, Nathan. So now, we’re celebrating here at Luke’s place since Aunt Maggie and all their family were here.
I crossed my arms together in front of me, rubbing my arms to create heat as a cold air swept past me. I snorted, regretting the choice I made for wearing this red sleeveless dress reaching only above my knee and not offering me enough heat needed by my body tonight.
The only good thing that made me wear this tonight is the beautiful pattern of roses embroidered elegantly.
I scanned my eyes around the living room of Jackson’s residence, more specifically, the siblings Hannah and Luke’s house. I admit that I have always been around here in this house that even the furniture had gotten sick of seeing my face, but there were a few people whom I don’t even know, relatives of them I guess.
I tapped my black heels impatiently, cursing under my breath because of the strange looks I get from a few people staring at me weirdly.
Probably they are curious to see a girl glaring and standing in a corner for hours now.
Where the hell is that guy?
Not long after that, a pair of hands blocked my view. “Guess who?” Said the hands.
I sighed. “I’ll count from one to three if you don’t lose this hand’s Luke, who knows what will happen to these precious hands of yours…”
The person didn’t even waste a second to retrieve his hand back. I turn around to face the person, Luke.
“Geez, where were you?” I demanded
“Geez, what happened to you, Snow?” Luke replied, mimicking me. “It’s the eve of New Year and you’re here acting so bitter. Chill.”
“Chill? What the heck.” I glared at him.
And now, at nine o’clock in the evening, this idiot chose to appear. Wow, so early I was waiting for two hours. I turned back from my trance. “It’s cold with this dress on, and this makeup and this heels-!”
“Who said you need to show up in that dress?” His lips curled up. “You know, I’ll always love you even if you’ll appear here with just sweaters on and shorts without makeup on.”
I blushed at that. I diverted my gaze. “It’s… for you…” Suddenly, I felt guilt facing Luke, especially with what happened between me and Eion from that trip. It feels so wrong.
How will Luke react if I tell him about it? And should I tell Luke about it? When? I’ll just find the right time then… For now, let’s enjoy the night.
He stopped. “For me? Aweee, Snow, My heart!” He clutched his heart dramatically. “By the way, you look beautiful in that dress.”
“You too,” I replied. I was waiting for that compliment all night and was anxious for nothing! Hmph, if only I just came with my sweaters on… Never mind I want to surprise Luke… and it was worth it after all.
He then laughed, looking at my reddened face. “Forget all these struggles you have for now Snow. The night is young, and so are we! Let’s dance!” He pulled me into the area where the Dj’s are and requested a song.
Instantly, a loud happy song played, losing the serene and calm ambiance the living room had. The elders who enjoyed the peace just walked away, leaving the teenagers to have their time on the dancefloor.
“Show me your moves, Snow! Show me!” Luke shouted between the loud music. Finally losing my serious and mad face, I did as he said and made some strange moves I have been treasuring for myself. Luke shook his head at me and joined me.
“Damn girl!” He hooted, giving me turns and I did the same to him.
The music blasted as the Dj kept on turning the volume up. The night was then filled with joy and happiness for me.
By the time we were panting and sweating, we chose to stop and go to the kitchen.
“Whoa, that was crazy, Snow. Didn’t know you have those secret moves.” Luke commented, grabbing the two of us some pineapple juice from the refrigerator.
“I didn’t know that either.” I agreed, still catching my breath. “By the way, where’s the squad?”
Luke shrugged. “Probably somewhere.” He gave me the juice and took a sip. “You know them….” He said.
I took a sip from my drink and once we finished, we came to the balcony upstairs to have some air since the air was getting fired up downstairs even though the air conditioner was high.
Silence followed as we took in the surroundings. I inhaled the fresh air and stared at Luke’s face as he was looking ahead.
I was suddenly pulled into a trance as I couldn’t help but stare at Luke. His soft blonde hair that’s gelled up in a clean style, with one sticking out that made me want to reach out and arrange it.
I stopped myself but instead looked at his black suit fitted perfectly to his body, the muscles on his arms were busting. Tonight, he was more than handsome.
I can’t help but smile at that. I’m really lucky to have this guy. How he makes me so happy and feel so comfortable just leaves me speechless. He accepted me, who I am, and in return I…
“Don’t stare at me like that…. I’ll melt.” I was pulled from my trance as Luke turned to look at me. He smiled at me, his eyes twinkling with something. Sadness? What is it?
I scoffed and looked away. “As if,” I commented. He just laughed and continued leaning on the railings.
I glanced at him, feeling something tugging at my heart.
“So, did you have fun tonight?” Luke asked, turning his head upwards as he watched the stars shine in the sky.
“Yes. Super fun.” I replied. All of a sudden, I felt tears coming out of my eyes. I shook my head, why am I crying? I looked up to prevent the tears from coming.
Luke seemed to notice it as he asked, “Oh? Why are you crying?” He leaned in, holding my shoulders and rubbing my back to comfort me.
“Are you really that cold and struggling from that dress?” He snorted. I watched as Luke removed his coat and placed it slowly but carefully on my shoulders. I fidgeted and avoided his eyes from meeting mine as tension built up.
He stopped to stare at me again. “You look even more beautiful with that.” He shook his head, ruffing my head, and saying, “Don’t ever change yourself for someone when you can be just yourself.”
I nodded my head. At that moment, I suddenly realized how lacking I am as his girlfriend. I never even acted as his girlfriend, sweet to him, or cared for him. In fact, now that I think about it, I treated him more like a friend.
“Luke, I’m sorry-”
“Oh look at the time!” Luke cut me off, glancing at his watch, and looked at me. “We still have one hour left. Want to dance again?” He suggested, his eyebrows raising playfully.
I shook my head and mumbled enough for him to hear, “I want to stay here for a while.”
“Hmm, I think you’re right.” He agreed then continued watching the stars. We just stood there, completely silent, with me by his side.
“I can’t believe we are together, you know. Still together as a new year will come…” Luke broke the silence.