Never Let Go

Chapter 32: Fireworks

"5...4...3...2...1... happy new year!"

Wes walks towards Janet with open arms and puckered lips.

"Uh, don't even think about it!" Janet scoffs and puts her hand up to his face.

He grunts and rolls his eyes. She turns around and gives me a hug, and then hugs Maya.

"Happy new year, man!" Wes stumbles over to me and wraps his arms around my neck.

"Happy new year." I laugh.

"I love you so much, bro. I hope good things happen to you this year. You deserve that." He slurs and rests his head on my shoulder. "You're my best friend, do you know that?"

"Such a mess." Janet mumbles to Maya and rolls her eyes which makes her laugh.

"Michael, do you know that?!" Wes raises his voice and looks up at me.

"Yes!" I laugh and pat his back, trying to break free from him. "You're so drunk."

"Yeah, but what I'm saying is the truth!"

"Wesley, can you let go of my brother please so I can give him a hug?" La Toya shakes her head.

"Ey, there's enough of him for everyone." He pulls away from me and looks at Maya. "And there's especially enough for you." He smiles.

Um...

"Happy new year, Maya! I would hug you, but I'm all about bro code." He nods and winks at me. "I know you're Mike's girl-"

"Wes!" I widen my eyes.

"What?!"

I sigh and shake my head. Maya laughs softly.

"Happy new year to you too."

"I hope you get some good shit happen to you."

"Thanks, I hope you do too." She chuckles.

Me and Maya are the last people to wish each other a happy new year. We smile and stare at each other before I make a move and hug her.

"Happy new year." I say softly as I squeeze her gently.

"Happy new year." She replies quietly.

"Let's go watch the fireworks!" La Toya exclaims.

We all make our way outside and stand in the street, watching our neighbours fireworks. It was an unforgettable sight as they exploded in the night sky and filled it with colours and light. Some shot straight up before exploding, while others quickly shattered into thousands of sparks.

"Mom and George could've just watched the neighbours fireworks for free." Janet laughs softly while she admires the sparkling colours in the sky.

Jeff wraps his arm around La Toya and she rests her head on his shoulder while they watch the bright fireworks.

Maya and I are standing right next to each other. I glance at her and see she looks completely in awe of the bright display in the sky. She looks so pretty with the multi-coloured lights shining down on her and the sparkles reflecting in her eyes.

I look back up at the sky and slowly move my hand closer to hers. Our fingers touch and then I gradually interlock my fingers with hers. Neither of us look at each other at first; we keep our eyes on the fireworks.

Holding her hand makes my heart race and my belly ache with butterflies. This is another perfect and intimate moment I'll never forget. Being with her like this right now makes me feel so warm. This is the kind of moment I wish would last forever.