Can't Love Christmas

Thirty Nine

The streets were bustling as Ash made her way to work while everyone prepared for the last night of the year. She had heard from multiple people that the party at Willow & Fern was the place to be. She hadn't spoken to Rowan in days, which meant he hadn't had the chance to rescind his direct invitation.

Ash: 

Hey, are you going to be at Willow & Fern tonight?

Laura: 

YES. Please tell me you're joining?

See you there!

BE THERE BEFORE 8 OR ELSE

The pharmacy closed early and Sadiq gave everyone a year end bonus. Ash headed home and spent the better part of two hours getting herself ready. She ate a very quick dinner, and was out the door by seven. There was an excitement bubbling under her skin she wasn't used to. She didn't stop to analyze what the cause of the feeling may be, but it became rather obvious when she got to the pub and saw Rowan wearing a party hat and cheap plastic necklace with HAPPY NEW YEAR in big letters.

The realization stopped her dead in her tracks. It had nothing to do with the party, or that it was New Year's Eve. It was anticipation to see Rowan. Stronger than she'd ever felt before, because she had noticed his absence the last few days. He truly was her closest friend in Miska, but calling him her friend felt inadequate to describe how he made her feel.

Someone bumped into her from behind when they opened the door. She apologized and rushed up towards the bar, and grinned at him while he finished serving the other customers.

"Oh my god. I've won! I've convinced you! You're wearing festive accessories!"

He grinned back at her. "I hate to burst your bubble, Cinders, but this had nothing to do with you. I wear this every year."

"What?"

"It's not Christmas. And I love New Year's Eve."

She pouted. "Got any other holidays you actually celebrate?"

"Pretty much all of them. I'm a business owner, I have to give the people what they want."

"Even Valentine's Day?"

"You'll just have to wait and see." He winked and turned to grab the tray of clean glasses from Mandy. "So what can I get you this fine evening?"

"Surprise me." He grinned and she turned away to survey the bar. It was alive with excitement and wonder. The dance floor was packed, the music was thumping, the tables were crowded while everyone laughed as the last night of the year ticked down. The televisions were on, but muted, watching the festivities somewhere out east.

Rowan placed the drink beside her elbow. "So, I need to tell you how tonight is going to go." He leaned towards her and she felt her heart speed up. "There is a tradition here on New Year's Eve. We celebrate the strike of midnight for each time zone in Canada with a toast. So, at 8:30, we toast to 'M'. At 9:00, 'I', at 10:00, 'S', at 11:00, 'K' and at midnight, we all yell 'Happy New Year's, Eh'"

"You're messing with me."

"I promise you I'm not. It is a Willow & Fern tradition."

She gave him a dubious look. "How'd it start?"

"Well, there are a few different origins out there, my favourite version is this: one of the old oil guys came from Newfoundland, and wanted to celebrate the New Year at the same time as everyone back home. Naturally, people weren't going to miss a chance to celebrate, and there were a fair number of other Easterners here as well, so when 10:00 rolled around, we watched the ball drop in Toronto, and toasted the new year to those near and far. By the time 11:00 rolled around, they all just wanted another shot, so they decided to celebrate central as well. Naturally, by the time midnight hit they were all well in their cups mixing whiskey and beer all evening, so they all yelled 'Happy New Year, Eh!'"