Across the Ocean - Kyra Cooney-Cross

Chapter Eighteen - NYE

New Year's Eve came around quicker than Christmas. We'd spent the week leading up to it finding snow Kyra nearly hurt herself flying down a hill on a toboggan. We also were helping Kyra's bestie, Charli Grant, find a flat in North London as she eagerly waited for her signing with Tottenham to be announced. 

Charli had been staying with Kyra, so I would just pop over every now and then to sleep over or hang out, but for the most part, I gave them space. 

We had plans to celebrate New Year's with Dean and his friends at their house. It was either that or go into town, and that just wasn't really our vibe.

Early afternoon, and I knew Kyra was picking me up soon, so I was meticulously getting ready, curling my hair the best I could. I'd already redone my makeup twice, and now I was on my fifth outfit: a pair of blue jeans and a black corset top with my signature Nike Airforce 1. I never got to dress up much, so I was nervous but loved it. 

I was cleaning up the mess that was now my bathroom when I heard the front door slam open, shaking the walls almost. I popped my head out of the doorway, and Kyra was slugging in a duffle bag.

I chuckled, "What are you doing?" 

She looked up, almost annoyed, "Just bringing in some stuff?"

I scrunched up my face and shook my head, going back to tidying the bathroom. I finally put my hair curler in the drawer and headed out to see Kyra pulling out clothes from her bag in the lounge room.

"Seriously, what are you doing?" I was confused, but she hardly gave me any idea. 

She didn't even look up. She just pulled out a hoodie I'd never seen. "Charli and I went shopping."

I smiled and questioned, "And you brought it here?" 

She shook her head. "Nope, this is all for you." 

I crossed my arms, staring at her. "You're ridiculous." 

She just held up another thing, placing it back on the couch. 

"Excuse me," I fake coughed. 

She finally looked in my direction, a smile instantly tugging at her lips.

"Hello, sexy mama," she wolf-whistled, taking a few steps towards me. 

She grabbed my waist, looking me up and down. 

"Is it all right?" I asked nervously. 

She nodded eagerly. "It's perfect." 

I chuckled at her words, and she leaned forward, kissing me softly, tugging at my waist. 

I smiled against her lips, playfully pushing her away slightly. "Come on, let's go." I was cheerful and my voice beamed around the flat. 

She threw her head back in annoyance. I spun around, and she slapped me on the ass, playfully. I shook my head, walking over to the kitchen, picking up my black oversized blazer and my bag.

We headed out, Kyra's arm around my waist as we walked to her car. 

Picking up Charli on the way the drive to Dean's place was filled with light chatter and laughter. The streets were alive with busy with people preparing to welcome the new year. 

Kyra had the radio on, and we all sang along to the music playing. It felt good, like everything was right in the world, even if just for a moment.

When we arrived at Dean's place, it was already buzzing. Dean's friends were all there, and the house was loud but just as welcoming as ever. 

The vibe was great, and we were greeted with hugs and Dean instantly shoved drinks into our hands, and soon enough, we were part of the crowd, mingling and chatting with everyone.

Kyra introduced me to some of Dean's friends, and they were all just as sweet and friendly as Dean. We found a cosy spot in the living room and settled in. Drinks flowed, and the night was just so fun. 

Kyra stayed close to me, her hand never leaving mine, and it felt reassuring.

As the night went on, we played games and laughed until our sides hurt. It was Kyra's first time ever seeing me competitive. We were playing beer pong, Kyra and I against Dean and Charli, I was doing amazing getting every second shot in. 

I was trash talking Dean, and getting super annoyed when Kyra would miss. I didn't notice at first but every time I glimpse of competitive anger threw from my lips. Kyra would smile like a kid. When Kyra finally got the ball in their last cup, claiming us as winners. I squealed jumping into Kyra's arms. 

Dean and his friends were hilarious and I'd never seen so many athletes drinking in one place. Just a few minutes before Midnight, Dean stood on a chair above everyone and made a speech. 

"Thank you all for coming, to all the goals, all the saves, to all the friends we've made, from here, from home, from football and from chance. You've made this year unforgettable, to my beautiful fiancé who's currently living up 2024 already. I miss her and I love her. She's wishing she was here with us all. To Sutton, and Arsenal" he tilted his cup towards Kyra who looked away shyly "The two clubs who are family and carry us everyday, Happy New Year" 

Everyone yelled "Happy New Year" and as we started to scream. "10...9...8..7...6...5...4...3...2...1" the clock stroke 12 and everyone cheered. I looked over at Kyra her arm slung over my shoulder, she smiled and kissed me. Our tongues instantly becoming one, and as she pulled away. 

I smiled "I love you, happy new year babe" 

She smiled in return "Happy New Year Elmo" 

with that we finally turned to Charli who'd had been lifted to Dean's shoulders at 12, a hug for each of us and her perfect and bubbly smile. We saw in 2024, it was a brand new page. We were so drunk, so happy and I started the year in the most perfect place. 

Finally at home, in the comfort of Kyra's flat Charli and I carried Kyra into her room as  she collapsed on the bed, still in her clothes, she was too drunk to get change. 

I said goodnight to Charli and hugged me and said "Goodluck" then took one last look at Kyra and giggled all the way to the spare room. 

I pulled off her shoes, and pealed of her jeans. The dead weight of her flopping as I tried to pull the covers over her. 

I finally get undressed, and slipped into bed. Kyra pulled me close, her warmth comforting. 

With a slur and as loud as she could say. "I'm going to marry you this year" her voice filled with sleepy optimism. 

The words hitched my breath I shook my head and replied "You don't want that, I'll ruin your life" 

She brought her hand to my cheeks squeezing them together. Her eyes wide yet hazed, buy all the vodka lime soda's she'd downed. 

"I'm serious Eliza, you're going to be my wife" her face was still as she stared in my eyes. 

"Are you proposing" I joked, making light of her heavy words. 

"Nope you'll just have to wait" and with that her she pulled me close, her eyes shut and within seconds she was snoring. 

As I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't help but think about her words, serious or not it was scary and it wasn't that I was unsure. I was just 19 and she had such a big life, i'd barely done anything. I wasn't sure I'd be a good wife.

I had a thought to myself as her snores almost drowned them out. That despite the ups and downs, I had someone who loved me and a future that looked bright. 

It was the perfect start to a new year, a drunk Kyra was everything funny and loud. Although I was confused, I was happy as well. Goodbye 2023 for half you were a living hell. 2024 will be better, there was no denying that.