heartstrings

Chapter 28

Nicholas
December 31st 2017

New Years Day.

The garden was alive with the sounds of laughter and distant fireworks, but all I could focus on was Eve.

Her lips were warm against mine, and the taste of her lip gloss was sweet and familiar. We were sprawled on a huge garden couch, surrounded by some of her friends whose names I couldn't remember for the life of me.

One of them was the guy from the breakfast bar, whose name i think is Liam, and there also was her best friend,
Cassandra? Catherine?. Something along the lines of that

Lacy was the only one I actually knew, and she had slipped away with Matt—probably making out in some bedroom, back together again.

I could feel the weight of the alcohol in my system, a pleasant haze that made everything seem softer around the edges.

I'd had a few joints earlier, too, but Eve couldnt know about those.

The night felt endless, a blur of laughter, the scent of night-blooming flowers, and Eve's body pressed close to mine.

Eve's laugh broke through the ambient noise as she pulled back slightly, her eyes glassy with drunken joy. I smiled, brushing a strand of hair away from her face.

She was drunk, more so than usual. I knew I'd have to carry her home; she could barely stand on her own two feet.

"It's almost midnight," she slurred, leaning her head on my shoulder. I wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer.

"Yeah," I replied, glancing around at the group. They were lost in their own conversations, their own little worlds. I couldn't remember the last time I'd felt this disconnected from a crowd, yet so completely at ease.

"Think you can make it till then?" I asked her, half-joking.

She nodded vigorously, then winced as if the motion made her dizzy. "Of course! I want to kiss you at midnight," she said, her voice earnest.

I chuckled, kissing the top of her head. "You got it."

My house was a short walk away, and we had it all to ourselves. Dad and his wife had taken off to Aspen with the baby, leaving me with the place to myself. It was a freedom that I intended to savor, especially with Eve by my side.

The minutes ticked by, and I could feel Eve getting heavier against me. She was drifting in and out of a light doze, her breath warm against my neck. The others were still in high spirits, but the party was starting to wind down.

Finally, the countdown began. Ten, nine, eight...  I felt a surge of adrenaline, the promise of a new year tingling in my veins. Seven, six, five...  I nudged Eve gently, waking her up. Four, three, two...  She blinked up at me, her eyes unfocused but full of affection.

One.

"Happy New Year," I whispered, and we kissed. It was soft and sweet, a perfect beginning to the new year.

When we finally pulled apart, she gave me a sleepy smile. "Take me home, Nic."

I nodded, scooping her up in my arms. She was light, but I held her close as I navigated through the throng of partygoers, heading towards the gate. The cool night air hit us as we stepped outside, and Eve nestled her head against my chest, already drifting back to sleep.

It was a short walk, but I took my time, savoring the quiet moments. The world felt still, as if holding its breath for what was to come. I reached my house and maneuvered Eve inside, careful not to jostle her too much.

Upstairs, I laid her down on my bed, pulling the covers over her. She mumbled something incoherent, a soft smile on her lips. I watched her for a moment, my heart full.

"Happy New Year, Eve," I whispered, brushing a kiss against her forehead.

Her makeup was smudged, traces of eyeliner and mascara marking her cheeks.

I got up and went to the bathroom, grabbing a pack of makeup wipes. Returning to her side, I sat down gently, trying not to wake her.

I pulled out a wipe and started with her eyes, carefully wiping away the makeup. Her skin was warm under my touch, and she stirred slightly, again murmuring something I couldn't understand.

Her lipstick was the hardest to get off, a stubborn red stain that clung to her lips. I took my time, being as gentle as I could. When I finally finished, I tossed the used wipe into the trash and sat back, looking at her.

I pulled the blanket up over her, tucking her in, a soft smile playing on her lips.
"Sleep well, Eve," I whispered, brushing a strand of hair away from her face.

Slipping into bed beside her, I closed my eyes, letting the promise of the new year wash over me. With Eve by my side and the house quiet around us, it felt like the start of something good.