Fallen

46. I love you, I'm sorry

Harper was invited to Rosie's 'special' New Years party, but Harper didn't give a fuck about that. For all she knew, the new year could start with another fight. Harper was just going to watch the fireworks from the park with her friends.. And Ivy, if she showed up. Harper desperately wanted to kiss Ivy on new years, but what would happen if her friends saw? Obviously they were already suspicious of them dating, but Harper respected Ivy's wish of not wanting to come out.

Everyone was supposed to meet at 10pm, but Ivy got there early. Harper saw her girlfriend and she smiled.

"Hi, Ivy." Harper hugged her, and Ivy hugged back.

"Hi." Ivy smiled, taking in the scent of Harpers perfume. She pulled back. "You erm.. Said you wanted to ask me something?"

Harper nodded. "I did. So.. Um.. Sorry." Harper took a breath. "I was wondering how you would feel about.. Coming out to my friends? Before you say anything.. Just know that they're literally all gay, so they'll obviously support."

Ivy's face went slightly pale, but she spoke after a minute. "Well.. It's- it's not so much your friends.. It's just that if I tell so many people, even if they don't tell.. It's gonna get around somehow, and if my dad finds out, I'm dead. "

Harper nodee, grabbing both of Ivy's hands. "I understand.. Just- let me know."

Ivy nodded. She put her long hair in front of her face and kissed Ivy, her hair playing as a shield to hide her identity.

"Just so you know." Harper said as she pulled back. "The world had bigger problems than girls who kiss girls and boys who kiss boys."

Ivy chuckled, rolling her eyes. "Did you see that on an 'inspirational gay quotes' video?" Ivy teased, making quote marks with her fingers.

"Shut up!" Harper scoffed, then smiled. "Maybe.."

Ivy chuckled and then looked around her. There was a boy and girl walking towards them.

"Hi Noah! Hi Bea!" Harper called when she could make out their faces.

Bea waved. "Hey Harps! Oh- hi.. Ivy."

"Hi." Ivy muttered.

Harper tried to make some conversation, but it wasn't working much. Luckily, when the rest of the group arrived, everyone had someone to talk to.

Jessie, Rory, and Bea were all talking about.. Harper and Ivy.

"So.. They're definitely dating, right?" Rory whispered.

Jessie nodded. "My gaydar is off the charts."

Bea giggled at that. "I agree, but I don't think Ivy's ready to come out yet."

"Well neither is Harper clearly, she hasn't said anything." Rory shrugged.

"Don't pressure her." Jessie said, trying to keep her voice down. "She'll come out when she's ready."

Out of nowhere, Noah appeared behind his sister. "You shouldn't assume they're dating." He whispered.

Bea rolled her eyes. "Well- yeah I know.. But it's obvious, look at them."

Noah looked at them. Harper was blushing and almost touching Ivy's hand. "Okay.. Yeah. But still, you shouldn't assume."

"Ugh, just go talk about boy things with your boyfriend." Bea mumbled.

Noah huffed and walked back to Jack, who was twirling a piece of grass in his fingers.

"You're adorable." Noah chuckled, looking at his boyfriend.

Jack shook his head, but smiled. He had a small plush giraffe in his lap. Jack was sensitive to loud noises like fireworks, and his 'comfort giraffe' helped him.

Noah smiled and sat down, laying his head on Jack's shoulder. "We don't have to sit outside.. We can go inside for the fireworks."

Jack shook his head. "I brought earplugs, I'll be okay.. Do you think this giraffe is stupid?"

Noah gave a severe side eye as if he was personally offended. "Uh, no? First, that giraffe is adorable like you. Second, it helps you, so why is it stupid?"

"Cause I look like a child." Jack responded.

"Jack, shh, please. You look cute."

Jack blushed and kissed Noah's cheek. "Okay. Thanks... Mr. Giraffe says thank you too." He whispered the last part.

Noah giggled and pet the plush.

Eventually, it was 10 til midnight. Harper managed to get Ivy into a conversation with her friends, which she thought was a great accomplishment. She got a text from Nick in the family group chat asking how she and Ossy were doing. Harper replied good and sent a picture of the field. Ossy replied good and that he was at Acacia's.

Oscar and Acacia were at her house in her room. Unfortunately, Acacia was having a bit of a headache. She had a small baby bump as well, which Ossy thought was really cute.

"Do you need anything? You just took medicine but do you want some water? Food? Cuddles..?" Ossy asked softly, putting his hand on his girlfriend's forehead to check if she had a fever.

"Cuddles would be nice." Acacia smiled, making room for Oscar. He laid down and put his arms around her.

"I'm.. I'm really excited for our baby, do you agree?" Ossy whispered.

Acacia nodded. "Yeah.. After the pain of pregnancy and labor." She half-joked.

Oscar smiled and nodded. "Well.. I'll be there the whole time if it helps."

Acacia grabbed her boyfriend's hand and squeezed it. "Thank you."

"Of course." Oscar said, kissing her. "I'm glad I'm starting the year with you."

"Me too.."

_________________________________________

Back at the park, everyone was standing up and waiting for the clock to strike 12.

"Eee! One minute!" Harper squealed, stepping closer to Ivy. They stood a bit behind the other couples, so maybe, just maybe they could kiss without getting noticed. If Ivy truly didn't want to kiss, Harper wouldn't force her. At least Jessie wouldn't be left out without someone to kiss. Though, knowing Jessie, Harper wouldn't be surprised if she went to go kiss a tree. Harper checked her phone again and her friends started counting down.

"Ten!"

"Nine!"

"Eight!"

"Seven!"

"Six!"

"Five!"

"Four!"

"Three!"

"Two!"

"One!"

"Happy new year!!"

Everyone cheered and hollered. Harper was in the middle of a 'woo' when she was pulled into a kiss by Ivy. She was not expecting that. Regardless of her surprise, she kissed back and smiled.

Jessie caught sight of the kiss and couldn't hold in her squeal. "I knew it!" She said to herself, though it was loud enough for Ivy, and everyone, to hear. The two other couples turned and saw Harper and Ivy.

Ivy tried to pull away, embarrassed, but Harper held Ivy's face in her hands.

"Ivy, it's okay." Harper said, trying to keep her still, but Harper could feel Ivy's cheeks heating up as they rested in her hands. Harper didn't know what else to say than what she was thinking.

"Ivy, I love you." Harper confessed. She then watched the girl she just declared her love to run away, the darkness swallowing her figure as Harper could do nothing but watch.

𝓛𝓪 𝓯𝓲𝓷
(𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓮𝓷𝓭)