Crooks & Nooks

New Year's Eve

Chapter 21

I grabbed my water bottle and downed the last of my water, before picking up my bag and leaving the studio. The dance competition was in two weeks, and I still had a lot to perfect. I drove home quickly, showered and ate a salad before getting dressed. Liz, Matt, Mase, Will, Chris, and I were going to a New Year's Eve party tonight, and it was 7:45 and I hadn't even started getting dressed. I called Liz, knowing fully well that she was probably fully ready and watching SpongeBob SquarePants with all of her makeup and hair done. She was over in about seven minutes, and got right to work.

"Why didn't you dry your hair yet?" Liz asked.

"You can do it for me," I said with a smile, hoping that Liz would dry it for me.

"Ugh, fine."

"Thanks, how are things with Mason?" I questioned, because it felt like I hadn't had a girl to girl conversation in forever.

"I really really like him, but I think he's scared to go to far because of Sierra," Liz said with a sad smile.

"Well, he's probably not over her, he really loved her," I said.

"I know, and I'm scared that maybe he'll never love me as much as her," she said, before focusing on my makeup.

"You guys will work out, you're perfect together," I commented.

Liz finished off my makeup and we waited for Matt and Mase, who were supposed to pick us up. We waited around, not doing much. Then finally, about a half hour later, they rang the doorbell. We left, and got into the car.

At the party, Will and I danced. And danced. And danced. Will was a surprisingly good dancer and it made my heart soar even more. I couldn't help but drink a few beers, but no more than two. Chris and Matt got completely and totally drunk and Matt was trying to get a girl's number, who was totally into him. I smiled at the sight of all my friends having fun. This year had been good and I hoped that this night was signalling that the rest of next year would be just as good. I hoped that the rest of senior year would go by well. I wanted to get into a good college, one that would satisfy my parents, and finally make them proud of me.

I turned my attention back at Will, who was sitting on a chair, sipping on his drink. I snuck up behind him and snaked my arms around his torso, leaning my head on his shoulder. He sunk into my touch and we sat there for a while.

I heard people yelling that there was only thirty seconds until the new year. I stood up, pulling Will up with me. We counted down, and at one, I pulled Will's face down towards me. We kissed, standing in the middle of the house and even though there were plenty of people in the house, it felt like Will and I were the only ones there. I smirked and pulled away.

"Happy new year," I whispered before turning and walking away to find Liz.

"Happy new year," I said to Liz and Mason, giving them a hug.

We partied some more, then decided it was time to go home.

"Do you want to stay at mine?" Will asked. "It's closer to here than your house."

I nodded and we left. Since I was the only one not drunk, I was the one driving. I first dropped off Liz, then Matt and Mason, then Chris and finally we were in Will's apartment. I changed into one of his shirts and he changed into a pair of sweats and we curled up on the couch, watching all the New Year's shows. I snuggled up next to him, eyes heavy with sleep. I don't know how long I stared at the TV, but soon I looked over at Will, only to find him fast asleep. I draped a blanket over him and fell asleep on the makeshift matress that I had made.

*~*~

I snapped awake at the sound of Will's voice. He was tangled in the blanket I had put on him and he was covered in a sheen of sweat. His face was twisted in distress. I shook him awake, and he took a deep breath, but didn't awaken. I shook him again and he jolted awake, nearly crashing his head into mine.

"Thank you," he said with a tired smile after rubbing his eyes a bit.

"For what?" I questioned.

"For being here for me," Will said and smiled.

"Of course," I said and pulled him close to me.

We hugged for a long while, then let each other go.

"It's seven, I should get up," Will said and started to get up.

"No, go back to sleep for a few more hours," I told Will and he obeyed, laying back down.

"At least go sleep on my bed, please?" Will asked. "I don't want you sleeping on the floor."

"It's fine, Will. You should go sleep on the bed," I said.

"Only if you come with," he said.

"Okay," I said and pulled Will out of bed.

He made a loud thump as his body fell to the floor, and he groaned as I laughed. We got settled in the sea of thick blankets, tangled up in each other.

Will fell asleep right away with his arm wrapped around my stomach and legs tangled with mine. I smiled in content and closed my eyes.

I woke again at ten, and I decided that I should get up. I didn't want to wake up Will, because I knew that he was probably really tired. I slipped out of bed, careful not to stir Will. I decided that I could make breakfast for Will. I felt like starting the year up with a good, hearty breakfast, so I made bacon and eggs. I toasted some bread and placed it all on a plate. I brewed some coffee for Will and went back to check on him. He was sitting up, with his eyes closed.

"Headache?" I asked and he nodded. "I've got some breakfast and aspirin for you, come on."

Will opened his eyes slowly and walked straight into my arms. I let out a small laugh and wrapped an arm around him, slowly leading him into the kitchen. Will looked at all the food in awe.

"You did this all for me?" Will asked.

"Of course, babe," I said with a smile. "Now eat."

We both ate happily and I decided to go home to finish up my homework since school was about to start again. I drove myself home after making sure Will felt okay.

I got home at about  the same time as Brandon, who had stayed over at his 'girlfriend's' house. Charlie was leaving today, luckily he got to stay here for a couple extra days.

"Hey Brands," I said as I passed him on my way to my room.

"Hey Ray," He said and I went straight to bed.

I wasn't tired, but I didn't want to do anything today. I knew that that wasn't a good way to start the year, so I decided to clean up my room. I cleaned and did homework and studied.

After doing that, I curled up on my bed and watched Grey's Anatomy on Netflix.

This was going to be a good year.

~*~*~*~*~

A/N: So that was the chapter! Next chapter is going to be really important and chaotic, so it'll probably be really long too. I can't wait for you all to read it! Also updates will be infrequent because I'm really focusing on writing Knicks & Knacks but I will get better at updating.