Anything But Normal

Chapter 13: New Year (Part 2)

Chapter 13: New Year

"We trusted you Asia, and you just blew it!" My Mum scolds, clutching my shoulder. I push her off and glance at Sam, who's sitting with his head bowed next to me. His lip reopened and bruises reappearing on his face. His breathing is steadier now, but still quite jagged. I reach across and clutch his hand tightly and smile, he doesn't even look my way.

I glance up at the large clock resting on the wall and mumble, "Happy New Year everyone"

How did it all get out of control? Oh right, boys fighting for territory.

**2 hours earlier**

"Great party Asia!"

"We miss you so much, are you coming back after the holidays?"

"I love you!"

"Awesome food!"

So many compliments and questions are thrown my way as Sam and I stroll down the hallway towards the dance hall.

Thanks. No. Go away. That's very kind of you.

That's how I'd answer those questions if Sam wasn't there. His grip was tight around my waist, tighter then when we left my room that's for sure. We maneuverer through the crowd skilfully, passing familiar people on the way.

Ryan is sitting back in a chair, holding a glass of beer in his hand and rubbing his forehead as if he has a killer hang over. Savannah glares at me and clutches Harry Matthews, the top boy at the school, close to her chest. Sophie and Danielle are getting flirted with by two other boys, whom both look way older, they're a blonde and brunette who I've never seen before.

As we enter the dance hall, everyone begins to cheer and thank me for such an awesome new years party. I smile and tell them that it was mostly Sam's amazing work. They smirk at him and we continue until we've reached the middle of the dance floor.

The lights are making my eyes ache but I stay focused on Sam's beautiful face. The music is loud in my ears as we sway slowly to the music. My arms are draped around his black and blue bruised neck and my head is resting on his muscled chest. He snakes his arms around so that they're securely around my hips and he puts his chin on the top of my head. "I love you," he whispers. "Always have, always will."

I know in that moment that I love Sam more then I did Dame. He's makes me feel special and I don't have to be fake around him. "I love you too," I reply. Plain White T's Rhythm Of Love begins to boom through the speakers and reaches my heart. Sam and I sway gently to the rhythm of love. Dame didn't make me feel like Sam does. I felt warm and funny inside, but I never really felt my heart swell with love like I do with Sam. Lately, I've been wondering if I really did love Dame. I probably didn't, I was younger then, and less mature. This pregnancy has really made me grow up and learn the meanings of life. And I have Dame to thank for that.

I will always love Dame in a way, but a odd type of thing that I will never be able to explain. Sam will always be my one and inseparable love.

"I'm just going to get a drink," Sam whispers into my ear, so I go and talk to Ariel and Kimberly. We were in the same maths class, so we sort of knew each other.

"Hey Asia," Kimberly smiles and sips in what I suspect is alcohol. I don't even remember Sam adding it the drink list, so someone must've bought a whole load of it in. I've never tried alcohol, but I did have champagne at my Auntie's wedding and I have mulled wine at Christmas. To be honest, I've always been a little (ok, a lot) scared if alcohol. A lot of bad things occur around it.

"Where'd you get that?" I ask, completely avoiding her greeting. She twirls her black hair around her pale finger and points at a hooded man leaning against the wall.