Mistaken Love

Chapter Thirty-six.

"Come on, Sammy!" Payton stood in front of me, wearing her goofy 2002 glasses. "The ball is about to drop!"

Excite dripped from her mouth, as she reached over, grabbing my hand, and began to drag my exhausted body towards the living room.

I didn't say a word, as Payton and I ran towards the living room. As we entered, we were greeted by our family, as they pointed at the box television screen.

"30 more seconds and it won't be 2001 anymore!" Aunt Jillian announced, with a huge smile covering her face.

Payton giggled, as she quickly took a seat in front of her mother. I dragged my feet across the carpet, yawning with each step, before sitting next to her.

I felt a hand ruffle through my hair, as I leaned into the touch. Then, I heard my mother giggle.

"Someone's sleepy!" My mother pointed out, as she pulled her hand away.

I nodded in response, as I leaned back into my mother's legs. "I want to go to sleep." I announced, as a huge yawn escaped my lips.

"We'll go to sleep after the ball drops! Stay awake, Sammy! Stay awake!" Payton pouted, as she crossed her arms across her chest.

A weak smile formed across my face, as I nodded again. "Alright. I'll stay awake." I agreed, as I sat up straight to wake up.

Within seconds, the timer only had 10 seconds, as everyone, including the audience from the television began to count down. Excite began to bubble inside my stomach, as we said the number 5.

4

3

2

1

"HAPPY NEW YEAR!" We all shouted towards each other.

Our parents clanked their adult drinks together, while Payton, Noah and I clanked our juice boxes, as we all began to chug down our beverages. The commotion lasted for a good few minutes, before mother announced that it was time for bed.

Payton and I said our good nights, as we headed toward my bedroom. As we entered, we quickly jumped into bed, as we covered up underneath our blankets.

"Can't you believe it? It's no longer 2001 anymore!" I announced, as I let out a mighty yawn.

Payton shook her head, as she began to giggle. "I know! Just wait! Our birthday will be here very soon!" Payton added, as she rolled over to face me.

My nightlight illuminated off our faces, making it easier to talk to one another. A giggle escape my lips, as I turned to face her.

"Our birthdays just passed though!" I reminded her.

Payton shrugged, as she began to yawn. "I just can't wait a whole year for cake." She explained, as she closed her eyelids.

"I can't wait either." I agreed, shutting my eyes after hers. "Goodnight, Payton." I yawned.

"Goodnight, Sammy." She mumbled into her pillow.

The both of us quickly fell asleep, wearing our New Years glasses and hats that night.

---

I dangled upside down on the couch, wearing black sweat pants, and a black t shirt. The low sound from the television was heard, as they began to talk about the New Year that'll take place in roughly 5 hours. Sparkling grape juice in a wine glass sat still on the table in front of me, waiting to be sipped out of. I sighed heavily, as I picked my head up, and sat normally on the couch again.