The Hopeless Romantic ✔️

Chapter twenty five.

Two months later.

Ever since Jace told me his secret, nothing was weird between us. I hugged him for a long time and when we got back from the park, we talked more. We talked about the shooting, his best friend at the time and we talked about our fears and the things we disliked. After midnight, we fell asleep on Jace's bed and I woke up to his arm wrapped around me.

Thanksgiving and Christmas was all that I hoped for. It was better than any other year. Mom and I spent Thanksgiving at Jace's house and our parents got along well, no arguments, just laughter. Jace and I spent a lot of time together over the holidays before school started in the new year. We went on a double date with Gwen and Seth, we went to the movies, ice skating, walks around the neighborhood. For Christmas, we spent the day at Jace's house for lunch and I spent the evening with my dad and his new girlfriend. And now that New Years had approached, I had appreciated all that this year offered. Sure, the summer wasn't that exciting, but the school year had made me happy. I applied to a few colleges already and I even persuaded Jace to apply.

I looked at myself in the mirror. Tomorrow was New Year's day. 2017 was right around the corner and I was ready to make the new year as best as I could possibly be. I wore a simple black dress with black flats. I put foundation on and I even added a little bit of red lipstick that I had stashed in my makeup bag. My hair was down and it was smooth, thanks to the shampoo that I had been using.

Jace texted me about half an hour ago, telling me to get to his place at seven. I placed my phone into my black bag with my wallet inside as well. I slung it over my shoulder and smiled. Justin Gomez, the Head Boy, was throwing a New Year's bash and everyone was invited. His house wasn't far from mine, but it wasn't in walking distance either.

It was nearly seven as I said goodbye to my mom. She knew I would be out later than usual because it was New Years and she was heading out with friends from her work anyway so it didn't matter. I headed over to Jace's place, feeling excited because I wanted that New Year's kiss from him. Jace was already standing by his car, checking his phone. When he saw me, he pulled me in for a kiss. It was different every time and I loved it. "Ready to party?"

I nodded, although drinking would be out of the question. "I am but, are you?"

He laughed. "I was born to party!"

We got into his car and headed off to the party. I knew it was going to be a big party and I had gotten used to them. We went to a few in the holidays and Jace threw another one just before Christmas. Jace and Gwen always told me that I should drink, but I didn't want to.

Justin's party was loud. It was booming. It lit up his entire property. It was in the middle of nowhere, no houses or neighbours were around to call the police and the gates were open to everybody and anybody who wanted to party. Jace parked his car on the road because the driveway was already full of cars when we arrived. Gwen and Seth got here before us. Jace and I got out and walked into the gates and towards the house. Half of the people that were here were already drunk and wasted. People stood outside, talking to one another and taking large sips from their red plastic cups.

People greeted us as we walked in and I smiled at the atmosphere. People were dancing on tables, talking to one another, making out on the couch and eating snacks that was in the kitchen along with alcoholic drinks. There was a huge backyard with a pool and a spa, people were jumping in and relaxing. Every house had a pool, except mine.

When Jace and I buy our first house, I'm putting a pool in our backyard.

"You made it!" Gwen raced towards us with Seth following behind. She already had a drink in her hand and she looked gorgeous. She wore a white crop top, showing her lower stomach and her belly button. She also wore jeans with that crop top and it suited her well. Her hair was also curled with a red bow in the corner.