New Year's Eve (Completed)

⌁Facing Our Fears⌁

"Ali..." Someone pulls my hair back and mumbles into my ear. Where am I? What's happening? Thoughts flood my mind as I'm brought out of my dreams and back into reality. Slowly, my eyes flutter open, and I am welcomed with the sight of Conner leaning over me, staring intently into my stormy eyes. The feeling of his warm breath tickling my face causes me to shiver, and he takes notice of my body shuddering beneath him. "Are you cold?" Without waiting for a response, he wraps his arms around me and pulls me into the comfort of his chest. I curl up into his arms and allow my head to rest against his chest, reveling in the warmth that was Conner Williams. "Come on Ali, wake up." His hands slowly lift my limp-like body off of him, and he slowly intertwines his fingers intimately with mine.

"What time is it?" I ask groggily while yawning. Conner glances at his watch, breaking contact with my cold, empty hands, and I internally pout.

"11:11. Make a wish!" I contemplate what I want more than anything, but I can't come up with wish. As cliché as it sounds, I have everything I need. I have Caroline, the best friend I can ever ask for. I have Conner, only if it's for tonight, the best guy friend I can ever ask for. And I have the most caring, loving family in the entire world. For a few moments, Conner and I just stare at each other. I am completely captivated by his eyes that resemble a freshly-polished gemstone and the way his mocha hair flops almost perfectly into his face, in an adorable kind of way. His creative, adventurous personality closely reflects his tousled hairstyle and simple style. He is perfectly, imperfect, and that's what I like most about him. "So, what did you wish for?"

I bring my hand up to my heart in mock surprise. "I can't tell you!" He grins at me and pushes himself up off the ground, the back of his shirt still stained with melted butter from our food fight earlier. Which reminds me... I apprehensively reach my hand up to my hair and brush my fingers through my locks, instantly cringing at the crunchy texture of dry ice cream. Gross.

Conner laughs down at me, and I lunge towards his legs in a sad attempt to knock him over, but he remains as strong and grounded as the Empire State Building. "So if you're done trying to knock me over, I was thinking we could finish the last thing on your list..." He trails off, and I follow his eyes over to the humongous ferris wheel just a few feet away. I gulp silently, and he walks over to my cowering frame.

"Don't you have one thing left on your list?" I strive to change the conversation. He stiffens as soon as I ask my question, and he turns away from me.

"Yeah, but I can't tell you... I'm not sure if I can do it either," he speaks so softly that I can barely make out his words. Shifting off of the grass, I approach Conner from behind and lay a reluctant hand on his tense shoulder. The flashing carnival lights gleam on us, various shades of bright colors emphasizing the messy food stains on our clothes. "So, are you ready?" He delicately grabs my wrist and tugs me in the direction of the ticket booth.

I plant my feet, refusing to move another inch. "Umm... Conner."

"I can't believe you've never ridden a ferris wheel. Are you scar–" He turns around and shuts up when he sees my crestfallen expression. My eyes drop to my shoes, and I'm suddenly amazed how I have been able to walk and run in heels the entire night.

I sigh in embarrassment, "I've never ridden one because I'm scared of heights." I can feel his emerald gaze burning into me, and I refuse to peer into his eyes.

"Oh, I didn't know that. You don't have to do it if you don't want to." I take a risk and peek at Conner. Unexpectedly, there is no trace of any sarcasm or mockery on his countenance. Maybe I can't look at Conner because of his sculpted jawline and the cute way his freckles outline the bridge of his nose.

Holding my hands up in refusal, I respond, "No. I need to do this!" His concerned frown eventually turns up into a boyish grin and we stride the rest of the way over to the ticket area. "Two tickets please, sir." I smile back at Conner bravely as the worker hands over the tickets and my change. "Thank you."