》New Years

Finale

By the time we had left the carnival, it was 11pm. Jackson and I headed to Marks house, joining in the party and staying close to each other as we danced. Time quickly passed and there was 20 minutes to go until midnight. Mark and, his now fiancé, Cath floated around the place and mingled before spotting Jackson and I sitting on the couch.

Marks POV-
Cath and I exchanged looks with Jackson before our plan began. Cath took Stella back to the makeshift dance floor in my lounge room.
"Got it?" I asked Jackson before he nodded and we headed up to the DJ. With 10 minutes to go until midnight, the music was cut and I took the mic.
"Hey everyone! I hope you're all enjoying yourselves tonight!" Everyone cheered. "Well tonight is a very special night, 4 years ago today my best friend met the love of her life! Stella come out here!" I yelled as Cath dragged her to the front, the crowd clearing around her.
"Now Stella, I want you to keep your eyes on me alright?, I'm gonna hand the mic to someone special to you but you need to keep your eyes on me." The mic was handed down the crowd until it reached Jackson who was standing behind Stella.

Stella's POV-
I kept my eyes on Mark, who was now accompanied by Cath. I had no idea what was going on, but everyone was smiling. The mic was passed through the crowd and I jumped when a voice began to speak.
"Stella Imoya, 4 years ago I came to this city for my one friend, never expecting to meet the love of my life at a New Years party. Once I learnt that the particular girl didn't even like parties, I knew it had to be fate. I messed things up after our first kiss but managed to win her back and I've never been happier in my entire life." His voice cracked every now and then, causing tears to run down my face, but I remained still looking at Mark, his smile growing bigger by the second.
"As a reward for making me the happiest I've ever been, I want to make you happy for the rest of your life." By now, the crowd has started counting down. When they reached 8 Mark motioned for me to turn around, to find Jackson on one knee, a box in his hand. As the crowd reached 5 he spoke again.
"Stella, will you marry me?" I ran into his arms and kissed him as the clock struck midnight.
"Of course I'll marry you Jackson"
"I love you Stella"
"I love you too"

In the distance I could hear Mark yelling,
"You owe me $20 Jackson!"
I giggled and kissed Jackson again as he slipped the ring onto my finger, claiming me as his.

I guess it's true,
A new year does mean new beginnings.