When You Least Expect It

22

We finally made it. The end of this year, the beginning of a new one and who knows what it may bring! It's exciting and nerve wracking. My life is finally going well it's still a little hard to believe. What changes will this year bring me? I'll finish my first year of college, I've made lots of new friendships that I hope will last well past our years here. Who knows what will happen, all I know is that life is better than it ever has been and hopefully it's just going to keep improving from here.

Most everyone is back from their holiday vacation at this point, of course there are a few that will stay until the day classes start back up but for the most part campus is bustling again. Whitney isn't coming back until classes start and I'm really not sure how I feel about it.

Ashley Grace, however, is doing great. Her bruises have faded and other than a little soreness in her cheek bone, she's back to her old self. Riley finally came home this morning. And thank goodness for that, Jason was wearing me out with the moping around! He's basically been worshipping the ground she walks on since she walked through the door. Katie made it back too. She even brought me a hand sewn scarf from her grandmother. I was honored that she thought of me, she is such a great girl.

One face I was glad to see back, is Sam. I had forgotten how much she affects me but I still can't quite figure out why. She looked amazing when she stepped through the door, I had to be careful the drool didn't dribble down my chin. It always amazes me that she hasn't been snatched up by some beefy shit-for-brains dude. I guess she's not that easily won, who knows.

It's after 10:00 and people are still trickling in for the New Year's Eve festivities. And by festivities, I mean drinking and the usual ruckus, with plans for a countdown thrown in of course. I've already made my rounds saying hi and hearing all about the family get togethers, both good and bad, until I finally settle in the kitchen listening to everybody shit talk over a game of beer pong. It was peaceful around here with everyone gone but this feels right. Having a house full of rowdy people drinking and hanging out, it just feels like it's where I'm meant to be at this point in my life.

I laugh as Taylor whoops some guy I don't recognize in an arm-wrestling match, he slams his hands down on the table before chugging what was left in his cup. Shaking my head I motion Ash over as she walks into the kitchen. "Hey, where you been? Where'd you leave your bodyguard?"

She laughs, "Very funny! Corey is in the living room watching another round of whatever they're playing, I've just had enough of the smack talking."

I squeeze her to me, "Good, you can be my pong buddy then. We'll put the smack down on Jason and Riley when the table frees up."

"Speaking of, where are the love birds? Can they stop sucking face long enough to be worthy opponents?"

I chuckle, "Man, I hope so. I thought they were in there with you guys. If not, I'm guessing we know exactly where they are."

She nods her head and takes my cup from me. My eyes grow wide as she guzzles the contents. "Um Ash... you might want to slow down on that. It was pretty stout."

With a big grin she belches and hands it back to me. "I'll have what you're having."

Man, I am so glad she didn't lose her fire. I missed this girl. She pulls her phone out and texts Jason that we're next up for the table. I open the freezer and drop some ice in two cups before I start mixing up our drinks. I debate on whether or not to make hers equally as strong but I know she'll strangle me if I baby her. Here's to hoping she can keep up and Corey doesn't beat me for helping her get wasted!

Two rounds later Jason and Riley finally make their appearance. "Took y'all long enough." Ashley teases.

"We had some, uh, catching up to do." Jason winks at her and Riley giggles.

She makes a gagging motion with her finger pointing to her mouth and I laugh. "Ok enough you two. Let's get this whooping underway."

—————————————————

It's here. We're at the cusp of a new beginning, a fresh start, it's exciting! We're all gathered outside waiting for the clock to hit midnight. It's chilly, but nice. Taylor and Jason are waiting in the parking lot with fireworks, ready to bring in the new year with a bang.

Ashley is tucked safely in Corey's arms, probably just to keep her standing upright at this point, when she calls out, "Ok here we go! One minute left!"

We're down to thirty seconds when someone bumps into me, I turn to see who it is figuring it's someone who partied a little too hard just trying to get past. I'm pleasantly surprised to see Sam. She doesn't say anything, she just smiles at me her eyes shining in the darkness.

The countdown starts and you can feel the excitement in the air, we're down the five seconds... This is it. "Four, three, two, one!"

The crowd yells out "Happy New Year!" As the cannons shoot off Taylor and Jason run back up the hill. I feel someone touch my shoulder and I'm completely caught off guard as Sam kisses me. We're not talking a little peck on the lips either, we're talking full blown, take the air from your lungs kiss. I know the expression on my face is a mix of confusion and shock at what has just happened, I can't help it. When I look at her she gives me a mischievous smile. "Everyone needs a kiss at midnight. Start the year off right, it's bad luck not to."

Before I even have a chance to recover, she's gone. Lost in the crowd of cheers and bodies. That girl is a mystery.