Nina And Other Stories | ✔

January 1st - Hope

Staring out into the inky black sky, Kylie Hart couldn't understand why the hordes of people rushing to Time Square to watch the ball drop were bothering themselves.

To her New Year was just another excuse for people to make silly promises to themselves that they obviously knew they wouldn't fulfil.

She vowed never to lie to herself like these giddy, over-caffeinated people did every day on the last day of the year.

"Ky."

She turned around at the sound. Kevin was resting on the door, a mischievous sparkle graced his beautiful hazel eyes.

Her lips formed a smile at the sight of him. He curved his lips to mirror hers and she was again remind of how much she loved him.

He was the breath of fresh air she needed when the world was hell bent on choking her. He reminded her to be true to herself, picked up her broken pieces even though they cut him deeply and put her back together. He was the glue that held her sanity together and he gave her the one feeling she thought she'd never feel: hope.

"Kev, what are you doing here? I thought you went to bed?"

He landed heavily on the couch next to her and pulled her to him. She nestled in his chest, his heartbeat beneath her ear soothed her.

He put his finger under her chin and tilted her head up to him.

"How can I be asleep when this is the last day of the year?" his trademark bad boy smirk slid easily unto his lips.

She groaned and tried to push him away but his arm was firm around her waist.

"I know you hate New Year, Ky and I get it, but you can't just jump into the conclusion that they are all bad just because one went wrong for you. Live a little, will you?"

She frowned and folded her hands narrowing her black eyes as she did.

Kevin threw his hands up in surrender. "Whatever, you're the boss. But I was wondering if you would follow me to get some fireworks from the shop out front?" he gave her knee-weakening puppy dog eyes that made her brain waves falter.

"It's for after the celebrations. I wanna see Mrs Kim's face when I light it in her yard," he rubbed his hands in a conspiratorial manner.

She shook her head but she couldn't help the small smile. Another thing she loved about Kevin was his desire to have fun, no matter who he crossed.

"Fine," she heard herself say. "But I'm not paying for the damages," she warned sternly.

He laughed but stopped dead when he saw her serious face. Scratching the back of his head he gave her a sheepish smile, "I'll minimize it, I promise." He kissed her cheek and dragged her up.

Running and giggling all the way to the shop she couldn't help wonder what on earth she did to deserve such a lovely human.

After procuring the fireworks, they wandered around until Kylie realized they'd somehow made it to Time Square. She tugged Kevin's hand to tell him it was time to go, but Kevin stayed put, mesmerized by the big clock on the giant TV that was slowly ticking down the minutes to the New Year.

She tugged his arm again. She was staring to feel uncomfortable and it felt like a giant hand was strangling her.

Kevin looked towards her and grabbed her shoulders.

"I know you feel bad, Ky, but please, you've gotta trust me, OK?"

She shook her head, feeling the tears pricking behind her eyes.

He tucked a strand of her black hair behind her ear and kissed her forehead. Leaning against her he whispered, "I don't want to hurt you, Ky. If you want us to leave, we will."

She stared into his eyes and suddenly the people disappeared and the world was silent. She remembered the way he stared at the clock with wonder like a little boy and the way he'd been gushing about the New Year and she knew she wouldn't - couldn't -take the happiness from him. She'd swallow any fear and hatred she had and she'd stand by him.

"Do you want us to leave?"

He said he didn't mind leaving for her but his eyes pleaded with her to say no.

She shook her head.

"Really?" the sparkle returned to his eyes.

Swallowing her dread she managed to answer, "Yes, let's stay a bit."

As she said it she heard a big voice on the microphone. "OK people, the countdown to the New Year begins. Ten ..."

Kevin didn't let go of her, instead cupping her face and kissing the tip of her nose.

"Nine."

"I don't know why you do what you do and believe me I don't want to," Kevin whispered.

"Eight."

"You're who you are Kylie Lindsay Hart and I love you just the way you are."

"Seven."

"You're the best thing that ever happened to me and I want to be with you for the rest of my life."

"Six."

"I want to see you first thing in the morning and the last thing when I close my eyes at night. I want to tickle you and hear your cute laugh," he kissed her nose and she smiled.

"Five."

"I know you have a fear and hatred for New Years and I won't judge you with that. I want to help you conquer that fear and tell you that it shouldn't hold you down. Not that it is."

"Four."

"I want you to be the best you can be and I want to be the person you can run to when you need anything. Always."

"Three."

"I love you and I want to tell you everyday."

"Two."

"I want you to have all my kids," he chuckled.

"One."

"So, Kylie Lindsay Hart, will you marry me?"

He dropped to one knee and produced a red velvet box. Inside it sat the most beautiful and exquisite diamond ring she'd ever beheld.

She covered her mouth with her hands and tried to choke back the tears. All around her people were wishing each other a happy New Year.

"Yes!" she exploded. "Yes! I'll marry you!"

He slid the ring into her finger and grabbed her in the biggest hug she'd ever been in.

She might still despise New Years but she had every reason to be thankful for this one.