All These Years

Chapter 2

I needed time to think. Margo from my bank branch invited me to join her to our company New Year's Eve party. I figured a party and some alcohol would definitely get my mind off of Shane Dillenger. Especially since I hadn't been able to stop thinking about him for the last week. I was happy that New Years fell on Saturday this year, I was ready to party. Although this wasn't really my scene.

I walked into the overly large loft apartment at 11:38. The apartment was very industrial with incredibly high ceilings and exposed concrete and pipes. This was my first New York New Year's Eve party and I couldn't feel more lost. I wore a gold sequin mini dress, black tights and black velvet heels. My black hair reached the top of my behind, I had thought about doing something with it but decided naturally straight would have to do.

Everyone at this party was already too drunk to notice that I had arrived, and that had been my exact plan. I just wanted to find some alcohol and drown all the images of Shane swirling around my mind. I spotted margo, a very loud woman, across the room at the same moment she saw me. The same moment everyone saw me in fact, because she began screaming my name as loud as she possibly could. I grabbed a flute of champagne and downed the entire thing before she made her way over to me, 'Why did I agree to come' crossing my mind.

I scanned the room once everyone had returned to their conversations, and noticed a pair of eyes still looking my way unfortunately a shorter individual blocked the persons face. I couldn't stop the nagging feeling that those lingering eyes seemed somehow familiar. Then Margo reached me and pulled my attention to her. She went on and on about how glad she was I came and how she loved my dress and how she couldn't believe we'd gotten robbed earlier this week. Thanks for the reminder, i thought as Shane's face and how well that suit fit him filled my mind again. I stopped a passing waiter and downed another flute of champagne.

As I was pulled around the large industrial apartment I scanned the crowd and realized I knew no one besides Margo. I had only started this job a few weeks ago. I still hadn't said a single word. All the sudden everyone started chanting in unison, the countdown had begun. I was more than grateful because I was planning on finding as much alcohol as possible at 12:01. The name Shane Dillinger would be a thing of the past again.

I couldn't help but smile as everyone counted down closer and closer to zero. Eagerly finding their partner or friend  to kiss after reaching the magical number. At the count of four I Locked eyes with the same pair of eyes that were on me earlier, and my smile slowly faded. Now I could clearly see the persons face and I realized Margo wasn't the only person I knew here tonight.

I could only stare at the man I was at this party to forget. He looked just as shocked when the young blonde next to him reached up and kissed his parted lips. Before he had the chance to look back up I was gone. Quickly snaking my way to the door. I'd have to get drunk at home with some cheap box wine.

Everyone erupted in cheers and yelling as I reached the door and popped out into the bare hallway. I couldn't hit the elevator button fast enough or too many times, but even the elevator ride down was painstakingly slow. Finally I emerged outside into the cold air. I knew  I'd never find a cab tonight so I stood there a moment letting the cold seep into my bones. Finally I decided to start the long journey home to my tiny apartment. Behind me I heard the doors to the apartment building burst open and I knew Shane had followed me.

" Thea."

I stopped but couldn't bring my feet to turn me around. I stood frozen at hearing that voice again. It brought so many emotions to the surface.

" Thea. " He pleaded louder

I still didn't turn around but I felt his hand on my shoulder as he walked in front of me. Still frozen his fingers snaked under my chin lifting my face to meet his gaze. And there I stood staring into the eyes of a boy I once loved, the boy who had walked away from me with so many unanswered questions. Who now ran an organized crime gang. But still had protected me all these years.