Written in the Stars

Chapter 10: "All This Time"

(Chapter 10)
"All This Time"

Monday, December 31st
10:00pm

"Hey!" Shae greeted Jillian when she opened the door to her apartment.

"Hey, Shae!"

"Quick, let me in, everyone's behind me."

Jillian and Shae stepped aside letting the rest of their friends into the apartment.

"You're right, the apartment is beautiful," Shae looked around.

Jackson stepped out from behind Shae.
"Hey, Jill."

"Hey, Jackson."

Jackson kissed Shae's cheek and sauntered over to where Darren, Lamar, and Alex were hanging back.

Shae's roommates came to her side.

"Jillian, your apartment is beautiful!" Emma told her.

"This is actually a nice little party," Rachel admitted.

"Thank you."

"Hey, guys," Sarah greeted.

"Hey, Sarah," Shae replied.

Sarah slipped her hand into Emma's.

"We'll be right over there," Emma told them.

Rachel glanced back at Roland.
"We'll be where the alcohol is."

"Kitchen counter," Jillian laughed.

Brielle and Jason walked up hand in hand, and Daniella and Cody followed.

"Thank you for inviting us," Jason said to Jillian.

"Yeah, we didn't have any other plans," Daniella said.

"I think this party is perfect," Shae complimented.

"Hey," Monica approached them.

"Hey, Monica," Shae said back.

"How're you doing?" Jillian asked.

"I'm... good."

Alex made his way over but froze when he saw Monica.

"Alex?" Jillian questioned.

"Sorry, I just wanted to say hi," he said awkwardly.

"Alex, I'm really sorry I yelled at you before. It was unfair to you, I was obviously just very upset," Monica said to him.

Alex looked uncomfortable.
"It's... alright. Thank you."

Alex gave a small smile at Jillian and walked back over near Jackson.

"So, there's plenty of champagne in the kitchen, let's just have fun tonight," Jillian said.

The girls cheered.

"Party time!" Shae exclaimed.

Later...

Darren slid his arm around Jillian and kissed her temple.

"It's almost time," he reminded her.

"Oh, it is."

Jillian flipped on the TV in the living room.

"Guys, the ball is about to drop!" Jillian announced.

Everyone crowded around the TV with a drink in their hand.

"Ready?" Jillian started.

"10..."

"9..."

"8..."

"7..."

"6..."

"5..."

"4..."

"3..."

"2..."

"1..."

"HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

Darren pulled Jillian by the waist to him and kissed her hard.
Jillian smiled against his lips and threw her arms around his neck.
He weaved his fingers through her hair and deepened the kiss.
When they finally parted, they cheered with everyone else.

"WOO!!"

Darren wrapped his arms around Jillian's waist from behind and pressed his chest against her back.

Darren kissed Jillian's cheek.

"Happy New Year, Sirius."

END OF CHAPTER