Hanging With The Boys

23.

THE NEXT TWO months fly by rather quickly and surprisingly with no drama, other than the stress that comes with the end of semester exams. Ever since Kenzie talked to Tyson at the Halloween party, they've been going strong as quite the happy couple. Forrest and I have also been doing pretty well. The Sunday after the Halloween party, I talked to him about wanting to spend more time together if we were serious about this relationship. I also told him that I wanted him to meet my parents which is exactly what happened that day. We've been going on a lot more dates and taking the time for each other while also still hanging out with our friend group.

Now we've all completed the last of our exams and are crowded around a couple tables at The Bean, gripping our mugs close to our body in a feeble attempt to stay warm.

"I can't believe that you're going to Colorado for the entirety of break." I pout, leaning my head on Forrest's shoulder. "I know, it sucks. But it's a family tradition to go to the ski lodge there. You know I'll miss you though." Forrest says. "I'll miss you too. So that means it's just me, Luke and Ian for the next two weeks since Kenzie is going to Oregon with Tyson and his family which I'm still not sure how you managed to convince your parents of that." I say.

Kenzie smiles and a hint of blush creeps its way into her face. I can't help but be slightly jealous at how romantic it will be. The two of them curled up in a hotel room, watching Christmas movies as it snows outside.

"Actually, it will just be you and Luke. I got a last minute acceptance to a photography retreat so I won't be around." Ian tells us. "That's great Ian! I'm so happy for you!" Kenzie squeals, leaning over to give him a hug.

We all continue to chat around the table until it's time for everyone to leave to pack for their trips.

The New Year...

"Happy New Year!" Tyson says, waltzing up to me alongside Ian. Kenzie is already alongside me since we managed to get lockers next to each other this semester. "Okay, now that you've finally said that to us in person, can you stop texting us everyday. It's January 5th already." I smirk at him. "I'm sorry, but this is a very happy new year for me. And you know why?" Tyson asks. "Why?" Ian groans, clearly not dealing with being back to waking up early again. "Because this is the first time that I rang in the new year with a girlfriend." Tyson grins, pulling Kenzie to his side and planting a kiss on her forehead. 

Now we're back at the first day of school once again. It's a new year, new month and new semester. Forrest went to Colorado for the break to stay at a ski lodge with his family, so I haven't seen him since school let out in December. We only facetimed a couple times because he was busy with his family and skiing, but it worked out since I was busy with family time as well. Ian went on a photography retreat for most of the break so I didn't see much of him either and Tyson went to Oregon and Kenzie somehow managed to convince her parents to let her tag along.

So, it was just Luke and I over the break, making it a rather uneventful, drama-free time. It was great for a while, having someone to keep me company other than my family. But then there was the incident. Now, I'm just grateful that it's a new semester and we have no classes together. It would be hard to avoid him if we did. So, I go to my morning classes, avoiding him with ease until lunch comes around.

I take my time going to my locker so I don't have to rush to the cafeteria to face Luke, although I can't contain my excitement over seeing Forrest again. But I don't have to wait much longer because he soon shows up at my side.