We were the hottest girls on the planet. Emma looked like she could be in a music video with how tight that little blue dress looked on her. I decided to add some black thigh high socks and some dark black high heels with my look. But I saw Reina and honestly she looked so beautiful. The green plaid dress and my black doc martens made her look exceptional. I loved looking at her every bit.

We stood in front of the mirror, admiring our reflections and each other's styles. Emma twirled, her dress shimmering under the lights, while Reina gave a shy smile, her eyes sparkling with excitement. I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride and affection for my friends.

"I don't look too much like a whore tonight?" Emma asked, her eyes full of mischief.

"Only if Jeremiah thinks so." I replied, adding some lipstick as a final touch.

"Boo, you suck." Emma said

"Yeah but you probably swallow," I said.

"I would fight you right now, but I feel like I would pop this zipper. Reina, you're on zipper patrol. If it looks like shit, let a sister know."

"I will." Reina said, rolling eyes.

I did one last last brush of my hair and took a cute mirror selfie. I loved every second of it. Suddenly my dad knocked on the door.

"Bethany. Can I talk to you?"

"Sure, dad."

I soon stepped outside of my room and into the kitchen where my dad was.

"What's up?"

"So where are you going?"

"It's my friend Jalen's house."

"And you'll be driving?"

"Most likely yes."

"Okay. Okay."

A silent moment came over us.

"If you do decide to drink..." he said but I interrupted him.

"I'll call you. I promise."

"I know you will. But I'm being serious."

"Dad. I'll be fine. You have nothing to worry about."

"I'd rather come pick you up, than have some drunk teenager attempting to drive home."

"I promise, I won't do anything stupid."

Suddenly Reina and Emma walked out of my room all dolled up.

"I got your location."

"And I got yours." I retorted

"Okay then. Have a happy new year."

"Happy new year dad."

I gave my dad a hug and then I picked up my car keys.

"Please be home before 2:00."

"I'll try my best!"

"Call me!"

"I will. Love you!"

We walked out of  the house and into my car. I blasted the radio to  "La Santa" by Bad Bunny and headed off into the Florida night. Will the top down and the music blasting full blast, It was going to be a night to remember.

We arrived at Jalen's house, which was situated between the golf course. We saw some of our Palmetto High friends and some random nobodies we never before seen in my life. The smell of cheap beer, marijuana and firework  gunpowder filled the air.

The first minute I walked in, I saw Jalen in the middle of his living room. Immediately I grabbed Reina's hand. I didn't want to leave her. I can tell she was glancing at me wondering if I was doing the right thing there. I quickly saw Emma make her way to the kitchen to get some alcohol.

Holding hands, we made our way toward the kitchen. Emma poured down three shots for all of us.

"No no. I have to get us home tonight."

"One shot Bethenny. It won't affect you as much."

"I'm a lightweight," I begged Emma.

"No you're not."

I gave in and the three of us took our first shots of the night. It was my first sip of alcohol in three weeks. I smiled at Reina. Quickly, my mind ran to her and I wanted to kiss her but I couldn't. Suddenly Jalen came over to me, he put a "Happy New Year" party hat on me.

"Hi Jalen," I said as I adjusted the hat on my head.

"Glad to see you Bethany." Jalen said with a slurred expression on his face.

"Nice house Jalen." Emma said to Jalen.

"C'mon. I'll give y'all a tour."

Suddenly Jalen guided us towards his house. We saw numerous people from our school. We saw Carly and Taylor smoking joints near the pool. In a game room, a bunch of random people were playing beer pong. Another room was just a complete makeout room. It was just a typical high school party setting.

"Bethany. I want to show you this."

I looked at Reina and Emma. They encouraged me to follow Jalen. I did and followed Jalen into the room. It was his bedroom.

I looked around and saw all the posters on his list of favorite movies and athletes. He had medals and trophies hanging on a different point of the wall. He had pictures of his family, friends and trips that he's been to.

"Cute room." I said, taking it all in.

He smiled, clearly pleased by my reaction. I walked over to a shelf, admiring a Giant coconut cut up to look like a turtle.

"I got that from the Bahamas when I was like twelve."

"I like it." I put the turtle back on the shelf and kept looking around his room. I notice him pulling out a tequila bottle from his room and swigging down a shot. I ignored it and kept looking at his room.

"You know Bethany...you're the first girl I've ever shown this room to."

"That's bullshit." I said.

"No. No. No."

I can tell Jalen was clearly intoxicated. He was leaning up against the wall. His speech was slurring. I didn't like it one bit.

"You know Bethany. I'm glad you came."

"Thanks."

He smiled, clearly pleased with my reaction. "Thanks. I wanted to show you the real me. A different side of me. Away from all the annoying brats from downstairs."

I turned to look at home. He was leaning right beside me on the wall. I officially was feeling uncomfortable around him.

"But there's still a lot more that I want to do. There's something I want to tell you."

"Okay." I turned to face him, my heart pounding with anticipation.

"I fell for you the moment you fell into that pool. You're so hot. You're so talented. I was a fool for making you upset."

I wished he said those words sober. Maybe I wish I wasn't sober tonight becasue I probaly would've fucked him on that bed right there. But I didn't. Matter of fact, I found it gross and disturbing to now realize that I liked him.

"Bethany. I want you tonight," Jalen said, trying to wrap his arms around me but I didn't let him.

"You're sweet but no."

"Why not? You always loved me. You've always wanted me."

My breath caught in my throat. " I don't want you tonight."

He tried to grab me again but he failed.

"You've always wanted me Bethnay. You just won't admit to yourself."

"I don't want you Jalen."

"You just need to drink. The real you is when you drink."

My eyes started to shift to the door of his room. I was about to leave.

"How about I go get a real drink and you sit here with your dick out?" I motioned.

"The fuck is wrong with you," Jalen said, sounding upset.

"You're drunk. Fuck off. I'm going to enjoy the new year. Find another bitch to fuck."

A flood of emotions washed over me. I glanced at the door, remembering that Reina and Emma are right outside. My eyes then turned back to the turtle coconut that he had on the shelf.

"Bethany Ramirez. You love me. You've always had it."

He grabbed me on the arm, his grip was so tight. Within an instant, I grabbed the coconut off the shelf and hit him in the stomach. His grip released from me and within an instant, I ran out the door.

Running out of the door, Emma and Reina weren't there. I quickly ran down the stairs, sensing that he was following me. After turning the corner, I ran into the backyard. I still didn't see Emma and Reina anywhere. I turned around and saw Jalen walking down the stairs. I quickly made a left and hid behind a tool shed and a Palm Tree. I was breathing really hard and quickly. Suddenly, I heard the sound of a lighter, flicking on and off.

"Looks like your night has been emotional." Lexi says, leaning up against the tool shed.

"Oh. Hey Lexi."

"Rough night?" Lexi asked as she puffed up some smoke.

"Well, I just hit the owner of the house in the head with a coconut, so yes, it's been a very rough night. And we only have two hours till new years."

"Who's the owner of the house?" Lexi said standing up and peaking out from the shed.

I pointed to Jalen who was wearing an orange t-shirt and walking around the backyard trying to find me.

"Ah that guy. Kinda ugly."

"He's not ugly."

"Clearly you're type. But not mine. Why did you hit him?"

"He tried...it was a misunderstanding."

Lexi comes behind the shed again. She looks at me deeply.

"Ah. So that's your crush."

"It's complicated."

"Ah, so you like someone else."

"It's complicated."

"I'm going to guess both of them are here at this party."

"It's complicated."

"Two guys. Fighting over Bethany Ramirez. How lovely."

I looked at Lexi as she inhaled the joint. "One girl actually.."

She paused and looked at me. "What's her name?"

"Her name is Reina."

"Like the Queen?"

"Yeah, like the Queen. We actually have a running joke that when I get mad at her I call her "The Queen of Albania," cause that's where she's from."

Lexi laughed at the comment I said. "That's funny. Does she go to your school?"

"She actually...plays on the basketball team."

"Oh."

I don't know if that comment upset Lexi. She paused from smoking her joint and she looked at me.

"So you found somebody else?"

"I did," I said in a soft tone.

"Does she make you happy?

"She does."

"That's good. I'm glad you found someone to make you happy."

I blushed. The memories of Reina started to swell around me. I suddenly turned to Lexi and gave her a big hug. A bit of ash fell on my back but I didn't care. Lexi also gave me a hug back in return.

"You want to know something?" I tell Lexi.

"That you're gay."

"Not that." I laughed at her comment. "This is embarrassing, but you're the first person I've told that too."

"Oh really? Well... I guess I feel honored?"

"Sorry...I just wanted to let you know. I guess this night is getting me emotional."

"Bethany. We're friends. It's okay."

I smiled and looked back at Lexi. Two girls sitting behind a tool shed and a palm tree in the middle of new years eve, such a weird connection.

"Well, you have about two hours to go find her."

"I gotta make sure the coast is clear." I said looking back around the tool shed.

"What she looks like."

"Black hair, green eyes, wearing a green plaid dress. She has a slight British accent when she talks."

"Stay right here."

Lexi gives me her joint and walks out from the tool shed. I sit there holding the joint in my hand while I curiously wonder how the fuck she is going to find Reina. As I sat on some rocks in between the toolshed, I wondered what happened to my crush for Jalen. I wanted him for the past year and within an instant, all that was gone.

I sat there for five minutes, playing games on my phone while I hoped that Lexi would find Reina. Then within an instant they both appeared behind the shed.

"Bethany!" I ran up to Reina and gave her a hug. I looked back at Lexi and gave her a nod of approval. Lexi smiled as she took the joint back off my fingers.

"Are you okay?" Reina asked.

"Yeah. I'm fine."

"Sorry. I went to get a drink with Emma. I should've stayed."

"It's fine Reina. I'm glad you're here together."

"Yeah. I'm thankful your friend found me." Reina turned to Lexi.

"I'm Reina. Nice to meet you."

"Lexi. Lexi Lincoln."

"Oh shit. I'm in between the two best basketball players in the state."

"Country." Lexi and I both corrected.

Reina looked back at me as I looked at Lexi.

"Well, I'll leave you to love birds alone. Bethany, I hope I don't run you into any more parties."

"You can stay with us Lexi," I urged.

"Nah. Third-wheeling ain't my thing.Reina, you got yourself a special one. See y'all on Valentine's day."

Lexi gave a salute to both of us and walked off back into the party. I smiled at knowing Lexi and our friendship was intact and for helping to get Reina back to me.

"You told her?" Reina asked.

"I did."

"Why her?"

"Let's just say...She's probably the only person in the world who truly knows the real me. And for right now, the only person who truly would accept me."

Reina smiled at me and gave me a hug. I felt at ease knowing that Reina was with me.
We stood under the dim moonlight, surrounded by the faint sounds of the party. I knew that this was going to be the perfect night with Reina. |

***

It was finally ten minutes till midnight. I was sitting with Reina outside on a couch on the patio. We were just talking and enjoying the night. I didn't want to leave by her side.

"Can I kiss you?" I asked.

"Do you want to? In front of all these people?"

"We can go to the side of the house. Hopefully nobody sees us."

"I wouldn't mind."

Suddenly, within a millisecond, Jalen came out and approached us. I can tell he was angry at me.

"Oh look who it is. Bethany Buckets."

"Fuck off Jalen."

"You don't tell me to fuck off Bethany. I'm going to sue you. Punching me in my fucking face."

"You're a liar."

"Hey Jalen, can you just leave us alone."

"Fuck off Reina."

I stood up and looked Jalen dead in the eye.

"Go up to your room and leave me the fuck alone."

"Fuck you Bethany."

"You're drunk Jalen. Go to your room and get out of my sight."

I could see the crowd forming around us. Reina soon stood beside me arm and arm.

"Bethany Buckets is a liar. Psychopath. She says she loves me one day, and the next day she doesn't want me. One day she wants to rip my clothes off, the next she doesn't want me to touch her."

"Leave me alone, please."

I was getting nervous. I honestly felt like something bad was going to happen.

"You're the worst person on the planet. Nobody will ever love you."

A small tear fell through my eyes. This was the man I loved, the man I tried so hard to talk to, trashing me at a party. This man was in my thoughts and my dreams, and now he was embarrassing me in front of the entire school.

"I wished I never kissed you. I wish I wasn't nice to you. You're such a sack..."

Before he could get another word out, like a bullet jumping out of a gun, Carly threw a large right hook at Jalen, knocking him deep cold onto the patio floor. My eyes got wide shut and I was shocked by my Carly knocking him out cold.

"DIE IN HELL BITCH," Carly says leaning over Jalen's body.

She turns to me with a sadistic smile. "Dude, try to kiss me tonight too. Fucking hate men." Carly took the joint out from her bra and lit it. My eyes turned back to Reina.

"Well...that just happened."

"Yeah. That did. Carly fucked him up."

"I think I should kiss Carly."

"I would kiss Carly too."

Looking down at Jalen's cold body, Emma and Jeremiah arrived.

"Seems like he had lots of fun."

Reina was still holding my arm and Emma noticed it.

"Drink a little too much." Emma said, pointing at her.

"Yeah. Just a bit."

"No worries girl. I can barely think straight. Anyways We got three minutes til midnight!"

Emma pulled out a noise maker and sprayed it out in front of us.

"Too bad. Your new year's kiss is laying on the ground.

"He never was going to be my kiss."

"Yeah. We're never talking to him ever again. Burn a book for life."

I smiled and gave Emma a big hug.

"How do my lips look? Not too chapped?"

"You look perfect. Now go find a spot for y'all two to kiss."

"We will."

Suddenly someone shouted out One minute til midnight and everybody started to gather outside. The Moon was shining bright down at night and the stars looked perfect. The sound of music playing in the background was perfect for the moment. I looked at Reina and we both started to get nervous.

"So?"

"So?"

"I think you look pretty tonight."

"I think you look pretty tonight."

I smiled and looked at her. I took her hand. The crowd started to grow larger but I didn't care. I wanted to be with her at that moment.

"Did you know that on new years eve, more cars are stolen than any other day of the year?"

"Wow. That's another  interesting random fun fact from Bethany Ramirez"

Another person shouted out for thirty seconds.

"Sorry. I get nervous. Don't you kind of know me by now?"

"Everyday that I'm with you, I learn a little bit more about you."

"Just. There are alot of people."

"I know. But the only person that matters to me right now is you."

I smiled. "You're the only person that matters to me right now."

She smiled back and we got closer to each other. Suddenly everyone started to count as soon as the numbers dropped to 15.

"15, 14, 13, 12," I start chanting

"Kiss me." Reina says

"Now?" I asked nervously

"End the year perfect, and start the year perfect."

I lean into Reina as I start to hear the final seconds scream out from other people. We kiss as the final seconds tick off. 3,2,1, Happy New Year! Everyone starts screaming and shouting out. Everything around us was oblivious. All that mattered to me was Reina. This was the most perfect kiss we had with each other.

"Happy New Year Bethany!" Reina said softly.

"Happy New Year Reina." I passionately say back to her.