"The group knows, my Mom knows, Lee knows, let's let the whole school know too." Ethan and I were arguing in front of the school gate.

He wanted to let everyone know, but I on the other hand didn't want that. Ethan Pizer dating, would shake the whole school. And attention was the last thing I wanted.

The bell rang, leaving me frustrated at the fact that I would be late.

"Ugh. Let's just do it." I grabbed Ethan's hand, and interwined mine with his.

He smiled.

By the time we entered, most of the crowd was already in class. But the few outside would stop short as we came in sight.

They would turn around, stare wide-eyed and then rush inside the classroom.

"Overreacting," I rolled my eyes.

"But I am special, you know." Ethan gave me a small peck on the lips and left.

"Ida," Mr. Wilson called. "I'm sure you enjoyed your vacation?"

Before I could nod, Mr. Wilson snapped, "I also expect you to wake up. Vacations have ended, and a new semester has started." He added, "I should also mention, your performance last exam was not up to mark."

I passed.

"Sorry, sir. I'll do better next time." I apologized, and quickly moved to my seat.

This is also why no one likes to be caught for any matter by Mr. Wilson. He always finds something to nag about.

"You passed. Chill." Engine whispered into my ear as Mr. Wilson continued his lesson.

The class went by smoothly, without any further interruption.

"Ida."
"Ida!"

I groaned, and forcefully opened my eyes.

"What's your next class?" Engine asked.

"I have a break, then Business A."

"Bro." Engine elbowed me. "You've been sleeping in the Library during your break. Your break is over and it's time for class."

I blinked once. Twice. Thrice.

"Huh?" I stood up quickly and grabbed my bag.

God. I think all the jet lag is catching up.

"You have five minutes more," She warned.

I rushed through the corridore. Trying to get through people as fast as I could.

A small pony popped up in front of me.
The short person was too close for me to stop in time.

I collide with the girl, who didn't seem to notice me too.

"Ah." The papers from her hand dropped down to the floor.

"Sorry." I bent down to quickly pick the shiny blue paper.

The bold font caught my attention.

New year party

I arranged the papers, and handed them to the short girl.

"Thank you, she said."

As she made an attempt to leave, I stopped her.

"Hey, is there a party today?"

She looked behind nervously, and nodded.

"Can I join?" I asked.

"You?" She looked surprised, "Will come to my party?"

I shrugged in response.

"But you don't go to any parties."

I frowned, how does she know that?

"How-"

"Everyone knows you. You're the one dating Ethan Pizer. You can come." The girl turned around, and walked away.

Right...

I should get used to that.

Without overthinking, I rushed to class.

Classes ended and lunch break began. I rushed to the cafeteria.

I don't know why, but today I've been rushing alot.

To my luck, Engine was already there. She beckoned to me. And surprisingly, a few head turned towards me.

Affected by their gaze, I walked awkwardly to the table.

I pulled the chair and sat silently.

"You've been getting attention lately."

"Yea..." Attention was just pressure for me. If you were under the spotlight, you couldn't afford to make a mistake.

Normally, If I tripped. A few heads would turn to check what happened, then turn back to what they were doing.

But now... it was different.

"Engine," I called, "What do you wear on a New Years Party?"

The fry that she had picked, fell down.
I braced myself for what was coming.

Engine stood up and walked around the table to me. She held her arms open,  and I thought she was asking me to hug her. But before I could stand up, she started patting my back gently, and ended with a hard one.

"My baby finally approached her teens!"

"Did you tell Ethan about it?"

"No, not yet."

"Then here is your chance." Engine whipped my head around to where Ethan was.

He was approaching our table, making the hushed whispers louder and louder.

By my side, I heard a girl say, "She's just another one week stand."

"But didn't you hear, they were together this vacation?"

"She must have seduced him."

"Don't listen to them." Ethan covered my ears.

I couldn't hear anything, when Engine said something to those girls.

Atleast it made them sit quietly.

Aiden made way through the crowd, he was walking carelessly towards us. But abruptly stopped and walked away after noticing Engine.

Ethan and I looked at Engine then at Aiden. We noticed her expression but decided to stay quiet, and say nothing.

"So... heh." She laughed nervously. "About the New Years Party."

"Oh yes," I turned around to face Ethan, as he sat beside me. "Do you want to go to the New Years Party tonight."

Ethan raised his brows, "Are you sure you wanna go?"

I nodded.

Ethan smiled, ear-to-ear. "I'll go anywhere with you."

×××

"Your closet terribly lacks in party clothes," Engine sighed. I sat on the sofa, waiting for her to solve the problem. "You're lucky that I bought some of mine." She grinned mischiveously.

Oh boy! I'm in big trouble.

"Anything else?" I asked, staring at myself in the mirror, "This shows too much skin."

"The silver one is perfecto." She screamed back from the room. "Besides you have great skin. Don't be afraid to show some of it."

I came out and sat on the bed. Engine looked at me from top to bottom, "You look sexy, Ethan won't be able to keep his eyes off you."

I smiled, a bit delighted.

"But... you can't wear that dress without some makeup," She grinned.

"No. No. Wait!" I stopped her, before she applied layers and layers of makeup on me.

"I'll do it myself." I grabbed the brushes she held ready in her hand.

She shrugged, "Suit your self."

I took some cream to soothe my skin and rubbed down some brown matte powder. Ending with a light pink gloss.

"Is that makeup in your language?" She asked and I nodded.

"Right, whatever."

I looked over at her. Remembering Lilith and Chris, along with the others.

I wonder... how are they?

The house felt empty suddenly.

The bell rang, and I rushed to open it.

"Damn!" Ethan said as he looked at me.

I bit my lip, feeling a bit naked.

Engine arrived to the door, "Let's get going."

Ethan nodded, and walked towards the car. Followed by me and Engine.

"See, I told ya."

I smiled.

"So," Engine walked faster, catching up with Ethan. "You know where the party is, right?"

×××

"Well, I'm sorry. It's their problem that they changed the location."

"Accept your mistake."

"Why should I?"

"Because you told you knew, but didn't."

I chuckled at their argument.

Ethan had taken us to the old place where most of the parties were held.
But today's was at a different location, and he didn't know.

"Spare my boyfriend." I put my arm around him and he mouthed a thank you.

"All because of your boyfriend, we're late." Engine folded her arms and pouted. "Some bestfriend you are."

"Don't target my girlfriend. I'll make up for my mistake." He pulled out his phone from the pocket.

"What are you doing?" Engine asked.

"Calling Aiden."

Engine's face fell, "Is he there at the party too?"

"Yes, of course he is."

After getting the location from Aiden, we arrived at the party.

The house was big, almost as big as Ethan's.

I looked around at the colourful lights that hung from one corner to the other. The music was blasting, but non of the neighbours seem to mind.

It's a New Year's Party after all.

"Comfy?" Ethan asked.

"Very."

Engine disappered into the crowd of people, as soon as we went in.

"Hey buddy." Mark, one of Ethan's friends called out.

"Hey man." They did the handshake-hug thing.

"I guess the rumours of you dating are true." Mark gave me a side casted look.

"The guys are waiting." He told, and Ethan gave me a worried look.

"You can go. I'll be there." I pointed out at the sofa.

Ethan nodded and diappered into the crowd with Mark.

I went to the kitchen to find some water. The loud music and the heat made the place a bit overwhelming.

Disappointed to not find anything proper to drink, I took the red cup and dipped it into the bowl that most probably had alcohol.

Taking my drink, I took a seat. Everyone was busy talking, dancing or making out. Here I was sipping on alcohol, and overthinking.

"Hey there." A guy came and sat next to me.

"Hey."

"Bored?" He slung his hand around the sofa.

"A bit."

"What's your name?"

"Ida."

"Zack." He smiled.

I took a sip from my cup, unable to converse about anything.

"Wanna dance?" Zack asked.

"No. I don't know how to."

Zack got off the sofa. At first I thought he found me uninteresting, and was about to leave. But he grabbed my hand and pulled me off the seat.

"Ah," I steadied the cup in my hand.

"It's a party!!!" He laughed, "And also the last few hours of this year. Just let the music flow in, I'll lead you follow."

Zack started dancing in front of me. His movements were smooth, and looked professional. "Come on!" He said, his moves catching the attention of many others.

Everyone started clapping, and Zack wouldn't give up on me.

I sighed, and drank what was left of the alcohol. Placing the cup down, I joined Zack.

He grinned and slowed down his movements, making it easy for me to follow.

I tried a few steps, almost tumbling to the ground a few times.

Soon I realized that, he was following the same pattern the whole time. Understanding that... made things a whole lot easier.

The crowd cheered as both of us came in sync to the beats.

"Okay! There girl, you got it. Now get ready. For a right turn, tap and left." He said."

I nodded.

"One two three, and... go!"

The crowd cheered, as the song ended. Both of us out of breath.

"You did great for a newb." Zack smiled, and disappered into the crowd.

"Foxy." Someone whispered into my ear, making me flinch.

"Don't do that!" I elbowed Ethan.

He laughed and passed me another red cup to drink from.

"I was a bit jealous." He admitted, "Seeing you dance with someone other than me."

"Shut up," I chuckled, as his hand locked my waist. "It tickles."

"Umm." He snuggled.

"You arn't drinking?" I asked, looking over at him.

"Nah. I have to drive."

I nodded.

The screen lit up, "Everyone!" Someone screamed through the mic. "Buckle up. The party is just about to begin."

Everyone howled, and the screen started counting down from 10.

"10, 9, 8..." Eveyone said in sync.

"3, 2.." Some cheered, while others howled.

"Ida." Ethan whispered in my ear.

"Hmm?" I hummed.

He tilted my head to face him, "You l-" his words unclear, as everyone howled and whisled to the beginning of a new year.

"What?" I asked, and he nodded.

"Nevermind." Ethan smiled, and closed the gap between us.

His lips cherishing mine.