Let's just take our time There's nothing else to do What better way to spend the night Than wasting it with you The moon has won the war The daylight waits to end Stay here by my side We'll watch the struggle start again
~Dave Barnes
Once again it was New Year's eve and of course, I was stuck home alone in front of my laptop eating popcorn.
My 'boyfriend' had texted me the news we were over and in fact, he was dating an old friend of mine.
Just like every year, I wanted to fall asleep and never wake up before the new year began. "
Clare, you have visitors!" my mother shouted from downstairs.
Dragging myself down the steps, almost tripping over a rug, I finally made it to the door to be greeted by my best friend Emma.
"…Don't tell me your staying in again, it's New Years Claire!" She yelled loud enough someone in Australia could hear.
"Look Em I can't, it's not my thing. Can't you find someone else to drag around tonight?".
With wide eyes and a pouty lip she looked back at me like I'd just ruined her night…fantastic.
"Please Claire I'll even pay an-"
I cut her off with a massive sigh and a "Fine", letting her inside.
Me, Claire Daniel, was actually going out to ring in 2011.
Was I on drugs?
"Look, if you get drunk and ditch me, were never going to be friends again, are we clear?"
I glared searching for something half decent to wear.
My family was privileged as well as Em's.
Both our parents worked in the entertainment industry so getting into 'crazy' events was easy, but it just wasn't my thing.
Slipping into a white lace dress with some black tights, I gave myself a double look in the mirror, noticing I actually looked half decent.
"Are you ready to get wiiiiiiiiilllllllllllld" Emma giggled tugging on my arm, forcing me out of the house.
"If you consider babysitting you wiiiiiiiilllllllld, then I'm gonna be an animal tonight" I smirked jumping into the passenger seat of the awaiting taxi.
In less than 20 minutes we found ourselves in front of The Grand Plaza, flooded with young people getting so drunk they wouldn't even remember the last thing they did before 2011.
Em helped me through the crowds, scanning out possible midnight kissing partners and scowling at what she considered 'whores'.
I couldn't lie, the place looked amazing and everyones good moods made me excited.
"See that guy over there? He's Liam from One Direction! My dad introduced me to him during a taping of the X Factor. He fancies me you know!" Em winked, staring down the boy across the room.
"Go get em', I need a drink anyways" I half smiled, knowing Emma really was interested in this 'Liam'.
In an instant she was gone and there I was, alone in a sea of strangers.
Making my way through the crowd of people towards the bar area, some air head knocked me down onto the floor.
I could feel everyones attention turn onto me so instead of looking up, my eyes shifted down to the floor.
"I'm sorry, let me help you up my names Harry"
The airhead chuckled holding out his hand for me to grab.
Instead, I managed to get myself off the floor, pushing past this "Harry", determined to get to the bar, or even better, out of this place.
Whatever tingles I had earlier were long gone.
"Common, don't be rude!" He said loud enough for me to hear, grabbing ahold of my shoulder.
"I didn't mean to".
His eyes were ice blue, making me forget what had just happened.
"Uh, ya, it's okay" I muttered looking up at his face.
"Didn't look like it when you avoided me" He said raising an eyebrow.
God he was attractive.
"You should make it up to me then, Garry" I offered walking backwards through the crowd, noticing how he began to follow.
"It's Harry and how so?".
"Buy me coffee" I said flat out, hoping he would agree.
Beer wasn't my thing.
"That would mean I'd have to leave the party and I'm not sure I can do that".
"Then I'll see you never Garry, pleasure to meeting you" I smiled sarcastically turning my back to him as I made my way out the front doors, texting Emma that I'd be going home to my laptop and bed.
She probably had already left with that Liam she'd mentioned earlier.
Unlike Emma I didn't mind walking.
I found it relaxing to be alone outside without anyone bothering me, taking my time to get home.
Unfortunately this walk would not be relaxing, at all.
There he was, panting and sweating making his way beside me, looking like he was about to pass out cold.
"I ch-changed my mind" He said trying to catch his breath.
"That's lovely…Harry? Except I'm not interested so, go back to the Plaza" I said annoyed with him.
His hands grabbed onto my side, making it impossible for me to try and walk away.
"Look, there's a coffee joint right in front of us, at least let me buy you one for earlier"
I watched him carefully, realizing this boy looked honestly sorry for what he'd done, so why not.
"One" I agreed walking inside.
"One" He said mimicking me, looking up at the menu.
"Earl Grey, double sugar, one milk" I asked, searching through my pockets for some coins. "
What she said" Harry asked, tossing a bill onto the counter.
I caught him mouth 'keep the change'.
"Big spender I see" I teased taking my drink to a free table, sipping it slowly.
He laughed rolling his pretty blue eyes, looking at the watch on his wrist.
"You know it's 5 minutes until the new year and I don't know your name"
"Claire" I told him, fiddling with my feet underneath the table, accidentally kicking his feet.
"Trying to play footsies on the first date? Kinky" He smirked hitting my flats.
I bit my bottom lip in, holding back from going into a giggle fit. "It's. Not. A. Date" I breathed out, bursting into laughter.
"That's what you think" He smiled, still fooling around with our feet.
"This is nowhere near what I would consider a new years date Garry" I said shaking my head, leaning into the table.
Our faces were so close I could make out every spot on his skin, how perfect his smile was…
"This will sound odd, but would you mind if I kissed you tonight to celebrate 2011, just once" He said softly, inching closer towards me.
For once in my life, I had nothing to say.
Here was this perfectly gorgeous boy wanting me to be kiss New Years Kiss.
How could any girl say no?
I encouraged him to go for it with a nod, coming closer to his lips.
In seconds ours were connected.
He was gentle and sweet, reaching out to hold the side of my face.
It felt like it had lasted hours, when realistically, the kiss was only for a mer few seconds.
"Harry" I blurted out staring him right in the eyes.
"Clare" He said with a crooked grin.
"CLARE, I THOUGHT YOU WERE HOME!"
It was Emma, with whats his face.
Oh, Liam.
Hand in hand.
Surprisingly he and Harry must've been mates, considering they were slapping hands and exchanging laughs.
"I see you and Harry are cozy. Never knew you fancied One Direction!"
"One what!" I asked in complete shock.
"Claire! Harry and Liam are in a group together, on the X factor, their massive! Only you wouldn't know such a thing!" Emma gasped, taking the time to give the boys an admiring smile.
I, Claire Daniels, just kissed one of England's hottest sensations. Most girls would consider this the greatest moment of their lives, I just wanted to fall of the earth.
2011 was sure to be quite the year.