Only minutes remained until the clock struck 12 and the people of New York would ring in the New Year. Parties and celebration crowded the streets from the upper class of Upper Manhattan, to the tourists in Time Square; if you were in New York you were apart of the celebration some how.

At a small café, called Topanga's, in Greenwich Village was a celebration of the year between friends and family. The hosts of this celebration were the Mathews.

Everyone was happy and reminiscent of the year, that is everyone except for a young Riley Mathews. Riley hid away at a corner table hoping no one would notice her bittersweet expression.

Riley was happy and felt grateful but she couldn't get past one small cork.

On the other side of the room stood her best friend, Maya, with the boy she use to like, Lucas. They looked like they were getting along and they looked happy, which made Riley happy but she couldn't help the pang she felt when she saw them. It was her own decision to step aside and let the two of them sort through their feeling but still, there was always a small pang.

While sitting in silence in her lonely corner a young, dark hair boy approached Riley.

Charlie: Hey

Riley: Hi

Charlie: Mind if I join you?

Riley: Of course not.

Riley gestured to the seat beside her and with a smile Charlie accepted.

The two sat in silence until Riley finally asked Charlie a question that's been on her mind.

Riley: Why do you like me?

Charlie: What?

Riley: Why do you like me? I mean I am just this weird and awkward and clueless girl. And you, you're Charlie Gardner… so I just can't help but wonder why someone like you would like someone like me.

Charlie: You're kidding right?

Riley looked back at him slightly thrown off by his response.

Charlie: Riley you're one of the most beautiful people I have ever met, both inside and out. You have the biggest and purest heart and about a thousand other qualities that make you extraordinary. How could someone not fall for you?

Riley couldn't help but smile as her faces become flushed.

Suddenly an alarm went off through Topanga's indicating that it was 11:59 pm.

Charlie: A minute to midnight. Where you going to go Riley?

Riley: I think I'm good with where I am.

Riley made her first bold move and took hold of Charlie's hand causing him beam with his perfect smile.

Cory: Okay guys, it's time. Get ready. 10… 9…

Everyone: 8… 7… 6… 5… 4… 3… 2… 1… HAPPY NEW YEAR!

And as the clock struck 12, friends and families hugged and couples across the city shared their first kiss of the New Year. Amongst these couples were Riley and Charlie, who shared a soft, small yet perfect kiss.

Riley: Happy New Year.

Charlie: The Best New Year.