Hello and happy Saturday! It's New Years Eve and I can't believe 2017 is right around the corner...
First off, I want to thank all my incredible and loyal supporters! You guys the absolute best and without you, my writing wouldn't be what is today! You all inspire me and I wish you all a fantastic New Year with hope and love!
I love you all!
Secondly, I normally don't share what kind of story the chapter will be, but a reviewer did point something out that I want to make right. In the chapter before the Christmas one shot, I mentioned that the next one will be a Joshaya story...but it wasn't. So this is more centered around Joshaya, hint of Rucas and another combo. I hope you all like it and a heads up, the next chapter will be a full Joshaya chapter!
Jen: Aw, thank you so much! I like them too. It was so much fun to write and I totally agree! Yeah, it was the 'perfect' moment and yes, always the long game. You're too sweet, I'm glad you liked it, thank you and you got it!
Sienese: You got it, though this one only has a hint of Rucas...You're welcome and haha, yes! He's always over dramatic and I love it! Yep, you mentioned it last time and I knew I had to add them here! Always hint of Joshaya and thank you!
Maggie: I'm sorry. It was supposed to be, but with the holidays I had to do it. But this has more Joshaya and the next one will be too.
Guest: Thank you and you're welcome! I love writing!
Morgan: Aw, thank you. I know and haha, right! I love them too. Thanks and you got it!
Guest: Thank you and I will!
Laugh instead: Me too! Lol, Shawn and Cory always freak out! Thank you so much and I will!
Guest: You're welcome. I thought so too and I will! Thanks!
Ajtan4: Thank you so much for the kind words! I'm glad you liked it!
Enjoy!
It is December thirty-first and as the streets are starting to get busy, two best friends are on the subway and making their way to Times Square for the evening's festivities. One is jumping with enthusiasm as the other isn't too thrilled to spend all day and part of the early morning, crammed in with a mob of people in the freezing cold.
"Tell me again, why we're doing the most cliché thing on New Year's Eve?" Maya grumbles to her brunette best friend.
"Because we made a pact when we were twelve that when we were both twenty-one, we'd spend New Year's Eve with all the crazy and awesome people of New York and from all over the world in the middle of Times Square and watch the ball drop," Riley reminds her for like the tenth time this week.
"But whey couldn't we just stop off at another building and watch it from there? Why must we torture ourselves in this awful winter weather?" Maya complains, not meaning to, but can't stop herself from speaking her mind.
"Because that defeats the whole purpose. I know you're cold and exhausted. I know you'd rather be wrapped up in your warm pajamas and eating junk food like we always do, but we made a deal. And besides, this is actually really exciting when you think about it," Riley tries to defend.
"I know we made a deal and as you can see, I'm with you and sticking to it. I don't mean to be negative and the weather isn't helping any," Maya retorts as she fixes her beanie and then shoves her hands in her pockets.
"I know standing out in the snow isn't the funniest thing, but just think of the beauty of the season. And thank you for this, Peaches. There isn't anyone else I's want to do this with," Riley smiles gratefully at her closest and oldest friend.
"Anything for you. You know I'll always be for you, Riles. And not even Ranger Rick?" Maya questions in surprise.
"No, not even Lucas," Riley laughs at the old nickname Maya gave him back when they were teenagers. "I mean, we've talked about it before, but I told him that you and I have to do this first. We've watched it on TV since we were kids or have seen it from other building, but to be standing in the crowd and seeing it up close is a whole new experience."
"Yeah, I have to agree with you on that. This will be something we'll remember forever," Maya smiles, her bad mood, slowly starting to disappear when she sees the cheerful expression on Riley's face.
Riley only nods and thinks to herself, 'Oh, Maya. You don't even know how right you are,' as she loops her arm in Maya's as the subway train pulls into their stop.
The two exit with the other patrons and walk up the stairs as Riley squeals in pure delight.
"Okay, Riles. If I'm going to survive today, you're going to need to dial down your cheerfulness until the sun comes up," Maya states gently, patting Riley's upper arm.
"I don't know if I can hold it in, but I'll try," Riley promises, her smile continuing to grow by the second.
"Thanks, honey," Maya chuckles, her smile partly matching her friend's. "And last question for a little bit. Why did we have to come so early?"
"Because we're going to have breakfast at your favorite restaurant, go shopping for those crazy accessories and we have to find the perfect spot," Riley replies like it's the most obvious thing.
"If it weren't for breakfast, I'd be a very unpleasant person right now. Let's go," Maya teases as she pulls Riley down the street.
With it only being close to seven-thirty, the two get a table immediately and didn't even bother looking at the menu as they always order the same thing.
Quickly ordering coffee, hot tea and ordering their meals, the watier leaves them to their privacy with a polite nod.
"So, how are you and Huckleberry?" Maya inquires casually.
Riley's eyes held the same sparkle from when the two first met and what showed everyone that those two would end up together.
"We're fine," Riley responds vaguely.
"Just fine?" Maya presses with raised eyebrows.
"Yes. Fine," Riley's counters curtly. "How are you and my uncle Josh?"
"Josh and I?" Maya stutters out in confusion. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"I think you do. I know the two of you have been seeing each other for a while now," Riley smirks, turning the tables on her best friend.
"You, Riley Matthews, are quite the sneaky woman. How'd you even know?" Maya wonders, a tint of pink coloring her cheeks.
"Well, I learned from the best," Riley praises, smiling a toothy grin. "And I had my suspicious a few months ago when you and Josh both seemed to be happier,
more content with life. You two had the same lovesick smile and it was actually last week when I finally found out the truth. You were on the phone when we were meeting for lunch and I heard the very distinctive name, 'Boing'."
"Of course," Maya grumbles embarrassedly as Riley did pop out of nowhere that day. "Are you mad I didn't tell you?"
"Maya, I could never be mad at you about this. To be honest, I was always hoping the two of you would get together. You guys are the perfect match and I know you would have told me when you were ready. I'm so happy for the both of you," Riley exclaims, leaning over the table to hug Maya.
"Thank, Riles. That's exactly what I needed to hear. And we were, or are going to make out first official outing as a couple at Farkle's party," Maya beams, a sense of relief and excitement filling the air.
"Aw, you two are too cute," Riley gushes, loving people in love.
"Stop it," Maya blushes, waving off the comment. "And while we're on the topic of boyfriend's, what's really going on with you and Lucas?"
"Do you ever feel like your love is strong enough to survive anything, but when push comes to shove you see the cracks starting to form and you begin to doubt yourself?" Riley voices gently, staring out the window to street that's becoming more crowded.
"Riley, that sounds beyond cryptic. Are things really going okay with your relationship?" Maya asks again, feeling an uneasiness in her stomach.
"Things are okay now, but I don't know about tomorrow or the next day. I know we love each other, but I also know we're tired. School has been so hectic and then we're always having to schedule time to talk or Skype, it's really exhausting. Waiting anxiously to hear the other persons voice, only to be disappointed when one of us has to cancel. I know we're both trying to make it work. We've been doing it for three years now, but at the same time, I wonder if we're missing out on the world around us because we're so busy putting time and effort into our relationship," Riley sighs, pulling herself back together.
"I don't know what to say," Maya murmurs solemnly, biting her lower lip and trying to make sense of this all. "But can I ask you something?"
"Of course," Riley nods.
"You love him, right? Like you see a future with him? A big house, lots of kids?"
"I love him more than I thought I could love anyone. And yes, I see all that with him. I want that with Lucas," Riley affirms.
"Okay then," Maya approves with relief. "I know you're in a tough spot now, but with all you just told me, I know the two of you will be just fine. You're Riley and Lucas. Lucas and Riley. You guys are meant to be together. And tomorrow is a new year. You get a clean slate and will be able to do this all over again. The right way and the way you want it. Don't lost the faith in the love the two of you share."
"When did you become the relationship expert?" Riley inquires with a soft chuckle.
"I don't have a clue, but it's probably because of you. Josh and I had a similar conversation when we first started going out and I automatically thought of you. I wanted a relationship like you and Ranger Rick and I knew I had to be ready to commit to Josh in more ways than one. I had to believe in him and he had to believe in me," Maya expresses with a touch of seriousness and admiration.
"Oh, Maya," Riley cries. "That was so beautiful."
"Thank you. It's time I learned to embrace the love I have and I have you to thank for that. You always believed in the good in everyone," Maya beams, her heart swelling with endearment and compassion.
"You deserve this so much and thank you, I try. Because if I don't believe, who will?" Riley timidly smiles.
The two continue talking and eating breakfast as what people say is true. You really do learn something new every day. After the meal, the girls head down the street and stop at a few vendors to buy a few crazy costumes and end up with a mad hatter style hat with 2017 embroidered on the front and flashy, sparkly glasses.
"I feel ridiculous," Maya laughs once they put on their accessories.
"Me too. But who cares! Everyone's wearing them," Riley shouts with glee.
"I know. I see them," Maya mumbles, looking around at the sea people who are all wearing the same thing.
"Come on. Let's walk up a few block and start looking for a good spot," Riley calls out as she starts walking away, an extra bounce in her step.
Maya runs after her friend, not allowing either of them to get separated as she braces herself for crazy day they are about to encounter.
OoOoOoOo
It's only a little after ten when they're in their spot and already around them, it's body to body. They try make themselves as comfortable as possible and strike up conversations with her neighbors who they learn are from California and Florida. The group instantly connects and soon the hours seem to fly by.
"Hey, we're about to get some lunch. Do you want anything?", their new friend Natalie asks as she hands her boyfriend, Dylan some money.
"That be great. I'll go with you. I actually need to use the restroom," Maya offered as she, Dylan and their other new friend Julie start to push their way through the thick crowd.
"So, are you excited for your big midnight kiss?" Natalie giggles once she and Riley are alone.
"Um, actually, I won't have a midnight kiss this year. Tonight a girls' night. But, I'll see my boyfriend tomorrow and we'll share the moment then," Riley responds sheepishly.
"So, neither of your boyfriends' are coming?" Natalie confirms with slight confusion.
"Kind of. It's a secret," Riley whispers, though she really didn't need to.
"Ooh, I'm excited!" Natalie grins as she jumps up and down.
The two move on and start a conversation about college and after getting into a lengthy discussion about their majors, Maya, Dylan and Julie are making their way back with bags full of food and a surprise.
"God, its a freaking zoo out there," Maya grunts, squeezing herself through the last people to get to Riley.
"Well, it is the busiest time of year for New York," Julie states right behind Maya.
"How far back is it?" Riley questions, helping Maya with the bags.
"To the building. You can't get anywhere and I'm most certainly not going back out there," Maya firmly declares.
"But what about the restroom and stuff?" Natalie probes with a horror.
"I'll just go to the bathroom right here," Maya points the ground where she's standing.
"Okay, that's fucking disgusting. And thanks for leaving me back there," a new voice sneers as Riley's eyes widen in excitement.
"Farkle!" she screams and throws her arms around their genius best friend. "What are you doing here?"
"Well, believe it or not, but I do remember the two of you planning this years ago and so I thought I'd join in fun. That is if you don't mind," Farkle clarifies with a small smile.
"Oh, I believe it and of course we don't mind. I'm so happy we get to celebrate this moment together. The three of us. Just like how it used to be," Riley cheers, squeezing her two best friends in a tight hug.
After pulling apart, Riley does introductions and Dylan can't help but smile at Farkle's name.
"You're name's really Farkle?" he repeats, wanting the know the truth.
"Yeah," Farkle nods casually.
"It's interesting. Sounds fancy. Like a mad scientist or something," Dylan retorts, his interest peaking.
"Close enough. I'm an actual genius," Farkle mentions matter fact.
"No way," Dylan exclaims as the two go into an in-depth conversation and begin eating their lunches that were just sandwiches and chips.
The snow starts to let up and as the time is ticking away, Farkle pulls Maya close to him and whispers, "She doesn't know, right?" signaling to Riley who is talking and laughing with Julie.
"Not a clue," Maya assures him with a huge grin.
"Best New Year's Eve ever?" Farkle wonders curiously, taking in the scenes around him.
"Not ever, but pretty damn close," Maya smiles contently as she can't wait for the ball to drop.
OoOoOoOo
Everyone takes turns saving spots and going out into the madness to buy coffee, snacks and to use restroom and when seven o'clock hits, the first musical artist takes the stage and starts the party as the really begins.
Screams fill the streets as Shawn Mendes belts out his most popular songs, 'Stitches', 'Treat You Better' and Mercy' and it all feels like a dream. Seeing him in person and watching him work the crowd and getting everyone excited for the night.
And, it only gets better when Fifth Harmony takes the stage. Talk about girl power.
And during the small breaks when Ryan Seacrest is talking and pointing the clock next him, there's only an hour and a half left of 2016. Talk about crazy.
After other performers come on stage and party the night away, it isn't until the diva herself, Mariah Carey stands on the stage and talks with Ryan that everyone realizes the night is almost over and the ball is shining as bright as ever.
"This is it, Riles. Time to say goodbye to 2016," Maya sighs with a mixture of happiness and sadness.
"Yeah. Goodbye 2016, Hello 2017," Riley replies with a nervous smile.
The countdown starts from fifteen and with each second that passes, thrills and shrieks fill the air and excitement is bubbling right at the surface. Eagerness overtakes the moment and as they reach five, everyone starts jumping with anticipation and you, along with the millions of people in the street and at home say goodbye to the last seconds of the year.
"Four, three, two, one! Happy new year!" everyone screams as almost immediately, Riley and Maya are embraced in strong arms and feel the familiar warm as passionate kiss.
The kisses last until hollering, cheers and whistles break them apart as each person is sporting a huge grin.
"Now that's how you bring in the new year," Natalie announces, smirking and totally loving this moment.
"What are you doing here? I thought you were on your way to LA?" Maya gasps in shock as she stares at her boyfriend.
"A little birdie reminded me that this is our first New Year's Eve together and I knew there wasn't anywhere else I wanted to be," Josh answers honestly, holding Maya close to him.
"But your meeting?" Maya presses, still trying to comprehend this.
"I spent all day working and ended up doing a long ass conference call so I could be here and ring in the new year with you. It's a new year, a new us and our moment to be together. Like how couples are supposed to be. I love you, Maya. And I know we still have a lot to work out, but I'm willing to work hard to make this last," Josh confesses, kissing her again.
"I love you too, Josh," Maya mumbles over his mouth and gives him short and sweet pecks. "And thank you, Riley," she smiles at her best friend once they separate as she her wrapped in Lucas's arms and wanting to stay in this moment forever.
"You're welcome, Peaches. It looks like we had the same idea," Riley chuckles, glancing at her friends, uncle, new friends and boyfriend before kissing her boyfriend's cheek.
"We always do. We're best friends after all. And Farkle, I take it back. Hands down, this New Year's Eve is the best one yet. I got to spend the morning with people I love and care about," Maya beams, winking at Farkle and Riley and then leaning up to kiss Josh's jaw.
"Um, My, you missed," Josh pouts, leaning down to kiss her on the lips.
Once the couple stops kissing for a few minutes, the group huddles together, shares a big group hug and then Maya cheers zealously, "To the new year!" with the biggest smile anyone's seen in a long time.
"To the new year!" everyone screams happily as they watch the last of the confetti fall from the sky in their lovers arms and knowing it doesn't get any better than this.
Every year, everyone has a hiccup or two, but when January comes around, it's a new slate. A chance for you to start over and change your mistakes. It's a new year so make the most of it and be the person you want to be. Forget about resolutions and just make small changes that will make you happy.
I wish you all a happy and healthy 2017 and if you do go out tonight, please be safe. I'll see you all next year!
Thanks and until next time,
Missy xx