Chap. 25: New Year's Eve: The next month was New Year's Eve and everyone was very excited about the New Year. Rosie, who was still new to the world, was a little scared by all the excitement, but she didn't cry. The teens were overexcited because this was the night Operation Get-Together would come to a close, with success or failure. Everyone was gathered outside of Flo's V8 Café; the adults were talking about their New Year's Resolutions, the teens were playing games and making a good effort to keep awake, and the babies, meaning Rosie, were fast asleep in their parents' arms. Guido was still in the tire shop, waiting for a customer to show up. He was watching Filippa from a distance as she socialized with Sally and Holley. It was already 11:45 when Luigi said "I don't think anyone will-a come by with a flat tonight. You can join the others at the party while I close up shop, Guido." Guido nodded and left the building to where Filippa was. Little did the Italian know, he was being watched. Aneil was hiding behind a stack of tires with a light blue walkie-talkie in hand. "(The target is approaching the bulls-eye,)" he spoke into it. "Standing by until signal," responded Iralanda. "Operation Get-Together is nearly concluded," added Juan. "Hey Guido," Filippa smiled at the presence of her friend. "(Hi Filippa,)" Guido greeted. "(How much longer until midnight?)" "Only 10 more minutes. Want to go get something to drink?" Filippa motioned toward the drink stand Kelly was sitting at. "(Sure, why not. I hear the juice is good,)" Guido said "(Just don't drink too much of that pale white liquid; it has a lot of alcohol in it, just ask Francesco; he's had two cups and he's flat on the ground mumbling nonsense.)" Filippa laughed; she didn't know if it was because of what Guido said or because Guido said it, she just knew she had to laugh. "Was he the only one to drink it?" she asked. "(No, some of the other's got it, but only in small shot glasses, not a full cup,)" Guido explained. "5 minutes till midnight!" Leo announced, check the clock in the café. "A new year, a new baby, I wonder if there'll be many more new things to come," Fillmore stated. "I hope one of the new things will be a new couple," Gavin said. "What do you mean?" the hippie asked. Gavin motioned toward where Guido and Filippa were standing. Fillmore chuckled. "Do you think they'll kiss at midnight?" "Oh, they will, with some help," Gavin said. "Parden?" Fillmore was confused. Gavin started to explain Operation Get-Together to his teacher. "2 minutes till midnight!" Adam shouted. That was the cue; Aneil started to sneak up behind Guido and Iralanda started to sneak up behind Filippa, who were now facing each other. "Wow, this year has been incredible; my brother getting pregnant, my new niece, my near brush with death, all amazing, except for the part with Chick Hicks," Filippa stated. "(I'll have to agree with you,)" Guido said. "1 minute!" Guido was nervous; he wanted to take a gamble but wasn't sure how until he felt some grab the back of his head. "(Must I help you with everything?)" asked Aneil. He felt his head being pushed forward until his lips met Filippa, who was forced to do it by Iralanda, just when the clock stuck 12. The teens released their heads and ran off, shouting "You're welcome!" The two parted and stared at each other wide-eyed. Guido felt a blush coming on and tried to fight it, but judging by how warm his face felt, he could tell he lost. Filippa just blinked a few times until she smiled, leaned forward and kissed him again. After that, she walked away smiling. Guido watched as she left, feeling over-joyed inside, until he heard a voice say "I don't know about you but I think this Italian just got to second base." Guido turned around to see Harold, Leo, Lightning, Mater and Luigi standing behind him. "(How long have you been standing there?)" Guido asked. "The whole dad gum time," Mater answered. "I always knew you'd tell Filippa one day," Luigi said. "(Listen, that wasn't all me; Aneil shoved me for ward causing that to happen,)" Guido said. "It was Aneil the first time, but it wasn't him the second time," Lightning said. "I don't care how it happened, I'm still proud of you, mi amico," Luigi said. Guido glanced at where Filippa was where she was talking to Flo, Sally, Holley, Mia, and Tia, no doubt bugging her about the kiss as well. Oh well, at least it's the new year, and after 9 months, he finally has a girlfriend. He'll probably have to thank Aneil for all this.