Title: Growing Up
Chapter 53: New Years Eve Party
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the characters you don't recognize.
A/N: I hope that you all liked the last chapter. I also hope that you enjoy this chapter. I plan to finish this story before this summer comes up hopefully. I have a bit more free time on my hands and I plan on using most of it to finish this story. I hate saying make sure you review, but reviews are the only way that I know that people are reading the story and want me to continue it. So if you could, please review. It only takes a few minutes, and I'm very thankful for all that do review. I also understand if you can't review. Thank you to all my readers.
XoxoxoxoX
Six days had passed since Christmas Eve. On Christmas day, all the friends stayed home and inside to spend the entire day with their families. They all had opened presents and shared in laughs. Christmas breakfasts and dinners turned out great with help from everyone. Christmas day was a pretty lazy day. They all got what they wanted and were just happy all together. Now, Christmas was over and it had already become New Years Eve. Parties were being held all over and the gang had planned on attending the same party together. The party was being thrown at Torrie Wilson's house. Her parents were out of town and told her she could have a few friends over, but that didn't go as planned. Almost everyone found out about the party, and would be showing up later that night.
XoxoxoxoX
Stephanie came running down the stairs from her bedroom. She made her way into the living room and ran over to the window. Her head looked outside, searching for Paul. He was on his way over to pick her up, so they could go to the party. She was so enthralled into seeing if Paul had arrived yet, that she hadn't seen her parents sitting in the living room in their recliners. Vince cleared his throat grabbing the attention of his daughter. Stephanie slowly turned around with a smile on her face.
"What are you so excited about?" Vince questioned his daughter standing in front of him.
"Paul is supposed to be picking me up soon." Stephanie smiled as she held her hands behind her back.
"Where are you two going?" Linda asked. "I don't want you two on the roads tonight."
"Where just going to a friend's house." Stephanie partially lied.
"Who's house?" Vince wandered aloud his eyes focused on his newspaper.
"Torrie's." Stephanie spoke softly.
"Isn't that the girl that Paul dated before you?" Linda eyed her daughter.
"Yeah, but their friends now." Stephanie stated trying to convince her mother of their friendship.
"How do you know he wont try and get back with her?" Linda questioned again.
Stephanie paused for a moment as she felt the ring on her ring finger of her left hand. A smile instantly formed on her face. Vince had looked up once Stephanie paused. Linda and Vince both looked at their daughter's smile. The older couple then looked at one another. Stephanie couldn't help but think about the night when Paul gave her the ring. She knew he wouldn't get back together with Torrie. She still hadn't told her parents about the promise ring. She knew they'd have a million and one questions, seeing that she was still only in high school. It wasn't that she didn't want to tell them, she just wasn't ready to. She kept her hands behind her back as she began to speak again.
"He wouldn't hurt me like that." Stephanie replied a smile still on her face.
"He's hurt you before." Vince stated his eyed now fixating on his daughter.
"That's the past daddy." Stephanie spoke giving off an angelic look.
"Ok, well you two be careful." Vince responded turning his head to the newspaper again.
"Vince?" Linda was in shock. "I don't want her on the road that late at night."
"Linda, she'll be inside a house." Vince answered turning his attention to his wife.
"If she gets hurt, I'll never forgive you." Linda huffed a little.
"I've heard that line before." Vince smirked as he looked at Stephanie.
"Thanks daddy!" Stephanie smiled as she ran over to him.
Stephanie hugged Vince tightly giving him her thanks. Linda smiled at the interaction between the two. Her eyes narrowed a bit as she watched the two hug. Linda tilted her head to the side as she noticed the sparkling ring on Stephanie's finger. She knew it must have been new, because she had never seen that ring before in her life. Once Stephanie pulled away from Vince, she turned to Linda. She then proceeded to give her a hug. Linda gladly hugged her daughter back. Once Stephanie pulled away, and was about to leave, Linda stopped her.
"Stephanie?" Linda spoke up for Stephanie to here her.
"Yes mom?" Stephanie stated turning around.
"Is that a new ring?" Linda questioned. "I've never seen you wear it before."
Stephanie looked down at her hands realizing her mother had seen it. She didn't know whether to lie to them or to just tell them the truth. Stephanie's head looked back up at her mother who was staring at her. Her eyes then looked over at her father who was examining the ring from a distance. There was no way she could lie to them about it. Plus, she was 18, she was a grown woman in her opinion. She loved Paul, so what was the use in hiding it.
"Paul gave it to me." Stephanie smiled. "On Christmas Eve."
"Let me see it." Vince spoke motioning Stephanie over to him.
"What kind of ring is it?" Linda asked as Stephanie walked over to Vince.
"It looks like a promise ring." Vince said getting a better look at the ring.
"Is it a promise ring Stephanie?" Linda stated in question.
"Yes, it is." Stephanie said proudly. "We both love each other."
"You've got to be kidding me." Vince laughed sarcastically. "You two don't know the meaning of love."
"Yes we do." Stephanie replied snatching her arm away.
"You're only 18." Vince looked at his baby girl. "You're still in high school."
"So, that doesn't stop me from having feelings." Stephanie held her hand as she played with her ring.
"I wont allow it." Vince responded as he looked at Stephanie.
"It's not like we're getting married!" Stephanie yelled.
"I don't care, you're too young." Vince retorted as he looked down at his paper.
"I don't care what you say! I'm going to be with him anyway!" Stephanie shouted as she seen Paul's car pull up out the corner of her eye. "I hate you!"
With that said, Stephanie ran outside the door. She had already been ready and waiting so it was easy for her to just leave. Vince watched as Stephanie ran out the door. He watched her through the window get into Paul's car. After a moment, the car had backed out of the drive way and took off down the street. Linda turned and looked at Vince. She shook her head at him.
"What was that all about?" Linda asked her husband.
"She's too young to be promised to anyone." Vince mumbled.
"You really think so?" Linda folded her arms.
"Yeah, I do." Vince replied as he looked back at his paper again. "She'll get over it."
"You're daughter is happy Vince." Linda spoke. "Let her make her own mistakes."
"And let her get hurt again?" Vince returned his attention to his wife.
"I thought you liked Paul?" Linda became confused.
"I do." Vince answered. "Just not with my baby girl."
"Ah, I see where this is coming from." Linda smirked. "You think that she doesn't need you anymore."
"All she ever does is hang out with him." Vince muttered under his breath.
"Aw, don't forget you were like her at her age." Linda stated taking a hold of Vince's hand.
"How so?" Vince looked at his wife with knowing eyes.
"You promised yourself to me at 18." Linda smiled. "Now look at us."
"Happier then ever." Vince sighed. "But, she's my baby girl!"
"She'll always be your baby girl." Linda reassured Vince. "But she has to grow up sooner or later."
"I guess I'll talk to her about it." Vince smiled at his wife as they shared a sweet kiss.
XoxoxoxoX
Randy and Candice sat on Torrie's couch listening to the music playing. People had already showed up and were partying away. It was 10:30 at night and things were just getting started. Candice hadn't been as clingy towards Randy ever since Christmas Eve. She had been keeping her distance from him, yet at the same time still spending time with him. Randy was trying to figure out what was wrong, but she assured him that it was nothing. He had hoped that New Years would be a better time for them. They hadn't been as close as of late, and he was beginning to get a bit worried. It didn't help that he had already fallen for her. A smile came on his face as he thought about his feelings for her. He couldn't wait until Valentine's day to tell her. He almost contemplated on just telling her tonight. Randy wanted to give her a little bit more time, just in case her feelings weren't the same yet. From what he had collected, her feelings were the same, but he could never be too sure with girls. They always changed their minds.
"Any new year resolutions?" Randy smiled at Candice.
"I'm not sure." Candice looked at her drink in her hand. "I never keep them."
"That's the fun part." Randy chuckled. "Breaking them that is."
"Well, I guess…" Candice thought for a moment. "To make it through the new year."
"What kind of resolution is that?" Randy questioned as Candice looked up at him.
"I just have this feeling that it's going to be a hard year." Candice sighed as she looked at him.
"Well, I'm here for you." Randy spoke kissing her forehead.
"You wont be for much longer." Candice mumbled to herself.
"What was that?" Randy asked not quite hearing what she said over the loud music.
"Oh, I said what are your resolutions?" Candice lied as she swirled her contents in her cup.
"To be the best boyfriend I can be to you." Randy smirked thinking he'd get brownie points.
"I have to go to the bathroom." Candice spoke quickly getting up an heading to the rest room.
Randy sat there as she ran off to the bathroom. He was confused at her actions. The look on her face when she left was a sad look. He wondered what was going on with her. He thought things were going great, but he figured he was wrong. Randy scratched the back of his neck as he looked to his left. He seen Paul walking over to him. He nodded at Paul as Paul sat down on the couch next to Randy.
"Hey, what's up?" Paul questioned Randy.
"I'm fine." Randy answered. "You?"
"I've been better." Paul sighed using his index fingers to make circular motions on his temple.
"What's going on?" Randy asked his friend.
"Steph and I got into an argument." Paul shut his eyes trying to drown out the music.
"About what?" Randy looked around the room, noticing Stephanie had disappeared in the same area as Candice.
"Vince doesn't want us promised to each other." Paul looked over at Randy. "She was all upset about it when she got into the car."
"How did that start an argument between you two?" Randy said trying to figure some things out.
"I told her that if her father wasn't approving it, that maybe we should cool it." Paul smacked his own forehead. "I'm such an idiot."
"No you aren't." Randy laughed at his friend's actions. "You just want to make her happy and you don't want her to upset her father."
"I guess so." Paul breathed as he looked around the room. "Where's your little lady?"
"She went to the bathroom a few seconds ago." Randy replied looking around the room as well.
"Any issues with her?" Paul asked. "I can't be the only one with relationship problems."
"I'm not sure." Randy said honestly. "She's been acting funny."
"Is she breaking up with you?" Paul questioned the man sitting next to him.
"I don't think so." Randy wondered. "Everything has been going good. We've been hanging out and all."
"Maybe it's that time of the month." Paul suggested.
"Maybe." Randy thought about it. "That would explain a lot."
"See, you're getting all worked up over nothing." Paul let out a small laugh.
"I guess you're right." Randy spoke taking a drink from his cup that he had been holding.
"This party isn't that bad." Paul said bobbing his head to the music.
"Yeah, shockingly." Randy answered as he looked up at Stephanie from a distance.
She looked as if she was on her way over towards them. Randy's question was confirmed when Stephanie was only a few feet away from them. He looked over at Paul who was looking at Stephanie. Randy shook his head at the two of them. They could never stay angry with one another for longer then an hour. Randy rolled his eyes, as he got up off the couch, allowing them to have some privacy. He walked over towards the bathroom, and waited until Candice came out. He watched as Stephanie sat down on Paul's lap.
"I'm sorry." Stephanie frowned looking down at her hands.
"No, I'm sorry." Paul replied lifting her chin to look at him. "I just want you to be happy, that's all."
"I'm happy with you." Stephanie stuck out her bottom lip.
"I'm happy with you too." Paul smiled leaning his forehead against her's. "We don't have to cool anything if you don't want to."
"Ok." Stephanie smiled softly.
"Maybe your dad will come around later." Paul spoke with hope in his voice.
"Hopefully." Stephanie answered as she leaned in to kiss him.
Randy shook his head as he watched his two friends. He was happy for them. They both deserved one another. Randy looked towards the bathroom door as it opened. Candice walked out and almost fell backwards seeing Randy standing right in front of her.
"Stalking me are we?" Candice laughed in question, her attitude obviously had changed.
"Maybe." Randy smiled putting his arm around her shoulder. "I just didn't want to lose you."
"I would have come back to the couch." Candice spoke as she looked over at the couch. "Oh, that's why."
"Yeah." Randy laughed as they walked outside and to the back yard were more people were mingling.
"It's such a beautiful night out tonight." Candice smiled as she turned to look at Randy.
"Not as beautiful as you." Randy answered.
"You're too cute." Candice blushed as she leaned up and kissed him.
XoxoxoxoX
Trish, Stacy and Chris all walked into the party together. They were the single trio and decided to come to the party together. Chris didn't want to go at first, due to his drinking. He was still trying to stay away from it, and it was hard. He had grown to like drinking and he was very fond of it. He was scared that if he did have a drink, he'd screw up and lose his friends again. He decided to try and stay strong through out the party. All three looked around the house to get a good feel of their surroundings. They all rolled their eyes at the scene of Paul and Stephanie on the couch. They simply overlooked them and looked around again. People were dancing, drinking, laughing and talking. Stacy herself searched around for Candice and Randy. She knew they'd be here and she was curious to how that was going. She had also taken notice of Candice's odd behavior as of late. Stacy was scared for the two of them that things may not work out. She wanted to make sure they were ok. Her eyes continued to scan the room as she saw them walking back into the house from outside. They looked to be ok, and Stacy breathed a sigh of relief. Trish bobbed her head to the music as she looked around the room as well. It was nice to be out of the house and at a party. She looked up at Chris who looked worried and calm at the same time. She figured that he was more worried about the fact of drinking again. Trish didn't say anything about it and let it go. As for the last couple of days, she had noticed that they had become rather close and very quickly. It was unplanned and she hardly ever noticed until they were inches from kissing. Trish shrugged her shoulders as the three of them walked into the kitchen where snacks and drinks were on the counter.
"This party is actually pretty good." Stacy swayed back and forth slightly.
"Yeah, it is." Trish agreed as she popped a pretzel into her mouth.
"A party is a party." Chris replied having his fair share of parties.
"Only for you Mr. Partier." Stacy smirked at Chris.
"Don't remind me." Chris sighed as he sat down on one of the stools.
"Sorry…" Stacy trailed off.
"It's ok." Chris gave Stacy a soft smile. "I just don't want to think about the past."
"Well, it's a new year." Trish perked up. "Everyone can have a fresh start."
"Resolutions?" Stacy questioned looking at her friends.
"I want to lose about ten pounds." Trish replied looking at her flat stomach.
"Trish, are you insane?" Stacy looked at her blonde friend like she was crazy.
"You don't need to lose any weight." Chris spoke taking a drink of the soda he had picked up. "You're prefect."
"Uh…" Trish slightly blushed at Chris' words as she tried her best to ignore them. "I guess."
"You have to pick a new one." Stacy smirked at her friend. She had picked up on Trish's blush. "I'm sure there is another one."
"Well, let me think about it Stace!" Trish eyed her friend knowing what she was getting at. "What's yours?"
"Mine is to continue to put others before me." Stacy smiled satisfied with her answer.
"Is that why you aren't moving in on Randy?" Chris shut his mouth as quickly as he had opened it.
"How did…" Stacy looked at Chris and then to Trish. "You told him?"
"NO!" Trish looked at Chris. "How do you know?"
"It's obvious and no one told me." Chris answered. "I could tell at Christmas Eve."
"This conversation never leaves the three of us." Stacy looked at Chris.
"I wasn't going to tell him." Chris looked at Stacy in return. "It's not my place."
"Well, thanks." Stacy spoke biting her bottom lip.
"My resolution is to get back on track with my life." Chris replied changing topics. "Get back the life I once had."
"Really?" Stacy couldn't help the smirk that came on her face again as she looked at Trish.
"Yes really." Chris responded. "Things were so much better back then."
"Wonder why?" Stacy mumbled on for Trish t hear.
"Shut it Stace." Trish mumbled back.
"If you two are going to mumble about me can you take it some where else please." Chris stated looking at the two girls.
"Sorry." Trish and Stacy said together.
"Things are coming together for you now aren't they?" Trish questioned Chris.
"Yeah they are." Chris nodded. "But there is still a thing or two I'd like back."
"Like what?" Stacy prodded the topic further.
"Just things that I don't want to talk about right now." Chris answered as he took another drink.
"Trish?" Stacy tilted her head with a smirk. "Your new resolution?"
"I'm going to put the past behind me." Trish stated looking at Stacy, but looking at Chris from the corner of her eye.
"What kind of stuff in the past?" Stacy giggled, she loved winding up her friends.
"Just stuff ok." Trish widen her eyes at her leggy friend.
"If you say so." Stacy laughed as they all began to talk about a different topic.
XoxoxoxoX
The couple of hours had passed by quickly. It was now 11:59 p.m. and the last 30 seconds of the year. The count down had begun as people moved about the room, looking for someone to kiss. Randy and Candice were sitting on the couch holding hands as they counted down together. Paul and Stephanie were sitting together on the stairs staring at one another as they continued to count. Stacy, Chris and Trish stood outside counting down as well. Everyone was smiling at one another as it got closer and closer.
10
9
8
Randy turned and looked at Candice who was looking back up at him. Smiles on both of their faces. Stephanie had scooted closer to Paul as he wrapped an arm around her rubbing her shoulder as they continued to stare at one another. Trish and Stacy smiled at one another, as they mentally shared an idea. Chris looked down at the girls as they had the looks of an idea on their faces.
7
6
5
It was getting closer and closer for the year to be complete and the rise of a new year. Candice leaned in closer to Randy as the seconds were still counting down, and she put her free hand on Randy's knee. Randy gave Candice's hand a gentle squeeze and a smile along with it. Stephanie looked into Paul's eyes, as he leaned his forehead on her forehead. Their noses grazed one another as their smiles grew bigger. Chris watched Stacy and Trish as they continued to count with smirks on their faces. He wondered what the two were up to. Trish looked up at Chris and just smiled at him. Stacy followed suit with the same smile on her face.
4
3
2
Candice could feel her cheeks turning a light shade of pink as she continued to look at Randy. This would be her first year kissing someone on new years. The feelings was very overwhelming that she had to stop herself from kissing him too soon. Randy took his hand and gently pushed a strand of hair out of Candice's face as he stared into her eyes. Paul and Stephanie were already almost making out, but with their little Eskimo kisses. Their lips were inches apart as they counted down together. Trish and Stacy both took a hold of Chris' hands and held them in theirs. They both looked up and smiled at Chris. He smiled back at them, wondering what they were about to do. He knew he wouldn't be kissing anyone, but he could only wonder what might happen in the next second.
1
Randy and Candice both leaned in together at the same time and kissed one another sweetly and gently. They pulled apart and smiles were plastered on their faces. It was a brand new year. Paul and Stephanie kissed deeply and passionately, which turned into a short make out session. They slowly pulled apart for some air with huge smiles on their faces as they looked at one another and held each other's hands. Chris looked down at the two blondes standing next to him. Trish and Stacy smirked as the leaned up and they both kissed Chris on his cheeks at the same exact time. Chris nodded his head as a huge grin came on his face. He liked their idea, even though he didn't get to kiss Trish, he would survive with that. None of the six or seven friends, even thought twice, about this being their very last new year together. They only had one more semester go and then they were out of high school, and off to college. None of them knew at that moment, that they wouldn't be seeing each other as much as they'd like to in the future. Without a second thought, they all shouted together with cheers and happiness.
"HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!" Everyone including all seven friends shouted at the same time.
XoxoxoxoX
That's it for this chapter. I hope you all liked it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Please, let me know what you think and how I'm doing. Thanks again to all my wonderful reviewers. You guys put a smile on my face and make me want to continue to write.
Citcat
