The Feeling - Alternate Chapter Eighteen: Belief
Tino rushed around his room getting himself cleaned up for the annual New Year's Eve party at his house. Fortunately enough, he didn't have to do any cleaning or decorating since the house was still clean and decorated from the wedding the day before. He threw his clothes on quickly since guests were already arriving. He reached into his closet to pull out his usual brown button-down dress shirt, but he went for the blue sweater Lor had gotten for him instead to impress her. It was the first time he decided to wear it and he was going to make sure Lor noticed. Now that he was cleaned up and dressed nicely, Tino rushed down the stairs to greet the arriving guests. Once down the stairs he noticed that there was already about ten people there, and Carver and Tish were among them.
"Oh my God! Is that snow stuck to your clothes?!" Tino asked amazed.
"Yeah it is. I never thought I would see the day that it snowed here. What the hell are you trying to do to us Mother Nature?!" Carver yelled.
"I'm with Carver on this one. This snow is weirding me out, but it wasn't about to stop us from coming to your annual New Year's Eve party," Tish added.
"That's for sure. I can't pass up such a perfect opportunity to score some points with Moira," Carver said with a grin.
"Yeah right, Carv. You say that every year and every year you get nervous and chicken out," Tino commented.
"Yeah, well this year is the year. I can feel it in my bones and in my stomach," Carver said.
"In your stomach?" Tish questioned.
"No, wait, I don't feel it in my stomach. I'm just hungry," Carver replied.
"Well, the food is over there, and don't worry, Dixon did most of the cooking so we have real food instead of my mom's so-called food," Tino said.
Carver licked his lips and was off in search of food.
"Hey Tino, how come Lor isn't here yet?" Tish asked.
"Oh that's because she was out visiting her grandmother today, so she told me earlier that she would be a bit late," Tino answered.
"Ahhh, I see well I hope she gets here soon. I'm dyin' to carry out our annual New Year's Eve tradition," Tish commented.
"You mean telling each other our resolutions?" Tino guessed.
"That's correct. I have a really good one for this year, and I can't wait to tell you guys."
"Well, I certainly hope it's better than your resolution to be the perfect non-perfectionist."
"That doesn't count as a real resolution because I didn't make it on New Year's Eve. A resolution only counts when you make it on New Year's Eve. Without New Year's Eve there are no resolutions. Those are the rules."
"What rules?" Tino asked perplexed.
"THE rules!" Tish snapped.
"Okay, okay I'll remember about THE rules from now on," Tino said not wanting to argue.
Just then the doorbell rang, and Tino went to answer it, but his mom walked past him and motioned that she would get it.
"Aside from our resolutions plan, I happen to have another plan up my sleeve," Tino said with a proud smile.
"Oh yeah, what might that be?" Tish asked.
"Well, I'm planning on sweeping Lor off her feet tonight with some romantic lines that I spent all day coming up with."
"Riiiight. Tino, if you want to sweep Lor off her feet than you should try dancing with her."
"You are no help at all. I need to tell my idea to some un-jaded people, but everyone will probably laugh at me so I won't tell anyone else."
Then Mrs. Tonitini came back into the room and said, "Tino, come here for a second. I need to see you."
Tino went over to his mom who led him out of the room. As he left, Carver rejoined Tish, his mouth full of food.
"AHHHHH!!!!!!" Tino cried out from the other room.
Both Carver and Tish looked at each other in surprise, wondering what had just happened. After a few moments Tino came back into the room white as a ghost and shaking.
Carver swallowed his food and asked, "T, is that snow on your face?"
"Yes! And it's freezing cold! I can't stop shaking here!"
He brushed the snow off as a laughing Lor entered the room.
"I'm sorry, Tino, but I just couldn't resist hittin' you with a snowball. I mean come on I have to take advantage of the snow while it's here."
"Yeah, yeah I know, but I can't believe that my own mother would set me up like that," Tino replied looking back at his smiling mom.
"Sorry, Tino, but Lor offered me a dollar. I couldn't pass up the money," Mrs. Tonitini commented.
"Perish the thought," Tino said dripping with sarcasm.
"Well, anyway now that Lor is here, let's get on with the resolution tradition," Tish said excitedly.
"Alright then, let's head to my room," Tino said leading the way.
The four hurried up to Tino's room and shut the door.
"Okay, so who is going to go first?" Carver asked after they were all settled.
"I nominate Tish, seeing as I think she will explode if she doesn't get to tell us all her resolution right away," Tino suggested.
Tish smiled wide and then cleared her throat.
"Ahem. You guys are gonna love my resolution for this year. Not only will it improve me, but it involves you guys as well!"
"Somebody pinch me. I must be dreaming," Lor said in dull, tired voice.
Tish shot her a glance and then went back to telling them her resolution.
"This year I, Tish Katsufrakis, resolve to better myself by helping others culturally. Namely, I'll be helping you guys. That means more plays, more museum tours, and more art fairs. It will be a wonderful year rich in culture for all of you."
Groans of pain and suffering filled the room as Tish sat back down.
"Carver, you go next," Lor said.
Carver stood up and spoke, "Well, my resolution for this year is to finally make a name for myself in the world of gluttony."
"What are you talking about?" Tino asked.
"I'm going to win the chilidog eating contest, and I'll also win the pizza eating contest, and then I'll make it a triple crown by winning the Snack Shack Eat-A-Thon. Oh yeah, that is my resolution and I will achieve it."
"I'm not exactly sure how noble of a resolution that is, but I will say that it's a resolution I'm willing to bet you can keep," Tino commented.
"Alright, now it's my turn," Lor said standing up.
She looked up at the ceiling and then back at her friends and said, "This coming year I am going to strive to do my best in the sports world and get colleges to notice me because let's not forget this coming year we will become juniors."
"You know, you are right. That never even crossed my mind until you just mentioned it. I'm gonna have to make sure my college application folder is in order," Tish commented honestly worried.
"I wouldn't be too concerned about that right now, Tish," Carver commented.
"Sure, you say that now, but just wait until later and then you will be wishing that you had thought about it now," Tish snapped back.
"Whatever, Tish. Anyway, I think you can do it, Lor, but just remember to keep your mind on high school as well because it's far from over, even as we march into this year," Carver said.
"Okay I guess that leaves me to finish out the tradition," Tino commented.
He stood and took a deep breath and looked across the room at his friends.
"My resolution this year is to keep my eyes open to everything I have and to know the future is here, you know what I mean?"
"No, what the hell are you talking about?" Lor asked.
Tino grumbled a bit and then said, "I mean that I will always appreciate what I have. I won't moan and complain over little things that I wish I had. I am lucky for everything I have, and I need to be more appreciative of that. No one can be certain about the future so I want to have no regrets. If I'm not content with what I have and I don't realize what I already have, then I will have regrets. I don't want that to happen so I am going to show my happiness for everything I have been so lucky to have."
His three friends stared at him a few moments until Carver broke the silence, "Wow. I could see your lips movin', but it's just like you were goin' blah, blah, blah."
Tino shook his head, but decided that he knew what he meant so it didn't matter if the others didn't understand.
"Well, regardless, here is to the coming year and the resolutions we have made," Tino said sticking his hand out.
The others placed their hands on top of Tino's and shook them in a quadruple handshake.
"Alright, now let's go rejoin the party it's time for some dancin' which means it's time for me to impress Moira with my moves," Carver said while showin' off a few of his steps.
"Dude, you gotta a cramp or somethin'?" Lor commented.
"Pffft. You just don't realize good dancing when you see it," Carver shot back.
The others just rolled their eyes and then went back to the party downstairs. Everyone had a great time dancing and eating and just enjoying each other's company. As the night went on Carver actually managed to impress Moira with his dance moves and wound up hangin' with her most of the night. Soon it was only minutes till midnight and so the countdown began.
".........4, 3, 2, 1, Happy New Year!" everyone shouted.
In unison everyone broke into "Auld Lang Syne" and began dancing to the song. Tino decided that now was the time to put his romantic plan into action. As he danced with Lor he leaned forward and kissed her.
"There we go I wanted to make sure we had our New Year's kiss," Tino said with a smile.
Lor smiled back.
"Yep, that was the first kiss of the New Year and here is the second," Lor said leaning forward and kissing Tino.
After a few moments they broke the kiss, and Tino decided that now was the time to drive his plan home.
He looked deep into her eyes and said, "Lor, I love you and this New Year will be our- Whoa!"
Tino's lines were cut short as he tripped over his own feet trying to dance and in the process he managed to sweep Lor's feet out from under her. Both flailed wildly as they tumbled to the ground all over each other. Tino put his hands over his face trying to hide himself from embarrassment while hoping to the Heavens that Tish hadn't seen them fall. However, his embarrassment soon melted away as the only laughter he heard was coming from Lor. He pulled his hands away from his face to see her practically gasping for air she was laughing so hard. He couldn't resist and soon he too was laughing. Once the laughter subsided Lor stood up and gave a hand to Tino to stand him up to.
"You always know how to make me laugh, Tino," Lor said.
Tino shrugged and said, "What can I say? I know you too well."
They hugged and shared a kiss. Now, without the dancing involved, Tino went for his plan again.
"Lor, I love you, and this New Year will be our year. We will live it together hand in hand. This is our time."
Lor smiled at Tino and hugged him tightly.
"That's very sweet, Tino," she said softly, "But it really swept me off my feet on the first attempt."
Tino smirked and commented, "Yeah, yeah that's real funny."
They both gazed into each other's eyes and became completely oblivious of everything else around them. That was, until Carver broke out jumping all around and yelling.
"Oh yeah! Who got a New Year's kiss from Moira?! That's right! It's me! WOO-HOO!! Yeah, man!"
Carver continued to dance around the entire room before coming to a stop, and raising a cupped hand to his mouth letting out a mighty, "Wut wut!"
At the same time Tish came over to Lor and Tino and began laughing at Carver's antics. Lor and Tino followed suit and burst out laughing as well. Soon even Carver was laughing at himself. The four came together and high-fived in honor of a great party.
"Happy New Year's, guys," Tino said to them all.
The three echoed the same sentiments before going off to get more food. Now Tino stood alone in the room laughing to himself.
"Oh man, I love those guys. Oh hey there! Geez, I didn't mean to make you guys feel left out! Who am I talking to? I'm talking to you guys! You, the ones sittin' at home! I know I know I haven't said a word to you guys this whole damn story. Sorry about that, but as you know a lot of things happened to keep me busy and on top of that it's not up to me if I talk to you guys, it's up to the jack writing this thing. Regardless of that, how crazy have these past few months been? It's been quite a wild ride, but I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. This is the type of stuff I'll be telling my grandchildren. I can honestly say that a few months ago when I first admitted my feelings for Lor I never imagined that things would have turned out the way they did. I do like the end results, though, I learned a lot and I have a wonderful girlfriend to boot. Who could ask for anything more? Not me that's for sure. Ultimately, all of us have learned some valuable lessons from this and I'm glad because of that. I can say that the most important thing I learned was that you have to believe in yourself and your friends and ride on, no matter what comes your way. Anyway, I'm going to get back to the party and hang out with the guys some more, but you know some how I feel that in ten years say, I'm going to be doin' the same thing. Well, later days."
End of Alternate Chapter Eighteen
This is the first part of the original ending. There are two parts, and I would have both parts up, but I'm an idiot and I left the second part on a different computer. I'm not very patient so I decided to post the first part now instead of waiting to get both parts together and post them at the same time. So, I'll have the entire original ending up soon just bare with my stupidity. Honestly, this whole ending should have been up on All Hallows Eve, but I really wasn't thinking at all. Anyway, keep readin' and reviewin'.
Tino rushed around his room getting himself cleaned up for the annual New Year's Eve party at his house. Fortunately enough, he didn't have to do any cleaning or decorating since the house was still clean and decorated from the wedding the day before. He threw his clothes on quickly since guests were already arriving. He reached into his closet to pull out his usual brown button-down dress shirt, but he went for the blue sweater Lor had gotten for him instead to impress her. It was the first time he decided to wear it and he was going to make sure Lor noticed. Now that he was cleaned up and dressed nicely, Tino rushed down the stairs to greet the arriving guests. Once down the stairs he noticed that there was already about ten people there, and Carver and Tish were among them.
"Oh my God! Is that snow stuck to your clothes?!" Tino asked amazed.
"Yeah it is. I never thought I would see the day that it snowed here. What the hell are you trying to do to us Mother Nature?!" Carver yelled.
"I'm with Carver on this one. This snow is weirding me out, but it wasn't about to stop us from coming to your annual New Year's Eve party," Tish added.
"That's for sure. I can't pass up such a perfect opportunity to score some points with Moira," Carver said with a grin.
"Yeah right, Carv. You say that every year and every year you get nervous and chicken out," Tino commented.
"Yeah, well this year is the year. I can feel it in my bones and in my stomach," Carver said.
"In your stomach?" Tish questioned.
"No, wait, I don't feel it in my stomach. I'm just hungry," Carver replied.
"Well, the food is over there, and don't worry, Dixon did most of the cooking so we have real food instead of my mom's so-called food," Tino said.
Carver licked his lips and was off in search of food.
"Hey Tino, how come Lor isn't here yet?" Tish asked.
"Oh that's because she was out visiting her grandmother today, so she told me earlier that she would be a bit late," Tino answered.
"Ahhh, I see well I hope she gets here soon. I'm dyin' to carry out our annual New Year's Eve tradition," Tish commented.
"You mean telling each other our resolutions?" Tino guessed.
"That's correct. I have a really good one for this year, and I can't wait to tell you guys."
"Well, I certainly hope it's better than your resolution to be the perfect non-perfectionist."
"That doesn't count as a real resolution because I didn't make it on New Year's Eve. A resolution only counts when you make it on New Year's Eve. Without New Year's Eve there are no resolutions. Those are the rules."
"What rules?" Tino asked perplexed.
"THE rules!" Tish snapped.
"Okay, okay I'll remember about THE rules from now on," Tino said not wanting to argue.
Just then the doorbell rang, and Tino went to answer it, but his mom walked past him and motioned that she would get it.
"Aside from our resolutions plan, I happen to have another plan up my sleeve," Tino said with a proud smile.
"Oh yeah, what might that be?" Tish asked.
"Well, I'm planning on sweeping Lor off her feet tonight with some romantic lines that I spent all day coming up with."
"Riiiight. Tino, if you want to sweep Lor off her feet than you should try dancing with her."
"You are no help at all. I need to tell my idea to some un-jaded people, but everyone will probably laugh at me so I won't tell anyone else."
Then Mrs. Tonitini came back into the room and said, "Tino, come here for a second. I need to see you."
Tino went over to his mom who led him out of the room. As he left, Carver rejoined Tish, his mouth full of food.
"AHHHHH!!!!!!" Tino cried out from the other room.
Both Carver and Tish looked at each other in surprise, wondering what had just happened. After a few moments Tino came back into the room white as a ghost and shaking.
Carver swallowed his food and asked, "T, is that snow on your face?"
"Yes! And it's freezing cold! I can't stop shaking here!"
He brushed the snow off as a laughing Lor entered the room.
"I'm sorry, Tino, but I just couldn't resist hittin' you with a snowball. I mean come on I have to take advantage of the snow while it's here."
"Yeah, yeah I know, but I can't believe that my own mother would set me up like that," Tino replied looking back at his smiling mom.
"Sorry, Tino, but Lor offered me a dollar. I couldn't pass up the money," Mrs. Tonitini commented.
"Perish the thought," Tino said dripping with sarcasm.
"Well, anyway now that Lor is here, let's get on with the resolution tradition," Tish said excitedly.
"Alright then, let's head to my room," Tino said leading the way.
The four hurried up to Tino's room and shut the door.
"Okay, so who is going to go first?" Carver asked after they were all settled.
"I nominate Tish, seeing as I think she will explode if she doesn't get to tell us all her resolution right away," Tino suggested.
Tish smiled wide and then cleared her throat.
"Ahem. You guys are gonna love my resolution for this year. Not only will it improve me, but it involves you guys as well!"
"Somebody pinch me. I must be dreaming," Lor said in dull, tired voice.
Tish shot her a glance and then went back to telling them her resolution.
"This year I, Tish Katsufrakis, resolve to better myself by helping others culturally. Namely, I'll be helping you guys. That means more plays, more museum tours, and more art fairs. It will be a wonderful year rich in culture for all of you."
Groans of pain and suffering filled the room as Tish sat back down.
"Carver, you go next," Lor said.
Carver stood up and spoke, "Well, my resolution for this year is to finally make a name for myself in the world of gluttony."
"What are you talking about?" Tino asked.
"I'm going to win the chilidog eating contest, and I'll also win the pizza eating contest, and then I'll make it a triple crown by winning the Snack Shack Eat-A-Thon. Oh yeah, that is my resolution and I will achieve it."
"I'm not exactly sure how noble of a resolution that is, but I will say that it's a resolution I'm willing to bet you can keep," Tino commented.
"Alright, now it's my turn," Lor said standing up.
She looked up at the ceiling and then back at her friends and said, "This coming year I am going to strive to do my best in the sports world and get colleges to notice me because let's not forget this coming year we will become juniors."
"You know, you are right. That never even crossed my mind until you just mentioned it. I'm gonna have to make sure my college application folder is in order," Tish commented honestly worried.
"I wouldn't be too concerned about that right now, Tish," Carver commented.
"Sure, you say that now, but just wait until later and then you will be wishing that you had thought about it now," Tish snapped back.
"Whatever, Tish. Anyway, I think you can do it, Lor, but just remember to keep your mind on high school as well because it's far from over, even as we march into this year," Carver said.
"Okay I guess that leaves me to finish out the tradition," Tino commented.
He stood and took a deep breath and looked across the room at his friends.
"My resolution this year is to keep my eyes open to everything I have and to know the future is here, you know what I mean?"
"No, what the hell are you talking about?" Lor asked.
Tino grumbled a bit and then said, "I mean that I will always appreciate what I have. I won't moan and complain over little things that I wish I had. I am lucky for everything I have, and I need to be more appreciative of that. No one can be certain about the future so I want to have no regrets. If I'm not content with what I have and I don't realize what I already have, then I will have regrets. I don't want that to happen so I am going to show my happiness for everything I have been so lucky to have."
His three friends stared at him a few moments until Carver broke the silence, "Wow. I could see your lips movin', but it's just like you were goin' blah, blah, blah."
Tino shook his head, but decided that he knew what he meant so it didn't matter if the others didn't understand.
"Well, regardless, here is to the coming year and the resolutions we have made," Tino said sticking his hand out.
The others placed their hands on top of Tino's and shook them in a quadruple handshake.
"Alright, now let's go rejoin the party it's time for some dancin' which means it's time for me to impress Moira with my moves," Carver said while showin' off a few of his steps.
"Dude, you gotta a cramp or somethin'?" Lor commented.
"Pffft. You just don't realize good dancing when you see it," Carver shot back.
The others just rolled their eyes and then went back to the party downstairs. Everyone had a great time dancing and eating and just enjoying each other's company. As the night went on Carver actually managed to impress Moira with his dance moves and wound up hangin' with her most of the night. Soon it was only minutes till midnight and so the countdown began.
".........4, 3, 2, 1, Happy New Year!" everyone shouted.
In unison everyone broke into "Auld Lang Syne" and began dancing to the song. Tino decided that now was the time to put his romantic plan into action. As he danced with Lor he leaned forward and kissed her.
"There we go I wanted to make sure we had our New Year's kiss," Tino said with a smile.
Lor smiled back.
"Yep, that was the first kiss of the New Year and here is the second," Lor said leaning forward and kissing Tino.
After a few moments they broke the kiss, and Tino decided that now was the time to drive his plan home.
He looked deep into her eyes and said, "Lor, I love you and this New Year will be our- Whoa!"
Tino's lines were cut short as he tripped over his own feet trying to dance and in the process he managed to sweep Lor's feet out from under her. Both flailed wildly as they tumbled to the ground all over each other. Tino put his hands over his face trying to hide himself from embarrassment while hoping to the Heavens that Tish hadn't seen them fall. However, his embarrassment soon melted away as the only laughter he heard was coming from Lor. He pulled his hands away from his face to see her practically gasping for air she was laughing so hard. He couldn't resist and soon he too was laughing. Once the laughter subsided Lor stood up and gave a hand to Tino to stand him up to.
"You always know how to make me laugh, Tino," Lor said.
Tino shrugged and said, "What can I say? I know you too well."
They hugged and shared a kiss. Now, without the dancing involved, Tino went for his plan again.
"Lor, I love you, and this New Year will be our year. We will live it together hand in hand. This is our time."
Lor smiled at Tino and hugged him tightly.
"That's very sweet, Tino," she said softly, "But it really swept me off my feet on the first attempt."
Tino smirked and commented, "Yeah, yeah that's real funny."
They both gazed into each other's eyes and became completely oblivious of everything else around them. That was, until Carver broke out jumping all around and yelling.
"Oh yeah! Who got a New Year's kiss from Moira?! That's right! It's me! WOO-HOO!! Yeah, man!"
Carver continued to dance around the entire room before coming to a stop, and raising a cupped hand to his mouth letting out a mighty, "Wut wut!"
At the same time Tish came over to Lor and Tino and began laughing at Carver's antics. Lor and Tino followed suit and burst out laughing as well. Soon even Carver was laughing at himself. The four came together and high-fived in honor of a great party.
"Happy New Year's, guys," Tino said to them all.
The three echoed the same sentiments before going off to get more food. Now Tino stood alone in the room laughing to himself.
"Oh man, I love those guys. Oh hey there! Geez, I didn't mean to make you guys feel left out! Who am I talking to? I'm talking to you guys! You, the ones sittin' at home! I know I know I haven't said a word to you guys this whole damn story. Sorry about that, but as you know a lot of things happened to keep me busy and on top of that it's not up to me if I talk to you guys, it's up to the jack writing this thing. Regardless of that, how crazy have these past few months been? It's been quite a wild ride, but I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. This is the type of stuff I'll be telling my grandchildren. I can honestly say that a few months ago when I first admitted my feelings for Lor I never imagined that things would have turned out the way they did. I do like the end results, though, I learned a lot and I have a wonderful girlfriend to boot. Who could ask for anything more? Not me that's for sure. Ultimately, all of us have learned some valuable lessons from this and I'm glad because of that. I can say that the most important thing I learned was that you have to believe in yourself and your friends and ride on, no matter what comes your way. Anyway, I'm going to get back to the party and hang out with the guys some more, but you know some how I feel that in ten years say, I'm going to be doin' the same thing. Well, later days."
End of Alternate Chapter Eighteen
This is the first part of the original ending. There are two parts, and I would have both parts up, but I'm an idiot and I left the second part on a different computer. I'm not very patient so I decided to post the first part now instead of waiting to get both parts together and post them at the same time. So, I'll have the entire original ending up soon just bare with my stupidity. Honestly, this whole ending should have been up on All Hallows Eve, but I really wasn't thinking at all. Anyway, keep readin' and reviewin'.