Chapter Eight

It was nearing midnight, and everyone was gathered around the TV down stairs to see the ball drop. Megan sat in between her mom and step-dad. Josh sat on the arm of the chair Mindy was in. Grammy was next to Walter on the couch, but Drake was alone on the window seat. There was five minutes until midnight, and this would have been the time Drake would leave to meet Alice. He looked at his family, and wished Allie could be with him. That's when he felt his for his fortune cookie in his jacket pocket. He looked at his mom, and took the opportunity he'd been waiting for. Grammy watched as he slipped out of the front door.

"Allie!" Drake said with a relieved sigh.

"Drake, how'd you get out?" She asked as she hugged him tight.

"I snuck out." Alice pulled away from him.

"Okay, that's sweet and all, but what the hell were you thinking? You're going to be grounded until you graduate, and with your grades that could take a while." Drake just smiled at her.

"I saw an opportunity, and took it."

"Well, that was stupid, what's with the goofy grin?" Allie had finally noticed his big smile.

"Read this." He put the fortune cookie in her hand. "Never let an opportunity pass you by…that's why I snuck out to see you. We can't start the New Year mad at each other." Allie was so happy she flung herself at Drake. He hugged her tightly, and then they both heard the usual New Year's count down.

"10…9…8…7…"

"Hey this year promise we won't get jealous over each other's dates." Alice whispered in Drake's ear.

"6…5…4…3…"

"Won't have to. I want you." Drake also whispered. She pulled out of the hug just enough to look into his eyes.

"I want you!" She said back.

"2…1…Happy New Year!"

Alice's lips met Drake's as they have done for years, but this kiss was different. It was like a new beginning for the both of them. They finally pulled away from each other, and sat on the steps up to Drake's house. Alice had her back against his chest, and Drake had his arms wrapped around her waist, with his chin in the crook of her neck. They listened as the people inside the house sang Auld Lang Syne.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot?

And never brought to mind?

"Alice, I love you." Alice had to laugh at his proclamation.

"I bet you say that to all the girls." She said as she smiled up at him.

"Yeah, but you know me…" He gave he a sincere smile, and kissed the top of her head.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot?

And days of Auld Lang Syne

"I love you too Drake. But no more 'I love you's' to other girls okay."

"Does that mean none at all, or none that you know of?" She glared at him. "I promise, only you."

Allie laid her head back against his shoulder. He kissed her the side of her head, and rested his head against hers.

He couldn't imagine how great this year was going to be now that he had Alice with him, and this year she was exclusively his. And Allie had all of him.

For Auld Lang Syne, my dear,
For Auld Lang Syne,
We'll take a cup of kindness yet
For Auld Lang Syne.

i hope everyone is having a great new year, and that it continues to 2007...thanks for the reviews...H.B.