My last fanfiction for 2021. The idea came to me last week, and worked on it through Christmas and finished editing it on Monday.
I loved this movie as a kid, and I watched it again a few days ago. It was really cool. ^_^ I really put my heart and soul into it. I wanted to give the year the best sendoff.
The song used in this story is the all-time classic "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree" by Brenda Lee. I thought it was perfect for this fic. :3
Make sure to check the bottom for details. :D
Happy New Year's!
Rockin' around the Christmas tree
At the Christmas party hop
Mistletoe hung where you can see
Every couple tries to stop
"Spencer!"
Spencer spun around, craning his neck to see through the oceans of heads. He spotted a dark-skinned man waving to him. He recognized him, and Spencer waved back, inviting him over.
"Charlie," said Spencer, hugging him, "I missed you."
"Same here, man," said Charlie.
"Glad you could make it."
"Yeah."
"Where's Donna?"
"Oh, she's coming. She's—"
"Charlie!"
Charlie and Spencer turned around to see a brunette walking up to them. She had her brown hair in a pixie cut with dark magenta streaks and powder blue streaks. Her red lipstick made her brown eyes stand out. She was decked in a short black dress with one strap. She had on a black tights and black kitten heels. She wore a gold necklace and two silver bracelets in each wrist.
"Hey, Donna," said Spencer.
"Hi, Spence," said Donna.
Rockin' around the Christmas tree
Let the Christmas spirit ring
Later we'll have some pumpkin pie
And we'll do some caroling
"How are you?," asked Spencer, walking toward the bar. He, and Charlie and Donna, had to thread through the crowd.
"I'm fine," replied Donna. "What about you? How are you and Donna?"
"We're great!," answered Spencer, looking over his shoulder. He turned to the bartender, saying, "Can I get a strawberry daiquiri? And—" he turned to look at Charlie and Donna, pointing.
"I'll have a margarita," said Charlie.
"And I'll have some champagne, please," said Donna.
The music playing through the speakers filled the entire penthouse hall, from the conversation pit to the upstairs living room. While they waited, Charlie started up a certain topic.
"So," he quipped, "you gonna ask her?"
"Yeah," said Spencer.
"You're really gonna do it?," said Donna.
"Here are your orders," said the blonde bartender. He handed a strawberry daiquiri to Spencer.
"Thank you," said Spencer, grabbing his drink.
"Here's yours, Donna," said Charlie, handing her the champagne flute.
"Thanks," she said. She took a sip.
Spencer led Donna and Charlie to the other side of the penthouse, where the entire wall was taken up by the window. All of New York, all of its mechanical lights and bells and whistles brought the city to life. Even the city lights were as bright as the stars in the sky. Noise coming from speeding cars resonated with the howls of the wind. The snow capping the skyscrapers sparkled in the dim moonlight. Wispy, dark clouds cradled the moon, which resembled a pearl.
"So, Spence," retorted Donna, "you gonna ask Grace the big question?"
"Yup," replied Spencer, taking a gulp of his daiquiri, "I'm gonna ask her before the clock strikes midnight. And we're going to kiss after that."
"Nice," commented Charlie, raising his margarita glass.
"So romantic," lilted Donna.
You will get a sentimental feeling
When you hear
Voices singing let's be jolly
Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Spencer chuckled. "Yeah, well, it probably won't be as romantic as your proposal."
"Aw, c'mon, man," proclaimed Charlie, "yours is gonna be ten times better than mine."
"Nah." Spencer drank down his daiquiri.
"Oh come on," stated Donna, "how often do you propose to someone on New Year's?"
"Not that often," replied Spencer. He stole a glance at the bustling city. The lights were as bright as a neuron star. The ongoing chatter and music drowned out all his doubts.
"Okay, okay," said Charlie, "change of subject. How's your sister?"
"She's doing fine," answered Spencer, turning to look at him and Donna.
"Yeah," remarked Donna, "I saw her latest music video. 'Sweetie, Maybe Tomorrow.'"
Spencer nodded. "Yeah, she really made a name for herself."
Katherine studied at UCLA majoring in music, acting, and modeling. After years of furious social climbing, and her keen talent for business landed her into being one of the world's best pop singers of all time. Aside from music, Katherine also appeared in a few sitcoms as a guest star, and majoring in big roles in movies, as well as voice acting in animated movies.
"Hey!"
The three turned around to see a portly man with curly blonde hair and green eyes sauntering up to them. He wore a midnight blue suit with a button-up shirt the color of periwinkle blue underneath, a black tie and black dress shoes.
"Beef!," hooted Charlie, holding out a hand. "My man."
"Hey Charlie," said Beef.
He and Charlie spent a moment doing their personal handshake, which consisted of a high five, followed by a fist bump, two elbow touches, and finally interlocking their fingers together to then letting go, and wiggling their fingers.
"You guys are such geeks," snipped Donna, sipping her champagne.
"Hey guys," said another voice. "What's up?"
"Hey, Grace," cheeped Charlie, raising his glass, a smile spreading on his face.
Spencer stepped up, running a hand through his brown hair. He stood between Charlie and Donna, taking in Grace's appearance. She was slender if not that tall. Her brown hair was braided on the top and tied into a ponytail in the back with the rest of her unbraided hair fell to her back. Donna wore raspberry lipstick and a shade of eyeshadow that was a coco brown. Gold dangly earrings shine in the light, throwing it back in a glint. Her vermillion dress covers just one of her shoulders, leaving the other uncovered and flows down into a modest plunging neckline. The dress' waist is thin, but it's a comfortable fit. A bow in the same fabric is tied at the side; below the waist the flows into a cutaway, revealing a well-toned leg. On her feet are cone heels, gorgeous on their own, an ideal match.
"Grace," said Spencer, walking up to her.
"Hey, Spence," said Grace, "sorry I'm late; couldn't decide what to wear."
"You look gorgeous."
"Thank you." Grace smiled a fence of white teeth.
Rockin' around the Christmas tree
Have a happy holiday
Everyone dancing merrily
In the new old-fashioned way
"Weren't you bringing a date, too, Beef?," asked Charlie, eyebrow raised, pointing a finger.
"She's coming," said Beef.
"What's she like?," queried Donna.
"Her name is Rhonda Sanders," replied Beef, "she works for Cruxolutions in accounting. She has two younger sisters. She does track and field on the weekends."
"Nice," said Charlie.
"Smart," retorted Grace, "and sporty."
Beef smiled.
Spencer looked up at the nearest clock he could spot. Just one more hour until midnight. He would pop the question and his new year would begin on a sweet note.
"So, you're friends with the boss's son?," asked Beef.
"Yeah," responded Charlie. He gulped a swig of his margarita. "He and I met on the first day. He's been looking out for me, and I've looked out for him. He invites me and Donna to birthdays, holidays. Stuff like that."
Donna downed the last of her champagne and excused herself to get another.
"So this is all his?," asked Beef, looking from one corner of the penthouse to the next. Between the sea of guests, it was hard to find your way around without drowning in the suffocating crowd.
"Pretty much," quipped Charlie.
"Cool."
"I'm back," chirped Donna, holding up her newly-refilled champagne flute. She looked from Charlie to Beef and said, "Speaking of, where is Justin?"
"He's here somewhere," said Charlie, swiveling his head. "Let's go find him."
He and Donna meandered through the throng, getting lost in the process. Beef walked over to the bar, taking out his cellphone, scrolling through his contacts.
Grace meanwhile strode up to the enormous windows, gazing out at the velvety night. The stars surrounded the moon; the billowing clouds rolling away. She felt another's presence close in on her, knowing full-well it was Spencer.
"So," he said, "it's almost the new year."
"Yeah," said Grace.
You will get a sentimental feeling
When you hear
Voices singing let's be jolly
Deck the halls with boughs of holly
This was the moment where Spencer would get lost in his throughs, reflecting over his past exploits, and how far he got. He would remember to that Christmas where he met Grace, as well as Donna, Charlie and Beef. It was one of the most fun times he's ever had. Since that Christmas, he stayed in contact with Grace and the rest for the next several years, only until they reached adulthood did they meet and began their lives. They made a pact to stay together as long as possible.
"How's your mom?," inquired Spencer, taking a sip of his daiquiri. He noticed he was almost finish with it, and opted to get a refill.
"She's fine," said Grace plainly. "Dad's fine, too."
"That's good."
"And your sister?"
"Well, you know, singing, acting."
"Right."
He looked down at his glass and said, "I'll be right back. Do you want anything?" He pointed to the glass to give her an idea on what refreshment she wants.
"A peach Bellini," replied Grace.
"You got it," said Spencer, giving her the finger gun. Grace chortled.
In a few minutes, Spencer got a refill on his daiquiri and Grace's order, and returned to the window, handing her her drink, and the two resorted to watching the star-speckled sky. Spencer reached into his pocket, stealing a glance at Grace, who was busy looking out at the nightly backdrop. He pulled out the little red box. He dropped it back in his pocket, and reached for his cellphone in his other pocket. Checking the time he saw it was only twenty more minutes until midnight.
"Hey Spencer!"
Spencer turned around to see Charlie walking up to him with Donna beside him. He also bright someone else. The man was taller than Charlie with an olive tone of skin, bright green eyes, and a striping jaw. His black hair was worn in a slicked back undercut. He wore a grey suit with a lavender button-up shirt with a tie the color of wine. He wore a pair of mahogany wingtip shoes.
"This is my friend," said Charlie, "Clyde Beckett."
"Hi," said Clyde, holding out a hand, "nice to meet you."
"Pleasure," retorted Spencer, shaking his hand. He splayed his hand over to Grace. "This is my girlfriend, Grace Conrad."
"Hi," said Grace, shaking Clyde's hand.
"Nice to meet you," quoth Clyde.
Rockin' around the Christmas tree
Have a happy holiday
Everyone dancing merrily
In the new old fashioned way
Charlie downed the last of his margarita. "Great party," he quipped.
"Thanks," said Clyde, smiling.
"Hey guys!," called Beef, walking up to the group, waving a hand. He had his other arm wrapped around a woman.
"Beef," chimes Charlie, "is this her?"
"Yup."
Beef's date was blond with green eyes; her cheeks were sharply contrasted her barrow nose. Her well-toned muscles defined her olive-toned skin. She wore a glittering midnight blue gown reaching the floor. She had a matching wrap. She wore a red lipstick that was close to resembling orange. She wore dusty brown eyeshadow.
"Everyone," said Beef when he had everyone's attention, "I'd like you to meet my date, Rhonda Sanders." He pointed to Charlie. "That's Charlie."
"Hi," piped Charlie.
Beef waved over to Donna. "That's his wife, Donna."
"Hey," said Donna, smiling.
"Over there is Spencer," said Beef, pointing at him.
"Hello," retorted Spencer.
"That's Grace." Beef motioned over to Grace.
"Hi," remarked Grace.
Beef's eyes landed on Clyde.
"And that's..." He struggled to catch Clyde's name.
"Clyde," quipped Clyde, "Beckett. Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you all," said Rhonda. Her voice warbled with a sultry undertone.
"It's nice that you could come," reiterated Clyde. He glanced over his shoulder, seeing someone waving to him. "I've gotta check something out." He gave them a wave before sauntering off.
The group saw him off and it was just the six of them now.
"So," said Rhonda, looking at Donna, "what do you do?"
"I'm a graphic designer," replied Donna.
"Oh really?" Rhonda smiled. "That's interesting."
"Yeah, you see I..."
She and Rhonda walked off together, their conversation lost with the rest of the prattle and music.
"So, Beef," quipped Charlie, "how are your parents?"
"My folks are alright," he answered, "they call every weekend just to know what I'm up to."
"That's good," said Grace, "that you keep in touch with your parents."
"At least your parents remember you exist," commented Grace. She took a sip of her peach Bellini to stifle down her resentment.
"You and your parents still not talking?," asked Charlie.
"I haven't talked to them in years," retorted Grace, stirring her drink with her straw, "the last time I talked to them was when I left for college."
"Dang," uttered Beef.
"It's for the best," reiterated Grace, "they were never there for me when I was a kid, now I'm at a place in my life where I don't need them in my life."
"That's good," said Spencer, "that you cut them out of your life."
"Yeah, well," began Grace, sipping her Bellini, "but sometimes I wonder if they're thinking about me. If they miss me. If they feel bad about leaving me alone."
"Well, you'll never know unless you talk to them," interjected Charlie.
Grace sipped her peach Bellini.
"Well," said Charlie, pulling out his phone. He checked the time. "It's almost midnight. Time to get ready."
"Yeah," said Spencer.
Unbeknownst to Grace, Spencer was getting ready to take out the ring box and ask Grace the monumental question. The question that would seal his future forever. It won't be long now.
To pass the time, he strode over to the windows, and looked out onto the cacophonous city. He sipped his daiquiri every second or so, waiting for the right moment. Since they met at the airport they made a pact that they'd stay in contact as long as time would allow it. As soon as they all came of age, they all agreed to move to one city in order to stay together. That city being New York; it was the most obvious to choose from, and they all dreamed of living in the city with their best friends, like in the movies. To this day, he was grateful to have Grace in his life, and he hoped to have for the rest of his life.
"So," spoke Charlie, "I think this year, Grace and I plan on taking another trip. Maybe to Tahiti, or Fiji. Or maybe Ibiza."
"Wow," quipped Grace, "I wish I could go to Ibiza someday."
"Me too," swooned Donna, walking up to her. She had finished her conversation with Rhonda, and she was back with Beef.
"Your trip to Europe from last year was fun."
"Yeah, it was."
"I loved it all," said Charlie, "the Eiffel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Louvre."
"How was the Mona Lisa?," asked Grace.
"Beautiful," replied Donna, "and mysterious."
Grace let out a sigh. "I wish I could see the Mona Lisa."
"You're gonna love it when you do."
Spencer looked over at his friends. He remembered every moment at the airport like it was yesterday. That was quite the adventure he would remember for the rest of his life. Getting to his sister at the lodge was the most dangerous as well as fun exploit he'd ever done. Ever since Grace spent that first Christmas with him and his family, she'd been spending every Christmas with him every year with her parents' permission. And from there their relationship grew. Katherine saw Grace as an older sister and a close friend.
He pulled out his cellphone and checked the time. It was 11:53. Almost time.
"Get ready, guys!," hollered Charlie, holding up his glass.
"It's almost here!," shouted a man in the crowd.
Spencer downed the last of his daiquiri and set the glass down on an end table. He took out the ring box and walked toward Grace. She was busily talking to Donna, completely unaware. He tapped her on the shoulder.
"Grace," uttered Spencer, holding the ring box behind his back.
"Yeah?," she said, turning around. Behind her, Donna smiled at Spencer, giving him a thumbsup. Charlie dashed to her side and did the same as her.
"I," began Spencer, "I've been meaning to ask you this for a while."
"What?" Grace furrowed her brow.
Okay, just be cool, he ordered himself. You can do this.
"Ever since that first day," said Spencer, "I knew you were the one. Ever since we met at the airport and you helped me escape to get to my sister."
"True story," said Donna to Rhonda. The blonde gave a savvy nod.
"I couldn't find the words then," continued Spencer, "but I'm here now, and all I've got to say is this..."
Spencer pulled out the ring box and got down on one knee. Gracie's eyes protruded, she handed her drink glass to Donna. Those who were watching let out a chorus of gasps and whistles.
"Grace Conrad," said Spencer, opening the box, revealing a gold ring with a resplendent diamond, "will you marry me?"
Gracie's eyes twinkled.
"Yes," she cheeped, "yes, yes, a thousand time a yes!"
Spencer held her hand, took the ring out of its box and slipped in into her finger on her hand.
"Wooh!," roared Charlie. "Congratulations Spencer and Grace!" He swigged his margarita.
"Happy New Year!," hollered a man in the crowd.
The wall clock read midnight on the dot.
Spencer pulled Grace close and pressed his lips against hers. Grace flung her arms around him, kissing back. The rest of the world was drowned out in the tumultuous music and chatter.
Grace pulled away, gazing into Spencer's eyes.
"Alright," said Donna, wrapping her arm around Grace. "Hey," she said to Grace, "can I be maid of honor."
"Of course," replied Grace.
"And I can be the best man," proclaimed Charlie.
"Yeah," said Spencer.
"Congratulations on you two," commented Beef, arm encircled around Rhonda.
"Cheers to you," said Rhonda.
"Look at that," quipped Charlie, "the fireworks."
Outside in the city, the T-Ball must've reached the bottom for there was a splash of fireworks bathing the dark velvet. It was an extravagant display most indescribable, and the earsplitting noise drowned out even the loudest cheers.
"It is definitely the new year," uttered Spencer, gazing out the window.
Grace smiled, and laid her head on Spencer's shoulder. Her and Spencer's new year was going to be a good one.
So I have this headcanon that took days to reel in. As you can see, I made it where they all stayed in touch throughout their childhood and teen years. And when they were old enough to move out they decided to live together in one city; New York. Don't ask me why I chose New York, I wasn't sure what state the airport was, except I know that Spencer and Katherine's father drove from Pennsylvania to pick them up.
I chose to make Katherine a pop sensation. I mean, come on, she looks the type and singing seemed right up her tree.
Donna became a graphic designer. Charlie works at a firm, don't know which one. He and Donna got married two years ago.
Grace became a lawyer, and cut ties with her parents and hasn't spoken to them in years.
I don't know what kind of career best suited Beef, but I'm guessing he works with children. Maybe he's a life coach.
Spencer became an author, and has a popular book published.
Once again; Happy New Year! 8-D