I wasn't sure exactly where I wanted to go with this chapter. I did decide on bringing up some old things that hadn't been brought up in awhile. I also tried to get as much Dylan and Marco time as I could, but the chapter was already long enough. But don't worry, they are not leaving the story yet. Anyway, though this chapter is important I didn't find it so important I don't feel it's the most important chapter, so I might go back and change it around a little if I find it need to. But as of now, this is the final Chapter 16.

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Chapter 16

A new year had finally come. Mrs. Michalchuk had thrown a small gathering for New Years Eve. Only a few of her and Mr. Michalchuk's close family friends came. Also, Marco had come excited to be spending New Year's Eve with Dylan. I invited Ellie since she said she had didn't have any plans. My conversation with Paige on Christmas was still fresh in my mind. Unfortunately, I hadn't had time to really talk to Paige. I had barely started a sentence when Mrs. Michalchuk had ripped the phone out of my hands to finish her conversation with Paige and give her a real guilt trip for not being home for the holidays. I had spent so much time after that examining the necklace. Every time I opened the velvet box was like I was opening it for the first time. I would always act like I didn't know what was inside. I was still in so much disbelief. I hadn't even gotten Paige anything. Thinking back to that night on the phone. I wondered if she had known? I didn't know, what I did know is that I had this beautiful necklace that I hadn't even worn yet. I decided to put an end to that on New Years Eve. Mrs. Michalchuk's party was semi-formal, so I threw on and old pair of jeans and decided to wear the black sweaters Mrs. Michalchuk had given me for Christmas. I put on the locket Paige had given me. It went perfectly with the outfit. I figured it would look perfect with anything. I took a moment to examine myself. I was surprised to find, I thought I actually looked decent. Definitely presentable. Mrs. Michalchuk had good taste in cloths...naturally. I went downstairs to join the party. Only a few guest had actually arrived.

"Whoa…Alex." Marco said as I came downstairs.

I smiled.

"You look nice." He finished.

"Cute sweater." Dylan commented. "Is that the one my mother gave you?"

"Yea." I replied.

"And is that a heart shaped necklace your wearing?" Marco asked, "Well, someone has reformed to becoming a girly girl."

"It was a gift." I corrected. I could see Dylan grin as I subconsciously placed my hand up to the locket.

"From?" Marco questioned.

"Paige." I said. The name sounded strange to me. I had said Paige's name numerous times by myself, but in public it was different. Awkward, like no one was supposed to know about Paige. Only me.

"Wow." Marco said. He gave an odd look as if he were thinking about something for a second before speaking, "It's pretty." He finished.

"Thank you." I said hoping to end this conversation. There had to be something else to talk about. Before we could change topics the door bell rang.

"Can one of you kids get the door, please?" Mrs. Michalchuk asked. I knew she was referring to Dylan and me.

Dylan didn't look to eager to move.

"I'll get it." I said. I quickly darted over to the door as it sounded again. I opened it to find Ellie standing there. To my surprise she had dressed up. I thought she looked very beautiful. I had never actually really seen her in formal attire before. Or maybe I hadn't actually ever paid attention. I was actually speechless.

"uhhhh..." Was all I managed to get out.

"Hi." She said. "Sorry if I'm early."

No, your right on time." I told her. I moved aside to give her room to step in. "You look very pretty." I said suddenly.

She smiled at me, "Thank you. So do you. I like that necklace." She said as she took off her coat. I quickly rushed to take it from her.

"I'll hang this up here." I said as I opened the closet door.

"Okay." She acknowledge.

"Ellie!" Marco shouted from across the room. He quickly moved through the small group of people, Dylan was on his tale.

"Marco!" Ellie said embracing him in a tight hug. "How are you?"

"Good! I can't believe I haven't seen you since the holiday's started. How was your Christmas?" He asked smiling widely.

"It was good." She said as she nodded, "And you?"

"It was good. Look what Dylan got me." Marco lifted up his sleeve to revile what looked to be a very expensive watch.

"Nice." She said.

"It should be better than nice." Dylan laughed, "It cost me a fortune."

Marco laughed turning to him, "Well I think it's beautiful." He said as he leaned in to give Dylan a soft kiss on the lips.

"Ahh...that's why I like you." Dylan said returning the affection. I noticed Ellie blushing a little. She turned to look at me.

"Well then..." She was obviously trying to avoid looking at Marco and Dylan. I chuckled at her. I wasn't sure what to say. I was still speechless.

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I couldn't help but notice the entire night, my eyes kept wondering back to Ellie. I didn't know why. I would be nicely having a pleasant conversation with one of Mrs. Michalchuk's guests and my eyes would suddenly wander over to see what Ellie was doing. I would quickly return my gaze realizing I hadn't caught a word of what they had been saying. It was exhausting trying to carry a conversation and having no idea what the topic was on. Every so often I would walk by the mirror in the walkway to examine my necklace. It still had my attention just as much as Ellie did. I had also realized I hadn't even really talked to her since she had arrived. She was over at the party platters.

"How's the party?" I asked as Ellie was picking at some of the finger food.

"It's good." She said taking a bite of a cheese stick.

"I'm sorry if it's boring." I said.

"No, I'm not bored. And besides, it's better than being alone." She said.

"Your not alone." I said. Afterwards I realized how stupid that sounded. Ellie looked at me trying to process that too.

"I know." She said her voice had a bit of a well obviously tone. I tried to save myself.

"I just mean, your don't have to be...or I'll always.. you know what…forget it." I said getting frustrated with myself.

Ellie smiled at me and took another bite of the cheese stick.

"Alright." She said. I thought I had scared her for a moment.

"I'm just really tired." I lied, I was wide awake, "Is it New Years yet?" I asked.

"Uhh.." Ellie looked behind me at the clock hanging on the wall, "Ten more minutes."

"Yay." I said. I sounded like such an idiot.

"Wow..." She said now picking at some of the carrots and dip, "You must be tired."

"You have no idea." I lied again.

"Well, I'm really glad you invited me. It's funny to see you like this." She joked.

I laughed. I was scared to say anything for fear of sounding dumb again. She gave kind of an awkward smile and there was a silence between us. I couldn't have been happier when Marco came over to us.

"Hey guys. We got ten minutes till countdown." He said looking extremely upbeat.

"Yep." Ellie said not quite sharing his enthusiasm.

Again, I decided against speaking. Marco soon disappeared off with Dylan. It was just Ellie and me and the clock was ticking.

"So, we start school soon." Ellie said, obviously pulling for conversation.

"Yea, are you looking forward to it?" I asked.

"Not really." She answered.

"Oh, but think of all the time you get to spend with me." I joked.

"Hey, your the only reason I'm going to school." She jested back.

"It will be good for you." I said making semi-goofy face.

"Oh, you're the one to talk." She laughed.

Were we flirting?

"Alright you guys!" Mr. Michalchuk yelled and everyone started counting.

"10...9...8...7..6...5...4...3...2...1...Happy New Years!" Everyone yelled.

I suddenly felt Ellie's arms wrap around me as she hugged me. I smelled her hair. Apple. Nice.

"Happy New Years." She said.

"Happy New Years" I replied back as she released my from her hug. We gazed at each other for a second but were quickly interrupted by Mrs. Michalchuk who came over our area.

"Oh Ellie." She smiled, "Wonderful to see you again dear. Happy New Years." She embraced her in a hug.

"You too. Happy New Years." Ellie replied.

"How did I go through the evening without seeing you?" She questioned.

"I dunno." Ellie said.

"Well, I'm glad you came. It gave Alex somebody to talk to." Mrs. Michalchuk said smiling at me. She turned back to Ellie.

"Now, will you be staying the night?"

Ellie was obviously unprepared for this question, "Uhh...actually I hadn't planed on it. I have to get up early for work tomorrow. I don't actually get New Years off. "

"Oh, such a shame. So, how are you getting home?" She questioned. Mrs. Michalchuk was in mother mode now and there was no stopping her.

"Well, I had planned on taking the bus."

I could already see Mrs. Michalchuk was about to explode with horror. "At this hour? No, Alex will give you a ride. I'd take you home myself but I'm afraid I've had a few to many drinks tonight."

Ellie didn't dispute with Mrs. Michalchuk and I already knew I didn't have a choice.

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I had never actually driven Paige's van before. It was weird sitting in the drivers seat. I started the ignition as Ellie was getting in. Her perfume suddenly filled the car. It smelt good.

"Alex, thanks for giving me a ride home." Ellie said as she buckled her seat belt

"No problem." I replied, "Now I just have to get the heat on. It's frickin' freezing."

The drive to Ellie's house was peacefully quiet. I sensed she was tired and the heat was beginning to make me feel drowsy myself. I was relieved when we finally reached her house.

"Alright, thanks for the ride. I'll call you so we can do something. Maybe you, me and Marco before he has to go back." She said as she was unbuckling her seat belt.

"That sounds good." I replied. "See you later."

"Bye." She said as she closed the van door. I waited until she was safely inside before taking off.

My drive home was plagued with so many thoughts. Ellie was my friend. She had always been my friend and nothing more. Though, she had looked so nice tonight and she smelt so good. Mrs. Michalchuk's comment from a few weeks ago ran through my head. "She's cute." Yes, there was no denying Ellie was very pretty and she had smelt really good. I started to think about what it would be like to be with Ellie, but stopped myself. No. My hand reached down to my necklace. Instantly I felt those butterflies flutter. Ellie didn't even compare to Paige, but did I like Ellie? I had never thought about her like that before. I couldn't get my feelings straight. I like her as a friend...maybe more? No. I finally settled my thoughts. Ellie was just a friend...But god she smelt good.

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Sorry for the lack of Dylan and Marco. I'll try to have some more time with them in the next chapter. Also, I think I will be trying to get another Degrassi character in the story next chapter too. And don't worry, like I said I'm slowly working Paige into the story now. hehe...