Chapter 7: Bringing on a Brand New Year

Christmas brought a newfound peace to Beth, Quinn and Puck. After they came with her to Shelby's grave, things have been lighter at home. Quinn has lifted Beth's being grounded. Quinn even allowed Beth to go to Kurt and Blaine's house for New Year's. Quinn said she's going to trust Beth, but only if she trusts her, too.

Beth happily rang the doorbell of the Hummel-Anderson household. Zach opened the door and was surprised, "Bethie," He said, giving her a peck on the cheek, "Happy New Year…does your mom know you're here?"

"Of course," Beth said, "And I'm not being sarcastic, okay? We've…We're on a truce."

Zach motioned for her to come in, and she did.

"So," She said, "Where's my Christmas gift?"

He laughed, "I knew you came for a reason…"

She laughed, "I was just kidding," She said, "Where are your parents?"

"Oh, they went to St. Bart's for New Year's,"

"Oh. So you're gonna spend New Year's alone then?"

"Well…no…not really," Zach said, "I'm going over to Sofia's for New Year's. She and her family have invited me over."

"Sofia…that…that girl you met in that art workshop?"

"Yep,"

"You're really into her?"

"She's nice," He said, "and whenever we talk, there's just this magic between us."

"You're speaking like a hopeless romantic."

"Well, Bethie, maybe I am."

She sighed, "I just…I thought we could spend New Year's together."

"Beth,"

She took a deep breath, "Well, maybe I should just…go."

"Bethie, look, I'm sorry,"

She turned back and then turned to look at him again, "I just thought we had something special, you know? I guess I've just been tricking myself too much."

"Beth, it's not like that," He said, "Look, I didn't know you'd come here. Besides, you've been into all these other guys for years, and I was just your friend. I still am. But can't you at least be supportive of me right now?"

She rolled her eyes, "Fine. I'm happy for you," She said sarcastically, "Congratulations. I should go."

"Beth,"

"No, really, I should go. Happy New Year, Zach."

And then she walked away without looking back.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And auld lang syne! Chorus.-For auld lang syne, my dear, For auld lang syne. We'll take a cup o' kindness yet, For auld lang syne. Beth heard Quinn, Puck, Finn, and Rachel's voices as she walked back to their house. But there were some other voices, too. She didn't want to see anybody else, especially now that she's kinda…heartbroken. She didn't wanna admit it to herself, but she was. She opened the door and found her family at the dining room, singing songs for the New Year. "Beth!" Quinn called out, and went up to Beth, "Wow, I thought you'd be at the Anderson's?" "Yeah, but, uhm…they're…spending New Year's somewhere else." Quinn noticed that Beth was looking sad, "You okay?" She asked. "Yeah, Fine," She tried to smile. "Oh," Quinn said, "Look who's here," She and Beth then turned to see Artie Abrams, his wife Andrea, and his younger brother and Beth's classmate, Arnold. "Hi, Beth," Arnold said. "Oh, hey," "They'll be spending New Year's with us," Puck said, "Ain't that cool?" "Yes, cool." Beth said, "I think…I should head up to the terrace first," She said, "Uhm, see the fireworks…" "Beth," Quinn said, "Is something wrong?" Beth took a deep breath, "Don't worry, I'm fine," She smiled a bit, "Just not hungry, enjoy the food." "Is this about Shelby again?" "Oh, believe me, it's not," Beth said, "Please, I just…I'll see you." And then she went upstairs. "What was that about?" Finn asked. Quinn shrugged. "Something must've happened at the Andersons," Puck said, "Maybe I should call Blaine," "Uh, I don't think he'd be there," Arnold said, "He and Kurt are at St. Bart's and Zach will be with…with Sofia's family for New Year's." "Sofia?" Quinn said, "Jesse's daughter?" "Uhm, Yes." Arnold said, "Zach met her at this art workshop and they hit it off…" "Oh," Rachel muttered, "Beth must be hurt. Oh but I mean, I dunno what's going on but judging on how she's acting—" "Maybe I should talk to her," Quinn said. "Oh, Mrs. Puckerman, I'd do it," Arnold said. "You sure?" "Positive." "Okay," She said, "Thanks, Arnold." And Arnold went up the stairs to follow Beth. A/N: Sad Beth is Sad. Now what will the bring? Advanced Happy New Year, everyone!