Alice climbed up on a kitchen chair and announced to the party, "ten minutes until midnight. Everyone grab your champagne!" Bella worked her way to the kitchen. As she stood in line, she wondered how Alice knew this many people.
Suddenly someone crashed into her from behind. Bella turned around.
"I am so sorry." He said, putting his hands up.
"It's fine. It's so crowded." She replied.
She started to turn back around when he spoke up again. "How do you know Jasper and Alice?"
"Alice and I were roommates in college, you?"
"Jasper and I work together, but I have known Alice all my life. We grew up across the street from each other." He said.
"You must be Edward!" Bella said, connecting the dots. "I'm Bella." She put out her hand to shake his. Electricity sparked between them.
When they reached the front of the line, Edward handed her a champagne glass and took one for himself.
"Thanks." She smiled at him. Their fingers brushed as she took the glass. Edward wondered to himself how they had not met before? He made a mental note to get with Alice and learn more about her.
Alice climbed back up on her chair and called for everyone's attention. "Let the countdown begin! Grab your noisemakers and your special someone!" Jasper held her around the waist and helped her off the chair. Everyone began shouting, 10…9…
"Where is your date?" Edward asked, looking around the room. 6…5…
"I came alone." She said, focused on his green eyes. "Did you bring a date?" 3…2…
'"No." He shouted over the cheers and noise makers. They stared at each other for a moment. Without either one making the conscious choice, their lips met. When Edward broke the kiss, he leaned into Bella's ear and whispered, "Happy New Year."