Amelia

"Did you see that lady?" Chloe gawked as we sped walked out of the subway, "She wouldn't stop looking at you."

"I know." I shuddered in my coat. Our entire ride she wouldn't let up her stare, besides glancing at the rest of our group before returning to me.

"That's why I don't come to the city. Did you guys see that guy that got gunned down by the cops because he was eating a rat?"

"Yeah, but he also tried attacking the officers." Chloe retorted.

"Still. Who eats a rat?" I threw in.

"Probably some crackhead." Jason exaggerated a shudder, "I'm telling you, I'd only come to visit. I don't see myself ever moving here."

The streets were busy, and the wind created a fixed blush by whipping our cheeks. After we found a good spot to see the ball drop, we huddled together to stay warm. Ryan and I began talking amongst ourselves as Jason and Chloe discussed her first meeting with his parents.

Our small huddle got tighter as the day went on, from people pushing around us. Ryan's proximity had grown closer gradually, but what shocked me more was I didn't mind it. Most of my time was spent thinking about the surfacing butterflies when the back of his hand would brush mine, or how my heart would race when he'd watch me with such interest.

The shows were entertaining, and the commercial breaks only served for us talk about what we liked and didn't. The host was able to pull me out of my thoughts with the countdown, "Three. Two. One. Happy New Year!" Chloe was the first to pull me into a hug, before jumping into Jason's arms and sharing a New Year's kiss.

I turned to Ryan, when I felt someone tap on my back. He lent down, and I turned my face to hear him better. "How about a New Year's kiss?" His proximity warmed my half frozen cheek. My eyes met his before glancing down at his lips.

My throat tightened and the butterflies flew rampant, making me slightly nauseous. I attempted to clear my throat, but I couldn't even do that. It was like my vocal chords were frozen dry. So, I nodded, unable to find my voice.

It could've been the fireworks exploding in the background, or the confetti that floated everywhere, but that kiss felt magical. The cheering city was silenced by my heart thumping in my ears. Tingles flew across my cheek where his hand held my face, and my fists gripped his coat, pulling him into me further.

A pang of disappointment rung through me as our kiss ended. Our gazes shifted between our lips and eyes for a few moments as we pulled away. My surroundings slowly consumed me again as I released Ryan's coat from my clenched hands.

His eyes were still on me when Chloe yelled, "Let's party!"

Jason led the way with Chloe tucked under his arm, and Ryan and I followed close behind. Ryan extended his hand, and when he saw my hesitation he explained, "So you don't get lost, or pulled into the crowds."

The crowds were vicious out here. Everyone just wanted to get where they needed to go. Whether it was home, or the subway, or a club like Jason was leading us to. Looks were being thrown at other for being in 'their' way.

I took Ryan's hand, accepting it easily. I sucked in a sharp cold breath at the electricity that sprung up my arm.

Thousands of people talking created a loud murmur in the streets. Some vendors yelled to sell their late night snacks. Cars purred and honked as we got out of the blocked off street. I could barely hear Ryan when he pulled me into him, "Stay close." We were in a gridlock, barely moving, and I couldn't see ahead, so I did as he said and even snuggled closer when he tucked me under his arm.

I'd rather be near him, someone I know is safe, than have strangers bumping into me- touching me who knows where. After all, he didn't hesitate to switch with me when I showed discomfort in the subway car.

It wasn't long before we handed our coats into coat check, and made our way to the bar, ordering another round of shots as the club filled up quickly.

"Do you know that guy?" I asked Ryan, as we both glanced at the guy whispering in Jason's ear, while pulling out a case of something from a bag.

How did he even get that pass security? The guy searched my bag twice because a hairpin set off their sensitive detectors.

Ryan shook his head, his hand gently on my waist as he pulled us closer to our group. The guy ripped off a tab and placed it in Chloe's hand and another in Jason's. He leant into Jason, before pointing to me and Ryan.

"Do you guys want some?" Jason called.

I grabbed the tabled wrapping from Chloe's palm and flipped it over a few times. It was a small white pill. Could be ecstasy. The only strange thing was the aluminum backing on the wrapping read 'H.I.I.P.E.' in small letters. Hype?

This whole scenario screamed off to me, and by the time I looked up the guy with the packaging was gone, and Chloe had a new pill in her hand.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" I grabbed Chloe' shoulder, making her face me as she looked up from the white pill in her palm, "You're already drunk, you shouldn't mix those."

"Come on! Have fun, Mel, you never do." She grinned, nodding towards my pill, before glancing over my shoulder at Ryan. She popped the pill with Jason without a moment's hesitation.

I turned to Ryan, who spoke before I could say anything, "I'm good with a few shots." I sighed in relief, "Me too."

*

"Do you always wake up this early?" Ryan's voice startled me. He stood shirtless behind the kitchen counter, watching me cook up enough eggs and bacon for everyone.

"It's eleven." I chuckled, eyeing him before glancing at his toned torso.

"Still pretty early, considering we were out till four." He didn't have to remind me. I remembered the drunken laughs we shared as we led our disoriented friends through the subway.

"That's true." I nodded, serving us both, before sitting at the countertop, "How was the couch?"

"A bed might have been softer." His dimples came out as he teased, "So, what's life like these days?"

I smiled at the attempt of a casual conversation. "Good, I guess. I'm a full time student." I moved the eggs around my plate, hating my response.

"No job yet?"

"Nope."

He straightened up, as he finished swallowing his bite, "That's alright."

"Except for the fact that I'm graduating this spring and I have no idea if I'm actually going to be happy with my career choice."

"What's your major?"

"Psychology." I sighed.

"That explains a few things." He paused, "You don't like it?"

"I mean I do, but what if it's not what I want to do for the rest of my life?" My eyes finally met his. His genuine smile reached his eyes as he watched me with interest. "Sorry. I don't know why I'm telling you this." I shook my head, wanting to eat my words.

"Don't apologize, I get it." We shared a moment of understanding before my gaze shifted back to my plate. It was odd. Even a look felt intimate with him. Nonetheless, it was nice having someone other than Chloe who understood me.

"Are you heading back to Caldwell with us?" I asked quietly.

"Yeah, my parents want to see me before classes start again." He glanced at me, "What about you?"

"Yeah, my dad and my sister went to Europe to celebrate New Years- it was on my parent's bucket list. So, I'm assigned house sitting duties until they get back."

"I smell food!" Jason came out of his room with Chloe stumbling behind him to close her night robe. They were obviously still high.

Chloe grinned at us, "Did you two have fun last night?" Chloe wiggled her eyebrows. I glanced at Ryan, feeling my cheeks heat up.

"Chloe, how're you feeling?"

Her smile widened and she giggled, "Changing the subject is a good sign." She nodded to herself, "I'm feeling so good. I can't believe you made eggs and bacon. I love you Mel. So much."

"Did our little M&M make all this food for us?" Jason laughed.

"What did that guy give you guys last night?" I watched them carefully.

"I don't know, but I feel fucking amazing." He mumbled, before pointing at his plate, "This is so good." Chloe held onto him, stroking his chest and continuously touching him, her expression distant.

We packed our belongings, Ryan and I helped Jason and Chloe, before tossing them into Jason's car and starting the hour ride.

"You're such a good pilot, Ryan." Chloe mumbled.

"I'm starting to get worried." I whispered to Ryan, shifting in my seat to watched them from over the seat, "Don't you think they should've started crashed by now?"

"Probably." Ryan glanced in his rearview, his softened features scrunched as he looked at our friends.

"Should we still drop them off like this?"

"If Jason's mom is home, she'll probably flip, but what other options are there?"

"They can stay at my place, and I can drop them off when they feel better." I suggested.

"No way am I leaving you to babysit them. We barely got them to cooperate enough to get on the train last night."

I couldn't imagine having to have taken care of my hallucinating friends by myself last night. "You're right. It'll probably be too much."

When we arrived at Jason's house, Ryan helped them inside, and insisted I stay in the car. The lights were off, and no cars were in the driveway, so his parents could've been out for the night. Ryan smiled at me through the windshield as he came back to the car.

"Thanks for driving the entire way." I spoke between giving directions to my house.

"Don't worry about it. It was kind of relaxing."

A moment passed between us, the radio played softly in the back.

"You don't have a boyfriend, right?" Ryan asked quietly. I would've missed the question had my attention not already been on him.

I glanced at Ryan, "No."

"I was just thinking about last night- and I didn't want to overstep any boundaries."

I felt the corners of my lips turn up. He was thinking about our kiss.

"Thanks... for not trying to overstep."

"Is this it?"

I looked up, to see my house, "Yeah, this is it." I grabbed my bag slowly, not ready to leave the car. The original thought of having a week to study alone and have me time wasn't looking as promising now. Ryan was good company, genuine, and I liked talking to him.

"You know, it's funny how we've never really hung out before these last two days. I live like fifteen minutes away. Ten, without traffic."

"I don't know, I think it makes sense. We were just never in the same groups."

"I mean I guess. But it's just a shame, you know? I feel like we would've hit it off, if we'd gotten to know each other."

"Maybe." We shared a smile. Ryan helped me with taking my bags inside, and we lingered by the doorway.

"Thanks for everything."

"Of course. Good night, Mel," He smiled, walking off and stopping just a few steps before turning around, "Can I get your number?"

We shared a smile as I laughed, "Sure."

I'm not too thrilled about this chapter. The first two chapters are basically building character and setting everything up. I'm still trying to figure out a way to leave this chapter on edge- if I even can.

Let me know what you guys think of this chapter. 

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