23 - happy new year

Amina

<>

I couldn't believe that my request for a restraining order was denied. They said it was due to insufficient evidence. There wasn't a police report the day of the attack so they only had witness reports to go off of, the texts were not deemed as threatening, and Aaron had a clean record before the incident so they had no reason to believe he'd be a harm to me.

"You never told us he was still harassing you." Is the first thing Isaiah says when we get into the car.

Christmas had come just as quickly as it had gone. We had said our goodbyes and it was time to head back to our homes in Los Angeles.

I was in the car with Caleb and Isaiah and we were making our way to Noah's house to pick him up.

I sigh, "Because I thought I had a handle on it."

"That's why Dominic started hanging around isn't it?" Caleb asks.

"No. Yes? He insisted." I admit.

"Because you went to him, not us." Caleb states.

"I only went to Dominic because the texts seemed to threaten him too. I went to warn him and he decided to stick around."

Isaiah sighs, "I wish you told us."

I frown, looking at him through the rearview mirror, "What would that have done besides upset you?"

"We could've- I don't know. We could've been there for you." Isaiah says.

"You guys are there for me." I admit, placing a hand on his shoulder from where I sat in the back seat. "And I need you to both stop worrying about me. I'm fine." I said looking at both of them.

"I hope you know that's not possible for either of us. We'll always worry about you. Especially with Aaron still lurking around." Caleb says.

"I appreciate it, I do. But you gotta let me find my own way. Okay?" I ask as we pull up to Noah's house.

"Okay." They both agree as Noah comes skipping down the driveway with several more bags than he came with.

"What's up dudes!" He exclaims happily unaware of the serious conversation that had just taken place. He had just loaded his things in the trunk and joined me in the backseat.

"How was your holiday Noah?" I asked as we made our way back to LA.

"It was great, topped every year prior by a landslide. What about you?"

I shrug, "Same old same old."

"I heard there's going to be a New Year's bash this year, Billy Porter is throwing it at his place. I'm definitely planning to go, what do you guys say?" Noah asks excitedly.

I've come to learn that if Billy Porter was throwing a party, you had to go. He was the rich kid with the huge house who threw the back-to-school party at the beginning of the year. And his parties were always top-tier. But with Bianca and Kendra still away for the holidays, I'd be partying solo.

"Not interested." Caleb comments.

Isaiah shrugs, "I don't know. I think I've already partied out for the year."

"Isaiah! Come on it's the last party of the year. You have to come."

"Yeah that's unlike you not to go, what's up?" I ask curiously.

He shrugs, "Like I said, I'm partied out."

"What about you Ami?"

"I don't know, without the girls around will I have any fun?"

"I could always escort you. We'd have a great time!" Caleb narrows his eyes at Noah through the rearview mirror. "Oh c'mon, Caleb you know I wouldn't pull any moves on little ole Ami. She's like a little sister at this point. She'd be in good hands."

"And somehow that doesn't make us feel better." Isaiah comments.

"Hello? I'm right here and I think I would be the one making the decision?" I said before turning to Noah, "I'd love to accompany you to the New Year's Eve party."

"Woohoo! We're gonna have so much fun!" He cheers.

Part of me was going out of spite of the twins and the other part was eager to get a chance to let loose before starting work and ring in the new year with a bang. The alternative was sitting by myself at home watching Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest and ordering takeout.

"Just be careful. The New Year's parties tend to be a little over the top." Isaiah warns.

"And don't drink too much. Pick the designated driver beforehand or choose to Uber. Or call one of us." Caleb adds in.

"Okay dads, we'll be careful. Don't worry, it'll be a great night." I smile excitedly.

-

"I don't like my hair!" Halle exclaims as she desperately tries to change tame her curly red hair in the mirror.

Halle and I were getting ready for the New Year's Eve party at my apartment. After I returned to my apartment from our winter vacation, I had a shift with Halle and we both learned we were attending the party. So now I was going with both Noah and Halle.

"What about a sleek bun?" I suggest as I work through my hair.

She smiles, "I like the way you think!" She begins attempting to pull back her gingery curls into a sleek low bun.

I was wearing my hair down in its semi-natural state. I added product to help define my curls as I applied an appropriate amount of makeup for tonight's look.

I was wearing a black ruched sequin mesh bodycon dress with long sleeves and a square neckline. I paired it with silver accessories and silver heels.

Halle wore a grey strapless jumpsuit with a flared leg and gold jewelry.

After another hour of prepping, we were almost ready to leave. I could hear a knock on the door as I sprayed myself with perfume. I head over to the door and Noah is standing in front of me with a bottle of tequila in his hands. "Pre-game time pretty ladies!" He says as he enters the apartment with a wide smile. "You look beautiful Ami." He compliments, placing the alcohol on the counter.

"Thank you. Halle is still finishing up but should be done in a second."

"All good. I'll just be here getting buzzed." He says as he opens up the bottle of tequila. "Want me to pour you a shot?" He offers.

I nod, "Make it two."

He chuckles, pouring the contents into three reusable shot glasses he brought. "Something on your mind?"

I shake my head, "No I just want to have a good time. That's all." I take the shot, pinching my nose as I throw my head back.

"Okay but not too good of a time. I don't want to be responsible for anything that goes wrong tonight."

I brush him off picking up my second shot, "Tonight will be awesome. Nothings going to go wrong."

"Cheers to that." Noah says raising his shot to mine.

-

I wasn't expecting Dominic to be here. But considering his most recent actions, I should've seen it coming. Thankfully I was already buzzed, so his presence wasn't bothering me as much as it would have.

The house was the same as the back-to-school party, but somehow it felt completely different. The vibe was only slightly more sophisticated. Rather than a raging house party, it felt like we were at a nightclub. The lighting in the house was dim with only neon lights flashing back and forth.

The flyer said smart casual and everyone came prepared. People were dressed better, wearing dresses and button-up shirts rather than t-shirts and booty shorts.

As we walked through the house, the DJ was playing from the upper level of the house, looking down at the party crowd. People were dancing, talking, and of course, making out in various places in the house. Everyone was given glow sticks as they walked through the door to enhance the look of the party.

Suddenly, No Hands by Waka Flocka starts playing and I squeal. "Guys! This is my song!" I grab both of them before they can say anything and pull them toward the dance floor. Halle giggles as she dances with me, already tipsy from our pregame.

"I'm going to get a drink. You guys want something?" Noah asks over the music.

"Get me whatever they've got!" Halle replies. He nods before looking at me, and I shake my head. Noah wanders off to fetch drinks while Halle and I continue dancing.

"Dominic is here." She tells me over the music.

I nod, still dancing. "I know."

"He's staring, hard."

I shrug, "Let him stare."

We continued dancing as song after song played. "Noah never came back with my drink!" Halle complained.

"I could get you a drink, pretty Princess." A voice says from behind her. We both look up to see who delivered that horrendous line to see Andre, Dominic's friend.

Halle chuckles, rolling her eyes jokingly.

"Andre, give it up."

"C'mon Halle, you love my attention. One dance?"

She smirks at him, "Just one. Because I'm feeling generous."

He smiles before winking at me, "Hey Ami, I'm borrowing your friend real quick. I think mine wants to speak to you."

"Well tell him I don't want to speak to him."

"Or you can tell me yourself." A voice says from behind me.

I turn around to face him. "I'm pretty sure I have." I internally groaned, he looked so good. He had a fresh lineup and wore a black button-up shirt that was slightly opened, allowing his chest and gold chain to be on display for the world. It was a simple look but he made it look so good.

"We need to talk."

"About what? Didn't I say goodbye to you before the holidays?" I ask as I keep dancing. He was standing beside me, unamused at the fact that I was ignoring him.

"I was drunk last time."

I shrug, "So what? So was I."

"Exactly we need to have a clear conversation."

"Too late!"

Suddenly I feel a tap on my shoulder. I turn around, annoyed that I was interrupted but smile when I see by who. "I see you're dancing alone. Care to dance?" A cute guy asks.

"She's not alone." Dominic says from behind me, making the guy's eyes widen.

"Ignore him, I am alone. And yes I'd love to dance." I tell him, pulling him by his arm to get away from Dominic.

Dominic always wanted to talk, but there was nothing to talk about. When we were a good distance away from him, I looked up and smirked at the guy. He was a cute, tall light-skinned guy with what seemed to be hazel eyes and low-cut waves.

We began to dance, and his hands slipped around my waist as I tried to ignore the burning stare coming from where Dominic sat.

"So what's your name?" I ask flirtatiously.

"Kevin, and yourself?"

"Ami." I reply with a smile.

You Right by Doja Cat began to play and Kevin's arms wrapped around me from behind as I danced with him, this time we were both facing Dominic. I tried to ignore him as I gently rocked my hips beside him to the beat, but eventually, I decided to match his stare.

Kevin guided me as we danced together but my gaze stayed with Dominic as the lyrics couldn't have been more true.

You right, I got my guy

But I, I, can't help it, I want you

Said, you right, I got my guy

But I, I, can't help it I want you

Dominic kept his gaze, not daring to look away. His gaze was deadly, and he seemed furious as his jaw was visibly clenched. I smiled at him before turning back around to face Kevin. "Thanks for the dance. I'm going to get a drink." I tell him whispering in his ear.

He nods, letting go of my hand and allowing me to flee to the kitchen. I didn't look back to see if Dominic was following me and decided to find Halle. Unfortunately, she was on the couch with Andre, giggling and talking about something.

I found Noah in the kitchen talking to a group of people and decided to make myself a drink. "Ami there you are!" He exclaims when he notices me.

"You never came back. You're not a good party partner." I scold him.

He chuckles wrapping an arm around my shoulder, "From what I saw you didn't need me."

"I was making do. You owe me a dance."

He shakes his head, "Oh no, there are too many people that would have my head for dancing with you. And I'm not just talking about the twins."

I laugh, "A dance is harmless. Come on!" I dragged him to the dance floor for a friendly dance and couldn't help but notice that Dominic was gone.

Noah and I danced to several songs before the New Year's countdown began. Everyone gathered in the lavish backyard to countdown on the projector and watch the anticipated fireworks.

"Five."

"Four."

"Three."

"Two."

"One."

"Happy New Year!" I cheered with Noah as the fireworks erupted in the sky. People were cheering, kissing, and blowing horns as we entered the new year. I gave Noah a peck on the cheek making his face turn the slightest hint of red.

Halle joined us and the three of us danced the night away, ushering in a brand new year.

———

Yay!! We've reached 1k views! I released this chapter early in celebration of this milestone🥳🥳.

Thanks for reading and keeping voting and commenting for more updates.

- AuggiePooh_