New Year's Eve

It's already New Year's Eve and still no calls from Raiden. It seems that everyone was right from the very start. Why would someone like him be with someone like me? Why would Raiden Patterson be interested in a nobody like me. I was way over my head and I've been had. Maybe he's with Taylor in Paris right now, and they're just laughing at me because I fell for their bet. I wonder who won. I just hope Raiden has the decency to tell me what's going on but apparently he doesn't.

I have been brooding in my room for a few days now and my mom has been constantly asking if I'm okay. Even Jason has been checking on me constantly. I haven't told them anything yet, they just think that I'm missing Raiden.

"Cassie?" My mom was knocking on the door. "I need help in the kitchen, honey." Can you help me with tonight's dinner, please? I'm having some people over and I'm running a bit late."

"Fine! I'll be right down." I'm not really in the mood to prepare for any festivity, especially not this one. I was looking forward to having Raiden as my first kiss for this coming year and I guess it's never gonna happen now. I guess I will never be kissing him ever again.

I busied myself with whatever work my mom needed done. The distraction was a very welcome change in my routine for the past few days. By around 6 pm, everything was done and my mom told me to take a shower and make myself look presentable. "Why? It's not like your guests will take notice of me."

"Because it's New Year's Eve and you don't want to start the new year without a shower for days. You smell terrible Cas, sorry to be so blunt but you can use a shampoo and probably some deodorant." She pushed me towards the stairs as I rolled my eyes.

When I went to the bathroom, the tub looked really inviting and I decided to just soak in my misery, literally. I don't know how long I've been in there but as I was changing I thought I heard some voices downstairs. I guess my mom's guests are already here. I still took my time blow-drying my hair and picking out an outfit because I don't really want to engage in any small talk with anyone before dinner. I waited until Jason knocked on my door to say that it's time for dinner.

I dragged myself downstairs and I found it weird that it seems quiet. I knew I heard voices earlier and I wasn't imagining it. My heart leapt with the sight of the dining table. There was Raiden and his parents, sitting there looking at me. He got up as soon as he saw me. "Surprise, babe!"Told you I'd get back as soon as I can."

I felt glued to where I was standing. Either that or my legs have turned into jelly. I could not move. Here I am wallowing in misery thinking about all these negative stuff about Raiden and he's here surprising me on New Year's Eve, with his parents nonetheless. I could not believe my eyes until he came over and hugged me, I was crying.

"I hate you!" I said in between the sobs.

"What? I went home to surprise you and made your wish come true and yet you still hate me?"

"What are you doing here? I've been trying to call you for a week now!" I hit his arm.

"My parents can see you, if you're going to beat me up. Mooom!!!" He retorted.

"So sorry, Cas, I got really busy but mom got the return tickets and we had to change planes twice and travel twenty six hours just so I can spend tonight with you. If you're mad, you can take it up with her," I laughed.

"Are you serious?" I looked at Catherine and she nodded. "Raiden was brooding the whole time and it was ruining our vacation, so I just decided to return him to you. You can have him forever." She said.

"See? She's giving me away now. All the women in my life hates me!" He joked.

As we neared the table, Catherine hugged me. "Oh, it's okay dear. We're here now. It's the new year so you should be happy!"

"I am crying because I'm happy. Thank you so much Catherine!"

"Anything for my children. Anything to make the both of you happy."

We sat down and enjoyed my mom's pesto spinach lasagna and roast. "You really should give me your recipes Terry, this lasagna is divine!" gushed Catherine.

"Watch out, she's going to convince you to work at the winery soon. I can see it coming," warned Randy.

"Stop it Randall!" Catherine glared at her husband. Randy chuckled and everyone else laughed.

"I don't mind sharing them so you can serve it at your restaurant. Maybe we can trade secrets, haha! Cassie was telling me about your food at Thanksgiving too and she could not stop telling me how great it was."

"I would love that very much!" Catherine looked pleased.

"Wait up. Mom, how did you know they were coming?"

"I gave Raiden her phone number!" Jason piped in, proud to be part of the surprise.

"What? When was this? You guys knew and you just let me wallow in my misery for days?" I complained.

"Well, it wouldn't be a surprise if we told you, would it." My mom said in a gentle but sarcastic voice.

The rest of the dinner was lively and energetic as they told us stories of their Christmas getaway. I wish I can go there with Raiden too, someday.

After dinner, we sat on the porch for a while, he gave me my Christmas gift and I gave him mine. His was a picture of constellations in a heart. The title read, 'The Night You Gave Me Your Heart' and below the picture was the place, time and day I agreed to be his girlfriend. "So that you will always remember me when you look at this and the sky. Even when I'm gone, look up in the sky on this day at this time and I will be there for you."

"I didn't know you're such a hopeless romantic Mr. Patterson." I kissed him.

Then, we all went to Raiden's winery for their New Year's Eve Countdown party. I guess he will be my first kiss for the year after all. Everything is right in my world again, or so I thought.