2002

It was December 27, 2001. All of us were enjoying the remainder of our Christmas break from school before school resumed. It was morning, and Steve's household was having breakfast at the dining room table.

"Family, me and your mom have decided to throw our first ever New Years' Eve party.", said Kevin Sr. "It'll be a lot of fun guys.", said Anna. "And we've been thinking about inviting your friend's mother Steve along with Jamal.", said Kevin Sr.

"That sounds awesome.", said Steve. "We wanted to invite a few of our neighbors over to this upcoming party, and your friend and his mom came to mind.", said Anna. "I'll talk to him and see what he and his mom says.", said Steve.

"You do that son.", said Kevin Sr. "Can you go into further details about what this party will include?", said Kevin. "There's going to be Little Caesar's pizza at this party.", said Anna.

"Little Caesars?! I love Little Caesars. Their pizza is out of this world.", said Kevin. "Can we stay up to watch the ball drop for just this one night?", said Steve. "Of course son. We're gonna have the TV on channel 7 until the early morning of New Years' Day next year.", said Kevin Sr.

"Sounds like a great party so far.", said Kevin. "Will there be any games? Any fun and exciting activities?", said Steve. "Maybe. I and your father still have to think this thing through.", said Anna.

"And you know, New Years' Day is usually the sign that playoff football is getting pretty close.", said Kevin. "And I and Kevin will invite some of our other friends over.", said Steve. "Will there be a DJ?", said Kevin.

"That's actually what we've been considering Kevin.", said Anna. "I recommend getting a DJ.", said Steve. "We'll see.", said Kevin Sr.

***

Later on that afternoon, Steve called me. "Hello?", my mom said. "Hey, Jamal's mom. Look, my parents want to invite you and Jamal at their first-ever New Years' Eve party.", said Steve.

"Oh, sounds interesting.", my mom said. "So, you wanna go?", said Steve. "Yeah, sure. I just gotta see what Jamal says.", my mom said.

"Or you could just put him on the phone right now?", said Steve. "Hold on just one second.", my mom said. "Jamal! One of your friends wants to talk to you about something!", my mom said.

Then I arrived and went straight to the phone. My mom handed me the phone and I addressed the phone call. "Hello?", I said.

"Hey, Jamal. My parents are throwing this huge New Years' Eve party to ring in 2002. And they've decided to invite you and your mom since they are inviting a few of their neighbors over. Your mom already said yes, so now I just need to know if you wanna go.", said Steve. "It's a yes from me Steve.", I said. "Great! Then it's settled. I'll see both of you there on the 31st.", said Steve. Then Steve hung up the phone.

***

It was December 28, 2001. Steve and Kevin came up to their parents to ask them something. "Mom, Dad, Steve just came up with this amazing idea for your New Years' Eve party.?, said Kevin.

"Well, what the heck? We're all ears son. What have you got?", said Kevin Sr. "Well, I was thinking maybe everybody at the party could come down to the basement and watch our band perform some hit songs from the year that has been 2001. This could take place just before the ball drops. Maybe just before the news goes off at 11:30?", said Steve. "So, what do you say? Is that a great idea or what?", said Kevin.

"I don't know if a bunch of strangers/non-strangers would be interested in watching some elementary school kids perform in a rock band.", said Kevin Sr. "Oh, come on honey! I think it's a great idea.", said Anna. "Yes! Thank you, mom!", said Kevin. "Please, dad?", said Steve.

"Well, on second thought, maybe it's not such a bad idea after all.", said Kevin Sr. "Yes!", said Steve. "You rock dad!", said Kevin.

"But it better be over by 11. And the party runs from five in the afternoon until three in the morning the next day, so you only have a solid hour to perform. Understood?", said Kevin Sr. "Understood.", said Kevin. "Understood big guy.", said Steve.

"And please don't embarrass us. You better perform at your absolute best on New Years' Eve night.", said Anna. "Don't worry, we've put a ton of time into practicing.", said Kevin. "We should be as good as The Beatles or The Rolling Stones.", said Steve. "Or Sugar Ray.", said Kevin.

"Sugar Ray? What's a Sugar Ray?", said Kevin Sr. "Must be something from one of those kids' shows they watch.", said Anna. "No, no, no. Sugar Ray is not an object. They're a rock band from Newport Beach, California.", said Steve.

"Yeah, they originally formed in 1986 playing heavier nu metal styled music. The band became mainstream in 1997 when they released a more pop-influenced song known as 'Fly'.", said Kevin. "Well, my generation of rock and your kids' generation of rock are two different things.", said Kevin Sr. "Just be on your A-game in a few days.", said Anna before both parents proceeded to continue with their day.

"Got it.", both Steve and Kevin said at the same time as they were leaving. "This New Years' Eve party just keeps getting better already!", said Kevin. "I know!", said Steve.

***

It was now finally New Years' Eve. It was morning, and the alarm rang in Steve and Kevin's bedroom. Steve just yawned before finally getting up and shutting off the alarm.

Kevin just covered himself with his blanket once he heard the alarm. And was going back to sleep once it got shut off. Steve and Kevin slept in separate beds in their bedroom.

Steve went over to Kevin's bed to try and wake him up. "Dude, wake up. It's the last day of the year!", said Steve. But Kevin just moaned because he was so tired and didn't feel like getting up yet.

Then Steve tried to wake him up some more. "Wakey, wakey sleepyhead! It's time to rise and shine!", Steve said as he opened up the blinds in their room. "Steve close those blinds, please! I don't feel like getting up today.", said Kevin.

"But dude, it's the day before New Years' Day! Why in the universe do you not wanna get up on this special day?!", said Steve. "I was so excited for New Years' Eve that I could barely sleep last night. I ended up playing some Nintendo, reading some comics, thinking about what the new year might offer, and only getting four hours of sleep.", said Kevin. "Well, the four hours should hold up until we call it a night tonight right? Plus, I and the rest of the band got a big job on our hands tonight with this performance. So it looks like you're getting up today.", said Steve.

Then Kevin just sighed. "Alright, alright, I'm up!", said Kevin. "There you go Kev. That's what I wanted to hear today.", said Steve.

"I'm gonna go ask mom and dad if it's okay for me to drink coffee yet. I think I'm old enough.", said Kevin. "No, you'd have to be fourteen to drink coffee. Or am I wrong?", said Steve. "I think you're mistaken there. You can drink beer at like 20 something. I think the age you're looking for on coffee is 13.", said Kevin.

"Is this the last day of December or The Age Is Right?", said Steve. "I feel like Bob Barker when I get only this much sleep.", said Kevin. "Let's head to the dining room and get some morning grub.", said Steve. "Yes, sir.", said Kevin.

***

Then Steve and Kevin arrived at the dining room table. "Good morning Kevin and Steve! I've fixed all of us a very special New Years' Eve breakfast to get the last day of the year started.", said Anna. "Great, cause I'm starving!", said Steve. "Yeah, me too.", said Kevin.

"Kevin, you look exhausted! Did you get enough sleep last night sweetie?", said Anna. "Yeah, and you got an important job to do son. Remember?", said Kevin Sr. "Oh, right. Yeah, I got enough sleep. I probably just looked tired for some odd reason. I don't know.", said Kevin.

Then Anna served breakfast to everybody. "Hey, cool! Blueberry pancakes with the blueberries on top saying 02.", said Steve. "You know, I hope this new year will bring another Stanley Cup to the motor city. I remember watching Detroit win back to back Stanley Cups as a young child back in the late '90s.", said Kevin.

"Well, who knows? It could be their year this year.", said Steve. "Could be, but I can't predict the future. Only time will tell.", said Kevin. "And the party still starts at 5?", said Steve. "Yep.", said Kevin Sr.

"You know another thing about New Years' Day? Why is it even a holiday? It's the very first day of the calendar year. I don't think that should be considered a holiday.", said Kevin. "Well, Kevin, ahem, maybe you should take it up with the holiday police.", said Kevin Sr. "I was just about to say that same thing.", said Steve.

"Whatever man. These conversations are lame anyway. But when I get the holiday police to terminate New Years' Day, don't come crying to me.", said Kevin. And everyone continued to eat breakfast. It was just hours now until the party started.

***

All of Steve's family were in the living room that same day. "Is it 5 yet?", said Steve. "No.", said Kevin. "Is it 5 yet?", said Steve. "No.", said Kevin.

A few moments later, Steve asks the same question again. "Is it 5 yet?", said Steve. "It's 4:57 dude! Relax! Take a chill pill!", said Kevin.

"Well, this might just be the longest two and a half minutes of my entire life.", said Steve. "Just calm down Steve. We're almost there. Now it's 4:58.", said Kevin as he was repeatedly checking his watch. "This might be the longest 90 seconds of my entire life.", said Steve.

"Ok, the final minute before start time. It's now 4:59.", Kevin said as he was still checking his watch. And then from that point on, those final 60 seconds elapsed. And then it was finally 5 in the afternoon. The party was officially underway, and now all they had to do was wait for the party guests to arrive.

"Alright, at 5 o'clock. And they should be coming any minute now.", said Kevin Sr. Then at 5:01, the first couple of guests show up. Then Kevin Sr. proceeds to answer the door after it has been knocked on.

Kevin Sr. opens the door, and it was me and my mom there. "Oh, hey there neighbor! Steve's friend! Come on in!", said Kevin Sr. And then we came on in and closed the door behind us.

Then I and my mom took off our coats. "What's up?!", said Steve. "Oh, hey Steve!", I said.

"Why don't the two of you have a seat over there and make yourselves right at home?!", said Anna. "Mom, both of our homes are technically connected.", said Kevin. "Make yourself right at not home. Does that make more sense?", said Steve.

Then I and my mom both took our seats. "So, my son tells me a lot of great things about Steve.", my mom said. "Yeah, Steve's a great kid.", said Kevin Sr. "And Steve tells us a lot of great things about Jamal.", said Anna.

"How come you don't say anything nice about me?", said Kevin. "Hey, you're a great friend too.", I said. "Really? I'm your friend too?", said Kevin.

"You hang out with the gang all the time, so yeah. You're technically my friend Kevin.", I said. "Awesome! I'm Jamal's friend too!", said Kevin. "Yeah, let it sink in.", I said.

"Man, all the other guests should've been here by now.", said Kevin Sr. "Well, maybe some of them, got stuck in traffic. And it's still quite a bit early. All the other guests should be here shortly.", said Anna. "They better be.", said Kevin Sr.

A few moments later, another knock on the door was heard. Kevin Sr. answered the door. It was Nathan and Brad standing there.

"And you two are?", said Kevin Sr. "We're guests at this party as well and are members of Two Seconds To Detroit which is the band Steve was talking about that's gonna perform tonight.", said Nathan. "Nice to meet you, sir.", said Brad. "Well, come on in fellas.", said Kevin Sr. Then Nathan and Brad came in.

"What's up dudes?", said Steve. "What up Steve, Kevin, Jamal, and everybody else.", said Nathan. "What up everybody. Hey guys, check out my new glasses.", said Brad.

Then I, Steve, and Kevin checked out Brad's glasses. "Hey, what are those 2s doing hanging on both sides of your face?", I said. "Uh, I think it's pretty obvious Jamal.", said Steve. "It's not obvious to me either.", said Kevin. "Are you sure you were born before I was?", Steve asked Kevin.

"Alright, fine! Forget I ever said anything.", said Kevin. "Hey, why don't we watch some TV until the other guests arrive?", said Nathan. "The only thing we'll be watching on the TV is Dick Clark's New Years' Rockin' Eve tonight. And I don't think it's even on yet.", said Steve. "And we wait some more.", said Kevin. And that's exactly what all of us did.

A few moments later, another knock was heard at the door. Kevin Sr. opened the door and Amanda and Ariana were standing there. "Can I help you, two young ladies, out?", said Kevin Sr.

"Also part of the band dad.", said Steve. "Alright, well you can come in.", said Kevin Sr. And they did exactly that.

"Steve, is one of those ladies your girlfriend?", said Anna. Then a long silence took place before everybody's heads turned to Steve. Steve just shook his head in embarrassment.

Then Nathan and Brad just laughed. "Steve and Amanda? I wonder what that kind of relationship would look like.", said Nathan. "Or Steve and Ariana.", said Brad. Nathan and Brad were both making fun of Steve at this point.

"Guys, cut it out.", said Steve. "I'm only friends with both of the mom. Why do you have to embarrass me in front of everybody here? I hang out with my friends so much, it should be obvious I'm still don't have a girlfriend mom.", said Steve. "I'm so sorry sweetie. My work life gets so distracting.", said Anna.

"Are either one of them your girlfriend Jamal?", my mom said. Then I just shook my head in embarrassment. "Look, none of us are boyfriend and girlfriend! Ok?!", said, Amanda.

"Yeah, every one of us is just friends, and that's it.", said, Ariana. "Mom, why would you embarrass me in front of my friends like that?", I said. "I'm sorry Jamal. It won't happen again. I do believe you'll find the right girlfriend for you eventually.", my mom said.

"Alright now. Can we stop talking about Jamal and Steve's love lives? We've got a party to throw.", said Kevin. "Thank you, my friend.", I said. "Your very welcome friend.", said Kevin.

Then by 7 at night, enough party guests arrived to make it a legitimate New Years' Eve party. Me, Steve, and Kevin took a moment to observe everything. "Now it's a New Years' Eve party.", said Kevin.

"It sure is.", I said. "And we've got less than three hours left until our performance. That's still plenty of time left to enjoy this party.", said Steve. "Let's enjoy the heck out of it.", said Kevin. "Well said Kev.", said Steve.

"Hey guys, do you think me and Amanda could be boyfriend and girlfriend one day?", I said. "Well, I don't think I or Steve can answer that. Only time will tell my friend.", said Kevin. "Do you want to be her girlfriend?", said Steve.

"Well, she is pretty hot. But no. We're just friends and nothing else. But I am open to the possibility of us becoming more than that one day if it does happen.", I said. "Yeah, I hear you, man. Both of you guys got embarrassed by your moms so much that it wasn't even funny dude.", said Kevin. "Hey, she's your mom too.", said Steve. "At least she didn't embarrass me on a holiday.", said Kevin.

And the music was playing at this party once a good number of people arrived. There was this radio/CD player that was playing the music. Then "Take It to da House" by Trick Daddy suddenly started playing.

"You think Amanda and Steve will ever be a couple?", I said. "I think we're still too young to be starting those types of relationships if you know what I mean. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go get some punch.", said Steve. "I love me some punch.", Kevin said as he followed Steve.

***

Then Amanda and Ariana were sitting down together at the party. "Ariana, you think me and Jamal will ever actually be boyfriend and girlfriend?", said Amanda. "Well, that depends. Do you like him?", said, Ariana.

"Now I have to agree, he is super cute. But I'd like to just stay friends for now, and see where things go from there.", said Amanda. "I hear you, Amanda. I can't wait to finally meet my prince charming as well.", said, Ariana. "So, you enjoying the party so far?", said, Ariana.

"Yeah, but I am gonna miss 2001. Once that ball drops, we'll never get to see 2001 again.", said Amanda. "Yeah, true. It does kinda make you think, doesn't it? Life is so short, but yet it's so long at the same time.", said, Ariana. Then Amanda got up from her seat.

"Well, I'm gonna go get some punch.", said Amanda. "I'll come with you.", said, Ariana as they both made their way to the punch bowl. Everybody at the party was having a great time so far.

Then it was 8:00. Kevin Sr. called the attention of everybody there to propose a toast. "Can I have everybody's attention please?!", said Kevin Sr. Then the whole party got his attention.

"I'd like to thank everybody who took the time to come to our party and celebrate the last Earth rotation of 2001 with us tonight. Tonight is a special night. After midnight strikes, we have a chance to be better fathers, husbands, mothers, wives, sisters, brothers, children, cousins, neighbors, co-workers, etc. in the New Year. This is me and my wife's first-ever New Years' Eve party, so I just wanted to say thanks to everybody who arrived here today to fuel this awesome New Years' Eve party. To everybody here tonight, let's close out 2001 the right way, and pray that 2002 will be even better. To 2002.", said Kevin Sr. Then everybody else agreed with Kevin Sr. Then one random guest yelled out his complaint. "Ew!", said the random guest.

"What is it?! What's the problem?!", said Kevin Sr. "I just stepped in some doggy do!", said the guest. "No, no, no! Bad dog Dexter! Bad dog! Get in there!", said Anna as she was pointing her finger to the dog cage while looking at Dexter.

Dexter just stood there with a look of shame on his face. "Now I said!", said Anna. Then Dexter did as he was told and Anna shut the dog cage closed. Then she locked it.

"Sorry about that man!", said Kevin Sr. "And it's official, no doggy treats for him until 2004.", said Steve. "Don't worry sweetie. I'll get it up.", Kevin Sr. said to Anna. Then Kevin Sr. took care of it.

It was now 9:30 pm EST. Kevin Sr. and Anna both had an announcement to make to the entire party. Anna blew a whistle that got everybody's attention.

"Can we get everybody's attention please?!", said Anna. "We've got a special treat for you tonight down in the apartment complex basement.", said Kevin Sr. Then a random female party guest said something.

"The basement? What kind of treats would be down there?", said the random female party guest. "It's not cake and ice cream.", said Anna. "It's better than that, we're gonna have a rock band perform some of the hits of this past year.", said Kevin Sr.

"And the members of this band are only 7-9 years of age.", said Anna. "So, we're all gonna head down to the basement and watch them perform at 10 o'clock for one hour tonight before heading back upstairs for the final hour of 2001.", said Kevin Sr. "So, let's all head down there and watch them play.", said Anna.

Then everybody headed down to the basement. "Alright guys, this is our first-ever performance in front of an actual crowd. Please don't screw this up.", Steve said to me and Kevin. "No worries. This band never screws up.", said Kevin. "Well, let's hope it doesn't tonight.", said Steve.

Then everybody was down in the basement. "Alright guys, prepare to be amazed by the performance of these children.", said Anna. "Introducing the rock band that is Two Seconds To Detroit.", said Kevin Sr.

Then the band got ready to start performing. And they performed Blurry by Puddle of Mudd. And they did an excellent job performing it. The whole audience was amazed at how well they could play in a rock band.

I was standing there recording the whole thing. My mom said something while observing. "Wow! These kids could be great musicians one day.", my mom said to Steve's parents.

"Well, if that's true, Steve and Kevin will have something to fall back on if a college doesn't work out.", said Anna. And then we continued performing. And finished performing. Their next song was Chemistry by Semisonic.

They gave a great performance of that song as well. And now it was time for their third song of the night. "Amanda, now it's your turn to get on the mic.", said Steve as he handed her the microphone. "Thank you, Steve. Now, this next song sure knows how to get a party started. Hit it, gang!", said Amanda.

Two Seconds To Detroit were now playing Get The Party Started by Pink. And everybody else started to dance along with that song. Everybody else was moving and grooving along to the song. And Amanda was the lead singer this time. And all without any inappropriate lyrics sung.

And once they concluded their best performance of the night, the crowd wanted more. They cheered and applauded them. "You hear that Steve? They love us.", said Nathan.

Then Kevin got on the microphone. "You guys and gals want more of where that came from?", said Kevin. Then the crowd chanted "more", over and over again.

Then Steve got on the microphone. "No worries, there's plenty more where that came from.", said Steve. "You guys ready?", Steve told the band. "As ready as a sponge on a TV show.", said Brad.

"Let's do this!", said Steve. And the band continued to perform for their audience until the clock hit 11 at night. I'd say that the party just became 10 times more awesome because of Two Seconds To Detroit.

Then it was 11ish. Everybody was back at Steve's house. The TV was on Channel 7 Action News which went off at around 11:30 pm.

The whole gang stood together. "Man, that was awesome! All of you did an amazing job down there tonight.", said Steve. Then Steve's parents walked up to all of us.

"That was so awesome you guys!", said Anna. "Yeah, maybe next time, you could perform at our next Super Bowl party.", said Kevin Sr. "Does that party happen to be next February?", said Kevin.

"Maybe. Let's not get ahead of ourselves here. There's plenty of football left to be played before me and the wife over here make that decision.", said Kevin Sr. "Nonetheless, great job to all of you guys.", said Anna. Then both of Steve's parents walked away from us.

"You know, my most favorite memory of 2001 was when I met my homie, my pal, my best friend in the whole wide world, Jamal Weaver.", said Steve. "That's my favorite memory too.", I said. "Yeah, you're like the brother I never had.", said Steve.

"Brother, you've never had? Don't you have enough brothers already?", said Nathan. "Well, the only difference with him is that we're both in the 2nd grade.", said Steve. "Well, we all have a lot of new memories to look forward to in 2002 whether good or bad. Let's hope they're at least mostly good this upcoming year.", said Amanda.

Then it was less than ten minutes left until the New Year. Kevin checked his watch. "Less than ten minutes left.", said Kevin.

It was about that time, so everyone at the party gathered around the television screen. All of our eyes were glued to it. They were getting ready to drop the ball on the TV.

Then it was just 60 seconds left and counting in 2001. "Final minute!", said Amanda. Then everybody still had their eyes glued to the TV in those final 60 seconds.

"Man, come on already! This is the longest 60 seconds of my life.", said Brad. "30 seconds!", said Nathan. Our eyes were still glued to the television screen as the clock was counting down those final 30 seconds.

Then the timer on the TV read "10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1". And then it was finally 2002. There was a huge celebration going on at Times Square on the TV. And everybody was celebrating at the party.

"So, this must be what 2002 feels like.", said Kevin. "Still feels a lot like 2001 to me.", said Nathan. "Guys, we're only ten minutes in.", said Amanda.

"But now it's twenty O two. That's what's most important.", said Steve. "And it's past midnight. We all gotta head home and get straight to bed.", said, Ariana. "We'll see you guys, it's been a really fun night tonight.", said Brad.

"Alright, catch you later guys!", said Kevin. And then Amanda, Ariana, Nathan, and Brad left. "Jamal, it's time to go.", said, my mom. "Alright, I'll be there in a second mom.", I said.

"Catch you later guys.", I said to Steve and Kevin. "See ya, Jamal.", said Steve. "See ya, friend.", said Kevin. "Hey, I'm his best friend, so you can stop saying friend now. Thanks.", said Steve.

"Bye, you guys.", I said. Then I left with my mom and headed back downstairs. Then Steve and Kevin sat down on the couch and felt exhausted from the long day that has carried over into the next official day.

"Boy, I sure feel like I could crash right now. It's been a long, long day. How about you Kev. Kev? Yo Kev?", said Steve. No response came from Kevin as he fell asleep on the couch after the little amount of sleep he got the previous night. "Wow, little Kevin sure is knocked out.", said Anna.

"No worries. I'll be the one to carry the big fella into bed. Steve, you can go ahead and get ready for bed. The party should be ending right around 3 am this morning.", Kevin Sr. "Alright, goodnight mom and dad. And happy 2002!", said Steve. "Happy 2002 to you too my handsome young man!", said Anna.

Then Steve went to his bedroom. "They grow up so fast, you know?", said Anna. "Yep. And I could sure use an alternative halftime show at our upcoming Super Bowl party this February.", said Kevin Sr.

"What do you say honey?", said Kevin Sr. "Alright, honey. We can have a Super Bowl party over here.", said Anna as she kissed him and left. "All I ask for this year is more Lions wins at the very least.", Kevin Sr. said to himself.

Then he walked away and enjoyed the remainder of the party. And the party continued until about 3 that morning. And 2002 was officially underway.