Coolest Girl in Town

She snapped out of her thoughts and asked blearily, “Wait, is it time already?” “Another half-hour to go,” he replied. “Oh,” she muttered. “Then we should probably make our way over now.” They sauntered over to the backyard where the fireworks and firecrackers had been readied for the new year celebration. Alexander went about arranging them, laying down the lead-in wires as he said, “We’ll set them off as soon as the clock strikes midnight.” Elise hummed in response. Just then, seemingly by magic, Alexander produced a simple envelope and handed it to her, saying, “Here, it’s a gift for you.”

She stared at the envelope, which was bulging with what was presumably cash, and asked in astonishment, “F-For me?” With a trace of impatience, he shoved it into her hands. “Just take it, will you? I’ve never had to think about getting gifts for girls, and I won’t have you turning down my kind gesture.” She sputtered when she heard this, then caught herself and quickly accepted the envelope. She tested the weight of it and thought the amount was more than generous. “Haven’t you ever dated a girl before this?” she asked without thinking and instantly regretted it.

She wanted nothing more than to bite off her own tongue; the topic of exes was taboo in relationships, and she should have known better than to ask about it. Trying to save herself, she added, “Don’t get me wrong. I didn’t mean it that way.” To her surprise, Alexander answered nonchalantly, “Hmm… I did date a girl once, but that only lasted half a month.” He kept his reply brief and final. Judging from how unruffled he looked, it seemed as if his past relationship had no effect on him whatsoever. However, Elise could only dream of mirroring his calm demeanor.

sourly how her inexperience put her at a disadvantage in their dynamics. “Oh, so what was she like? Was she pretty?” She did not notice how jealousy had worked its way into her tone when she asked this. Alexander, too, was surprisingly

have to start lighting the fireworks.” He glanced at his watch and saw that there were two minutes left until midnight. “Okay, get ready,” he announced, then clicked the lighter and set the flame to the lead-in wire. In a matter of seconds, a loud crackling sound filled the backyard, after which came the thundering boom as the fireworks shot upward and lit up the night sky

they released each other. “We should get some rest; plenty of visiting to do tomorrow.” With that, he took Elise by the hand and led her back into the house, whereupon they returned to their individual bedrooms. They

the morning air was thick with festive cheer. She donned a bright red coat and made her way downstairs, thereafter greeting the elders cheerily, “Happy New Year, Grandpa and Grandma!” Then, Stella came

and demanded urgently, “What’s wrong?” She put down her Berliner and immediately headed out of the door, throwing a hasty “Grandma, I have to get going now, and I won’t be back till late!” over her shoulder. At the sight of this, Alexander

the car.” Not wanting to waste another minute, Elise got into the car as told, and Alexander sped toward Mikayla’s house. Presently, a crowd

she shook her head, bewildered and frustrated. The crowd sighed in resignation, and Mikayla’s mother was the only one who took her hand tearfully. “It’s okay; it doesn’t matter if you don’t remember us, as long as you’re back home safe and sound.” Mikayla bristled at the crying woman holding her hand. For some reason, she was getting irritated by the waterworks, and she pulled away