The Last Night of the Decade

So we were supposed to go to Derek and Jen’s rooftop party tonight. Had it all planned - cute dress picked out, midnight kiss with a view of downtown Raleigh, the whole thing. But at 7 PM I was lying on the couch in my sweats feeling like I’d been hit by a truck, and Marcus took one look at me and said “we’re staying in.” I tried to protest but honestly? I was relieved.

The Last Night of the Decade

Instead we ordered Chinese takeout, watched terrible New Year’s specials, and talked about everything and nothing. At 11:58 PM, Marcus set up his camera timer and pulled me close on the couch. When the countdown started on TV, he put his hand on my tiny bump and whispered “next year there’ll be three of us.” I completely lost it. Happy tears, ugly crying, the whole thing.

I don’t know what this decade will bring but I know who I’ll be next to when it does. And I know who’ll be joining us. I’m 21 and I’m building a whole life and it’s terrifying and beautiful and I can’t wait to see what happens next. Happy New Year, everyone. Here’s to the 2010s and whatever they bring.