New Year's Eve

Perfect New Year's Eve 

Ben didn't like New Year's Eve. He was ten years old and for him the last night of the year was always the same. It was loud. It was very boring. It's too late.

This year was even worse. His parents were having a party. Not a fun party with your friends, but a party for adults. The house was full of people he didn't know well. They were all talking loudly and laughing. He was wearing nice clothes. The women wore bright dresses. The men wore tight suits. The air smelled of strong perfume and fancy food.

Ben was caught. He had to wear a stiff white shirt that scratched his neck. His mother said, Just for a few hours, Ben. Be polite. Say hi to everyone.He felt like a penguin in a cage.

He stood near the large window in the living room and watched the night. It was very dark and very cold outside. Inside it was very bright and very warm. He could see his reflection in the mirror – a boy with dirty brown hair and eyebrows.

The reason for his bad mood was the big old clock on the wall above the fireplace. This was no ordinary digital watch. It was Grandfather's clock, which was longer than Ben's father. It had a large white face and black digits. The hands were of shiny brass. And it had a loud, deep tick-tock, tick-tock that you could hear even over the noise of the party. Each tick-tock was like one step closer to midnight. To the noise, the shouting, the forced happiness.

Only three more hours, Ben thought sadly. He wished he was somewhere else.

Chapter 2: Escape

Ben's mother found him near the plants. Ben, sweetie, why don't you show Mr. and Mrs. Clark your new telescope?she asked, smiling a little tiredly.

The binoculars were Ben's Christmas present, his most prized possession. He didn't want to show it to Mr. Clark, who would probably just say, Very well, son,and then talk about the foo.

Chapter 3: Desire and plan

After a while, Ava's stomach growled. They both laughed. The food there is very good, Ben admitted. Do you want to go on a secret food mission?

Ava's eyes sparkled. A spy mission! Yes!

He quietly opened the kitchen door. The noise of the party overcame them – the music, the laughter, the clinking of glasses. The kitchen was empty for a moment. There was a feast on the table: a large shiny ham studded with cloves, a basket of beautiful rolls, a bowl of sparkling red jelly, a plate of things shaped like stars and moons, and a tower of cupcakes with silver sprinkles.

Take a plate! Ben whispered. They filled two plates with a bit of each. They were like thieves in the night, carrying away the treasure in silence to their secret hiding place on the porch.

They sat on the porch steps, plates on their laps, and looked up at the stars as they ate.

This is the best New Year's Eve meal I've ever had, Ava said, her mouth full of cupcakes.

That's because we don't wear itchy shirts, Ben said slyly.

When they finished, Ava looked thoughtful. My grandmother says you should think of a New Year's wish at midnight. A sincere wish from the bottom of your heart.

What do you want? Ben asked.

Ava thought. I think… I want to be brave. Talk more in class. Try out for the school play. How about you?

Ben didn't have to think long. I want more nights like this. Quiet. With the stars. And… a friend to watch them with. He felt a little shy as he said this.

Ava smiled. - It is a good wish.

Then Ben got an idea. A wonderful, crazy idea. What if…what if we didn't see the clock there? he said, pointing towards the house. How about celebrating New Year's Eve here? With my watch?

Chapter 4: First Morning

The back door cracked. People came out on the porch laughing and hugging. Ben's father looks at him and Ava. There you are! Happy New Year! He gave Ben a big, tight hug. All the adults were smiling, their faces relaxed and happy.

Ava's parents find her. We were wondering where you disappeared to! said his mother.

We watched the new year come in with the stars, Ava said simply.

Ben's mother looked through the binoculars at the empty chocolate mugs and Ben's happy face. He put his arm around her. Looks like you've found the perfect way to celebrate.

Soon people are singing Happy New Year! Said and started walking. At night. Ava had to go too. Thanks for the best New Year's Eve ever, she told Ben.

Ben replied, Thanks for running away from the party with me. Maybe… maybe we can see the stars again sometime? Jupiter should be visible next month.

I would love it, Ava said. He wrote down his phone number on a piece of paper from his pocket. Send me a message. For astronomy.

Ben took the paper. I will.

She waved as Ava's family car drove away, its red taillights fading into the darkness.

Finally, there was silence in the house. The party was over. Ben helped his parents lift the cups and plates. It is now 12:35 on the elder father's clock in the living room. His tick-tock seemed slow, quiet, as if he were tired from the great task.

Ben was no longer afraid of it. It was just a clock. His watch was in heaven.

Chapter 5: A New Feeling

The next morning, New Year's Day, Ben woke up late. The sunlight entered his room. It was a clear, bright light. He could hear his parents talking softly in the kitchen, the smell of pancakes wafting up the stairs.