KING'S BAY METROPOLITAN HOTEL
"How's it hangin', kids?" Courtney,
wearing a broad grin, sweeps up beside
Alex and Lauren through the party's
crowd.
"Uh, great," Alex replies with a
laugh. He looks around the room, densely populated with guests. "Jason's
parents always manage to throw such an awesome party."
"I know. I've been coming to this
thing for years and years, and it's always been such a perfect way to spend
New Year's Eve," Courtney says. "Mmm ... except for that one time when
Shannon showed up with the sole intention of making me miserable, but aside
from that -- yep, awesome party."
"You're awfully chipper tonight,"
Lauren says.
"When am I not chipper?"
"Excellent point." Lauren takes a
sip from the cup she has been holding for some time now. "Where's Jason?"
"Talking to his sister, I think."
In the background, the song that
is playing comes to an end, and N Sync's "Bye Bye Bye" begins. Courtney
grabs both Lauren and Alex by the hands.
"C'mon," she says, pulling them towards
the dance floor, "we've got to dance to this!"
Reluctantly, they follow her to an
empty space on the floor and begin dancing. Courtney lip-synchs the lyrics
as she dances.
Lauren can't help but be reminded
of a similar instance ... a time when she talked Alex into performing karaoke
to this same song for her. With a heavy heart, she continues dancing, trying
not to let her drooping spirits show in her expression. She steals a glance
at Alex, who is moving to the song, albeit a little uncomfortably.
She is still watching him when Courtney
speaks up again, and his discomfort increases quite visibly.
"Aren't you two glad you decided
to come together?" Courtney asks.
Lauren waits a moment for Alex to
say something, but the space is filled only by the song, so she replies,
"We're just here as friends, Court. You know that."
"I know, I know."
They continue dancing in silence,
though their expressions speak volumes. Courtney studies both of her friends.
Alex casts his eyes at both her and at Lauren; she can see the flickers
of nervousness clearly. And Lauren stares at Alex while he is looking away,
drinking him in, and then looks to Courtney helplessly.
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