9. New Year’s Eve
NEW YEAR’S EVE
Finally, the workday ends. This past week has been a whirlwind, with Eric and I working tirelessly to get the pieces in place for our massive project. Every day has been packed with brainstorming sessions, intense discussions, and countless cups of coffee.
As I switch off my computer and get ready to leave, a wave of relief washes over me. The weekend is finally here and I can’t wait to unwind and recharge. Just as I clock out of work, my phone startles me with its shrill ring. I glance at the screen and see Hazel’s name flashing.
Drawing a deep breath, I answer, “Hey, Hazel.”
Before I can ask how she’s doing, she blares out, “We’re going out tonight, Amelia.”
I feel a pang of reluctance instinctively. I think about Liam, and how finding a babysitter on such short notice would be practically impossible.
“I don’t...” I start.
Hazel, as if reading my mind, quickly reassures me. “Amelia, I’ve already cleared it with your mom. She’s more than happy to watch Liam.”
Still, I hesitate, the reluctance not completely faded.
“Come on, Amelia,” Hazel says on the phone. “It’s already bad enough that you had to work today. It’s New Year’s Eve. I’m not taking no for an answer.”
“Hazel, New Year’s? Seriously? I don’t know if I’m up for it. I haven’t been out since the last time we went out together.”
Hazel’s laugh rings through the speaker.
“Amelia, babe, that’s exactly why you need to come out.
Trade that mom bun for some curls, put on that red dress you’ve been saving for ‘some day’, and let’s welcome the New Year with a bang.
Remember, you’re not just ‘mom’, you’re Amelia - young, beautiful, and totally deserving of a night out. ”
“Fine, Hazel,” I sigh, the word barely above a whisper. “I’ll go.” I can practically hear Hazel’s triumphant smile through the phone.
“Oh, you won’t regret it, Amelia!” Hazel’s excitement bubbles over. “We’re hitting The Velvet Rope. It’s the hottest club in town.”
My eyebrows shoot up in surprise. “Hazel, we’re not nearly old enough to get into The Velvet Rope,” I protest.
Her laughter echoes through the phone again, bright and teasing. “Oh Amelia, you worry too much. Let’s leave that to me. I know a guy. Trust me, we’ll get in just fine.”
Hazel and I chat a bit more, mostly about the details of our New Year’s plan, before we finally say our goodbyes.
I tuck my phone back in my pocket, let out a sigh, and turn the key in the ignition.
As I drive to Mom’s house to pick up Liam, my mind wanders back over the past week. Work has been a whirlwind of activity.
Eric and I have been on the road, visiting manufacturers, inspecting equipment, and running our eyes over every detail of the production process.
Between the endless numbers for this project and the relentless pace of placing orders, I feel as if I’m caught in a storm.
And that’s not even counting my little Liam’s fussiness.
I’m pretty sure his teeth are coming in, and that’s made our nights longer and filled with interrupted sleep.
The shadows under my eyes are more prominent than ever.
Tired doesn’t even begin to cover how I feel.
I’m beyond exhausted. But in a few days, I’ll be Amelia, not just Mom, even if only for a night.
As soon as I step into my mother’s cozy house, I’m immediately greeted with the familiar lullaby that I’ve always associated with warmth and love.
“Hush little baby, don’t you cry,” mom sings softly, her voice a soothing balm on my frazzled nerves.
I follow the trail of her comforting voice to find her in the rocking chair, cradling Liam. My heart swells at the sight, and an involuntary smile tugs at my lips. I realize, even amid the chaos of my life, there’s so much to be grateful for.
“Hey, Mom,” I whisper, not wanting to interrupt the beautiful moment.
I look at Liam, and he’s already half asleep. His little face lit up with the innocent bliss only a child’s sleep can bring.
“Hello sweetheart, how was your day?” Mom asks, her voice gentle.
“Busy, mom, but I managed. How about you? How was Liam?” I reply, my voice soft as I glance at my son, who’s blissfully unconscious in her arms.
“He’s an angel, as always,” she smiles, her eyes full of love for my little bundle of joy. “Now, about this New Year’s outing with Hazel. You’ve been worrying about it, haven’t you?” she asks, her eyes piercing through mine.
I sigh before answering, “Yes, I have. Are you sure, mom? Are you really okay with watching Liam that night?”
Her laughter, warm and reassuring, fills the room.
“Amelia, dear, I’m perfectly fine with it.
I’m not doing anything for New Year’s. I’m too old to party like that anymore,” she jests, a playful twinkle in her eye.
“You should go and enjoy yourself. Just because you’re a young mom, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on having fun. You deserve it.”
Her mother’s tone changes slightly as she asks, “Amelia, have you talked to Reid since he left?”
“Yeah, Mom, a bit,” I answer with a shrug. “We’ve exchanged a few texts, nothing much. I’ve sent him a few pictures and videos of Liam.”
“Oh,” Mom responds, a hint of concern creeping into her voice. “And how is he taking it? Missing his boy?”
I sigh and glance down at my hands, a hollow feeling settling in my stomach. “I think so, mom. But we’re kind of stuck, you know? It’s like we’re in this limbo. He’s there, I’m here, and Liam’s mostly with me. It’s complicated.”
“I can imagine, sweetheart,” Mom says softly, her gaze full of understanding and empathy. “But don’t worry, things have a way of working themselves out.”
Iris walks into the room, her eyes sparkling with youthful energy and anticipation. She looks at Liam, then at me, giving me a wide grin.
“Hey, Amelia,” she chirps, her voice light and full of mischief. I can’t help but break into a grin at her enthusiasm.
“Hey, squirt,” I reply, ruffling her hair as she dodges my hand, giggling.
We banter back and forth, engaging in our usual ritual of light-hearted teasing and playful jests.
Iris, ever my partner in crime, never fails to bring a sense of levity to even the most stressful days.
Our playful exchange is interrupted as Mom steps into the room, an amused smile playing on her lips.
“Alright, you two,” she says, her voice firm but warm. “Amelia, you need to get going. You have a big night ahead of you, and we cannot have you running late, now can we?”
Her words bring reality crashing back. I look at Iris, her cheerful face a stark contrast to my own apprehensive one. I give her a nod, one last smile, before I stand, smoothing out the creases in my clothes.
“Alright, Mom,” I concede, forcing a smile. “I should get going.” With one last glance at my family, I head towards the door, my mind already racing with thoughts of the evening to come.
I step out into the chilly evening air, a small shiver running down my spine. I make my way to the car, my breath visible in the chilly night as I slide into the driver’s seat and start the ignition; the heater kicks in, providing a comforting warmth.
I pull out of my mom’s driveway and merge onto the main road, only to be greeted by a sea of red taillights. Traffic. I let out a groan of frustration. Inch by slow inch, I make my way home, the ticking of the clock on the dashboard a reminder of the time slipping away.
Finally, after what feels like an eternity, I pull into my driveway. I switch off the car engine and sit for a moment, letting the silence envelop me. I take a deep breath and step out, locking the car behind me. As I walk into my apartment, I kick off my shoes and shrug off my coat.
The tension of the day ebbs away and I start towards my room, looking forward to a moment’s peace. My tranquility is shattered as my front door flings open and Hazel storms in, her cheeks flushed and eyes sparkling with excitement.
I turn in surprise. “Hazel? What are you doing here so soon?”
“Uh, what does it look like?” she replies. “I’m here to help you get ready. If I let you get ready by yourself, you’d try to leave here looking like you’re going on a pilgrimage.”
“I really shouldn’t have given you a key,” I tell her while shaking my head.
“Amelia, come on!” she exclaims, grabbing my hand and pulling me towards my room. “We have to get ready! It’s New Year’s Eve, girl!”
I laugh at her enthusiasm and follow her into my room.
As I change out of my work clothes, Hazel continues to chatter excitedly about the evening ahead.
I unbutton my blouse, trying to keep my gaze away from the whirlwind that is Hazel in my closet.
Clothes fly left and right as she rummages through my wardrobe, looking for the elusive red dress.
I know the one she’s after, the one that hugs my curves just right and always gives me that little extra boost of confidence.
“Haze,” I call over my shoulder as I head toward the bathroom. “Just so you know, you’re cleaning up that mess you’re making.”
I don’t wait for her reply, closing the bathroom door behind me, effectively cutting off any protest she might’ve had. I turn on the shower and let the hot water wash away the stress of the day, feeling grateful for my friend’s infectious energy that never fails to lift my spirits.
As I step out of the shower, wrapped in a fluffy towel, Hazel hands me my dress with an approving nod. I take the dress from Hazel, laying it carefully on the bed while I reach for my lotion. The cool cream feels soothing on my skin, a quiet moment of self-care amidst the flurry of preparation.
As I rub the lotion into my arms and legs, Hazel and I continue our conversation, our voices filling the room with easy, comfortable chatter.
With lotion applied, I focus on my hair next.
I look at my reflection in the mirror, my thick curls somewhat unruly from the day.
A little product, a lot of patience, and soon my hair is styled, cascading down my shoulders in soft waves.