#nye24

“Theo!” Alice called out, stumbling a little as she approached her friend. The single word was slurred. No surprise there because she was drunk and she wasn’t trying to hide it, “Heyy, where have you been hiding? I’ve been looking for you!”

“Hello handsome,” Celestina said, approaching her boyfriend and wrapping an arm around his torso, “You having fun or did I leave you alone for too long?” She asked teasingly.

"Back already?” Ben asked, spotting the familiar face, “It’s because you missed me too much, isn’t it?”

“Rus, hey!” Cynthia said, hugging her brother in greeting. She had almost forgotten that he would be at the ball as a teacher. She had been freaking out about it, social events being quite stressful for her, but having him here would, for once, be a good thing, “Are you having fun?”

Declan leaned in to kiss Brigid with a grin on his face, “Sorry, I couldn’t wait until midnight,” He said with a small laugh, “How about I get us some drinks and food and then maybe after we can dance a little?” He suggested.

Pippa tried not to make her smile look forced. It was difficult, especially with her sister, but she didn’t want to ruin Pepper’s new year with news about a brother that may or may not be good, “No, no food for me. I already ate,” It was a lie. She hadn’t eaten but she wasn’t hungry. It was fine, “Just booze now,” She said, managing a grin.