Priceless

I could tell that Mom was getting better as each day passed. That, or she was just really good at hiding her emotions. It was probably the latter, and although I didn't exactly concur with that way of hers, it was just how she dealt with it and I couldn't do anything about that. She refused to talk to me about Dad, and well, I respected that. I also knew that whatever her decision was regarding their relationship, I would accept it, though I was confused as to which I preferred: them divorcing, or staying together. I couldn't weigh out the pros and cons yet, since I'd been busy the past days. Mom and I had gone out shopping after Christmas, and the day after that as well, and then on the 28th we just watched movies all day with popcorn and ice cream while I texted with Erin updating her about things. Then yesterday we just watched a modelling event of her friend and I endured at least two hours of her criticizing the outfit of some people who attended. Today, it was New Year's Eve and after breakfast she told me she had come up with new designs, so she locked herself in her room after eating while I sat there in the living room amusing myself with Phineas and Ferb.
It wasn't long until my phone vibrated and my screen told me I got a text from Alex. I couldn't help but sigh as I read it and replied, mentally cursing myself for not being enthusiastic from getting a text from him.

The day dragged on and I was bored to death, just sitting on the couch mindlessly flipping through channels and never finding something interesting to watch. Finally, I just settled on Enchanted, ending up on Disney Channel once more. I glanced at the clock; it was already 7 PM and still my mom wasn’t going out of the room, and I had no idea what else to do.

I was startled then by my phone ringing. I grabbed it and immediately smiled at the sight of who the caller was, but quickly cursed myself mentally for that. Nevertheless, I answered the call and let myself be drawn away by his voice...as stupid as that sounded.

“Hey,” I said, biting my lip and feeling incredibly shy.

“Hey.” Stephen let out a little laugh, “How’s New Year’s Eve so far?”

“Enjoying it, curled up on the couch watching Disney Channel alone, since my mom’s busy making new designs. Also, I’m contemplating jumping off the roof of this hotel, because I’m having too much fun, I feel like I should stop.”

I didn’t even find my sense of humour—if you could call it that—funny, but still he laughed, and I appreciated it. “Sounds like you’re having the time of your life,” he commented, and I could picture him smiling at this.

“Well, it could be worse, right?” I shrugged, then realized he couldn’t see it. “So, how are your records?” I asked, referring to my gift to him that he had been gushing about through text for the past few days. He hadn’t gotten the hang of it yet, and just the fact that Garrett was jealous gave him extra-bragging rights.

“I’m taking care of them! You don’t have to worry,” he said. “Have I ever told you how awesome you are? Because if I haven’t...”

“You’ve been telling me that for the past few days, actually,” I replied with a giggle.

“Well, I hope you’ll like my gift as well,” he said. “On a related note, do you mind telling me your hotel room?”

“That isn’t even related, I mean are you gonna send them over here or something? You can just get the hotel I’m in, or better yet, wait ‘till I get back—”

“Bails,” he said, cutting me off, and at the tone of his voice I pictured a big smile on his face. “It’s a hand-delivery, actually.”

Hand-delivery. I swear my voice got caught in my throat when he said that. I mean, really? He was here? He flew over just to give it to me?

I stood up from the couch, trying to tell myself that he was just joking around. “Stephen,” I started, “Stephen, you’re not here, are you?”

“If by here, you don’t mean Mandarin Hotel in New York, then I guess I’m not,” he said in a playful voice, yet I could tell that he wasn’t joking.

“How did you even—” I was going to ask him how he found out we were in Mandarin Hotel, then I remembered I’d told Erin, and I quickly figured that she must’ve told him. “But Stephen—”

“Come on, Bails,” he said, laughing shortly, “I don’t wanna try eavesdropping outside every room just to figure out where you are. And it’s highly impossible that the employees will give me details as to what room you are in, so you gotta give me some numbers.”

“But what are you even doing here? I mean, why would you go here?” I said, lowering my voice in case my mom suddenly came out and heard me. I flatted my hair with my free hand and glanced at my reflection on the TV screen, making sure I looked presentable at least.

“Wanted to see you,” he said simply.

“Stephen...”

“Bailey...” he mocked.

“Why don’t you just give me your room number and I’ll just go there?” I suggested. I mean, it was less scary that way. At least, I could just tell Mom I’ll be going some place else, I’m sure she wouldn’t mind.

Luckily, he agreed and recited his room number. As soon as we hung up, I checked my reflection once before I walked to Mom’s room and knocked twice. When I heard a faint come in, I entered.

She was sitting on the floor, back slouched while sketching on a piece of paper. She didn’t look up as I entered; she was too caught up in her design.

“Mom, can I go out for a while? I’m kind of bored here,” I said.

“Okay. Just get my card in my bag,” she said quickly.

I did as she said, biting my lip and feeling the excitement rush. “I’ll probably watch the fireworks as well,” I added. “But if you want me to drop off dinner—”

“Sweetie, I’ll be fine,” she said, quickly glancing up at me and smiling slightly. “Just go out and enjoy yourself.”

I couldn’t stop the smile that reached my face in a matter of seconds. “Thanks, Mom,” I said before dashing out of her room, and out of our hotel room. I walked to the elevator, with various thoughts playing in my mind, and mixed emotions. I was kind of excited to see him—well, I was really excited to see him, and I knew it was wrong since it was far from the excitement I felt about seeing John, Garrett, or any of the others. It was the kind of excitement I should be feeling about seeing Alex; but instead, it was directed towards Stephen.

The elevator doors opened and I got out, marching directly to his room, consumed with enthusiasm. I pushed the button once, and the door opened right away. All logical thoughts flew out of my head when he grabbed me by the waist and pulled me inside the room. My heart began pounding in pure excitement and when I met his gaze, I thought my heart would burst.

“Hey,” he said in a low voice, pulling me into a hug. I hugged him back quickly, and felt...safe. I didn’t know why I did, but I just felt comforted. I never wanted to let go.

But eventually, I had to.

“I hope you’re happy to see me,” he said, a slight smile on his face as he looked down on me.

“I am.” I smiled back and removed my arms from his neck. “But if this is the hand-delivery you’re talking about...” I shook my head, and he laughed.

“I have an actual gift,” he stated, and he softly took me by the hand and led me to the couch, where his bag was. He opened it and for a few moments he rummaged through his stuff, until he pulled out two albums and handed them to me. I looked at the cover, and smiled.

“Death Cab For Cutie albums,” I said. “Well, influencing me with your music again, huh?” I looked up at him and smiled.

“Hey, they’re good,” he defended. “And don’t you think I copied your gift, okay? I bought that last week of November, so you can’t pull the I-bought-my-gifts-earlier card on me, because I know you shopped first weekend of December.”

“Well—”

“Oh, and before I forget,” he started, and then dug through his bag again. I was surprised at what he pulled out this time. It was a DVD of How I Met Your Mother Season 6. He held it up and looked at me. “This is actually Erin’s copy, she lent it to me and I figured we could watch this to pass time, until it’s like, ten minutes away from New Year. And then we could go to the roof—because that’s our thing—and watch the fireworks display. That is, if you’re down with all of this.”

I was utterly speechless for a moment. I couldn’t believe what was happening, to be honest. It seemed so...so...so different, maybe. And sweet.

“So, do you like my plans, or...”

“You’re the best, Stephen,” I said, giving him a huge hug. “You really are. Thank you.”

And I knew I meant every word.

~~~

It was indeed our “thing”. Going to rooftops and just staying there. I wasn’t even nervous being alone like this with him, despite what happened at the Gomez’ roof the last time I was there. Well maybe I was, but I truly enjoyed Stephen’s company; there was no denying in that.

I knew he wasn’t a fan of my favourite show, but the fact that he was willing to sit through it with me just made me happy. Now that it was ten minutes away from 12, we’d decided to stop watching and go to the roof instead and wait there.

“Are we even allowed in here, though?” I asked as we found a spot with beautiful view and sat there on the ground, eyeing the beautiful New York City.

“Who cares?” He shrugged. “It’s not like we’ll jump anyway. We’re just here to watch the fireworks.”

“Have I ever told you you’re kinda crazy? Because you are,” I said teasingly. He playfully glared at me and slightly pinched me on the upper arm.

“You’re not sane either,” he shot back.

I didn’t reply anymore, and we just both faced the view again in silence. I sighed deeply, but I was really happy inside to be here with Stephen. It made me feel calm and safe and I just knew everything was going to be okay in some sort of way, as weird as it sounded.

“I’ve never done this before, you know.” His voice broke into my thoughts and this made me turn my gaze back to him. He was looking straight ahead, with a little smile on his face. “I’ve never...I’ve never flown 4 hours from home to be with someone on New Year. Unless it’s for tour or something.”

He looked at me and I felt myself blush. I was flattered, really; but his words started making me feel nervous for some reason. What was I supposed to say to that? Thank you? I didn’t know. I really had no idea. No one had ever done it to me before; he was the first.

“But it’s worth it, you know,” he continued. “You’re worth it, Bails. You’re worth every effort, every mile, every second.”

“Stephen...”

He now completely faced me, and inched closer. I didn’t move. It was like someone had glued me into my place—but maybe it was better staying that way than moving. Quite frankly I didn’t know what to do next. I didn’t even know what to say. Here it was again, that feeling I got whenever we had moments like this. It was like I was programmed to feel a ton different emotions around Stephen; like calm but excited, happy but nervous, and so on.

“You’re beautiful, Bailey,” he murmured softly, bringing his hand to my cheek. I locked eyes with him and felt myself being lost in his stare. “You’re real, and to me that’s the reason you’re perfect.”

I was so sure he was going to lean over and kiss me; but the countdown started and the loud voices of people down the street drew our attention away from each other.

10...9...8...7...6...

“It’s starting,” he said, his voice different from the way it sounded moments earlier. He stood up and I followed his lead. We looked down and saw the huge crowd counting down.

5...4...3...

The next moments happened fast. In a split second Stephen was holding my hand, swiftly turning me to him. Then he let go of it and placed both hands on my waist and smiled at me.

2...

As he started leaning down on me, I didn’t close my eyes. I stared at his face and marvelled at how beautiful he truly was, especially with that smile on his face. And I realized he wasn’t just beautiful on the outside; he was beautiful on the inside, too. He wasn’t just that boy who played bass in a band. Yes, he had flaws, but those were what made him real. He was real, and that was what made him perfect to me.

1...

His lips crashed down on mine and I shut my eyes, flinging my arms around his neck. The fireworks had begun, but I didn’t care that I wasn’t looking at them now. I was having the perfect moment; I was sharing a kiss with the boy who had become so special to me, and nothing else mattered.

When he pulled away, I was out of breath, but I wanted more. I connected our lips again, not caring about everything else. I wanted him; it was him I loved, I knew that now. I didn’t know what I was in for, but right now I didn’t care. I just wanted to stay this way forever with him. I never wanted to pull away.

Our kiss was longer this time, more passionate, and sweeter. When we pulled away, I felt fulfilled; but I didn’t dare remove my arms from him, nor did he detach his hands from my waist. He touched our forehead together and I felt his breath on my face.

“Bailey...” he started, his voice serious. “Bails...”

He disconnected our foreheads but we were still close. He stared into my eyes and I’d noticed that there was something else in there. There wasn’t a smile on his face and it kinda bothered me.

“Bailey, what are we?”