You had wanted your winter break to consist of your favorite comfy chair in your living room, a cup of hot chocolate, and the romance book you had recently received as a Christmas present. You hadn’t wanted to go to a ski lodge with your mom.

You also hadn’t wanted to attend a New Year’s Eve party for teens that was held every year at the lodge, which consisted of you crammed in a corner, karaoke blasting in your ears while you desperately tried to read your novel.

You had ended up getting roped into the karaoke at random with a boy named Troy. You didn’t sing, but you ended up having the best New Year’s Eve of your life. You really, really liked him, and after you had gotten his number.

It was the first day of school after break at East High, and as you quickly walked into your first class of the day, Drama, you handed your late pass to the teacher, Ms. Darbus, and quickly shuffled to your seat.

As your hurried to sit, your book from the stack of papers and binders fell to the floor. A familiar, large male hand reached to grab it, extending it to you.

Next to you sat Troy, smiling.