Part III; Chapter 2
New Year 2026
Christmas lights reflected off the flat surface of our television, obscuring the New Year’s extravaganza that played across its screen. The sound of my sister’s laughter lent the same kindness to the audio; Junia was practically sitting her boyfriend’s lap, much to my father’s dismay. He sat on the end of the couch, his face set with a stern look, as he glared at Junia’s boyfriend.
Each time Caleb’s hand found a part of Junia’s body that wasn’t her hand, I could see Dad’s jaw twitch, biting back a reprimand. Out of ignorance, or perhaps vengeance, Junia only encouraged Caleb’s explorations; giggling, she gently swatted his hand from tickling her chin, only to guide his hand to her thigh. Dad cleared his throat loudly as a warning; when Junia’s icy eyes moved to where he sat, I realized how perfectly aware she was.
I could only stand the spectacle my little sister was making for so long—after an hour I exited the room, stepping over Abe and Macy, who were playing with his GI Joes on the floor. I grabbed my jacket from Mom’s old coatrack then walked outside, not caring that the door slammed shut behind me.
Not long after I stormed out, I heard the front door open. When I looked up, Macy was walking toward me, her hair haloing around her head from the wind. As I watched her, the porch light sent specs of soft light through the strands, making it sparkle. When she reached me I accepted the cigarette she offered, clumsily lighting it. The first hit was harsh—my lungs revolted against the poison, forcing the smoke from my body in a painful fit of coughing.
Macy took the cigarette from my hand, casually puffing on it as I fought the urge to vomit. Through stifled laughter, she took a few steps closer to me, her free hand resting on my arm. “You OK?”
“I will be once I can breathe again,” I sputtered out.
“First time’s always rough,” she laughed again, then cleared her throat, taking another step toward me. “You know…Junia’s looking for attention. But I think you’re the one who needs it, Shep.” She bit her lower lip, looking up at me, sheepishly. “I could help you with that,”
Before I had a chance to process her request, much less respond, Macy stood on the toes of her vintage Chuck Taylor’s, her lips meeting mine briefly. Heat seared through me, and I was shocked I hadn’t melted the snow at my feet. The kiss ended as suddenly as it began, and Macy was back in the house so fast I wasn’t sure it had actually happened.
I was lost in thought when the front door swung open again—surprisingly hopeful, I eagerly looked up. Instead of Macy, I saw Abe rush to the porch, clad only in his Transformers pajama pants and a Ramones t-shirt I swear used to belong to Dad. “C’mon, Shep! It’s almost midnight!”
With a sigh, I made my way back into the house. Junia and Caleb were still on the couch, though not nearly as close as they had been—I guess Dad finally said something, because now he sat between them. I flashed my sister a winning grin as I sat down on Mom’s rocking recliner, just as the countdown began. I watched with building excitement as the pre-tapped footage recounted hour-old festivities. When the announcer declared it officially 2026, I set off a confetti bomb.
Abe held up his grapefruit soda, singing a spot-on rendition of “Auld Lang Syne”. Junia rolled her eyes, standing up and grabbing Caleb’s hand. To the shock and horror of everyone in the room—including Caleb—Junia gave him a passionate kiss. Dad and I both sprang to our feet; he set for Caleb, while I turned my attention to Junia. Abe’s voice dropped off a perfect vibrato, the room suddenly become very quiet.
We pulled them apart, Dad practically shoving Caleb out the door while I just glared at Junia. “What the hell is your problem?” I demanded once Dad was out of earshot.
“My problem?” Junia countered with a snort. “You’re my problem, Shep.
Words would not form as Junia stood starting at me—challenging me. She quickly tired of the silence and pulled Macy—who had sat silently on the sides—to her feet before stomping up the stairs to her room. A second later, Dad re-entered to find the girls gone, Abe passed out on the couch, and me standing, dumbfounded, in the middle of the living room.
“I guess I’ll get your brother to bed, then turn in myself,” Dad stated. I watched him rouse Abe enough to guide him upstairs; he paused halfway up, sending Abe ahead of him. “Happy new year, Shep.” He didn’t wait for a reply-instead he continued up the stairs, leaving me to clean up the living room.