• January 1st, 12:00 am. This was exactly two weeks, three days and fifteen hours and twenty minutes before I met ‘him’. New Years. I yelled as loud as I could, making my little sister cringe, and then downed a shot with my parents. My girlfriend, Leah, was there to spend the special occasion with me, and I was sure glad. I had never had a girlfriend that had lasted for over a year until I met Leah. I gave her a long, delicious kiss on the lips, getting a ‘ew’ from my little sister.
    “Sarah, be nice.” My mother said, giving my father a peck on the cheek.
    Sarah pouted.
    “I am being nice, it’s Jude that’s being the meanie!” Sarah whined, looking away quickly as I gave Leah multiple pecks.
    I admit, I’m quite mean to Sarah, but as an older brother, it’s my job. She was only in elementary school, so I obviously had more authority. My family adored New Years, and I was the main holiday I spent with my parents. As I was turning seventeen next year, I had begun to stop spending as much time with my parents. I had spent my Christmas going drinking with a couple of my buddies, Darin and Garrett. Valentine’s Day, of course, I spent with Leah. It was our anniversary after all. Leah and I were friends since we were five, and she had always been there for me. I was blind when I was younger, I suppose, dating any girl I could find...well, providing she’s hot. I never really noticed Leah’s jealousy until I almost ditched her on Valentine’s Day. It was then I realized that she was the only girl that would make me happy.
    The rest of New Year’s night passed nice and easy, and I prayed to God that I wouldn’t end up with a hangover. Finally, at 4:00 am, Leah and I retired to my room. Of course, we didn’t actually go to sleep until 5:30 am, but hey, kids will be kids.