12.31 NYE
The morning sun rises on New Year’s Eve Day, casting a pale light over the snow-dusted town, the quiet a stark contrast to the chaotic revelry of the past days. The holiday season’s wild orbit—Lena’s rye-soaked dinner, Maria’s weed-fueled charm, and the feverish encounters with Ellie, Ashley, Mia, Karen, Chloe, Sarah, Tara, Vanessa, Roxanne, and Jess—lingers in your memory as you wake in your own bed, the mosh pit’s frenzy and the girls’ drunken chaos now a hazy blur. Ellie’s parents have returned home, their presence grounding her usual wildness, and your own folks are back, though your dad gets an urgent call to work, leaving early with an apologetic wave. Your step-mom, a lively woman with a knack for parties, pulls you aside, her eyes bright with plans. “Lena’s throwing a New Year’s bash tonight,” she says, her voice eager. “She needs help setting up, and you’re coming with me.” You arrive at Lena’s cozy house, the Christmas lights still twinkling, the air already buzzing wit...