This was the first New Year’s I had ever spent without my parents. We would always go down to the beach at ten to twelve, a packet of Smith’s chips and a bottle of Kirk’s creaming soda tucked under our arms. Sometimes we would see drunks, but that was rare. It was a little beach, with some neighbours setting off fireworks, and children running amok. I always loved it.

This year, my friends and I decided to have our own party. At my suggestion, it was set up at the beach. This was a bigger beach, with a bigger crowd. I was a little worried, because I wasn’t as loose as my friends. But I thought it would be fun.

A few drunk jerks yelled “Hey gorgeous!” at me as I walked over to my friends. I ignored them, but they sent shivers down my spine.

When I arrived, I told Ella about it.

“Oh, them?” Ella asked, laughing. “I invited them. They’re so hot, aren’t they?”

“They look kinda sleazy to me. Like all they want is some action.”

“Kell, that’s the point of this party.” I gulped, and wished I had worn jeans.