That night, Eliza lay in bed wide awake.
The room was dark. Snow tapped lightly against the windowpane — the kind of gentle, whispering snowfall that made the world feel like it was holding its breath.
She rolled over, hugging her pillow to her chest. The sheets were warm, her blanket cocooned tight around her — but the space beside her still felt painfully empty.
Sleep didn't come.
After a long stretch of silence, she reached for her phone beneath her pillow and unlocked it with a sigh.
Her fingers hovered. Then she typed.
Eliza: Hey… are you coming back before New Year?
The message was seen almost instantly.
Seconds later, his reply lit up her screen.
Lucifer: I'll ask Mom in the morning, okay? I wanna be there too, princess. Promise.
A soft smile tugged at her lips as she stared at the glowing message. It wasn't a yes… but it wasn't a no either.
So she held onto that hope like a secret.
Tucking the phone close to her chest, she curled around her pillow, and finally somewhere between hope and longing she drifted into a restless sleep.
---
The Next Morning
Eliza woke up late.
The sky outside was thick with clouds, and the winter light spilling through the window was pale and gray. Everything looked quiet. Still. Like even the day was off rhythm.
She stayed curled under the blanket for a moment longer, then reached for her phone.
Nothing.
No new messages.
Her heart dipped a little — not in a dramatic way, just a soft, sad flutter that made her chest feel heavier.
Maybe he hadn't asked yet. Maybe he was just sleeping.
Still… she couldn't shake the strange tightness curling behind her ribs.
Dragging herself from bed, she went through the motions: brushing her hair, washing her face, helping her mom with breakfast. But she barely touched her food. Not even the warm cocoa could stir her appetite.
Something about the day just felt... empty.
---
Meanwhile, at Lucifer's Grandparents' House
"What?! No, Mom!" Lucifer's voice echoed sharply across the hall. "I thought we were going back before New Year. You said two days before!"
His mom sighed, rubbing her temples, calm but tired. "Lucifer, don't start this. It's not every year we get time like this. Your grandparents love having you here."
"I love them too," he said, pacing with frustration, "but I miss her. You know why I wanted to go back."
She paused. Her voice softened. "I do. More than you realize. But your grandma's been under the weather lately. The roads are a mess. And this… this time with family — it matters too."
Lucifer's shoulders sagged. "So I can't go."
"You can. Just… after. After New Year. It's just a few days, son. You'll see her again soon. You have the whole year ahead of you."
He stared at the floor, jaw clenched. "I just wanted to start the year with her," he whispered.
Before his mom could respond, his grandma called from the bottom of the stairs.
"Breakfast's ready! Come down before it gets cold!"
Lucifer looked at his mom. She gave him a small, understanding nod. With a deep sigh, he followed her downstairs, his steps heavy.
---
Back at Eliza's Place
Her phone buzzed.
Her heart jumped as she grabbed it from the bed.
Lucifer: I'm so sorry, princess. I can't come back before New Year's.
Lucifer: Mom changed the plan. We're staying until after the 1st. I tried. I really did.
Lucifer: I wanted to be with you when the clock hit midnight.
Lucifer: I wanted to hold your hand.
Lucifer: I'm so mad right now… I hate this.
Eliza let out a quiet sigh, staring at the screen.
She knew it wasn't his fault. But that didn't make the ache any smaller.
Eliza: It's okay. I get it. I know it's not your fault.
Eliza: I just really wanted you here too.
A moment passed. Then another buzz.
Lucifer: I promise when I come back… I'll make it up to you.
Eliza smiled, small but real.
Eliza: You better.
She set her phone aside and leaned into her pillow again, her heart a mix of warmth and longing.
It wasn't what she hoped for… but his words still wrapped around her like a blanket.
---
Three Days Later — New Year's Eve
Snow continued to fall, the streets alive with blinking lights and laughter. Fireworks crackled early in the distance.
Everyone seemed to be moving forward — planning, celebrating, preparing for a fresh start.
But Eliza?
She stayed in her room that evening, tucked into her oversized sweater, blanket wrapped tight around her. Her fingers traced the rim of her cocoa mug, the TV murmuring low in the background with a countdown special already flashing across the screen.
She didn't cry. She didn't pout. But something heavy sat behind her eyes.
She just missed him.
Across town, Ava sat on her bed, legs folded beneath her, fairy lights glowing above her desk. Her hair was a mess, her room a tangle of snacks and blankets.
Her phone buzzed.
Ryan: Yo. You awake?
Ava: No. This is my ghost. Boo.
Ryan: Damn. I always wanted to flirt with a ghost.
Ava snorted, smiling to herself.
Ava: Four hours left of this cursed year. Got plans, Mr. Lonely Walks?
Ryan: Just pacing around town. Snow's kinda nice tonight.
A moment passed. Then another message.
Ryan: I just happened to pass by your house... Wanna come out for a walk?
Ava rolled her eyes — smile on her face.
Ava: Fine. But no emotional speeches. Or sad eyes.
Ryan: No promises.
---
Seven minutes later, they were walking slowly down a quiet street, snowflakes drifting around them. The world felt wrapped in a soft silence.
They didn't talk at first. Just walked.
Every so often, Ryan glanced at her, but Ava kept her gaze forward, hands shoved deep into her coat pockets, cheeks pink — definitely just from the cold.
They reached the park, where the bare trees reached toward a dark sky scattered with faint stars. Fireworks popped in the distance, dim colors flaring through the clouds.
Ryan broke the silence. "Do you ever feel like... everything's changing too fast?"
Ava blinked. "Yeah. Constantly."
He nodded. "It's weird. One minute we're messing around in class… the next, we're thinking about the future. College. Life. People who'll stay… and who won't."
She looked at him sideways. "Is that what you want? Someone who'll stay?"
Ryan's eyes found hers.
"If it's the right person… yeah. I do."
Ava looked away, heart thudding somewhere deep and uncertain.
Ryan tried to lighten the mood. "So… any wish for the new year?"
She gave a sly smirk. "Yeah. But I'm not telling you."
He groaned dramatically. "Wow. Rude. I'm here being all deep, and you give me mystery girl energy?"
Ava laughed, bumping her shoulder against his.
They walked a bit more, laughing and bickering in the way only they knew how.
Finally, they stopped outside Ava's house.
Ryan scratched the back of his neck, eyes softer than usual. "So… happy early New Year, Ava."
She nodded, voice quieter than usual. "You too, Ryan."
She turned to go, but then he called after her.
"Hey!"
She paused. "Yeah?"
He grinned. "In the new year… try to learn how to say something sweet for once, yeah?"
Ava rolled her eyes. "In the new year… try to stop being so annoying."
They stared at each other for a second longer. Then she smiled — small, but real — and disappeared inside.
Ryan stood there for a moment, smiling to himself, snow landing on his hair.
Then he turned and walked back into the night.
To be continued....