Chapter 416 Calling the Police
Daniel stood there, Rachel trailing behind him. Adam shot me a cocky look, but his eyes were glued to Amelia, who he hadn't seen in ages. Yancy was dragging a blushing Mia along, grinning like a Cheshire cat.
In this sweet reunion moment, they all showed up in pairs. Were they here to rub their happiness in my face?
"Move aside," I snapped, ready to push through them.
No way was I letting them make a fool out of me.
"Wanna ride a dog sled?"
"There's a fireworks show at the square."
"How about joining us for a surprise dinner?"
With an impassive expression, I walked past them as they spoke, striding a good 160 feet away. Suddenly, I turned around and shouted, "Let's go."
A bunch of young folks burst into laughter. The four girls hugged each other, their happy giggles echoing across the campus.
On a day like this, having company was way better than being alone.
We finally snagged a spot in the crowded food court. The girls sat while the guys hustled back and forth, bringing plate after plate of local goodies, letting us feast.
After dinner, Yancy drove us to the ice city for some fun.
We bought tickets and went in; the snow tracks were already packed with people.
We jumped into the games, happily chasing and running around.
Amelia played for a bit, then grabbed my hand and found a quieter spot to chat. We hadn't seen each other in over ten days and had a lot to catch up on.
Adam followed us.
Of course, I knew Adam wasn't following me; his eyes were locked on Amelia.
By now, if I couldn't see that Adam liked Amelia, I'd be a complete fool.
Out of the seven of us, everyone was paired up except me, making me feel even lonelier. Amelia insisted on sticking with me, which made Adam shoot daggers at me with his eyes.
We picked the amusement park to wait for the midnight chime.
We got out of the car in front of the park. The vibe was just like last year, packed with people. Young boys and girls were chasing and laughing, driving away the winter night's chill.
Since getting out of the car, Daniel's face had been serious. No matter what Rachel said, he ignored it.
Time flew by so fast. Last year's memories were still fresh, but a whole year had already passed.
Daniel must have been thinking about last year's incident. His face seemed calm, but his eyes were filled with intense emotions. The anger he had back then was gone, replaced by regret and embarrassment.
The same bustling atmosphere, yet vastly different emotions.
The seven of us split into two cabins, slowly rising into the air as the Ferris wheel started turning.
As the new year approached, I wished my parents good health, my friends' dreams to come true, the world to be at peace, and everyone enduring happiness.
I looked down, seeing countless people waving glow sticks, counting down with the big screen to welcome the new year.
When the fireworks welcoming the new year lit up the sky, our Ferris wheel cabin stopped at the highest point.
Suddenly, someone's phone rang, the sound especially loud in the small cabin.
I had a feeling this call was about me.
Daniel pulled out his phone and shoved it in front of me without even looking, "Answer it."
The phone almost hit my eye. Just as I was about to get mad, a handsome face appeared on the screen, and my eyes immediately welled up.
"Jane." Brad's voice was deep and magnetic.
"Brad, how did you..." Before I could finish, tears streamed down my face.
I was crying tears of joy.
The Brad I had been thinking about day and night suddenly appeared in front of me on the first morning of the new year. The unexpected joy, along with all the grievances, fears, and worries I had been holding in, all flowed out with my tears.
"Don't cry, baby. It breaks my heart. Have you not been eating well? You've lost so much weight." Brad said with concern.
I wiped my eyes with both hands, trying to see Brad more clearly.
Daniel, looking annoyed, shoved the phone into my hand, telling me to hold it myself. He then covered Rachel's ears with his now free hands, "Sweetie, don't listen. You'll learn bad things."
Rachel obediently leaned into Daniel's arms, her big, lively eyes darting around, clearly eavesdropping and peeking.
Brad and I stared at each other lovingly through the screen.
I rambled on about everything that had happened since Brad left, telling him I missed him, couldn't sleep well, and couldn't eat.
Brad listened patiently, responding gently from time to time.
The tears were salty, but my heart was sweet.
This was the sweetest New Year's gift I had ever received.
"Brad, who are you talking to?" Jenny's familiar and annoying voice suddenly appeared.
Daniel quickly grabbed the phone and pointed the screen at himself.
I couldn't see Brad's expression, but I heard his voice, which had been gentle, turn as cold as winter frost, "Do I need to report to you when I wish my family a Happy New Year?"
Daniel frowned and spoke unhappily, "Brad, are you really just on a business trip? Why do I feel like you're being controlled? Should we call the police?"