They clinked their glasses and John turned around to hug his sister, who then shortly after turned towards Clara to hug her as well. However John seemed a little reluctant, just standing there, looking at her.
“Come on, give her a New Year's kiss,” Donna prompted him.
John turned around, glaring at Donna. “What?”
“A peck on the lips, go on, for good luck.”
Clara felt as if she was frozen on the spot and suddenly realized that Donna was either utterly clueless or too smart for her own good. Had she picked up on the thing that was going on between her and John and that neither of them dared to name or really talk about? No, she couldn't have. Or could she? Was it that obvious?
“She's right,” Clara heard herself saying, praying that her voice wasn't trembling, “It's bad luck if you don't.”
She gave John a weak, apologetic smile, hating herself just a little for jumping at the opportunity, but she really wanted to feel his lips on her own again and she would do just about anything for that right now.
“Alright,” John eventually said, clearing his throat.
He bent down and what was meant as a quick peck probably lasted a second longer than it should have. Clara closed her eyes, taking in the feeling of his lips brushing against her own and she was close to opening her mouth to invite him in, but before she had the chance John pulled away.
When Clara opened her eyes again, she caught a glimpse of Donna – smiling knowingly – and Clara quickly straightened her shirt to cover up the awkwardness of the situation.
“How about Scrabble?” Donna suddenly asked, breaking the awkward silence.
“What?” John asked, turning to look at her.
“The game?! Scrabble?!”
“Oh, yeah, sure,” he agreed and quickly glanced back to Clara, a shy smile on his face, “Do you want to go home or stay for another game?”
“Do you want me to stay?” she asked nervously.
John nodded and so it was decided. Clara smiled and sat down on the sofa.