Candid

Chapter 2

"All right now," my mom said while parking the car, "have fun, but don't even think about getting a New Year's kiss."

"All right mom."

"And don't forget to thank Ryan's parents for letting you sleep over."

"Of course."

"And remember to be honest."

"All right, bye mom." I got out of the car and rang the doorbell. The doors open up to my friend Jenna.

"Hey! It's so good to see you!" She said

"Hey! Good to see you too!"

"Come on in. It's only me and Ryan here so far." I went into the house.

"I like your new haircut." I said. Her dirty blonde hair was cut to her shoulders, unlike from when I had last seen her and her hair was always in some sort of braid.

"Thanks, Ryan likes it too."

"Nathan!" a voice said.

"Speak of the devil." I said. You know when you're watching a sitcom and there's always a witty friend? That's Ryan. I live in Dallas, but Ryan is from California and he looks the part. He's got golden hair and blue eyes giving him that surfer look.

"Hey Ryan, what's up?'

"Ah nothing much. Just living life better than you."

I roll my eyes, "Yeah okay." Jenna then glared at Ryan.

"Oh uh, are you okay? You know after the... funeral." Jenna face palmed.

"I'm doing fine. No need to worry, but in honor of my grandpa I'm doing an honesty resolution so don't be surprised if I tell you when you're acting stupid."

"Like you need a resolution to do that." We all laughed and continued to enjoy each other's company.

***

"So how are you gonna steal the spotlight from everyone this year Nathan?" said Joey. We were sitting on some bean bags drinking virgin margaritas while everyone else was in the room next to us watching Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin Eve.

"Me? You're literally president of every club." I replied.

"President of 4, vice president of 1, but that doesn't mean I have the spotlight, just control." He smirked. Joey definitely knew how to come out winning of every election or argument. I should know, he's the debate team's star debater. "You're the teacher's pet and Harris Middle School's best actor." He took a sip of his drink. The margaritas were in these cheesy New Year's themed plastic cups saying stuff like, "I haven't drank since last year." "You literally have an actual fan club ever since you debuted in the school's musical."

"Another club you're president of."

"Oh hush up. I hope you take that honesty resolution seriously, so you can't lie to insult me."

"Hey guys," Tessa appeared in the doorway of the room "the ball is gonna drop in a minute."

"Let's go then!" I said. We went into the living room where a dozen other people were getting their party poppers ready. The timer on the TV continued to go down as we started counting down together.

"Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one! Happy new year!" Confetti went everywhere while everyone started hugging, cheering, and taking selfies to post on Instagram. You know how there are these New Year's superstitions you do to prevent a bad year? Like eating a certain food or not crying. Well, maybe I should've done participated in some that day.