Prologue
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“Are you sure this is safe?” Lillian says, picking at her fingernails.
“Don't worry, it's an app, ok? I’ve read about it online, you just use it to keep track of your
resolutions.” Conner says, rubbing her hand.
“I've heard that you don't have to check them off, the app does it for you!” Conner punches Evan in the arm.
“Dude shut up.”
“No! I mean, it like, it knows when you've done it. Without you telling it.”
“Really?” Lillian says, scooting closer to Conner.
“No! Not really you're just joking. He's just joking!” Conner shoots me a glare.
“What?”
“Elliot knows about the app, right Elliot?”
“Huh?” I try to catch the gaze Conner throws, but I miss.
“I say we just download it, fill it with random stuff, and forget about it.” We all look over at Finn, who hasn't spoken since we got to the party. Finn not being a party person took the most convincing for him to come, me following right after. Mom already doesn't like me being friends with the friends I'm with, let alone sneaking out on new year's eve to go to a party she would not approve of. It's not my fault though. She’s the one who wanted to go to bed at 10 on a holiday.
“Sounds good to me,” Evan says, pressing install. “Woah, that was quick. Resolution Keeper installed. They really could've come up with a more unique name.”
“I like it. Quick and straight to the point.” I say as I press install. Within a few seconds, the loading button was replaced by the open icon. I look around the circle, to see my friends doing the same.
“Ok let's just do this,” Lillian says. I press open and skim over the instructions.
“I have to choose three? I only have one. Make out with Lillian for ten minutes!” Conner punches Evan in the arm again, this time harder. “Ow!”
“Shut it.” I notice how Lillian snickers, enjoying the two fighting over her. I click next and am brought to a screen with three text boxes. Above there are words that say, PLEASE CREATE THREE RESOLUTIONS IN THE ORDER YOU WOULD LIKE TO COMPLETE THEM.
“This is specific,” I say, clicking on the first text box. “What should I do?” I turn to Finn, who's looking over at me.
“I don't know, something crazy, like I did.” He flips his screen to show me his three resolutions.
- Make the basketball captain cry
- Stab a hot chick with a knife
- Bungee jump of angel falls
“Stab a hot chick? Why so violent?”
“I don’t know. It's crazy. That's the point.” Finn winks and turns the phone back.
“Guys, once I hit enter, it's set. No turning back. I HAVE to do these things or else!” Evan says, waving the phone around in our faces.
“Hold still I wanna see!” Lillian grabs his phone. “Oh god change it!”
“Let me see!” Conner grabs the phone. “One, don't wear a shirt to school. Two, eat peanuts even though I'm allergic, three kiss Lillian! I'm gonna-”
“Stop!” Lillian grabs Conner's arm in mid-strike, his face redder than his hair.
“Take your stupid resolutions. It's never gonna happen anyway.” Conner thrusts the phone at Evan, before shaking his head.
“I need help with mine. I don't know what to do.” I say, trying to divert the conversation.
“I’ll help you,” Lillian says, crossing to me.
“Hey, watch it!” She says to a girl who bumped into her. “I swear this party is growing every second. There won't be standing room soon. Lemme see the phone.” I hand her my phone and she doesn't hesitate. “Ok there. I went ahead and entered it because why would you wanna change it.”
“What?” I took my phone and read over my list.
- Dye my hair pink
- Get a tattoo that says “Bad Dad”
- Make out with a guy for longer than five seconds
“Lillian! I am not doing any of these things!” I look up from my phone and Lillian is laughing so hard I fear she might fall over.
“What? It's funny!” I look down at my phone screen. No back button, no delete, I'm stuck with these resolutions.
“Ok are we all done?” Finn asks, having to speak up due to the music getting louder.
“Yeah, I think so,” Conner replies.
“Cool. And we’ve got a minute until midnight! Imma get a blue cup!”
“I'll join you!”
“Right behind!” As Lillian, Conner, and Evan disappear into the crowd, my phone buzzes. I look down and click the notification from Resolution Keeper.
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVGE2sXjq1
THANK YOU FOR SUBMITTING YOUR RESOLUTIONS. IN DOING SO YOU HAVE INSURED THAT IF YOU DO NOT COMPLETE THESE TASKS IN THE ORDER YOU CHOSE, THE CONSEQUENCE WILL BE ENFORCED. FAILURE TO COMPLETE ALL TASKS BY THE NEXT NEW YEAR WILL RESULT IN THE CONSEQUENCE. THANK YOU AND ENJOY YOUR YEAR.
