Chapter 2: New Year's Resolutions at Panera Bread

The next day, we all met up at the Panera Bread Cafe in Oakland for our discussion group on New Year's resolutions and dinner. "Hi, guys!" I greeted my friends. "Hi, Angel!" Sarah greeted back. We jammed out to NSYNC, 98 Degrees, Kate Bush, and Lizzo prior to everything. "My New Year's resolution is to do more activities in new places that I enjoy, but with the same people that I enjoy them with," Carly happily stated. "That was what I liked about moving to Pittsburgh for the first time." "I was so proud of you for being so open-minded, Carly," Mr. Benson happily stated. "You found a friend in me," Spencer happily stated. "And me, too," I stated. "I definitely want to eat healthier and lose weight from eating all this delicious food around the holidays," Alex told us. "To have a good birthday," Max stated. "I would love to continue my passion with music for the new aspiring musicians and relive the fun of football games and fundraisers, just like I did the first time Angel came to see us perform," Justin stated. "Billie, Roman, and Milo look up to me as a great brass instructor." "I need to lose weight myself as well as be nicer to my mom," I told everyone. "As a matter of fact, I need to get back on track by figuring out how many calories are in the food, drinks, and especially desserts that I order here. I read that the signature macaroni and cheese is the worst thing that I could order here, and their cookies and brownies are not all that great for me, as well. Don't get me wrong! I love cookies, brownies, and other kinds of desserts, but it is how I will feel after eating them- not so good!" "My New Year's resolution for me is to continue to evolve into a bigger and better person," Sarah stated. "We were all very different people when we all met up at our parents' wedding at the Natrona Heights Presbyterian Church 22 and a half years ago." "I want to continue to be a good older brother to Henri," James pointed out. "Since we have our own house together, I am the boss for everything that we see and do." "You can also encourage me to try new things, too, James," Henri stated, "like spaghetti and tomato sauce that I tried at your banquet in high school." "That's the spirit," James happily stated. "I hope that you can evolve into the best fake big sister that we ever had," I told Sarah. "My real sister lives in Huntsville, Alabama, and it seems like you girls never had any siblings growing up," I pointed out. "That's right, Angel," Sarah stated. "I have been the only child in my family." "Same with Carly and Alex," I stated. "Living together in Squirrel Hill is like our sisterhood together, as now we are one big, happy family!" Once the discussion group and dinner was over, Alex stopped at her mom's house in Swissvale to feed her cat, Chloe and pick up some groceries for the whole female household. Then, we got home and it was time for all of us to go to bed. "Thanks for a great day, everyone!" I thanked my friends. "You're welcome, Angel," Sarah replied. "Good night, guys!" "Good night!"