Played Pageant and this one, really great the whole way through!
[Spoilers below!! at least how I played it]
The awkwardness of our heroine through the party, the quiet moment with Emily outside (which was very cute btw!), the sense of doom I felt when people started talking about politics at the table haha, and sealing it all off with a New Year's kiss/hug (and the noncommittal "it was fine" in the car w/ mom). Great scenes that felt very relatable!
I like your writing style a lot. A mix of introspection, overthinking, and realistic dialogue that I think fits the story you're telling well! Looking forward to your future works :) stay safe!