Chapter 1: Dinner and Games
One cold and snowy Saturday in January 2019, my childhood friends Sarah, James, and Henri met me at my mom's apartment in Highland Park for dinner and games. "Hi, guys!" I greeted my friends. "Hi, Angel!" Sarah greeted back. "How was your trip to Las Vegas over New Year's to see Lady Gaga?" I asked. "Oh, it was a lot of fun," James replied. "We even saw the Moser-Mifflin family there," Henri added. "That's because they went, as well," I told Henri. I served everybody dinner, as well. I ate oven-fried chicken with a biscuit and a few chocolate chip cookies. Sarah ate a fried chicken breast and wing with macaroni and cheese and a biscuit. James ate a fried chicken leg and thigh with mashed potatoes and gravy and a biscuit. Henri ate a fried chicken sandwich with coleslaw. We had a choice of either juice or soda to drink, and I chose juice to drink. "How long have you known the Moser-Mifflins since, Angel?" Sarah asked. "Well, I have known Jenna and Jill since last May," I replied. "However, I have known Matt and his 3 younger sisters, Abigail, Hannah, and Samantha for 4 years now." "I bet that's not as long as you have known us," James added. "Oh no," I agreed. "I have known you guys for a long time." "How long?" Henri asked. "Since your parents got married at the Natrona Heights Presbyterian Church, beginning the start of what I call our 'eternal friendship'," I explained. "Just so you guys know, that was 16 years ago!" "Yes, we are aware of that," Sarah stated. "And what exactly do you mean by 'eternal friendship'?" "Everlasting and never ending," I replied. "Speaking of which, are you guys enjoying your dinner?" "I am," Henri replied. "It is much yummier than what we ate at James and Sarah's honors banquet." "So, you're telling me that a crispy chicken sandwich with coleslaw and a biscuit is yummier than spaghetti and salad?" I asked Henri. "In my opinion, I personally think that spaghetti and salad is better because it's healthier for you!" "Why do I feel like I am 10 years old again eating this meal?" Henri asked. "When you grow older, your tastes in food change," I reminded Henri. After we finished our dinner, we decided to play some board games that Sarah, James, and Henri received for Christmas. First, we played the 60th Anniversary edition of Clue. I played as Miss Scarlet, Sarah played as Ms. Peacock, James played as Colonel Mustard, and Henri played as Professor Plum. "It's been a while since I have played this game," Sarah admitted. Sarah ended up winning the game, though. While James and Henri wanted to continue playing Clue, Sarah and I decided to play a game of Scrabble. "I talked to Jenna and she said that we could help out with her sister, Jill's slumber party next Saturday," Sarah told me. "I am sure that Jenna and Jill would appreciate all your help," I agreed. Sarah breathed a sigh of relief. "I am glad that there is no wedding or banquet tonight," Sarah happily admitted. "The weather is too nasty outside for me to dress up in for that!" "Yes, we did share some amazing moments together, Sarah," I reminded my best friend. "We laughed, we cried, and we shared every secret that we were dealing with in our lives together." Pretty soon, my cat, Mattie walked by to watch us play Scrabble. "Mattie wants to play Scrabble, too," I noticed. "Are you being nicer to Mattie, Angel?" Sarah asked me. "I am working on it, Sarah," I replied. "She's like a nice chicken tender and ice cream sandwich." "That doesn't make any sense, but okay," Sarah stated. Pretty soon, it was time for my friends to leave. "Thanks for a great evening, everyone!" I thanked my friends. "You're welcome, Angel," Sarah replied. "Bye, guys!" "Bye!"