Chapter 9: Typical Relationships
The next day, I met some of my other best friends Alex Russo, Justin Evans, Max Greenwald, and Carly Shay, along with Carly's parents, Sam and Freddie, at Alex's house in Squirrel Hill for a discussion group on relationships and a game afterward. "Hi, guys!" I greeted my friends. "Hi, Angel!" Alex greeted back. "So, what all did you eat for lunch today?" I asked. "Jenna, Jill, and I ate baked potatoes." "We ate pizza," Carly replied. "We ate sandwiches," Alex added. "I was wondering if you have any more snacks left for our discussion group today," I told my friends. "We sure do," Alex replied. "We have brownies to eat if anybody wants one." We then sat down for our discussion group. "I have something to tell all of you guys about relationships," I told my friends. "I show everybody at my apartment that I love the wrong way, including Mom and my cat, Mattie." "I would like to talk about family relationships," Carly told us. "Sometimes, I find my living situation a little annoying," Carly admitted. "Why do you say that, Carly?" Mr. Benson asked. "It took until the spring of my 8th grade year to realize the person that Freddie really is," Carly stated. "Mom, what do you think if I moved out and got my own apartment someday?" "That would be great, Carly," Mrs. Shay agreed. "But, the trouble is I am not really ready, and besides, it's not like I don't love you guys!" "I would like to talk about relationships at school and work," Alex told us. "When we began our senior year of high school, I didn't realize how much I had a crush on Justin," Alex stated. "Until you and Max asked me to bowl at Zone 28 with you guys." "Sometimes, it can be hard to choose between boys and schoolwork," Max admitted. "But, you were lucky to have guy friends who shared amazing qualities, like you did," Justin pointed out. "I suppose that is true," Alex agreed. "Maybe, this will help me with my relationship with Mom and Mattie," I told my friends. "And, I won't be tempted to tease or make fun of them anymore." I took a deep breath. "To change the subject, what is everybody's favorite thing about getting together in your own home?" "I like to have movie marathons," Alex stated. "I like to watch YouTube videos," Justin stated. "I like to sing karaoke," Mrs. Shay stated. "Something fun for me to do would take a quiz," I told my friends. "I like showing off my new pajama sets," Mr. Benson stated. "I like to eat doughnuts for breakfast like I had this morning," Max stated. "Yum!" "Well, I like to talk about everything my friends like to do and say, but I don't want to spread gossip since that is mean," Carly stated. "No worries, Carly," Alex pointed out. "We have a fun game to play afterwards, and it is called Truth or Dare!" We went clockwise around the circle telling different truths and doing different dares. After our game was over, it was time for me to leave. "Thanks for a great day, everyone!" I thanked my friends. "You're welcome, Angel," Alex replied. "Bye, guys!" "Bye!"