Chapter 10: Pittsburgh Neighborhoods
The next day, I met some of my other best friends Alex Russo, Justin Evans, Max Greenwald, Carly Shay, and Spencer Puckett, as well as Carly's stepdad, Freddie Benson, at the new Pittsburgh's Perfect Parties location in Upper Saint Clair Township. "Hi, guys!" I greeted my friends. "Hi, Angel!" Alex greeted back. For snacks, we had banana bread and juice to drink. I also brought along some onion and green pepper slices, an apple, and a plum to munch on for snacks, too. We began talking about our favorite Pittsburgh neighborhoods. "After I finished my last year of middle school, I have always dreamed of moving to the city of Pittsburgh," Carly stated. "There are so many great stores and restaurants!" "Now that I agree with you on, Carly," Spencer agreed. "Same here," Mr. Benson stated. "I wanted to say that I am very proud to live in the city of Pittsburgh," Alex stated. "I have lived here for at least 8 years now!" "Well, we didn't, Alex," Justin pointed out. "I resided in Erie during my college career." "And, I resided in Indiana County during my college career," Max stated. "If both of you had to give your top 5 Pittsburgh neighborhoods, what would they be?" I asked my friends. "I don't know about my top 5, Angel, but my top 2 best Pittsburgh neighborhoods include Squirrel Hill and Oakland," Alex remarked. "Can you remember some of the Childhood Chats that we composed this week about all of the Pittsburgh neighborhoods?" I asked Alex. "Yes, I do remember," Alex stated. "I can mainly remember the one about Washington's Landing when they made a fake snowman." "Just so you know, the clients who we interviewed also participated in Open Mic Night at MSG Academy in Turtle Creek before the coronavirus outbreak hit," I remembered. "Brooke sang 'Amazing Grace' and Sophia sang 'If I Ain't Got You'." "If I'm not mistaken, and I'm not, I believe that the other 4 neighborhoods that they talked about Bloomfield, Brighton Heights, East Liberty, and Lawrenceville, as well," Alex pointed out. "What are some of your favorite things to do in all of those neighborhoods?" "I have always liked shopping at the Target in East Liberty whenever I lived in Highland Park with my mom," I told my friends. "I have occasionally gotten dinner in East Liberty at places like the China Buffet, Whole Foods, and this one Mexican restaurant that I can't remember the name of." "Bloomfield is obviously the home of Tessaro's Restaurant," Max pointed out. "Let's not forget about Arsenal Bowling Lanes in Lawrenceville and Industry Public House for dinner," Justin added. "I don't think that I know anything about Brighton Heights, but if there is really a bowling alley there, I believe that we should go check it out," Alex stated. "Sophia and Brooke have obviously stated that they like building fake snowmen in Washington's Landing," I stated. "I would have loved to build a real snowman during my junior year of high school when we had that big blizzard," Alex pointed out. "Me too," Max agreed. "But, I am happy that it is summertime now," Justin pointed out. After our discussion group was over, we had a jam session for opening night where I played various percussion instruments, Carly played clarinet, Alex played flute, Justin played trumpet, and Max played French horn to all of our favorite songs from NSYNC and 98 Degrees. After our jam session was over, it was time for all of us to leave. "Thanks for a great day, everyone!" I thanked my friends. "You're welcome, Angel," Alex replied. "Bye, guys!" "Bye!"