Chapter 4: Travel Outside of Pittsburgh
The next day, I met up with Sarah, James, and Henri as well as some of my other best friends Alex Russo, Justin Evans, and Max Greenwald at the Pittsburgh's Perfect Parties office in Monroeville for a discussion group on travel and a Game Day afterwards. "Hi, guys!" I greeted my friends. "Hi, Angel!" Sarah greeted back. I drank juice during our discussion group meeting. "I personally think that this is a great topic to discuss, as summer is the ultimate time of year for travel!" Alex happily exclaimed. "Since I personally love amusement parks, I would like to take the time to discuss Idlewild Park, which is out in Westmoreland County. The name of the water park inside of Idlewild is Soak Zone. It also makes sense since today is sandwiched in between our Sandcastle and Kennywood Days." "I miss going on vacation, Alex," Sarah stated. "I do, too, Sarah," Alex agreed. "Before the pandemic, in between our time together, we would almost always go on vacation together to places like New England, Boston, Gettysburg, and Florida," Sarah stated. "I really wish that we could find a good travel week for all of us, especially since we have a full week off work at the end of August," James stated. "This was one of the main reasons why I was in a support group at a very young age," Henri stated. "I was always anxious to get out into the world and make new friends." "That's why almost all of us need a support group, Henri," Max agreed. "I want to be friends with so many people in this world!" "I am especially glad to have you and Mr. Benson as my best friends, Max," Henri stated. "Speaking of which, it's been 10 years since you graduated high school, Justin," James pointed out. "Is there going to be a class reunion trip planned?" "I don't know about that, James," Justin replied. "But, I know that we will have a very special event planned in Station Square with dinner at Buca di Beppo." "I suggest that you guys go to Idlewild Park for the reunion, instead," I told my friends. "The bottom line that I am trying to make is that I am very sad that summer is over now." "It's okay, Angel," Sarah told me. "Don't let the tears out just yet!" "Yeah, we still have Kennywood next week," Alex reminded me. "You can let your tears out after that!" "I noticed that you wore your graduation dress and shoes because you were remembering just how amazing your high school graduation was," I told Alex. "And, I am so glad that I am friends with so many Valedictorians and Salutatorians in the group!" After our discussion group was over, we had our Game Day in which we played games like Scrabble, an obstacle course, Murder in the Dark Game, Donut on a Rope, Flashlight Tag, and Saran Wrap Prize Ball. Carly and her folks even joined us at the office. I told everyone about an imaginary scenario since JC Chasez from NSYNC and Drew Lachey from 98 Degrees both shared the same birthday that they would invite all of their fellow band members to their birthday parties, and that Carlos Santana would be the main adult in charge of the party, along with all of the artists that he has collaborated with, such as Chad Kroeger, Jennifer Lopez, Rob Thomas, Tina Turner, Steven Tyler, and Michelle Branch. The guests would have been JC's band members including Justin Timberlake, Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, and Chris Kirkpatrick and Drew's band members including his older brother Nick Lachey, Jeff Timmons, and Justin Jeffre. I also told everyone that I missed us working at the exact same office all together and still, nobody knew exactly when that day would come. After our Game Day was over, it was time for all of us to go home. "Thanks for a great day, everyone!" I thanked my friends. "You're welcome, Angel," Sarah replied. "Good night, guys!" "Good night!"