The Edge of Normalcy: Part 1

by angelkittysmith

We are experiencing our first somewhat normal summer in 3 years while continuing to work Saturday shifts for Pittsburgh's Perfect Parties while also doing some of our favorite outings around the community on Saturdays when we don't work. Many episodes of Liberty's Kids are used as references in the story. NOTE: I do NOT own Liberty's Kids. PBS Kids and DiC Entertainment do.

2. Chapter 2

Chapter 2: The Activity First then Sleepover

One hot third Sunday of May 2022, I met up with my childhood friends Sarah, James, and Henri at Zone 28 in Harmarville for client Isabella Black's Activity First then Sleepover. "Hi, guys!" I greeted my friends. "Hi, Angel!" Sarah greeted back. "I haven't been here since before the pandemic," I told my friends. "I don't think any of us have been here since before the pandemic, Angel," James told me. "I was worried that this sleepover wasn't going to happen today because of the positive covid case in our building in Plum," I told everyone. "What were you guys doing in Plum?" Isabella asked us. "We were watching a movie and playing games," Sarah explained. "That's cool," Isabella replied. "What movie?" "Jungle Cruise," I explained. "Oh, I love that movie," Isabella stated. "Angel, there is nothing to worry about," Sarah told me. "The guy probably wasn't vaccinated and he was not wearing a mask." "That's very dangerous because this will make the pandemic even longer than it needs to be!" I furiously stated. "Plus, I didn't like when the nose pad broke off my new glasses whenever I fell asleep, but luckily, I got them fixed." "That's good news, Angel, because your glasses are very nice," Sarah told me. "Thanks, Sarah," I stated. "You're welcome, Angel," Sarah replied. "If we tested positive for coronavirus, then we couldn't do things like see a baseball game," James stated. "That is on my bucket list of things to do after the pandemic." "It is the omicron subvariant, BA.12.2.1 that is driving up the cases and putting Allegheny County at medium risk," I explained. "A baseball game would be a nice thing to do because I liked when I took Sarah and Angel to a baseball game at my high school when I was your age, Isabella," James explained. "Yeah, there are no baseball games at Shady Side Academy that I feel comfortable attending, as of right now," Isabella explained. "It is also hot outside today," Henri stated. "This is a reminder that hot days can happen in May unfortunately." "Thank goodness we are inside an air-conditioned bowling alley," Sarah stated. "Maybe, lemonade would have been a good choice of beverage to sell for your slumber party," James pointed out. "That was something when I helped James and Henri sell lemonade and Sarah stayed inside doing her geography homework due to the hot weather," I told everyone. Then, we went bowling for a few games and headed over to Isabella's house in Oakmont for the Aladdin themed movie and dinner night. The table was decorated with a purple tablecloth, a Moroccan-inspired candle, and Isabella's old Aladdin toys. When we first got there, Isabella played the genie and granted her guests 3 wishes, and then they made paper bag magic carpets and went for magic carpet rides on towels outside while it was still dry. "I am looking forward to the Santana concert most," I told my friends, "since we listen to that every time we are together." "Yes, that will be a lot of fun, Angel," Sarah told me. "Not to mention, we have plans to go to Dave and Andy's for ice cream before heading off to the Carnegie Museum of Art and Natural History for a special event," James told us. "I can't wait for that!" "Neither can I," Sarah agreed. "Will your parents still come to town for the Santana concert?" I asked. "Yes, they will," Sarah told me. "We wanted to go see them, but we needed to stay in town because we didn't want to miss the spring and summer activities, and Alex's birthday celebration." "But, Mrs. Ellis went out of town, and you had to take charge of the office," I pointed out. "I also hope that you guys can bring games to the picnic to play, because the rest of us are bringing food to eat and we need things to do at the picnic." "We can work that out, Angel," Sarah told me. "Besides going out for ice cream, the museum, and the Santana concert, I am looking forward to forest bathing and tea in Frick Park, the Three Rivers Arts Festival, and miniature golf possibly at Par2Golf," Henri stated. "Those are all fun events, Henri," James happily agreed. "I am looking forward to all of those!" Then, it was time to watch Aladdin and eat dinner featuring Aladdin's Appetizer Platter, Agrabah Kabobs, Genie's Jazzed Up Couscous, Abu's Monkey Bread, and Jasmine's Whole New World Flying Carpets. After the movie, it was time for all of us to go to bed. "Thanks for a great day, everyone!" I thanked my friends. "You're welcome, Angel," Sarah replied. "Good night, guys!" "Good night!"