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.

5. Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Camping Activities

One cool second Saturday of June 2022, I met up with my childhood friends Sarah, James, and Henri at Pittsburgh's Perfect Parties client Sarah Ching's house in Monroeville. "Hi, guys!" I greeted my friends. "Hi, Angel!" Sarah greeted back. "We plan to cool off at the Boyce Park Wave Pool nearby the campsite before we do any traditional camping activities like taking a nature walk and then sitting around the campfire and telling ghost stories," Sarah C. told us. "I plan to have all of the traditional favorites like hot dogs and marshmallows roasted over a campfire to make s'mores." "Yummy!" James exclaimed. "We all know that s'mores are my favorite slumber party dessert." "I like pizza best," Henri stated, licking his lips. "Let's say that your birthday wasn't in June, Sarah," Sarah stated. "Then, what kinds of fun would you have?" "I would just have a regular birthday party," Sarah C. stated. "As long as it is not too wild." "You mean, like Molly's Sweet 16 party that Sarah and I snuck into as teenagers?" I asked. "Don't remind me," Sarah stated. "We got in big trouble with James." "Oh, wow!" Sarah C. exclaimed. "I couldn't even have a Sweet 16 party due to the coronavirus pandemic." "How about a Halloween party?" James suggested. "I liked handing out candy to younger kids at Halloween during my high school years," James stated. "I got good practice for leadership skills that particular time." "Sure, that would be fun, too," Sarah C. agreed. "What is it that you guys don't like about a spa party?" I asked my friends. "It's just too girly for us that there are other parties that we would rather throw," James explained. "Yes, of course," Henri agreed. "We are also going to the Three Rivers Arts Festival after our shift is over!" I excitedly stated. "That's exciting," Sarah C. remarked. "I would like to go with Mia, Leighton, Aurora, and Claire tomorrow if it doesn't rain." "It would be cool if Santana performed at the Three Rivers Arts Festival one year," I told my friends. "We're going to see him in concert at Star Lake Pavilion next month, remember?" Sarah asked me. "Oh, right," I replied. We then headed over to Target in Monroeville to help Sarah C. shop for the tent, pre-lighted charcoal for the campfire, hot dogs and buns, and graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows for the s'mores. Then, we met some of our other best friends Alex Russo, Justin Evans, Max Greenwald, Carly Shay, Spencer Puckett, and Carly's stepfather, Freddie Benson along with my mentor, Jenna Moser and her sister, Jill at the Three Rivers Arts Festival in the Cultural District where we looked at art in the booths, got food to eat, walked down Penn Avenue, and then saw the band Goodie Mob perform on stage. Then, Jenna and Jill took me back to their apartment in Point Breeze. "Thanks for a great evening, everyone!" I thanked my friends. "You're welcome, Angel," Sarah replied. "Good night, guys!" "Good night!"