Chapter 10: Social Cues and Childhood Chat
The next day, we all met at the Barnes and Noble at the Waterfront for a discussion group on social cues and theory of mind. "Hi, guys!" I greeted my friends. "Hi, Angel!" Sarah greeted back. Before the discussion group started, while jamming out to NSYNC, Carly, Spencer, and Mr. Benson composed a Childhood Chat where Isabella Black discussed using her new wheelie bag in 1st grade in downtown Pittsburgh, Kaitlyn and Colleen Marioni discussed sporting their new socks in 3rd grade in East Liberty, Abigail Mifflin discussed doing makeovers in 10th grade in the North Side, Lauren Bennett discussed sporting her new nightgown in 3rd grade in Oakland, Nicole Ellis discussed sporting her new nightgown in 3rd grade in Oakland, Nicole Ellis discussed telling a silly story in 12th grade in Shadyside, and Victoria Spurnick discussed using her new stuffed animal at 19 years old in the South Side. "I can't believe that none of the clients being interviewed were in middle school at the time," Carly stated. "I will always remember marrying your mom when we first moved into Natrona Heights with Angel," Mr. Benson stated. "Rest in peace, Mrs. Shay," Spencer glumly stated. We jammed out to 98 Degrees, as well, prior to Alex, Justin, and Max beginning the discussion group on social cues and childhood chat. "Social cues and theory of mind are very important to use in school and the workforce," Alex stated. "Swear words and vulgar words are a no-no," Justin agreed. "Otherwise, you will get expelled from school or lose your job," Max pointed out. "The SAT tests are a prime example of how school can be very important in your life," Alex stated. "I know this because we were known as the studious group in our school." "I am going to work on social cues and theory of mind because I don't want you girls to move out of the condo," I told Alex. "Well, we will not move out of the condo as long as you do your part in keeping the room a safe social environment, Angel," Alex told me. "And, stop talking about sexual matters in public, okay? You are doing much better than you have been, but there are still some things that you can improve on." Then, while jamming out to Kate Bush and Lizzo, Sarah, James, and Henri composed another Childhood Chat where Emma Wallace discussed doing different activities in the spring and summer of 2012 at 11 years old in the eastern suburbs, Kayla Jennis discussed doing different activities in the spring and summer of 2014 at 12 years old in the western suburbs, Brooke Leesaw discussed doing different activities in the spring and summer of 2015 at 17 years old in the northern suburbs, Jessica Linden discussed doing different activities in the spring and summer of 2016 at 15 years old in the southern suburbs, and Sophia Cleng discussed doing different activities in the spring and summer of 2018 at 11 years old in the city of Pittsburgh. Emma liked playing Chopped, Jr. in Churchill best, Kayla liked putting on a talent show in Imperial and doing a Bean Boozled taste bud test in McDonald best, Jessica Linden liked writing and acting out a play in Peters Township best, and Sophia liked having a fake snowball fight and making fake snowmen in Washington's Landing for her 12th birthday best. "One day this month, if not this week, we should have a dance party in Sewickley to celebrate your birthday, Brooke," James stated. "How would that sound?" "I'm already having a birthday party this Tuesday, remember?" Brooke asked. "I can even set it up if you want, but it will not be crazy, like Molly's Sweet 16th birthday party," James reassured. "Although, the music at that party was pretty fun to dance to!" "Angel and I also promise not to sneak in this time," Sarah reassured. "I don't want to talk about the birthday party anymore," Henri stated. "I want to talk about handing out candy to kids on Halloween, since the holiday is coming up and I loved dressing up as a Power Ranger that year." "We promise to play our Halloween playlist at your slumber party, Brooke," I promised Brooke. Then, my mom met us for a special dinner at Longhorn Steakhouse. Then, it was time for all of us to go home for the night. "Thanks for a great day, everyone!" I thanked my friends. "You're welcome, Angel," Sarah replied. "Good night, guys!" "Good night!"
