Chapter 19: Movie Activities and Sleeping in a Tent
One chilly second Saturday of November 2022, I met up with my childhood friends Sarah, James, and Henri, along with some of my other friends Alex Russo, Justin Evans, Max Greenwald, Carly Shay, and Spencer Puckett, as well as Carly's stepdad, Freddie Benson, at Pittsburgh's Perfect Parties client Samantha Mifflin's apartment in Point Breeze. "Hi, guys!" I greeted my friends. "Hi, Angel!" Sarah greeted back. "Since the holidays are coming up, I thought that I would watch a Christmas movie marathon featuring movies like A Christmas Story, Elf, Home Alone, and The Santa Clause, and we could even make a holiday-themed movie of our own about friendship and sharing," Samantha told us. "We could also play a movie trivia game, if people were up for it!" "That all sounds like great activities to put into the holiday spirit," James happily agreed. "Yes, and we should maybe do this for my birthday on the 30th, as well," Sarah happily agreed. "What about food?" Henri asked, licking his lips. "Pizza, popcorn, and candy, in addition to birthday cake," Samantha replied. "I also wished you guys were there for my birthday party in the South Hills on Monday," Samantha pointed out. "Well, we had other things to do," James pointed out. "I have an idea," Sarah stated. "Why don't we throw you a surprise party with a surprise activity?" "Of course, it would be fun," Henri agreed. "We can even order pizza and ice cream cake, like we did for Angel's 12th birthday." "James, I felt the same way that Samantha does now," I told my male friend. "At least, you were there to take me for a drive around Harrison Hills Park before Sarah and Henri were able to surprise me!" "I am glad that I could do what I could to help you out." "I just can't believe that you are the same age that I was when I met Angel for the first time, Samantha," Sarah pointed out. "I know, I am not a little kid anymore," Samantha stated. "How do you feel about Jill graduating from high school this year?" I asked. "It is unbelievable," Samantha replied. "I felt the exact same way that Hannah felt when Abigail was graduating from high school 4 years ago, and she was also the same age that I am." "It has been a long time since I graduated from high school," James pointed out. "Sarah and Angel were proud of me, albeit surprised." "I felt sad and scared when you guys were moving out of Natrona Heights," I admitted, "because I felt like we could not hang out as much as we used to." "Didn't you used to say that you and your mom used to go to the city of Pittsburgh on some weekends?" Sarah asked me. "Yes, I did, but you guys never gave me your address at the time, although I am quite amazed that you lived in Squirrel Hill during the peak of my friendship with Carly and Alex in Natrona Heights," I pointed out. "Squirrel Hill is a great neighborhood to live in," Sarah happily agreed. "We have not lived there in 9 years from when Henri graduated from high school to just last year." Then, we went to Target in East Liberty to get everything that Samantha needed for her Movie Sleepover next Saturday. After our shift was over, we headed to Blawnox for a sleepover in a tent. On the way to Blawnox, we jammed out to Kate Bush, Lizzo, NSYNC, and 98 Degrees. "Camping out along the Allegheny River sounds like a lot of fun," Carly stated. "I remember when we did that near a playground in Tarentum, and it was a lot of fun!" Spencer happily agreed. "It is always a treat to sleep along the Allegheny River," Mr. Benson agreed. "I am sorry, but I was not really expecting this," Alex stated. "Why not?" Justin stated. "Because I had plans to stay in all day," Alex stated. "I actually love the colder weather," Max stated. "I did not like being trapped inside during a snowy, wintry day," Alex admitted. "Not to mention, I would like to share my healthy dinner of chicken parmesan and salad with you guys." "That sounds like good comfort food on a cold day, along with cooking in the crockpot," I stated. "That is always a good idea," Alex agreed. Then, it was time for us to go to sleep in our tent after games and dinner. "Thanks for a great day, everyone!" I thanked my friends. "You're welcome, Angel," Sarah replied. "Good night, guys!" "Good night!"