Chapter 3: Sarah's Birthday Celebration at Monroeville Mall
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 Monroeville Mall for another birthday celebration for Sarah featuring lots of presents, games, food, and fun. "Hi, guys!" I greeted my friends. "Hi, Angel!" Sarah greeted back. "I have a 32-dollar check for you for 32 years, and it can be whatever you want to spend it on, in addition to all of those wonderful homemade crafts," I stated. "Thank you, Angel," Sarah remarked. "Do you want to open up your birthday gift from me, Sarah?" Alex asked. "Sure, Alex," Sarah asked. "I can't wait to see what music you downloaded on CDs for me." Sarah eagerly unwrapped Alex's present and found decade CDs from the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. "Wow, these CDs are great, Alex!" Sarah exclaimed. "Thank you so much!" "You are welcome, Sarah," Alex replied. "By the way, how did you know that I was going to be making you music?" "Because I am smart, and because you love music and I love music," Sarah replied. "Yes, we all love music," I agreed. "Music from 98 Degrees and Santana is especially party-worthy, and sounds a little bit better than most party music we hear now, especially with the rare Latin flavor!" Prior to the party, we composed a Childhood Chat while jamming out to 98 Degrees, where Elizabeth Mosh discussed playing board games in 5th grade in Bloomfield, Kaitlyn and Colleen Marioni discussed doing a secret handshake in 1st grade in Highland Park, Natalie Bay discussed telling the truth in 9th grade in Lawrenceville, Samantha Mifflin discussed throwing a slumber party without a theme in kindergarten in Morningside, Sarah Ching discussed getting a manicure in 7th grade in Point Breeze, Grace Luster discussed sporting her new nightgown at the end of 4th grade in Regent Square, Jennifer Preager discussed arranging her sleeping bag circle at 17 years old in Squirrel Hill, and Kayla Jennis discussed pulling pranks this past summer in Stanton Heights. Christmas music was playing in the background. First, we went to StarCade to play some games, including Pac-Man, Doodle Jump, and a few driving games. After checking out some party toys and games at Games Go!, including tabletop games, we played some more games at Ace's Breakaway Arcade, including more driving games, Fishbowl Frenzy, basketball, skeeball, and Dance Dance Revolution. "This has got to be one of my best birthday parties ever following the pandemic," Sarah pointed out. "Why is that?" Alex asked. "Because it reminds me of an amazing childhood Christmas that all of us spent together as teenagers because of an awesome Christmas dinner and amazing Christmas presents," Sarah told us. "This December is going to be like 2011 due to the constant warmth going on right now," I told everyone. "It will join June as one of the months when Alex and I were best friends won." We ended up going to Saku Japan as there were group dinner platters for special parties at the time. "Dang, I was hoping for some Italian food at Sbarro, Justin," James pointed out. "Well, Japanese food is good, too, James," Justin pointed out. "And, we'll still get to have Italian food for dinner in 2 weeks from today at Buca di Beppo!" "We should have hors d'oeurves next week after our discussion group," James suggested. "The food is really good, Max," Henri stated, licking his lips. "I can't wait for birthday cake from TCBY!" "I'm glad you like it, Henri," Max stated. "I was kind of in the mood for pasta myself, since that was one of my favorite foods from dinner at our senior banquet, along with the dinner rolls!" "We need to have hors d'oeurves next weekend after the discussion group," Henri stated. "Do you really think that we should have hors d'oeurves next Sunday after the discussion group, Alex?" Sarah asked. "Especially since the boys are recommending it." "I think we can do that, Sarah," Alex agreed. "Especially since fruits and vegetables are considered to be 'Free Fuel', and living in the condominium in Squirrel Hill with you ladies is like Green Lights when it comes to who I live with," I told my friends. "As long as you do not continue to harass me, particularly sexually, I will not mind residing in the condo with you," Alex reminded me. Then, it was time for birthday cake. After we ate dinner and cleaned up from the party on our way home, we composed another Childhood Chat while jamming out to Santana, where Brooke Leesaw discussed eating chips in 7th grade in downtown Pittsburgh, Sophia Cleng discussed her secret handshake in kindergarten in East Liberty, Julia Robison discussed throwing a slumber party without a theme in 7th grade in the North Side, Rachel Luster discussed getting a manicure in 3rd grade in Oakland, Lauren Bennett discussed eating bagels for breakfast in 5th grade in Shadyside, and Victoria Spurnick discussed pulling pranks just this past summer in the South Side. We played one more party game, and it was where we chose East Liberty over Highland Park, the North Side over Morningside, Point Breeze over Oakland, and the South Side over Stanton Heights. Then, we arrived back home. "Thanks for a great day, everyone!" I thanked my friends. "You're welcome, Angel," Sarah replied. "Good night, guys!" "Good night!"