Chapter 3: Pittsburgh Traditions
The next morning, Sarah, James, Henri, and I returned to Hailey's house in Oakmont for breakfast, which was rainbow pancakes. One of my other best friends, Carly Shay and her parents, Sam and Freddie, were also at Hailey's house. "Hi, guys!" I greeted my friends. "Hi, Angel!" Carly greeted back. "Carly, what are you doing here?" Sarah asked. "I wanted to help supervise this party with you, because it seems like you have a really great job, Sarah," Carly admitted. "Well, that is very nice of you to say," Sarah agreed, "but why are you really here? Is there something else bothering you?" Carly sighed. "I have been having a fight with Alex over the past week about doing outings based on the previous night's slumber party," Carly admitted. "I personally think that it is stupid." As favors for helping out, Sarah and I received friendship bracelets, while James and Henri received goodie bags full of candy. "Can I just hang out with you instead of Alex?" Carly asked Sarah. "I personally think that you are a better and nicer friend than she is, because at least, you have a better job!" "Well, we are tired from helping out with that party," Sarah admitted, "and I think that you should go out with Alex. You don't want to lose her as a friend now, do you?" "Come on guys, let's go out to breakfast!" We went to Freedom Square Diner in Verona, so we could make our own omelets. "I did not know that there was a Freedom Square Diner in Natrona Heights," Carly stated. "That one bad guy, Nevel, wouldn't allow it." "There is also another Freedom Square Diner in Cranberry Township," Mrs. Shay added. "And also one more in Monaca," Mr. Benson added. Later that day, I toured the Strip District and ate dinner at Primanti Bros. with some of my other best friends, Alex Russo, Justin Evans, and Max Greenwald. "I'm upset that nobody wants to be my friend anymore, since they think I am too obsessed with finding a job and not as friendly as I used to be," Alex stated through teary eyes. "It's just so sad when it's just you, me, Justin, and Max because it is so boring!" Alex then gave me a hug. "Don't worry about it, Alex," I comforted her. "We have just learned about all sorts of great Pittsburgh traditions, including the Terrible Towel, Cookie Tables, and Primanti Bros. Sandwiches with Fries and Coleslaw on Top. I ordered Bacon and Cheese, Alex ordered Turkey Breast and Cheese, Justin ordered Genoa Salami and Cheese, and Max ordered the Pitts-Burger. "There were so many cool traditions that I never knew about growing up," Max admitted. "Like the Kennywood Picnic, for example. That would have been fun to do in the summer after my junior year of high school." "Yes, but we were busy with other things that summer," Justin told Max. "I had to do everything to prepare for my senior year, but I still knew that all these traditions would carry on." After dinner was over, Alex, Justin, and Max drove me back to my mom's apartment in Highland Park. "Thanks for a great evening, everyone!" I thanked my friends. "You're welcome, Angel," Alex replied. "Bye, guys!" "Bye!"