Chapter 7: SPA-tastic Activities
One mild fourth Saturday of February 2020, my mentor, Jenna and I met my childhood friends Sarah, James, and Henri at Target in East Liberty to shop for Pittsburgh's Perfect Parties client Isabella Black's Spa Night Sleepover the following Saturday. "Hi, guys!" I greeted my friends. "Hi, Angel!" Sarah greeted back. Isabella and her older sister, Alexandra were also there. Jenna and I helped Sarah shop for Ghirardelli dark chocolate and ripe, red strawberries for the Chocolate-Covered Strawberries Snack, as well as fake nails and other nail art supplies for the Acrylic Nails Contest, and several nail polish bottles along with other hand and feet products for manicures and pedicures. "The first time I got my nails painted was done by Sarah, of course," I pointed out. "Really?" Jenna asked. "Of course," Sarah replied. "I also braided her hair that same evening, as well." "One of our party traditions recently was shout-outs," Jenna explained. "What are shout-outs?" Sarah asked. "They are when you say something nice about a person for her birthday or another special occasion," Jenna explained. "We did a lot of those for Abigail's birthday last month." "And, I saw a lot of shout-outs supporting my band at Open Mic Night last Sunday," I added. "Oh, okay," Sarah replied. "So, what is your shout-out to Isabella?" "Well, um... every little girl loves the spa, as at an ordinary sleepover, girls would just eat popcorn and watch a scary movie," Jenna stated. "Please don't mention scary movies," Sarah stated. "That was actually the type of R-rated movie that John Paul took me to see, and I wasn't ready for it since I was only 13 years old." "I remember that you were around Hannah's age back then," I stated. "I forget, how old is Hannah again?" Sarah asked. "She is 14 years old, Sarah," Jenna reminded Sarah. "But, she is in the 8th grade at Shady Side Academy Middle School, and you were in 8th grade when John Paul asked you out," I added. We checked to see how James, Henri, Isabella, and Alexandra were doing. James and Alexandra were shopping for bread and other non-meat fillings to make Finger Sandwiches since a few of Isabella's guests were vegetarians, as well as paper bags, markers, and sweet-smelling things for the Guess that Scent Game, and supplies for the Oatmeal, Milk, and Honey Facial Masks. "Angel thinks that your class is partially like my graduating class," James explained to Alexandra. "Why is that, James?" Alexandra asked. "She is just loving the mild winter weather, that's all," James explained, "and she thinks it reminds her of my senior year at Freeport Area High School, which was 2005-2006." "I met a lot of hot female seniors, but unfortunately, no hot male seniors," I explained. "If you don't like girly activities, how about a pillow fight?" I then asked James. "Uh, no," James told me. "Pillow fights are too dangerous, and I believe that boys can use facial masks to keep their skin hydrated, as well." "You recall how we talked about the difference between boys and girls pampering themselves last week," I stated, "and you stated that you were beginning to develop a foot fetish. Well, I believe that John Paul had a foot fetish when he saw Sarah painting her toenails." "I don't really know John Paul all that well," James told me, "since he wasn't there." "If you were to plan Abigail's next sleepover, she would have a pillow fight, huh?" I asked James. "I don't think so, Angel," James told me. "And, the last sleepover that she had was for her birthday 2 weeks ago, and it was winter-themed." "I was just explaining to Sarah what shout-outs were," I added. "I would personally love to get another selfie at this next slumber party, and I am sure that Jill would like a selfie when she hosts her Monkey Business sleepover next month." Finally, Henri and Isabella were shopping for marshmallows, food coloring, and mini Tootsie Rolls to make Marshmallow Manicure Treats, as well as fruit and other groceries for a Smoothie Contest, and lip gloss containers, petroleum jelly, and powdered drink mixes for Fruity Lip Balm. "Those chocolate-covered strawberries that you are serving sound delicious," Henri told Isabella. "But, marshmallow manicure treats sound even more yummy!" Henri licked his lips. "You just seem to have a sweet tooth for desserts, especially for candy," Isabella pointed out. "Samantha actually made Spa Berries for her slumber party last month," I explained. "Why didn't you just help shop for those, instead?" "Because Sarah is the fruit lover in the group, and I am the candy lover," Henri explained. "But, you like chocolate, don't you?" I asked Henri. "Yes, I do, Angel," Henri replied. After we finished going shopping at Target, we headed back to Isabella's house in Oakmont. We discussed more about our experience hosting slumber parties. "Come to think of it, now I actually don't think that popcorn is a bad snack, just as long as you don't add a lot of butter to it," Sarah explained. "But, I happen to love the spa because you can eat, healthy relaxing snacks such as fruit and veggies, and drink refreshing beverages like water instead of soda pop, and the chocolate-covered strawberries happen to be my favorite!" "Mine, too," I agreed. "I also believe that we are supposed to have popcorn for our snack later today." "Yes, with Jill," Jenna agreed, "and Hannah also likes the same kind of popcorn that I like!" "Chocolate is one of my favorite snacks, too," James agreed. "Abigail and her friends already know that from her dessert party to celebrate her birthday earlier this month." "A pillow fight would actually be fun and engaging," Henri stated, grabbing a pillow from the couch. "I swear to God, Henri, that you are becoming the mischievous, rambunctious kid that Samantha is now," I stated. "Or maybe, Samantha is growing up to be like Henri," Jenna told me. "Didn't you ever think of that?" "Well, my goal is to get a good, decent selfie of myself at the party, and Jill should get a selfie of herself at her Monkey Business sleepover next month," I reiterated. "Once again, Isabella, every little girl loves the spa, as at an ordinary sleepover, girls would just eat popcorn and watch a scary movie," Jenna repeated. Pretty soon, it was time for me and Jenna to leave. "Thanks for a great day, everyone!" I thanked my friends. "You're welcome, Angel," Sarah replied. "Bye, guys!" "Bye!"