Chapter 3: Shopping at Monroeville Mall
The next day, I met Sarah, James, and Henri, as well as some of my other best friends, Alex Russo, Justin Evans, and Max Greenwald at Monroeville Mall in Monroeville to go shopping. "Hi, guys!" I greeted my friends. "Hi, Angel!" Sarah greeted back. "You're just in time for shopping," Alex told me. First, we saw Ralph Breaks the Internet at the Cinemark movie theater. "Happy birthday, Sarah," Alex wished. "Thanks, Alex," Sarah replied. "I bought you a card and some peppermint squares that we can share," Alex told us. We each took a lemon square to eat. "Are you guys going to come to my Christmas party on December 16?" Alex asked. "Absolutely," Sarah replied. "Why don't we start with the Hallmark store?" I suggested. Sarah picked out birthday Happy-Go-Luckys, including a party hat, a birthday present, and a piece of birthday cake due to her recent birthday and Alex picked out springtime Happy-Go-Luckys, including a bunny, a chick, and a flower due to her birthday being in springtime. "We finally have a warm day outside today, Angel," Sarah told me. "Are you happy about that?" "I sure am, Sarah," I replied. "I was hoping for a mild winter this year due to El Nino." We heard Christmas music playing inside the mall. "I remember one Christmas where we opened presents and ate a nice dinner together," Sarah remembered. "Angel and I used to celebrate Christmas like that, too," Alex remembered. "We can go to H&M next so I can spend my new gift card that Angel got me," Sarah stated. Sarah bought a brand new red sweater and black pants. "Wow, look at all the nice clothes here!" Alex exclaimed. "This velour dress looks pretty. I think it will be something pretty for me to wear to the Christmas party." I stared in disgust while Alex bought the dress. "I wore a very nice outfit to my senior band banquet at MSG Academy, only I am not sure if it fits me anymore," Alex continued. "I am starting to get jealous of you girls," I angrily admitted. "Why is that, Angel?" Sarah asked me. "Because you are getting all this nice clothes that I can't afford and that don't fit me," I stated angrily. "It's okay, Angel," Sarah told me. "I just need to eat less and spend less, that's all," I told everyone. We then went to Payless Shoe Source so Sarah and Alex could buy some new shoes. Sarah bought a pair of close toe high heels, while Alex bought a pair of open toe high heels. "My poor swollen heel is making it hard for me to wear high heels anymore," I told my friends. Finally, we went to Claire's, where I bought myself a matching set of earrings and necklace. "See, Angel?" Sarah asked me. "You bought something nice." "Yeah, that's a very nice and festive jewelry set, Angel," Alex added. We went to TCBY for frozen yogurt. Alex and I both bought classic hot fudge sundaes, while Sarah bought herself a strawberry banana smoothie. Pretty soon, it was time for me to leave. "Thanks for a great day, everyone!" I thanked my friends. "You're welcome, Angel," Sarah replied. "Bye, guys!" "Bye!"