Chapter 1: A Sky Full of Stars
One cold second Saturday of January 2023, I met up with my childhood friends Sarah, James, and Henri along with some of my other best friends Alex Russo, Justin Evans, Max Greenwald, Carly Shay, and Spencer Puckett, as well as Carly's stepdad, Freddie Benson, at the Pittsburgh's Perfect Parties office in Upper St. Clair for our stargazing activity. "Hi, guys!" I greeted my friends. "Hi, Angel!" Sarah greeted back. We jammed out to Kate Bush, Lizzo, NSYNC, and 98 Degrees prior to the event. "I am so excited to see you guys again," I told my friends. "We should get started with all of these filler activities again before the month is over." "We are excited to see you, too," Sarah happily stated. "I remember when we first met at our parents' wedding at the Natrona Heights Presbyterian Church. It was known to be a great friendship that would last a lifetime." "I remember that I had to help you out with this new situation at first, Henri," James stated. "You were just 8 years old when this happened." "I am very happy to have you as a big brother, James," Henri happily stated. "The honors banquet happened at the exact same church," I pointed out. "That was memorable, as well," Sarah agreed. "We can make even more memories now that we live together," I pointed out. "I met Angel for the first time back in Natrona Heights," Carly stated. "I could be another good friend for her, as well." "I could have been her friend, as well," Spencer stated. "You could have as many friends as you wanted back then," Mr. Benson pointed out. "Friends are limitless." "2 months after we first met at the end-of-summer picnic, Angel watched us perform in the marching band for the very first time," Alex happily stated. "That was the year that I was collecting dues as Band Council Treasurer," Justin remembered. "And, I was taking attendance for all of the band members as Band Council Secretary," Max remembered. "Hey, that was my job, too," Alex stated. This conversation about friendship lead us to play some icebreaker games and some other fun activities while looking at the stars in the sky. "Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight. I wish I may, I wish I might have the wish I wish tonight," I happily wished. "Dear Star, let our friendship blossom better than ever in the new year of 2023!" I then smiled at that wish. "Well, we will always be your best friends, Angel," Sarah stated. "I, of course, am going to continue to eat healthy in the new year with tonight's dinner of chicken parmesan and salad," Alex stated. "We need to make a petition for the company to get healthier dinners and snacks." Pretty soon, it was time for all of us to go home. "Thanks for a great day, everyone!" I thanked my friends. "You're welcome, Angel," Sarah replied. "Good night, guys!" "Good night!"
