Chapter 3: Visiting the Aviary with New Friends
One cold third 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 stepfather, Freddie Benson, at the National Aviary for a field trip. "Hi, guys!" I greeted my friends. "Hi, Angel!" Sarah greeted back. We listened to Kate Bush, Lizzo, NSYNC, and 98 Degrees on our way. "I can see PNC Park and Acrisure Stadium from here," James happily stated. "Not Heinz Field anymore, huh?" Henri asked. "Nope," James replied. "I remember when we saw a baseball game at your high school together," Sarah happily stated. Pretty soon, we saw a beautiful young family by the name of the Carsons including their dad, Jonathan, their mom, Maria, their oldest son Matthew, their oldest daughter Abigail, their middle daughter Hannah, and their youngest daughter Samantha. "How would you youngsters like to be involved in our slumber party internship for this year?" Sarah asked. "Sure," Hannah replied. "Maybe, when we get home, you can show us some activities that you like to do," Sarah stated. "Maybe, we could offer you guys a drink of lemonade if you are interested," Hannah replied. "That was what I helped sell on an unseasonably hot spring day back when we were kids," I told everyone. "We actually have Fruity Fizz and a unique kind of ice cream to eat," Samantha stated. "We are studying lots of interesting things in school," Abigail stated. "I know about all different kinds of birds." "I remember studying birds, too, Abigail," Carly stated. "I was in your grade, however, I am the youngest of 3 girls and you are the oldest of 3 girls." "I am a year older than Carly," Spencer stated. "And I am her wise but stern stepfather," Mr. Benson stated. "Nice to meet you, guys," Abigail stated. "Do you have any hobbies that I should know about, Alex?" Hannah asked. "Yes, I love music," Alex replied. "I also love writing in my journal about my previous experiences." "I remember our Christmas concert that we performed at in 11th grade," Justin stated, "which was totally awesome!" "I also had a birthday on Monday aka Martin Luther King, Jr. Day," Max stated. "I am 30 years old now." "Happy belated birthday, Max!" Samantha stated. "Thank you," Max replied. "You know, I just missed having young girls to look after since the Mifflins are getting too old now, but you guys are more fresh and youthful!" I stated. "So yes, we will include you in the internship," Sarah happily agreed. The 3 girls cheered. Once we got back to Point Breeze, the treats included rock and roll ice cream and fruity fizz, with a stuffed animal race for a game, toothbrush holders and friendship rings for crafts, the "What If" game, and souvenir recordings of our day. Then, it was time for all of us to go home for the evening. "Thanks for a great day, everyone!" I thanked my friends. "You're welcome, Angel," Sarah replied. "Good night, guys!" "Good night!"