Chapter 1: The Movie in Sharpsburg
One pleasantly warm fourth Saturday of July 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, along with Carly's stepdad, Freddie Benson, at Guyasuta Park in Sharpsburg to film our annual movie on summer fun. Prior to then, we listened to Kate Bush and NSYNC on the way there. Then, we played games of Donut on a Rope, Flashlight Tag, Corn Hole, Truth or Sing, Murder in the Dark Game, and Nail Polish Spin the Bottle. Then, Alex, Justin, and Max worked behind the camera to make the movie to life. "As much as I feel bad that we can't be part of the actual movie, it is almost always fun to work behind the scenes," Justin stated. "Yes, definitely," Max agreed. "Besides, we will be watching an actual movie tomorrow at the Loew's Waterfront Theater, and I can't wait for it," Alex happily stated. The movie started out with a group of happy-go-lucky people living in the city of Pittsburgh with one of our clients, Grace Luster, blowing 1,000 bubbles. Grace happily stated that she is lucky to live the summer life. One evening, however, the air conditioner broke down and the group of people decided that they needed to take a road trip for the rest of the summer. The group's first destination was Washington, D.C. It was the place to have fun and go sightseeing and exploring. The group was taking a hot air balloon ride over the Smithsonian Building and the Air and Space Museum. They even got to ride horses in the 4th of July parade. A food vendor was also giving out free ice cream for the 4th of July festivities. One night, however, the group got locked into the zoo and decided they needed to go to another destination for summer fun. So, their next stop was Walt Disney World, where their choice of theme park was Magic Kingdom, and the group decided to go on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, as Space Mountain was mainly indoors and Splash Mountain was now defunct. The park was also giving out free Dole Whips to guests visiting for the day. Grace and her friends were excited, as well as her younger neighbor, Scarlett and her friends. Even better, they all played a group of mini golf at Walt Disney Resort and stayed at the Rosen Centre Hotel, which had an indoor pool. The next day, the group decided to ditch the car and take a boat ride along the Atlantic Ocean. The type of boat that the group was crusing on was called a yacht. The group arrived at a private island. Everyone stated how the beach was a better place to be than the mountains. The adults offered a different snack to eat besides ice cream and it was pineapple and watermelon chunks. Nevertheless, a vendor was still handing out free ice cream for the beachgoers. We did everything a kid or adult would want to do at the beach, such as swim in the ocean with dolphins, build a sandcastle, scuba dive, and even walk along the boardwalk. However, we all got a bad sunburn due to the ocean water consistently washing off their sunscreen, so then the yacht drove us back to our hotel so we could take the car and finish off our road trip. When we got home, the air conditioner was working again, and we came home with a scrapbook of pictures to remember our great road trip and boat ride. "I thought that was the best movie we ever made," James happily stated. "Same here," Henri agreed. "I am happy to be a single man with no wife or kids," James continued. "Especially because one of my earlier girlfriends, Phillis, wasn't into me." "I can't wait to view this movie next spring, or depending on how the film is produced, maybe view it next month out in Plum," Sarah happily stated. "I think that we will probably just view a regular movie next month, Sarah," I pointed out. "As much fun as I had filming this movie, it reminds me how time does quickly fly by when you are having fun and especially when you are starting a new school," Carly pointed out. "I was starting high school and it made me nervous as it was a different building with nobody I knew and stricter rules," she continued. "I am feeling sad that summer is halfway over, too, Carly," Spencer agreed. "I am somewhat of a father to Carly, and I know how to have more fun without a wife or kids of my own," Mr. Benson stated. "Sharpsburg is a great place to do a spring or summer activity," Grace happily stated. "I know that Scarlett enjoyed tagging along with me as well as my friends and her friends. But 3 years ago, I participated in a squirt gun battle." "We are looking forward to doing that in South Park Township next Saturday," I happily stated. "At least, I do not have to worry about wearing a face mask in the summer heat like I did then since I am fully vaccinated," Grace happily stated. There was also making pom-pom fabric pens for a craft and a choice of either hamburgers and hot dogs or Chinese food to eat and a choice of snacks and sweets, like trail mix, decorating our own cupcakes, and mug cake. Then, 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!"