Chapter 8: Self-Acceptance and Ichiban

The next day, I met up with Sarah, James, and Henri, as well as some of my other best friends Alex Russo, Justin Evans, and Max Greenwald at the Carnegie Library in Squirrel Hill for a discussion on self-acceptance. "Hi, guys!" I greeted my friends. "Hi, Angel!" Sarah greeted back. We jammed out to 98 Degrees and Lizzo prior to the meeting, though. "I joined a support group as a kid to discover what I am like and that is a good form of self-acceptance," Henri stated. "I was in a support group as a kid as well, Henri," Max agreed. "Well, Max," Henri stated, "support groups are a great way of discovering who you are and trying to fitting in." "High school graduation influenced my self-acceptance," Alex stated. "I was named Salutatorian of Music Support Group Academy and I am dressed in my graduation attire." "I was Salutatorian of Taylor Allderdice High School, Alex," Sarah stated. "I already knew that, Sarah," Alex pointed out. "I also am a very smart and well-dressed young man, and high school graduation also influenced my self-acceptance," Justin agreed. "I was named Valedictorian of Music Support Group Academy and I am also dressed in my graduation attire." "That's amazing, Justin," James remarked. "I know, James," Justin agreed. "I was happily meant to be that kind of person." After our discussion group was over, we headed to Ichiban Steakhouse in the Waterworks for an hors d'ouerve dinner consisting of fruits and vegetables like Yukon gold potatoes, acorn squash, golden delicious apples, Bartlett pears, cranberries, navel oranges, cauliflower, white button mushrooms, portobello mushrooms, jalapeno chili peppers, plums, and honeydew, cheeses like white cheddar cheese, blue cheese, havarti cheese, Asiago cheese, brie cheese, and feta cheese, and pastas consisting of fine egg noodles, ravioli, farfalle (bow tie) noodles, macaroni, spaghetti, and orzo. Kaitlyn and Colleen Marioni even stopped by to write their journal entries. After dinner, it was time for all of us to go home. "Thanks for a great evening, guys!" I thanked my friends. "You're welcome, Angel," Sarah replied. "Good night, guys!" "Good night!"