Chapter 9: The Carnival Fun Night Sleepover

One cool first Saturday of October 2023, I met up with my childhood friends Sarah, James, and Henri along with some of my other childhood friends Alex Russo, Justin Evans, Max Greenwald, Carly Shay, and Spencer Puckett, along with Carly's stepdad, Freddie Benson, at Pittsburgh's Perfect Parties client Hannah Carson's apartment in Point Breeze for her Carnival Fun Night Sleepover. "Hi, guys!" I greeted my friends. "Hi, Angel!" Sarah greeted back. We listened to Kate Bush, Lizzo, NSYNC, and 98 Degrees prior to the start of the sleepover. The party room wad decorated with brightly colored streamers, balloons, and holiday lights along with colorful signs on the wall directing guests to different places. We kicked things off with one of Hannah's friends, Ashley Thistle winning a pet goldfish. Then, we played tons of fun games like Gum-Ball Guess, Basket Toss, and even a bowling game. Then, it was time for face painting. "This makes me miss my days of being in elementary school," I admitted. "Me too, Angel," Henri agreed. "As you get older, your fun gets even more wacky and mysterious," Sarah stated. "Like the time when Angel and I snuck out into Molly's Sweet 16 party uninvited." "That's because Molly's party was unsupervised," James pointed out. "But, here is a more positive memory that I would like to remember." "What's that, James?" Henri asked. "Handing out candy to trick-or-treaters on Halloween," James continued. "I enjoyed doing that when I was in elementary school," Henri stated, "even though I really wanted to go trick-or-treating that day." "What are you going to be for Halloween this year, Hannah?" I asked. "I am going to be a cat," Hannah replied. "My face is even painted like a cat!" After face painting was over, it was time for the photo booth. "I wanted to assist James in photographing the pictures, since I am also interested in photography, like he is," Spencer stated. "I remember a great picture of us at our wedding that Spencer took when I first married Carly's mother," Mr. Benson stated. "I miss my mom very much," Carly stated glumly. "Why did she have to die of Covid?" Carly paused for a moment. "But at least, my 3 roommates act like big sisters to me!" "No carnival is complete without good food to eat," Max happily stated. "There are cheese fries, snow cones, popcorn, and even hot dogs on a stick," Justin happily pointed out. "I don't normally eat carnival food because I am a health nut," Alex stated. "Eating healthy food helps me do well in school. Speaking of which, how are you doing with 4th grade, Hannah?" "It is fun, but I find the work harder compared to kindergarten through 3rd grade," Hannah explained. "Wait until you get to high school," Alex pointed out. "There are the SATs to determine what college you get into, which I remember studying really hard for. First, I attended the Commonwealth Technical Institute at Hiram G. Andrews Center with Angel, and then I attended college at the University of Pittsburgh for 4 and a half years." "Well, I will enjoy being in 4th grade while the work is somewhat easier," Alex stated. "Thanks to the Carson girls' older neighbor, Jill Moser for providing all of the different prizes to win!" I happily exclaimed. Then, it was time for all of us to go to bed. "Thanks for a great evening, guys!" I thanked my friends. "You're welcome, Angel," Sarah replied. "Good night, guys!" "Good night!"