Chapter 7: Alaskan Adventures Activities
One mild first Saturday of February 2024, I met up with my childhood friends Sarah, James, and Henri, as well as 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 Pittsburgh's Perfect Parties client Abigail Carson's apartment in Point Breeze. "Hi, guys!" I greeted my friends. "Hi, Angel!" Sarah greeted back. We listened to Kate Bush, Lizzo, NSYNC, and 98 Degrees prior to our shift. "I have a lot of activities planned for next Saturday," Abigail told us. "For outdoor games, we will play Snowball Battle and Iditarod Racers, and for indoor games, we will play Collecting Snowflakes, Snowball Surprises, and Warm as Toast. As for activities, we will make a Stuffed Snowman for the game, make Soapsuds Snow, a Home, Sweet Igloo, and Polar Bear, Polar Bear with a jump rope." "What about food?" Henri asked, licking his lips. "Don't parties always have good food?" "Yes, to eat, there will be Snowman Pie, Snappy Snowmen, and Snowball Milkshakes," Abigail continued. "How has your week been?" Sarah asked. "Busy," Abigail replied. "I got asked out to the Valentine's Day dance and had a history test, and then we met up for a Bird Watching Party on Thursday." "I got asked out to a dance in high school," James pointed out. "By a young woman named Betsy." "Did you deal with a horrible young man cheating off of your exam?" Sarah asked. "I did, but I just ignored him and focused on my own work," Abigail replied. "I am sure that he got into a lot of trouble, though." "That happened to me once," Sarah stated. "A mean guy named Nathan cheated off of my exam and then got in trouble for it." "As long as you were not the one cheating, that is what matters," Abigail stated. "It is amazing how you can plan such a big party in a busy week, especially with rehearsals for the musical, which we plan to come see you in," I pointed out. "We will also come support you at your Honors Banquet on a random pop-up day since Pittsburgh Public Schools is different from Shady Side Academy, and we can even dress formally for you." "How do you know what cupcakes to get for the igloo?" Mr. Benson asked. "We have to go to a very special bakery to get them, like Prantl's," Abigail replied. "I love Prantl's Bakery," Spencer stated. "Me too," Carly agreed. "I remember back in middle school when we baked these cupcakes from scratch even though it took more time." "It certainly won't feel like winter on the day of your party next Saturday," I pointed out. "But, did you hear that the groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil is predicting an early spring?" "I know, right?" Alex asked. "I am excited about that!" "It only snowed the week of my birthday this year," Max stated. "It might snow the week of my birthday, too," Justin stated. "I don't want to hear anything about snow," Alex stated. "This school year has been following in the footsteps of our upperclassman year, but not until after the winter is over," I pointed out. "I am thinking that 2010 may win for April." "That was a very nice month," Alex agreed. "We probably didn't have spring and summer activities, but it was still a nice month!" "Also, the musical's main cast consists of mainly juniors and seniors, with a few male freshmen and sophomores," I added. "I believe that Hamilton was picked for the school musical since there are a lot of male performers in the cast this year, who I do not know as well as the females." Then, we headed to Target to shop for everything that we needed for Abigail's slumber party next Saturday. "By the way, we are getting together for an early Valentine's dinner before the dance," Abigail stated. "With balloons, cheeseburger pizza pie for dinner, and fruity links for an edible dessert. Would you guys like to come?" "No, I would rather eat my favorite fish and potatoes for dinner," Alex contradicted. 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!"