Chapter 11: A Dance Party at LA Fitness
One cold third Saturday of February 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 stepdad, Freddie Benson, at LA Fitness in Monroeville for a dance party. "Hi, guys!" I greeted my friends. "Hi, Angel!" Sarah greeted back. Before the dance party, we listened to our usual music of Kate Bush, Lizzo, NSYNC, and 98 Degrees. We danced to all sorts of fun tunes and learned all sorts of fun dance moves. We even opted to dress up in costumes despite the dance party being casual. "I don't understand why we are wearing costumes when everyone else in the facility is casually dressed," Sarah stated. "Well, maybe, it is just practice for tomorrow's semi-formal dance at the Edgewood Country Club," I pointed out. "Why are they having the dance this weekend?" James asked. "Especially since Valentine's Day is over now!" "Maybe, because this was our closest free weekend to Valentine's Day," I explained. "I went to a dance once with my old girlfriend, Sybil before she broke up with me," James stated. "Also, School Picture Day was a hassle trying to look my best to impress the girls." "It's okay if you don't plan on dating or having a boyfriend or girlfriend all of your life," I pointed out. "Benedict helped me look good that exact same day," Sarah stated. "What about me?" Henri asked. "I helped you out, too." "Oh, right," Sarah stated. "I forgot about that. "This is kind of fun because I never attended a dance in high school except for senior prom," I told everyone. "Most of my school dances were either in middle school and college. Maybe because I never liked to get too dressed up for a dance." "But, you always dress up and look nice around us," Sarah stated. "Yes, but I did not like really fancy dresses and high heels," I explained. "I will feel left out if I am not dressed fancy enough for the dance." "I remember attending my 8th grade Valentine's Day dance, and it was amazing," Carly stated. "I liked helping her make the handmade Valentine's Day cards," Mr. Benson stated. "A lot of girls loved me for my looks," Spencer stated. "Well, I am looking forward to tomorrow's semi-formal dance party," Alex happily stated. "It is at a local country club similar to the Sweet 16 party that I attended." "It is also exciting to find out more about our job," Justin stated. "I wanted to get the job, too," Max stated. "But, I do not consider myself as much of a leader as Alex and Justin!" "Are you going to wear the Valentine's Day dress that you wrote about in one of your journal entries?" I asked. "You look great in it!" "I just might," Alex told me. "Some journal entries from your last set were pretty accurate," I pointed out. "We went to see a play about your favorite historical figure, Rosa Parks last month, and also, you and Justin have gotten the job that you were hoping for. Not to mention, your short story was pretty accurate, and your favorite band trip is happening this year with Turtle Creek!" "Wow, Angel," Alex remarked. "You really know me." After the dance party was over, it was time for all of us to leave. "Thanks for a great evening, everyone!" I thanked my friends. "You're welcome, Angel," Sarah replied. "Good night, guys!" "Good night!"