Chapter 3: The Kaya Fest
One hot third Saturday of May 2024, 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 Kaya Fest in the Strip District. "Hi, guys!" I greeted my friends. "Hi, Angel!" Sarah greeted back. We listened to Kate Bush, Lizzo, NSYNC, and 98 Degrees prior to the party, as well as a Pop2Kountdown featuring the year 2000. "What did everyone think of the sports in Oakmont yesterday?" I asked everyone. "Even though it was pouring down rain for most of the day?" "Yeah, they always hold spring and summer activities, rain or shine," James pointed out. "The treats we ate yesterday were delicious," Henri stated, licking his lips. "Playing all of those sports yesterday reminds me of the baseball game that James and I went to at his high school," Sarah stated. "Yes, summer is coming up," I stated. There was Caribbean music in the air, along with more tasty treats to eat. I opted to buy a fresh-baked cookie, an ice cream cone with sprinkles, and a big glass of lemonade. "Summer can happen early sometimes," I pointed out. "I remember helping sell lemonade on that unusually hot day in May, and Sarah was busy doing her homework." "The ice cream here is good, though," Henri stated. "What would you guys consider to be the better ice cream: Brr-Kees or Millie's?" I asked. "They're pretty equal," James stated. "Who can forget our ice cream intern from a few years back?" I asked. "The main dishes were good as well, like the tacos, which we can also say are better or worse than today's festival tacos." "More girls picked pasta this week compared to last week, even though we will have pasta yet again at our banquet tomorrow," I stated. "The middle schoolers had pasta at their banquet, too." "That is my favorite banquet food, as we can remember from the honors banquet last week," Carly stated. "Playing the sports in Oakmont reminded me of how I participated in a sports competition back in middle school." "Jennifer is very athletic and is very good at her sports," I pointed out. "Sometimes, it is a good thing to be athletic," Mr. Benson stated. "I was worried that they would have to cancel the activity, but they ended up having it anyway, rain or shine," Spencer remarked. "I am looking forward to the Disney trip next week," Alex proudly stated. "I also thought that it was fun to perform on the last song of the spring concert, which was a medley of songs from the Disney movie Encanto." "I liked our Christmas concert in 11th grade the best," Max stated. "I don't know which I liked better... the Christmas concert or the spring concert," Justin stated. "I would probably have to say the spring concert." "Can we tag along to everything that you guys do in the band?" Justin asked. "Even with private events?" Sarah asked. "Well, I wouldn't necessarily say private events, but you guys are welcome to see the football games, parades, concerts, and other community events in person or on YouTube," Alex pointed out. "We should still have a special dinner for these guys the Sunday before they leave," I stated. "By the way, why was the Pop2Kountdown in 2000, not 2010?" "2010 is the first year of the 2010s decade, and 2000 is the first year of the 2000s decade," Alex explained. "Yes, but still," I explained. "People who grew up in the 1980s consider 1990 to be a part of the 80s, 2000 to be a part of the 90s, and 2010 to be a part of the 00s, heck, even 2020 to be a part of the 10s." "I see what you mean, Angel," Sarah pointed out. "Plus, this spring and summer are becoming like 2010! The seniors are partially like me, the juniors are partially like Alex, and the sophomores are partially like Carly," I pointed out. "I have been very satisfied with the weather this spring and summer!" Pretty soon, 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!"