Chapter 20: Planning a Group Trip and Monopoly
The next day, we all met at the Carnegie Library in Squirrel Hill for a discussion group on planning a group trip and games. "Hi, guys!" I greeted my friends. "Hi, Angel!" Sarah greeted back. We listened to NSYNC while playing Charades, Corn Hole, and Murder in the Dark Game. We listened to 98 Degrees while playing Sardines, Obstacle Course, and Truth or Sing. We listened to the Pop2Kountdown featuring 2009 on Pop2K while discussing a group trip. Finally, we listened to Kate Bush and Lizzo during dinner and trying a new game of Monopoly. "I have not played Monopoly since starting high school," Carly stated. "It is great to bring back memories of being a kid and teenager, but it is also good to try new things out," Mr. Benson stated. "I certainly agree," Spencer agreed. "Did you guys like the group trip meeting?" Alex asked. "And the 11th grade flashback to Owl City's song 'Fireflies'? The song that kept me warm during a cold and snowy winter?" "I thought it was amazing," Max stated. "We can be 2 different people as we are serious and reserved during our jobs with the Music Support Group Academy, but still goofy and fun doing activities and working with our peers," Justin happily stated. "Speaking of which, our friends have presents for us." "Oh yeah, the gifts that they were telling us about yesterday," Alex agreed. Alex received a red medal from Sarah and Justin received a blue medal from James. "This was our present to you guys on a successful and entertaining marching band season," James stated. "Thank you for doing so much for the marching band and still balancing time to hang out with us at the same time," Sarah added. "You guys are so welcome," Justin stated. "It is hard work, but I would never want to leave my friends and second family behind," Alex happily stated. "Again, we would be sure to not forget your birthday, Angel," Sarah stated. "We wanted to surprise you," Henri added. "At least, I was there to keep you company taking a drive," James added. "You are a great big brother who everyone looks up to, James," Sarah stated. "That was why Sarah and I supported you at your high school graduation ceremony 18 years ago," I pointed out. "18 years ago?" James asked. "Yikes! I feel like I was just graduating high school 5 months ago!" "That was when I feel like I was graduating high school," I added "14 years for me!" "And 14 years since I graduated Carnegie Mellon University," James added. "I miss going to both high school and college in the city of Pittsburgh," Sarah happily stated. "Back in the summer, I was crying over our favorite female clients dressed in their cute red caps and gowns with white dresses and sandals. That was a sweet and beautiful milestone similar to what I went through graduating high school 2 years after James." "Yes, graduation can be very bittersweet and emotional sometimes," I added. "But, there was no better year for the 2024 high school graduation to be compared to than my graduation year of 2010. You guys should have been there for my Highlands High School graduation because it was a very memorable experience for me along with prom. Alex and Justin were right about high school being a major turning point in your life." Pretty soon, it was time for all of us to go to bed. "Thanks for a great day, everyone!" I thanked my friends. "You're welcome, Angel," Sarah replied. "Good night, guys!" "Good night!"