Chapter 11: A Dance Party at LA Fitness
One mild second Saturday of October 2024, 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, 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. While jamming out to Kate Bush and Lizzo, we composed a Childhood Chat in which Elizabeth Mosh discussed doing a secret handshake in 6th grade in downtown Pittsburgh, Samantha Mifflin discussed taking a selfie in preschool in East Liberty, Emily Grey discussed staying comfy in 1st grade in the North Side, Hannah Mifflin discussed coloring in 5th grade in Oakland, Sarah Ching discussed sleeping in total darkness in 8th grade in Shadyside, and Emma Wallace discussed telling a silly story right after high school graduation in the South Side. "All of these selfies remind me of how I am 36 years old and I still am not a married man yet," James pointed out. "I could have had the opportunity to marry Sybil if she asked me." "You have lots of problems with your appearance, huh, James?" I asked. "I guess so," James replied. "But, you helped me on School Picture Day when I was having a hard time." "And, I helped you, Sarah," Henri pointed out. "Yes, you did," Sarah replied. "I was having a hard time that day, as well." While jamming out to NSYNC and 98 Degrees, we composed another Childhood Chat in which Jennifer Preager discussed eating popcorn in 2nd grade in Bloomfield, Kayla Jennis discussed staying up all night in 4th grade in Highland Park, Brooke Leesaw discussed having a movie marathon in 9th grade in Lawrenceville, Jessica Linden discussed playing a board game in 7th grade in Morningside, Julia Robison discussed taking a selfie in 9th grade in Point Breeze, Kaitlyn and Colleen Marioni discussed coloring at 13 years old in Regent Square, Rachel Luster discussed sleeping in total darkness at 10 years old in Squirrel Hill, and Taylor Paulson discussed telling a silly story at 21 years old in Stanton Heights. "I do not think that anybody is too old for coloring," Carly happily stated. "It is one of my favorite crafts which I still remember doing even in middle school." "I still like to color, too," Spencer stated. "I love dance parties as well as arts and crafts," Mr. Benson stated. "I do not think that we will be in total darkness at this dance party," Max happily stated. "Speaking of which, I wonder how our students are doing at the homecoming dance," Justin stated. "They are doing just fine," Alex stated. "I checked up on them and they seem to be having fun at the Edgewood Country Club, in which I went to a nice Sweet 16 party at Brackenridge Heights Country Club." "Are we going to have another Valentine's Day formal there like we did last year?" I asked Alex. "Possibly," Alex replied. "I am kind of worried about going to Kennywood Park with your new job," I confessed to Alex. "Why, Angel?" Alex asked. "I feel guilty about our fight a few months ago and we have not been going to Phantom Fall Fest this year at all because of you guys," I explained. "We will go tomorrow," Alex told me. "Besides, it will be more fun with more people with us!" Then, we jammed out from songs on the SiriusXM radio The 10s Spot for our dance party in addition to learning some traditional dances with totally awesome dance moves. When the dance party was over, we headed home and went straight to bed. "Thanks for a great day, everyone!" I thanked my friends. "You're welcome, Angel," Sarah replied. "Good night, guys!" "Good night!"