It’s Raul’s birthday…the day he ages up to a young adult. We gather at breakfast time to wish him a happy birthday and watch him blow out his candles. The twins really get into the spirit. I’m guessing that they really like birthdays.
I can tell that Mama Nadine is feeling a little down. I guess, just like the rest of us…she’s not really looking forward to us all moving out.
Raul doesn’t seem to mind though. Out of all of us…he’s the only one with a real plan. After he ages up…he calls up his military recruiter and makes plans to start his career right away.
I had no problem forgiving Mama Nadine last night, but I realize that since she has forgiven me…it’s only right that I also forgive Raul. Since he’s aged up and will be moving out, I know that if I don’t do it now…I’ll probably never get another chance. I walk over to him…
Alida: Hey…I’m sorry for acting the way I have towards you for the last few days. The whole Robert Beasley thing wasn’t just your fault. I played a big part in it too.
Raul: I’m sorry too! I never should have dragged you into it.
Raul leans down and gives me a big, long hug. I’m thrilled to have my friend back again.
Alida: When are you moving out?
Raul: Tomorrow morning…that’s when I start my first day in the military.
Knowing that Raul is leaving so soon puts a damper on my mood. We were fast friends when I first moved into the Fuller group home…sorta. Either way, I’m not quite ready to say goodbye to him.
We have two birthdays to celebrate…Darwin’s and Raul’s, so after Michael and I arrive home from drama club, Mama Nadine takes us to the Oasis Springs Pool. It’s a surprise for us all because Mama Nadine doesn’t often leave the house. At least she didn’t before today.
The only problem is that the heat in Oasis Springs is so oppressive that we’re all sweating within minutes of arriving. I’m absolutely miserable until I see that Raul’s sister and my ex-roommate, Claudia, has decided to join us. It’s my chance to ask her how living on her own is going. I’m happy to hear that she’s adjusted pretty well.
We all scatter and try to find something to help us survive the heat. Darwin plays in the sprinklers. Mama Nadine relaxes under a tree and the twins race towards the waterslide.
Raul and I make our way into the pool, which soon becomes crowded with kids. I’m not too surprised. It’s the best place to be on a day like this. I lie back and just allow my body to float in the cool water.
Michael and Darwin enjoy the less crowded pool on the top deck. If I wasn’t being so lazy, I would probably join them…but I’m content for now.
I don’t know how they can stand it in the desert heat, but the twins go to the playground for a while, until Mama Nadine calls us all over for dinner. We sit in the picnic area and devour her delicious shish-kabobs.
The sun begins to go down and the air cools a bit. We finish up our meal, then race to the waterslides before it’s time for us to go. Claudia hangs back with Mama Nadine for a while and tells her all about her work as an activist.
Mama Nadine allows us 30 more minutes to enjoy our water play before we have to leave since it’s a weekday and we have school tomorrow. She returns to her spot under the tree but still keeps a close eye on us.
We enjoy our last few minutes all together again as a family.
Finally, we say our goodbyes to Claudia, then head home. Everyone else hangs outside for a bit to also say their goodbyes to Raul who’ll be moving out in the morning. Mama Nadine and I are the first to head inside for bed. The twins join me a bit later.
(Generation 1 Chapter Summaries)
