Today is the day that I age up to a young adult, but I’m not too sure how I feel about it. I go to the bathroom to take a shower and get dressed. Mama Nadine has a cake all lit up and ready for me once I return to the kitchen.
After a couple of tries, I successfully blow out my candles and age up. I don’t feel very different, but I know that everything in my life has changed.
(Alida’s Aspiration: Fabulously Wealthy/Business Savvy Traits: Creative, Self-Assured, Hot-Headed, and Irresponsible)
I stand there awkwardly for a few minutes while Mama Nadine sings Happy Birthday. I grab a bowl of fruit salad and sit down to eat. Molly walks to her seat along with me.
Molly: I’ll miss you when you move out.
Alida: I’ll miss you too!
After I’ve finished up and have cleaned my bowl, Mama Nadine asks me to follow her into her bedroom. I’m not sure why, but I comply.
In the bedroom…
Mama Nadine: I have something for you and I wanted to give it to you in private.
She holds up a box. I thank her as I take it and open it up. There’s money…a lot of money.
Alida: Oh my Gawd…how much is this?
Mama Nadine: It’s not much, but it’s enough to get you started.
I’m in shock. I never expected such a generous gift, but I’m not sure if it’s right for me to take it.
Alida: I-I don’t know if I –
Mama Nadine: …can accept it? Of course you can…it’s your money. It’s the money that the state paid me for taking care of you, but I didn’t need it, so I save it…for each of you- every penny. Obviously…they don’t pay much, but I know that it’ll help you out…at least until you start making money on your own.
I’m overcome with emotion. I reach in and give Mama Nadine a big hug.
After the hug…
Mama Nadine: Listen…I know that I’m not your mom, but it’s been an absolute pleasure having you here. And…I want you to know that you’re not completely on your own. If you need me…I’ll always be here for you. I love each and every one of you like you’re my very own children.
Mama Nadine’s words mean so much to me. Holding back tears, I try to distract myself before I become too emotional. I pull out my phone…
Alida: Will you take a picture with me? I want something to hang on my living room wall.
Mama Nadine wipes a tear or two away before responding…
Mama Nadine: Sure…but make sure to get my good side.
I know she’s being self-conscious about her scar, so I do my best to reassure her.
Alida: Both sides is your good side…say cheese!
Mama Nadine: Cheese!
I snap the picture.
I wait until I’m outside before I allow myself to really feel all the emotion and love that I have for Mama Nadine for caring so much about me. Her generosity has touched me more than anything ever has in my life. And now I know that she basically cared for me…for all of us, without even receiving any pay. She did it from the kindness of her heart.
I’m on my way to Strangerville once again. This time I’m going to ask around about work. Before I leave…I snap a few selfies, then I call up an S-Uber.
Here on my 2nd visit to Strangerville…I realize that it’s a lot smaller than Del Sol Valley. There aren’t too many places to go to try and look for a job. I make the 8 Bells bar my first stop since it’s one of the more prominent buildings in town. I go inside and walk up to the bartender.
Bartender: What can I get you?
Alida: Well…I was hoping that you’d tell me that you’re hiring.
Bartender: I’m not the owner, so I couldn’t hire you if I wanted to. And I’m 100% sure that we have all the help we need.
That’s disappointing to hear.
Alida: Any ideas on where else I can go?
Bartender: I don’t know if you saw the old plane wreck when you were arriving, but there’s a coffee shop there. Check with them.
I thank the bartender for the info and leave the bar.
Although it’s fall and a bit chilly in Del Sol Valley…it’s every bit as hot as it was yesterday here in Strangerville. Removing my jacket helps, but I’m practically soaked in sweat by the time I locate the plane wreck.
(Generation 1a Chapter Summaries)
