I wake up, worrying about how I’m going to continue my programming classes now that I’m banned from the information center. The first thing I do is call Hali’a to ask if there’s anything she can do about the ban…
Hali’a: I’m so sorry Alida. I’m afraid that I have to agree with Librarian Haych’s decision. I wish there was something I can do.
I’m extremely disappointed to hear that, but I can’t blame Hali’a. It’s all my doing.
Alida: *deep sigh* It’s not your fault.
Hali’a: Well, the good news is your log-in will work on any computer. You can continue with your programming classes.
Alida: But I don’t have a computer…
Hali’a: Again…I’m sorry. I really don’t know what else to tell you. Maybe you can start using the computers in the library in Oasis Springs.
I know that I can’t afford to travel to Oasis Springs every day. I’ll just have to find another way.
Alida: Thanks anyway Hali’a. *ends the call*
Michelle catches the tail end of my conversation.
Michelle: What was that all about?
Alida: I’ve been banned from the information center at City Hall.
Michelle: Why? What happened?
I tell Michelle all about the incident with the two ladies.
Michelle: *shocked* And you called them b*&tches? Why’d you do that?
Alida: I don’t know! I felt like they were getting in the way of my goals. They were all up in my space…stressing me out. But Hali’a says that if I had access to a computer, I can finish my programming classes anywhere.
Michelle: That’s good!
I sit down on one of the stools.
Alida: How is that good?
Michelle: All you have to do now is save up for a computer. It’s doable. If I succeed at my audition today, maybe I can help you out. I’d better go before I’m late.
Michelle heads out the door. I really appreciate her. She’s such a good friend.
I head outside and discover that even overcast days in Strangerville are scorching. I end up changing before I head to the bubble lounge. This place is becoming sort of an addiction… maybe because I know that Q will eventually show up.
He comes in and sits down next to me…
Alida: How was dinner with your parents?
Quincy: A disaster.
Alida: I feel so bad for making you late.
Quincy: It’s not your fault. My parents need to realize that I’m a grown man. They can’t just spring a last-minute dinner on me…with no regard to what I may have planned and expect me to show up on time.
Alida: True –
I get interrupted by a text from Michelle…
Michelle’s Text: Hey…
Alida’s Text: How did the audition go?
Michelle’s Text: Not well…I’ll tell you about it when I get home.
Alida’s Text: Sorry =( See you at home…
I put the phone away and apologize to Q…
Alida: Sorry about that. My roommate had an audition today and it doesn’t sound like it went very well.
Quincy: Oh, well…if you need to leave, don’t let me hold you up.
Alida: I have time. She’s still in Del Sol Valley right now. It’ll take her a minute to get back.
Quincy: So…she’s an actor.
Alida: A good one too. I can’t imagine why she didn’t get the role.
Quincy: It happens. What about you? What do you do?
This is not a question that I’m prepared to answer. I keep it as vague as possible.
Alida: Right now I work at a warehouse. That’s the job that you helped me find…
Quincy: That’s right! So the advertising board helped.
Alida: Yeah, but I’m studying programming right now. I’d like to get into that eventually.
Time to change the subject…
Alida: What about you?
Quincy: I dabble in a few things. I do a bit of music producing and sell beats from time to time, but I really enjoy photography. I’m not very good at it yet, but I’d like to get into freelancing and like photograph weddings and stuff like that.
Alida: So you work for yourself?
Quincy: Yes…I can’t see myself working for anyone else. I set my own schedule and it gives me time to pursue other things.
Alida: That’s what I’d like to do too.
Alida: How do you make money in the meantime though? Like…how do you make enough to afford to buy a house?
I know my question is crossing the line into being nosy and inappropriate, but I‘d really like to know. Especially since Michelle and I can’t even pay our bills right now. Maybe Q has a secret that’ll help us out.
Quincy: Honestly, my parents helped me get my house. They gave me a line of credit that I’ll eventually have to pay back once I get my career off the ground.
It must be nice to have that type of support. That’s definitely not a possibility for Michelle and I. Our parents aren’t around and we wouldn’t dare go and ask Mama Nadine for more money. She’s done enough for us.
Alida: Oh…
I know I have to go to meet up with Michelle soon, but Q and I decide to pass the time with a game of darts. After my last shot…
Quincy: You’re not bad at this…
Alida: I’ve played a round or two before.
We spend most of the time in a tie, but I end up winning at the last minute.
Quincy: Nice one!
Alida: *suspicious* You didn’t just let me win, did you?
Quincy: What would I get outta doing that?
Alida: I’d better go. It was good seeing you again.
Quincy: Yeah…you too.
I slowly turn and begin to leave.
Quincy: Hey…let me take you out somewhere other than this grungy lounge.
Alida: Yeah…okay. Call me!
Quincy: I will
(Generation 1a Chapter Summaries)
