It’s our wedding day…at least I hope so after I finally tell Q what’s been on my mind. I sit and wait for him to come out of the bathroom after he takes his shower. He already knows that something is up as soon as he sees me. I beckon for him to sit down next to me…
Alida: I have something that I need to tell you.
Q sits down…
Quincy: What’s up, ma.
Alida: I should have told you this as soon as you proposed, but I – I didn’t want to ruin the moment.
Quincy: Okay?
Alida: Q…I can’t take your last name.
I can see the hurt on his face.
Quincy: You can’t or you don’t want to?
Alida: *swallows hard* I – uh. I don’t want to. I was a teen when I decided to change my name to Banks…I decided that it would be a part of my legacy. I made a vow that no matter what…I’d keep my name and my children would carry the name.
Quincy: *places his hand on his head in frustration* So my daughter won’t carry my last name because of some vow you made as a teen? And you expect me to have no say in this?
Alida: We can hyphenate it, but it’s important to me that she has the Banks name.
Quincy: *slightly agitated* Why Alida? Why is it so important to you?
Alida: I told you my background. I came from nothing Q. You met my mother…you know what happened with her. I want to build something. Changing my name was a new start…a way to be something different than whatever fate had out there for me. I changed my name and took charge of my life. I want my story to mean something…I want Peri to carry it on. I still want to marry you Q. I love you, but I understand if this changes things for you. If you don’t want to get married, I –
Q’s expression softens a bit…
Quincy: *interrupts* Okay
Alida: Okay? What does that mean?
Quincy: You can keep your last name.
Alida: Really?
Quincy: I’m not going to take something so important from you. What kind of man would that make me? I’m a junior for similar reasons. I’m not going to let a name keep me from marrying you.
Alida: What about Peri?
Quincy: She’ll have your last name too. She’ll carry on the Banks name.
I lean in and give him a kiss.
Alida: *relieved* I love you so much!
Quincy: I love you too.
After our discussion, Q goes into the front room to take care of Peri, but attempts are interrupted by multiple phone calls. Peri isn’t too happy about it.
Prosperity: Time to eat daddy…not talk!
Q Sr. comes to the rescue…
Quincy Sr.: Pop pop’s got you!
Q Sr. lifts Peri up and places her in her highchair. While Q finishes his conversation with his sister Sophia, who apologizes profusely for not being able to make it to the wedding.
I’m incredibly happy that Q is so understanding about me keeping my name, but as I begin to get ready…a new anxiety begins to set in. It’s time for me to get ready for my wedding, but I have no idea what to do with my hair or how to even begin applying make-up.
Q’s mom has been able to find a dress for me at the last minute, I leave the bathroom to put it on. Suddenly, the bedroom door opens and I hear a familiar voice.
Michelle: This is not what you’re supposed to be looking like on your wedding day!
My heart is bursting just seeing her standing there.
Alida: Michelle!
I rush over and pull her into my arms.
Michelle: What’s up with the grumpy face?
Alida: *chuckles* What are you doing here?
Alida: I thought you had a scene to film today.
Michelle: I did, but I talked the director into postponing it. They’ll spend the day filming some of the scenes that I’m not in.
Alida: How did you pull that off?
Michelle: I’m Michelle f*&king Blu, remember? If I’m not happy…the whole thing will be a flop.
Alida: I’m so glad you’re here! Have you seen Mama Nadine yet? Is she coming to the wedding too?
Michelle: Uh…she had a bit of a cold. She sends her love.
I know Michelle is lying. Mama Nadine wouldn’t let a cold keep her from such an important event.
Alida: I’ll go see her right now then…
Michelle: *forceful* You can’t do that!
Alida: *worried* Why not? And don’t tell me that it’s because I have to get ready. Seeing Mama Nadine will only take a –
Michelle gives up on trying to keep the news from me…
Michelle: She passed away. Last night. I’m so sorry. I wanted to wait until after the wedding to tell you.
Alida: Wha – Mama Nadine is dead? But we – we just saw her and she looked amazing! She can’t be –
I bury my hands in my face as the tears begin to flow.
Michelle: I know… I was shocked too. I talk to her almost every day, and now… *chokes back tears of her own*
Alida: I can’t get married today…
Michelle: That’s why I wanted to hold off telling you. But you will get married because that’s what Mama Nadine would want. Ever since she met Q, he’s all that she can talk about. About how much of a good man he is…and how he’s perfect for you! Did you know that he talked to her about proposing to you…the day he met her.
Alida: So…that’s what they were talking about?
Michelle: Yes
Michelle turns me turns the mirror…
Michelle: Now let’s honor her memory by making you the most beautiful bride that’s ever gotten married here in Sulani.
Alida: *mournful, but determined* Okay
(Generation 1a Chapter Summaries)
