Peri grabs breakfast and watches the “tween” channel before it’s time to leave for school. She tries to keep her mind off the message she received last night, but it’s all she can think about. The only thing that’ll help is to ask Byron about it today, which is precisely what Peri plans to do. She finishes eating and leaves for school.
After breakfast, it’s time for me to check in on Merit who has decided to sleep in this morning. Q is already in there keeping him company. I pick him up and take him to the bathtub for a much-needed bath. He enjoys splashing the water a bit too much…which leaves me pretty much soaked by the time it’s over.
The money tree gets my attention first thing every morning. After becoming § 8,000 richer, I receive a call from Michelle inviting Merit and I out for a playdate.
Alida: *on the phone with Michelle* Sounds fun…should we invite Claudia and Izaiah too?
Michelle: I sent her a text, but she says she has to work today and can’t make it.
Alida: *slightly disappointed* Oh…that’s too bad.
We all meet up at Desert Bloom park an hour later. We’re not even there five minutes before Michelle’s fans begin to approach.
Enthusiastic Fan: Ode to the Watcher! You’re Michelle Blu! I’m your biggest fan. Can I please take a selfie with you?
Michelle: I’m so sorry…I’m here to spend time with my family. No pictures and autographs today.
Disappointed Fan: But you always take selfies with your fans. It’s what people like most about you.
Michelle: I know, but not during family time. Maybe next time…
Merit and Veronica at least get a chance to greet each other properly…
Merit: *to Veronica* Big hug peas?
Veronica: Big hug!
I lead the babies away from the group that’s beginning to gather.
Alida: C’mon…let’s get you two away from these crazy people.
Merit: Cazy pepo?
Alida: Yes, but please don’t repeat that in front of your daddy.
Michelle and I try our best to strike up a conversation, but once again, we’re interrupted…
Michelle: So I finally did it! I’m officially –
Bella Goth: Michelle Blu! I didn’t believe it when everyone said you were here…but here you are!
Alida: Excuse me, Bella, but we’re in the middle of a conversation, and you’re being hella rude right now! Can you just go?
Bella: Now who’s being rude? *turns and walks away*
Alida: *under breath* And take off that tired red dress. It was old decades ago…
Michelle: Alida! She’ll hear you…
Alida: You know I’m right…
Michelle chuckles.
Michelle and I move to a nearby bench and make one last attempt to get a conversation going…
Michelle: As I was saying…I’m now officially a style influencer!
Alida: So you’re not acting anymore?
Michelle: No…and I’m glad because now I have more time to spend with Roni!
Alida: I’m so hap –
Paparazzi: Michelle Blu! Over here!
Michelle: *deep sigh* I’m so sorry about all of this. Next time we’ll host the play date at our house.
Alida: Well…at least the babies are having fun.
Michelle and I watch Merit and Roni chase each other around the playground.
I get up to help Merit on the slide, while Michelle attempts to keep the crowd at bay.
Michelle: I’m sorry, everyone! I’m not here for pictures or autographs. I just want to spend time with my daughter.
Michelle looks so sad watching me play with Merit without being hounded by a crowd. I feel for her and wish there was something I could do to ease her burden. Suddenly the group gets louder, which nearly breaks Michelle’s composure.
Merit seems to sense her distress and walks over to Michelle with his arms out for a hug. It’s just what Michelle needed. We decide to end the playgroup early and head to Michelle’s house after all, once the paparazzi begin to snap pictures of the babies. They don’t want to leave the park, but keeping the babies safe is most important right now.
We arrive at Michelle’s place. She leads us upstairs to Roni’s room.
Alida: This is beautiful…fit for a princess.
Michelle: Thanks, I designed it…but Tamati put it all together for her.
Alida: Well, you two make a great team!
Merit plays with Roni for a bit but gets a little cranky as he gets hungry. I take him downstairs for a snack. Tamati is also down there eating a very late breakfast…it seems.
After Merit is happy and full again, Michelle shows me her favorite room in the house…which she has turned into a closet/stylist room.
Michelle: This is where I’ll bring my clients.
Alida: Well…I’ll definitely be seeking your help once I age up. It’ll be time for a brand new style.
Michelle: You know I’ll always have your back – free of charge!
(Generation 1a Chapter Summaries)
