Baking is a part of the Egg Day tradition. We haven’t done much to celebrate the day, but Peri decides not to let this tradition pass her up. Besides that…home-baked cookies could possibly be a great gift to give Byron after their date. Peri makes a batch of sugar cookies and packs some away in a couple of lunch bags.
I read the book to Merit three times before he’s satisfied. He pulls out his tablet and begins to play with the shapes learning app. While he’s occupied, I decide to call Michelle up…hoping that she can fit me in for a quick makeover before Merit’s birthday tomorrow.
As if she read my mind, I get a text from Michelle telling me that she and Veronica are right outside. They decided to surprise us with a visit in celebration of Egg Day.
I’m nearly in tears when I see her standing there. I give her the biggest hug ever.
Alida: I’m so glad to see you! I need your help. I’m in desperate need of a makeover.
Michelle is eager to help, so she follows me into the bedroom. We both realize that without her supplies, our options are limited…but she’s willing to do what she can.
Michelle: So…what are you thinking? Do you want to try a straight style for a while?
I think about it, but not for long.
Alida: Maybe something a bit more drastic. Let’s just cut it all off!
Michelle: *excited* I have an idea that’ll look amazing on you!
It doesn’t take Merit and Roni long to find each other. They don’t let their slight difference in age stop them from playing together either…
Merit: We play cars…okay?
Veronica: Yeah…okay. We’ll play with these red ones.
Michelle works her miracle…after the job is complete – we find Peri in the kitchen. Feeling much more confident, I walk over to her.
Alida: Ta-da! How does it look?
Prosperity: Oh, wow! Mommy! You look gorgeous. Daddy is going to flip out when he sees it.
Alida: Where is he?
Prosperity: He was downstairs playing guitar last I heard.
I head down.
Q reacts as soon as he sees me. I don’t even have to ask if he likes it. Before I know it…I’m in his arms, and he’s giving me the sweetest kiss.
Quincy: Just when I thought you couldn’t get any more beautiful.
Alida: It’s Michelle’s handiwork.
Quincy: She had an incredible canvas.
I gently caress his cheek.
Alida: You always know how to say the right thing. But where’s your camera? I think I’m ready for a mini photoshoot.
Q pulls it out and begins snapping photos.
Quincy: I was just about to suggest the same thing.
Quincy: I thought you were waiting for your birthday to change it up.
Alida: I was, but Peri opened my eyes to some things.
Suddenly my phone rings. I can feel all the blood drain out of my face as I hear what the voice on the other end has to say. Q picks up on my change of demeanor immediately.
Quincy: What’s wrong, ma?
Tears begin to flow as soon as I end the call. Q sits down next to me, begging to know what’s happened.
Alida: *head in hands* T-that was the hospital.
Quincy: The hospital?
Alida: I-it’s my m-mother. She’s g-gone Q. She p-passed away today.
Peri is upstairs telling Michelle all about her date when she also receives the news about her Gran-Lea. She and Michelle are both deeply saddened by it. Michelle decides that it would be best to give the family a bit of space, so she and Roni head back home.
I do my best to collect my emotions and go in to check up on Peri. I find her in her bedroom, getting ready for her date.
Prosperity: Are you okay, mommy?
Alida: I’ll be fine. Are you?
Prosperity: Yeah…I think so.
Alida: You look beautiful! I want you to have a great time on your date, okay?
Prosperity: I’ll try…thanks, mommy!
We hear the doorbell ring.
Alida: That should be Byron. You’d better head upstairs. I’ll see you tonight.
I watch Peri go upstairs, glad that she has something to do to distract her from the loss. If only I had something to do the same thing for me.
(Generation 1a Chapter Summaries)
