Now that the unpleasant part of the day is over, we all travel to Strangerville to Q’s sister’s house for a surprise birthday celebration. Sophia and her husband Duane recently purchased the Airbnb that was originally owned by her parents, after selling her childhood home. She was quick to volunteer their home to host Q’s party and I was happy to accept. Q greets his sister with a hug before she hands him a glass for a Happy Birthday toast.
I go up to the beautifully decorated balcony…hoping the party can take place out there, but it’s way too hot. The desert is in the middle of a heatwave.
Roni and Merit come out on the balcony, also thinking it’ll be a great place to hang out…but quickly discover for themselves why the party has to take place indoors.
Sophia has hired a caterer who serves a delicious birthday cake for Q. Alice sits down at the table with Peri, Sophia, and Byron…who Peri insisted on inviting. Alice is very curious about the young man sitting at the table.
Alice: Who’s this, now?
Prosperity: This is my boyfriend, Byron. Byron, this is my grandmother Alice.
Byron greets Alice, but Alice only nods back before pulling Peri to the side.
Alice: I have a proposal for you…I want you to spend the summer in Sulani with your grand-pop and me before you leave for college.
Peri still isn’t sure she’s going to college, but she keeps that bit of info to herself.
Prosperity: But what about my boyfriend?
Alice: What about him?
Prosperity: The summer might be the only time I’ll get to spend with him, before –
Alice: *interrupts* You’re too young to be giving up great opportunities like this for some boy.
Peri remembers nothing but good things about Sulani. She even had the opportunity to celebrate a birthday there. Returning to the islands would actually be a dream come true, but she’s not quite ready to say goodbye to Byron just yet.
Prosperity: I’ll think about it.
Alice: That’s all I ask…
Peri plans on giving her grandmother’s offer some serious thought, but right now…she just wants to enjoy being around Byron. He stands up with a glass filled with some non-alcoholic punch and raises a silent toast to “Sun”-day and Q’s birthday.
Roni walks over to Q and shows him her best pose.
Veronica: Uncle Q…did you know that I’m going to be a big star one day?
Quincy: I didn’t, but I’m not surprised. You have a very talented family.
Veronica: Yes…and daddy will direct my first movie. And I want mommy to be my co-star. Then we’ll sell lots of tickets.
Merit walks over after overhearing a bit of Roni’s declaration…
Merit: I want to be in your movie too!
Veronica: You’ll have to audition first, but I’ll still pick you.
Quincy: Maybe you two can write your own movie and star in it together.
Veronica and Merit: *together* Yeah!
Alice observes Sophia and Duane having a little conversation. As soon as Sophia walks away…Alice swoops over to Duane.
Alice: So, when are you and that daughter of mine going to give me some grandbabies. I’m not getting any younger, you know!
Duane: *slightly uncomfortable* That might be something that you’ll want to talk to Sophia about.
Alice: That child has been hard-headed and stubborn from birth. If there’s something that I want…she’s automatically opposed to it.
Duane can’t argue with that. He’s seen it himself. Q Sr. steps in…
Quincy Sr.: Honey…this is something that Duane and Sophia need to decide for themselves. I’m sure we’ll have grandchildren when they decide the time is right.
Alice: I’ll be dead by then! *takes a big swig of her drink*
Duane: I’m sure you’re not going anywhere anytime soon.
Peri and Byron’s decision to go down to the basement for a private moment is thwarted when Merit and Roni decide that playing in the hot tub will be a lot of fun.
Veronica: Let’s play shark! I’ll be the shark, and you all can try to get away.
That’s Peri’s cue to hop out.
Prosperity: *to Byron* We might as well go back upstairs. There’ll be no privacy down here.
Byron: I actually wouldn’t mind playing shark.
Prosperity: Seriously?
Upstairs…Michelle, Alice, Duane, Peri and I grab a glass and make a toast. Byron sees an opportunity to approach Michelle…
Byron: Ms. Blu…my moms is a huge fan. Would you mind taking a selfie with me…to send to her?
Michelle: Sure! I’d be happy to.
Byron takes a picture and immediately texts it to his mom.
Byron: Thanks. I’m sure this will make her day!
Peri walks over and caresses Byron’s cheek.
Prosperity: Aren’t you cute…fanboying my auntie Michelle.
Byron: I had no idea you had a celebrity in your family.
Prosperity: I’ve known her my whole life, and she’s really just like you and me.
Byron: Except everybody knows her.
Prosperity: Yeah…there’s that.
Q’s party is a success. As it begins to wind down, we all say our goodbyes and begin to disperse.
(Generation 1a Chapter Summaries)
