Peri decides to walk Byron home after the family arrives back in Oasis Springs. Byron sees it as a good opportunity to introduce Peri to his mother. After they arrive at his townhome…
Prosperity: Your place is so nice!
Byron: Thanks. Mom put a lot of effort into decorating it.
Prosperity: Is she here?
Byron: She should be. She would have texted me if she was working a double shift. Let’s check upstairs…
Byron and Peri check his mother’s bedroom and see that she’s fast asleep.
Byron: She’s usually not in bed this early. She must really be tired. *short pause* Want to see my room?
Prosperity: Yeah, sure…
Peri and Byron enter his bedroom…
Prosperity: This is about what I expected…
Byron: What?
Prosperity: Typical boy’s room…sports memorabilia, dirty clothes on the ground –
Byron: Those aren’t dirty, though…I was trying on clothes – to pick out something to wear to your dad’s party.
Prosperity: Okay…I guess I can give you a pass.
Byron and Peri sit down.
Prosperity: *continues* Oh…but there’s a guitar. That’s different. Do you play?
Byron: I used to when I was younger…meaning that I took a few lessons.
Prosperity: But-?
Byron: But, what? I don’t have time now, because I’m busy with sports.
Prosperity: *chuckles with sarcasm* So surprising! So…are you going to show me your closet?
In the other room…Byron’s mom Coa is awakened out of her sleep in need of the bathroom.
Coa uses the bathroom, then decides to check and see if Byron has made it home yet.
In Byron’s bedroom…
Byron: It’s just a closet.
Prosperity: A closet is never just a closet.
Peri opens Byron’s closet, steps inside, then beckons him to follow her.
Once he’s close enough…she pulls him in.
Prosperity: *continues* It’s also a nice private place to make out!
Peri closes the door.
When things begin to get a little too hot and heavy, they both step out…
Byron: I guess a closet isn’t just a closet.
Peri’s response is highjacked by Byron’s mom…
Coa: No…it’s also a place to get yourself in some real trouble! What the hell, Byron? And you must be Peri.
Prosperity: *startled* Yes, ma’am.
Byron: Mom! You’re up!
Coa: I am…and right on time to witness whatever it is you two have going on.
Coa sits down, and Byron sits down next to her.
Byron: Peri…this is my mom, Coa.
Prosperity: Hi Coa…nice to meet you.
Coa: *to Peri* It’s Ms. Bynum! But it’s nice to meet you, too. *to Byron* She’s cute…too cute. Just cute enough to get you into some real trouble. What did I tell you about messing around like this?
Byron: We weren’t doing anything…just kissing.
Coa: You’d better not be! The only one getting some in this house is me…because I’m grown, and I pay the rent! Now…it’s time for you to tell your girlfriend goodnight. It’s late, and I’m tired.
Byron: Yes, ma’am.
Coa, Peri, and Byron walk down the stairs.
Coa: So what are your plans after you’re done with school?
Prosperity: I’m not 100% sure yet.
Coa: Well, my son is going to college…and babies are not a part of that equation. You hear?
Peri is slightly offended. To her, it sounds like Ms. Bynum is trying to imply that she’s trying to trap Byron or something.
Prosperity: *slightly forceful* It’s not a part of my equation either!
Coa: Okay…okay – I hear you. You have a bit of fire in you. I like that! Still…it’s time for you and Byron to say goodnight.
Peri walks over and gives Byron a hug. After the hug…
Prosperity: Oh…I almost forgot. My parents are giving me a birthday breakfast tomorrow at our house. I’d like to invite you and your mom. They want to meet her.
Byron: Mom…do you want to have breakfast at Peri’s house tomorrow?
Coa: Sure, thanks. That sounds nice. We’ll see you tomorrow.
Byron: You know I’ll be there!
Prosperity: *smiles* Good! See you tomorrow.
Peri hurries down the block to her own house.
Peri tries to sneak in the back door, but her father is there running on the treadmill.
Prosperity: Daddy!
Quincy: Don’t worry…you’re home on time.
Prosperity: You know this is the last time you get to say that. I age up tomorrow.
Quincy: I know…and I cherish this moment!
Prosperity: *chuckles and walks away* Good night, daddy!
Quincy: Good night, little ma!
Peri’s heart melts a little at her old nickname.
(Generation 1a Chapter Summaries)
