Banks Dynasty – Day 1.2 (Part 1)

I feel in color. It’s something that’s been a part of me since I can remember. But what does it mean? When most people feel upset, their brains might dredge up the word “sad.” My mind doesn’t work that way. If I feel a deep emotion, I associate it with a color…not a word. I can see the color…floating around me like a cloud for minutes at a time. The more intense the emotion, the brighter and deeper the color. There have been times when I felt practically blinded by flashes of yellows, oranges, and reds. It’s something I talked about freely as a child but learned to hide as I got older because people don’t understand it and think it’s weird. Not even my boyfriend knows.

Today is my birthday, and you’d think that I’d be surrounded by bright, happy greens and maybe a touch of yellow, but instead, I’m plagued by the dull, dirty greens and greys of uncertainty and fear. It’s even worse when I receive a text from my Aunt Michelle wishing me a happy birthday, but also informing me that she won’t be able to make it to my birthday breakfast. In a few moments, I’ll be a young adult, and so far, the future isn’t feeling very bright.

~ Prosperity

I can hear my parents moving around upstairs, getting ready for my breakfast. I know they are putting their all into making this a great day for me, so I try my best to shake the dullness that I’m feeling…I at least owe them that. My mood does improve when I hear my pop-pop upstairs. Even as a little girl, I loved being around my pop-pop because my mood shines the brightest with all the happy colors when he’s around. I finish getting ready and hurry up the stairs two at a time to greet him.

I give my pop-pop a  big hug and revel in the rainbow of happiness. He just makes it feel good to be alive. Then my 2^nd favorite person arrives…my boyfriend, Byron. He makes me feel the brightness, too, but in a different way. He gives me the bright pinks and light purples that make my insides quiver slightly. I hug him also, but much tighter.

But behind Byron is my grandmother. It’s different with her around. I wouldn’t call her a bad person, and I don’t dislike her, but she doesn’t bring brightness. The colors are dull with her…in a way I can’t describe.

Byron’s mom, Coa, arrives, and I cringe as my mom, Alida, introduces herself. It’s not a bad thing that my mom is meeting my boyfriend’s mom for the first time, but there’s a toughness about my mom. If she picks up something that she doesn’t like in Coa, she won’t hesitate to let her know. I just hope that she likes her.

Pop-pop walks over and greets my little brother Merit with a big hug. I wonder if Merit picks up on the goodness within our pop-pop as I do.

Now that everyone is here, it’s time to blow out my candles and get this whole growing up thing out of the way. I make my wish and age up to a young adult.

(Prosperity’s Aspiration: Serial Romantic/Alluring Traits: Perfectionist, Child of the Island, Outgoing, and Responsible)

Daddy made omelets for breakfast, but I opt for birthday cake instead. He’s a great cook, and I’m sure I’m missing out, but I’ve always been a bit rebellious…insisting on doing the opposite of everyone else. I can’t help it, but daddy can’t say much about it because I’m sure I get it from him.

As everyone is finishing up their breakfast, I move over to the pile of gifts that have been taunting me since I first spotted it. Grandma Alice insists that I open the gift from her and pop-pop first. I ignore the cloud of dull orangey-red that flashes briefly as soon as she opens her mouth.

I take my time opening the gift that she shoves into my hands. Inside is a ticket to Sulani.

Alice: I remembered that you were thinking about visiting before college, so I – I mean, your grandfather and I took the liberty to make sure it happens.

I actually never said that I was thinking about visiting, Grandma Alice basically insisted that I visit…probably in an attempt to keep me away from Byron. And I darn sure never mentioned anything about college to her because I’m not even sure I’m going. But I’m still happy with the gift. A free trip to Sulani is something that would be stupid to turn down.

Prosperity: Thanks, Gran…thanks pop-pop.

I see an odd look on Byron’s face. Now I have to figure out how to explain to him that I’ll be spending the summer in Sulani. I wish Grandma Alice hadn’t just announced it to the whole room as if it was something that I’d been considering and hiding from him.

My little brother Merit saves me from the uncomfortable conversation that I’ll eventually have to have with Byron by coming over and giving me a gift of his own.

Merit: This is for you! I hope you like it…

I open the box and see that Merit has wrapped one of his toys to give to me. It’s a sweet gesture, and I chuckle when I see it.

Merit misinterprets the chuckle and assumes that I don’t like the gift. He walks away…

Prosperity: Where are you going, Meri? You didn’t give me a chance to give you a thank-you hug!

His face lights up as I walk over and pull him into my arms. It feels me up with brightness too, which goes away as soon as I stand up and see Byron watching me expectantly while sitting at the counter. Now all I feel are the dreadful muddy colors. We excuse ourselves and go outside to talk.

Byron: You’re not wearing your promise ring.

Prosperity: *slips the ring on* It’s right here. I took it off when I was getting ready.

Byron: Are you sure that’s the reason?

Prosperity: Come on…let’s go sit down.

Byron follows me to a sofa out on the balcony.

Byron: When were you going to tell me about Sulani?

Prosperity: There was nothing to tell. My grandmother suggested that I come and visit, and that was the end of it. I had no idea that they were going to actually buy a ticket.

Byron: So…are you going?

Prosperity:  I can’t lie, Byron. I want to go.

Byron: But this is the only time we’ll have to spend together, especially since you’re considering not applying to college.

Prosperity: You know what…I’ll do it.

Byron: Do what?

Prosperity: I’ll apply…I’ll go to college. I’ll apply this summer, and I’ll see you in Britechester in the fall.

Byron: You promise?

Prosperity: I promise.

I lean in and kiss Byron to seal our promise, but the muddy colors are still there. He’s reassured, but I’m not.

(Generation 2 Chapter Summaries)