I stop by the conservation camp, hoping to see Wild before I return to Pop-pop’s house. Luckily she’s there and greets me with a big hug as soon as she sees me.
Wildflower: Oh, Peri! It’s so good to see you. *looks down at my belly* Wait…are you – is it Craig’s?
Prosperity: Yes, and yes. It’s good to see you too!
Wildflower: May I?
I nod to let Wild know that she has my permission to place her hands on my belly.
Wildflower: Oh, Peri, this one will be very special. Does Craig know?
Prosperity: Yes, but he doesn’t want to be involved.
Wild narrows her eyes and tries to hide the disgust on her face.
Prosperity: It’s okay, Wild. I don’t need him. I’ll be moving to Britechester before Winter ends. I’ll get my degree and take care of this baby on my own.
Wildflower: I think it might be time for me to go too.
Prosperity: Yeah?
Wildflower: There’s no way I can continue to stay here with an asshole who’s okay with abandoning their own flesh and blood.
Prosperity: Where will you go?
Wildflower: I hear there’s a lot of opportunities for someone with my skills in Evergreen Harbor. And it’s not very far from Britechester. Maybe you can join me once you graduate.
Prosperity: Maybe, but I can’t plan that far ahead.
Wildflower: I completely understand.
Prosperity: You’ve been such a good friend. I’m going to miss you.
Wildflower: I’ll miss you too. Take care of yourself and that baby.
Prosperity: I will. I’ll be in touch.
I turn to leave, hoping that Wild and I will find a way to remain friends.
I get back to the house and find Meri in my bedroom, helping himself to the TV and gaming console.
Merit: I’m sorry. I hope you don’t mind me being here.
Prosperity: It’s okay.
I sit down on the bed as a sharp pain spreads across my back.
Prosperity: Ouch…that doesn’t feel good.
Merit: You okay?
Prosperity: Yeah, I’m –
Before I can finish the sentence…the pain spreads across my entire midsection. I can feel the muscles contracting. It’s the worst pain I’ve ever felt.
Prosperity: I think the baby is coming.
Merit: What?
When the pain finally subsides, I get up to find mama. She’s sitting at her computer working. I walk over calmly and speak to her in a quiet voice to avoid daddy and Pop-pop overhearing.
Prosperity: I think it’s time, ma.
Mama jumps up quickly.
Alida: Are you sure? Let me feel…
Mama places her hands low on my belly.
Alida: The baby has dropped. Let’s go to your bedroom.
We enter the bedroom.
Alida: Meri…you need to go.
Merit: But…I’m almost at the next level.
Alida: Now! And tell daddy that we think the baby is coming.
Meri gets up to leave, but he’s not too happy about it.
Merit: Okay
Merit walks out the door and passes daddy and Pop-pop.
Merit: *nonchalant* Mama says the baby is coming.
Meri continues towards the kitchen. That, combined with his casual tone, leaves daddy and Pop-pop unsure and confused.
Quincy Sr.: Did he say that the baby is coming? Now?
Quincy Jr.: I think so, pop. *proud* I’m about to be a grandfather.
Daddy enters the bedroom.
Quincy Jr.: Are you okay with me being in here?
I answer by hurrying over and pulling him into a hug. Terrifying hues of color flood the room, but I’m glad to have my parents by my side. Another contraction hits.
Alida: They are about ten minutes apart now. It won’t take much longer.
Prosperity: *panicked* Is it supposed to feel like this?
Alida: Yes, sweetheart. It’s normal, but you’re doing great. You have to breathe through it. Try this…
Mama models a breathing pattern for me, and I imitate it as best as I can.
Before long, the contractions are back to back, and I have a strong urge to use the bathroom.
Prosperity: I think I need to poop.
Alida: That’s the baby. It’s time to push.
Mama helps to set up the bassinet. I walk over and begin to push.
I give birth to a baby boy. I hold him up and look at him closely. He looks just like his daddy.
Alida: He’s beautiful, Peri. Do you have a name?
Prosperity: His name is Kai. Kai Banks… it means “sea.”
Alida: It fits him well.
I’m practically asleep on my feet. I sway slightly as I place Kai in his crib.
Prosperity: I’m tired, mommy.
Alida: Get some sleep. I’ll feed Kai for you.
Daddy leaves the room to inform Merit and Pop-pop. I walk over to the bed, knowing that Kai is in capable hands.
(Generation 2 Chapter Summaries)
