I awake to the sounds of Kai cooing and laughing in his crib. I climb out of bed and walk over.
Prosperity: Do you feel the colors too, sweet baby?
I lift him and give him his morning bottle. Overall, he’s been a happy, smiley baby, only crying when his diaper is dirty.
I take a quick shower and meet Meri and daddy in the living room as they prepare to leave for Oasis Springs. I give them both hugs and wish them well on their trip. They wish me the same. They leave, and an hour later, I go as well…headed to Britechester in an attempt to find a home for Kai and me there.
The flight from Sulani to Britechester isn’t very long. It’s much shorter than the flight to Oasis Springs. In fact, I’m sure daddy and Merit are still in the air as I step out of my ride share to walk the streets of Britechester on this cold, dreary day.
I check out a few vacant spots around town…some student housing and some apartments before I stumble upon a house for sale not too far from the Britechester campus. I pull out my phone and check out the listing online. The house has actually been split into two apartments. If I purchased it, Kai and I could live upstairs and rent out the bottom to other college students. It’s well within my budget too. I send a message to the seller, informing them that I’m interested in the house. Now I’ll just have to wait for them to get back to me.
Byron has agreed to meet me at a local bar in the center of town. On my way to meet him, I check out a few more vacant apartments just in case. Raising Kai in an apartment that I don’t own isn’t ideal, but I may have to settle for that if buying the house doesn’t work out for me.
Byron doesn’t hesitate to pull me into his arms when we arrive at the bar. I’d almost forgotten how good he looks and how being around him makes me feel. The regret swirls between us, but only I can see it. All Byron is aware of is that his girlfriend is finally here in his arms.
We make our way to the bar and sit down. It’s still early, so Byron orders two fizzy fruity drinks in lieu of alcohol. Little does he know, I could use the alcohol right about now. And he’ll probably want a few shots as well after I tell him what I came here to tell him.
I turn to him, hoping to keep the beginning of our conversation light.
Prosperity: So, how have you been?
Byron: Being here has been like a roller coaster ride, honestly. But not being around you has been the hardest thing.
My stomach sinks as if I’d just joined him on that roller coaster. So much for keeping it light. I need to get this whole thing over with, but the bar is surprisingly busy for so early in the day.
Prosperity: Is there a place we can talk in private?
Byron: It might be quieter upstairs.
We ascend the stairs and luckily find it empty. I sit on one of the stools and Byron sits down across from me.
Byron: You’re not wearing your promise ring.
I look down as if I wasn’t already well aware of that.
Prosperity: That’s sort of what I needed to talk to you about.
Byron: Did you lose it? It’s okay, I can get you another one.
Prosperity: No, Byron. I didn’t lose it. I took it off because I, um…I met someone – in Sulani.
Byron can already tell where this is going.
Byron’s head sinks down to his hands. He remains that way for a few moments before he lifts his head back up and looks across the table at me. I notice that he still has on the silly eyeball promise ring that I gave him. I wonder if he’s been wearing it the whole time…or if he just put it on to meet with me. It doesn’t matter either way.
Byron: You cheated on me?
Prosperity: Yeah…it was a mistake. He doesn’t mean anything to me. But, Byron…I got pregnant. I have a son.
Byron’s stool slides back from the table and he stands.
Byron: What the hell, Peri. A son?
Prosperity: I’m so sorry, Byron. I didn’t mean for any of this to happen.
Byron: But you have a son, by another guy. What am I supposed to say to that?
Prosperity: I don’t know, but can you just sit down so we can talk about it?
Byron: What is there to talk about? You didn’t expect us to stay together, did you?
Prosperity: No, not exactly. But I want to make sure you’re okay. I never intended to hurt you.
Byron: Is this why you stayed away so long? You know what…it doesn’t matter. I’m outta here. *turns to leave*
Prosperity: Byron, please!
Byron continues to leave and I question why I’d even try to get him to stay. It’s over. Our relationship was doomed as soon as I decided to go Sulani and we both know it.
(Generation 2 Chapter Summaries)
