Early the next morning…
Q Sr. knocks softly on Peri’s bedroom door when he hears Kai whimpering. When there’s no answer, he peeps his head in cautiously before walking over to Kai’s crib to pick him up.
Quincy Sr.: Hey there, little guy! Your mommy had a long day yesterday. We should let her sleep. Your great Pop-pop’s got you.
I awaken with a snap realizing that I haven’t heard Kai cry all night. I jump out of bed; afraid that something has happened to him. Seeing that he’s not here throws me off and I panic slightly…until I hear the TV in the living room.
Pop-pop is sitting there watching TV with Kai right beside him. Ma is in the kitchen grabbing something to eat. I appreciate the extra sleep, but I’m not sure if Kai should be watching the scary movie on the TV.
Prosperity: Thanks for helping me with him, Pop-pop.
Quincy Sr.: My pleasure. I figured you needed your rest.
I decide to let the part about the movie slide. I lift Kai up and give him his morning bottle.
Mama is scheduled to return to Oasis Springs this morning, but before she leaves, Kai ages up to a toddler with the Charmer aspiration. I’m not surprised to see that he has his father’s eye and hair color.
Mama has to leave soon to avoid missing her flight.
Alida: Granny has to go home now. *gives Kai a big hug* I’m going to miss you so much!
I can tell from the pained look on her face that she doesn’t want to go. I don’t want her to go either.
Quincy Sr. picks his great-grandson up after Alida leaves and Peri goes into the bathroom for a shower.
Quincy Sr.: Are you hungry, little guy? Come with Pop-pop and I’ll make you a sandwich.
Q Sr. places Kai in the highchair and gives him a ham and cheese sandwich.
Quincy Sr.: I hope your mom won’t mind. I probably should have asked first, but you seem to like it.
I receive some very good news when I step out of the shower. The owner of the house that I found in Britechester yesterday is desperate to sell as soon as possible. Apparently, she’s a recent graduate from Britechester University and is moving to begin her career in San Myshuno. She hasn’t had any luck selling because it’s the middle of the school year and the majority of new students don’t arrive until the Fall. She gives me a deal on the house as an incentive to take it off her hands. I’m more than happy to do that. With it all said and done, Kai and I can move in tomorrow.
I enter the front room, catching Pop-pop at the tail end of him telling Kai a story.
Quincy Sr: So, according to the citizens of Strangerville, I am a hero. But really, I believe that I did what any decent person would have done. But, I just wanted you to know that story so that you’ll have something to always remember me by. Okay?
I grab food from the kitchen and join them at the table.
Prosperity: You don’t have to worry about him not having anything to remember you by. I’ll make sure that he’ll always know his great Pop-pop and his great Gran Alice.
Quincy Sr.: I know you will. I hope you don’t mind me feeding him.
Prosperity: Why would I mind? He’s lucky to have you looking out for him.
Quincy Sr.: It’s my greatest pleasure.
I suddenly realize that my good news may not be so good to Pop-pop. When Kai and I move out…he’ll be here all alone.
Prosperity: Um…I have something that I need to tell you. I found a house for me and Kai in Britechester. We’ll be moving out tomorrow. And I’ll be enrolling in their distinguished art program.
I see a flash of emotion in his eyes.
Quincy Sr.: I’m so proud of you.
Prosperity: I hate to leave you here alone.
Quincy Sr.: I won’t be alone, I promise. Your gran is still here with me and always will be.
I hear what he’s saying. I just hope it’s enough.
Quincy Sr.: But now I need to spend as much time with my great-grandson as I can if you don’t mind.
Prosperity: Of course I don’t mind. But it’s time for his nap.
Quincy Sr.: Then, I’ll put him to bed and read him a story.
Pop-pop picks Kai up and takes him to the bedroom for his nap.
(Generation 2 Chapter Summaries)
