Seeing Kai’s happy face and learning that he’s doing so well in school makes me feel better, at least temporarily. I pick him up from daycare but discover that he’s developed the musty scent of his upcoming teenage years. It’s time for him to start using deodorant.
Prosperity: Kai, I think you should go and take a bath. And be sure to use some soap under your arms.
I’ll have to talk to him about using deodorant later. For now, I check the mail, then take a seat in front of Harvey’s apartment and work on another homework assignment.
Kai is now the top student in his school. He’s a people pleaser; making his teachers and his mama proud is important to him. He takes a bubble bath that ends up taking twice as long and being three times as messy, from the playing and the splashing, as it should have. Then he begins his homework.
I have a moment of free time, so I use it to call mama, who immediately wishes me a happy birthday. I fill her in on Kai’s desire to visit Sulani for his birthday.
Alida: (on the phone) You okay, Peri? You don’t sound like yourself.
I also don’t feel like myself. I’m so stressed and tense that I’m like an overfilled balloon that’s ready to burst. I don’t need mama to know that, though. I just want to get this trip planned.
Prosperity: I’m okay. But – about this trip…
Alida: Would taking a trip right now help you relax?
Prosperity: Honestly, no. But I promised Kai.
Alida: Daddy and I will take Kai to Sulani. You stay there and take some time for yourself.
Prosperity: Ma, I –
Alida: You what? If I’m going to Sulani, I don’t need you stressed out and making me tense during my vacation. Your dad and I want to spend some time with our grandson anyway. Let us take him.
I could use the break – Mama’s right about that. If Kai is okay with it, I don’t see why I need to go with him.
Prosperity: Okay, ma. I’ll talk to Kai about it and let you know.
Alida: Good. Take care of yourself. I’m worried about you.
Prosperity: I’m fine, ma. Thanks, and I love you!
Alida: Love you, too.
I warm up food for Kai, and we sit down at the table together.
Prosperity: I have news for you. You’re going to Sulani.
Kai: *fist pump* Yes!
Prosperity: But, your gran and pop are going to take you.
Kai: You’re not going?
Prosperity: No. They want to spend some time with you, so I’m staying here.
Kai takes a bite of his hotdog and considers that for a while. I can’t read his mood.
Prosperity: Is that okay with you? It should be a lot of fun.
Kai: I’m okay with it, but what will you do while I’m gone? Will you be lonely?
I’m already lonely, but I don’t tell Kai that.
Prosperity: I’m sure I’ll find something interesting to do.
Kai: Not just homework, okay?
Prosperity: Okay. I promise.
Kai: Then I’m happy to go with gran and pop-pop.
Prosperity: Good. You’re going to have a great time.
Kai retreats to his bedroom, and I sit down to watch a movie. Suddenly, I hear a knock on my door and a key in the lock. Meri appears looking like he’s on the verge of attacking someone.
Prosperity: Roommate issues?
Merit: Yep
Prosperity: Want to talk about it?
Merit: Not really. I want to be around someone sweet and innocent for a change. Is Kai around?
Prosperity: He’s in his bedroom.
Meri enters Kai’s bedroom, and I guess they have a little man-to-boy conversation. It seems to me that Meri is the one that can use a vacation.
Meri rejoins me in the front room once Kai is in bed.
Prosperity: Are you okay?
Merit: Yeah. I appreciate the key and the invitation to come over any time.
I give Meri a big hug.
Prosperity: You’re welcome. But my offer still stands. Why wait until next term? If you want to move in sooner, the room downstairs is yours.
Merit: I’d like to.
Prosperity: Then why not? I can go and talk to Harvey about it now.
Merit: *frustrated sigh* Part of me still enjoys staying in the dorms. It’s convenient when I’m running late to class.
Prosperity: Then, you need to have a serious talk with your roommate to establish some ground rules.
Merit: I know.
I’m not convinced.
Prosperity: I’m serious, Merit! You can’t go on living like this. Put your foot down and let him know that you’re not going to put up with his shit.
Merit: I will! I will!
Prosperity: Good. Stay as long as you like. I’m going to bed.
I turn and leave Meri with free reign of the living room and kitchen.
(Generation 2 Chapter Summaries)
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