It’s 8 o’clock, and Me-Me and I are at the ruins, along with the rest of the party guests. I have a gift for her. I wish we were alone, but I have no choice but to present it to her in front of everyone.
Kai: This is for you!
Melisa: What is it?
Kai: If I wanted to tell you, I wouldn’t have wrapped it. You have to open it.
Me-Me opens the box.
Melisa: A graduation cap?
Kai: Yeah, I know you had to turn in your other one. So, I figured you should have one that you can keep.
Me-Me places the cap on her head. I’m happy to see that it matches her dress.
Melisa: Thank you, Kaby. I love it.
Ma arrives at the ruins shortly after.
Kai: Ma, you made it!
Prosperity: Yes, I wouldn’t miss it for anything.
Kai: Merlin, this is my mother, Prosperity. Ma, this is Me-Me’s dad, Merlin.
Prosperity: Nice to meet you.
Merlin: Nice to meet you, too. I hear you’re a fellow Britechester alum.
Prosperity: Yeah, some of the most challenging moments of my life. But I managed.
Ma and Merlin talk about their former college, just as Jalisa walks up. I introduce her to ma, and she joins in on the conversation.
It doesn’t take long before we all begin to migrate over to the dance floor. The DJ is talented, and before too long, Me-Me’s graduation party has a pulse and a life of its own. The music even attracts a few party crashers, but no one seems to mind.
There’s a much quieter spot near the ruins, where there’s a buffet. I’m glad when we make our way over because there’s something that I’d like to discuss with Me-Me. So I grab a plate and join her at the table.
Kai: So, how do we do this whole moving in together thing? I still have two classes to complete before moving out of student housing. Where will you stay in the meantime?
Melisa: That problem has taken care of itself. My graduation gift from my parents is a trip to Mt. Komorebi, and they want you to come, too.
Kai: When do you leave?
Melisa: Tomorrow morning
Kai: I have finals until the middle of the day.
Melisa: You could meet us there tomorrow night. But you don’t have to come. I could tell them-
Kai: Of course, I want to come. I’ll get there as soon as I can.
Melisa: And what happens afterward?
Kai: I guess we’ll be moving to Henford.
Melisa: Yeah, I guess so.
Does the idea of that sound as scary to her as it does to me? I can only guess.
Lia, Me-Me’s sister, confronts me when we return to the dance floor.
Jamelia: *teasing tone* So, now that you’re slowly invading our family – let’s see what you can do on the dance floor.
Kai: Oh, believe me – I can handle my own.
Jamelia: Let’s see it then. *begins to dance* Because only good dancers can be a part of this family.
I know that she’s only trying to break the ice and get to know me better, but I accept her words as a challenge and show her my best moves.
Jamelia: *impressed* Okay, I guess I approve.
Melisa: I thought this was a party. A party hasn’t even begun if there’s no line dance.
Jamelia: *to Kai* Do you know the One, Two, Steppin’?
Kai: Doesn’t everyone? Let’s go…
Me-Me and I lead the way to a clear spot on the dance floor. It doesn’t take long before others figure out what’s about to happen and join us. This includes my mom and, to my surprise and amusement, Merlin.
We all do our thing on the dancefloor, then tired and thirsty – find our way to the bar. I order a round of drinks for everyone.
Merlin: Lia, have you seen your mother?
Jamelia: No, not for a while.
We look around and spot Jalisa taking a nap on a nearby bench. I think we’re all tired enough to join her. But before the party ends, ma announces that we should make a toast. So most of us grab our glasses and gather near her.
Prosperity: I’ll keep it short and sweet. A toast to bright futures and endless possibilities.
We raise our glasses in unison.
Everyone begins to disperse, and I finally get a moment with ma alone.
Kai: So, what do you think of Me-Me’s family?
Prosperity: They are pretty awesome.
Kai: I know
Prosperity: And I think you fit right in. I’m so happy for you, Kai.
Kai: Thank you, ma. I love you!
Prosperity: I love you, too.
We end the evening with a big hug.
(Generation 3 Chapter Summaries)
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