Me-Me walks over to Merlin and hugs him as well. Then, he announces that they’ll only be in town for one more day because he and Jalisa have to be back at work. It makes me sad that they live so far away. But I’m sure they’re feeling the same way.
I go upstairs and bring Wade down with his crib. He’s a bit whiny after waking up from his nap, so I take some time to soothe him as ma watches.
Prosperity: *impressed* You handle him so well!
Kai: Thanks, ma. It’s a process, but I’m learning.
Jalisa decides to raise a glass for the New Year. Merlin and Me-Me grab a drink to join in on the toast. I grab some food instead. Ma walks by with a smirk as Jalisa enjoys her celebration drink a little too much.
Wade begins crying again. Ma is happy to get a chance to try and calm him, which works until she puts him back in his crib. Then, Jalisa walks over to try and help.
Jalisa: Let me try. *reflective tone* Our nanny was good at soothing babies. They loved when he sang to them. He had the best voice.
Prosperity: Nanny?
I’m guessing I’m not the only one that picks up on the slightly judgmental tone of ma’s response.
Jalisa: Yeah, having one was a must with three babies, especially when it was time to go back to work.
I’m sure ma is thinking about how much she could have benefitted from a nanny when she was raising me while attending school at the same time. But instead, she did it all by herself.
Jalisa tries to calm Wade the same way her nanny used to, singing with a surprisingly beautiful voice.
Jalisa: *singing* Hush little baby, don’t you cry! Granny’s gonna sing you a lullaby… *continues singing*
Neither Ma nor Jalisa has any luck with stopping the tears. Me-Me is the only one who has what Wade wants right now, and that’s breastmilk.
While Me-Me is feeding Wade, I change into my work clothes and slip outside to deal with all the daily tasks of running a farm. I’m only out there for a little while before ma comes out to join me.
Prosperity: I’m just making sure you’re not working too hard.
Kai: I’m not. I promise.
Prosperity: Good. But just in case – I’m here to help.
Ma helps out by spraying the crops with insecticide.
Kai: You’re going to ruin your boots out here in all of this mud.
Prosperity: I have more boots but only one son.
I get where she’s coming from, but I can’t expect her to come out here every day trying to help lighten the load.
Kai: But I’m okay! I’m not even tired. Stop worrying so much. I can handle this.
Ma’s not listening, so I have to insist on taking the fumigator away from her.
Kai: Ma! Go inside and enjoy your grandson. I’ve got this!
Prosperity: Okay, but –
I complete her statement before she can finish it.
Kai: Don’t work too hard. I know, ma!
Ma finally goes back in the house, and I finish up my tasks for the day. By the time I make it back inside, Ma, Jalisa, and Merlin are gone, Wade is asleep in his crib, and Me-Me is sleeping on the couch.
It’s almost time for the New Year’s countdown. I’d love to avoid waking Me-Me, but I’m sure she wouldn’t be too happy about missing the countdown, so I turn on the TV. Of course, she wakes up as soon as she hears it.
Melisa: *sleepy voice* Oh good. It’s almost time!
Kai: We can skip it and go to bed if you want.
Melisa: No. It’s been a good year. I want to see it through.
Me-Me and I stand side by side and count down the New Year together. Then we hug and kiss before we take a moment to celebrate one more thing before bed…Wade is aging up!
(Generation 3 Chapter Summaries)
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