Peri has been struggling to pull herself out of the dumps. Kimmie has completed the work on converting her old house into a community art center, but not even coming to see it for the first time is enough to shake the blues.
This multipurpose space will be where Peri comes to teach art classes to children and adults. It will also be a music venue and a party place for anybody who wants to rent it out to host events. But even though her previous home is getting a new life, it still brings back many memories of Waddell and all the time they spent here.
Still, Kimmie once again went above and beyond on the redesign, although she left some things as is per Peri’s request. Peri is most excited about the upstairs part of the house that used to be Kai’s bedroom. It will now serve as a museum to showcase the history and achievements of the Banks Dynasty. It’s the most unfinished part of the art center because new items will be added over generations, but Peri is anxious to see what Kimmie has done with it so far.
She heads upstairs, but is shocked to see a man already up there.
Prosperity: I’m sorry, sir. We’re not quite open yet.
Byron: My apologies. The door was open – I didn’t realize.
Peri recognizes the voice immediately.
Prosperity: Byron? What are you doing here?
He glances back up at the portrait of himself that Peri painted back when they dated in high school.
Byron: I was thinking about the day this portrait was painted. I had a lot of love for the artist back then. Too bad she eventually broke my heart.
Peri’s heart sinks. That period was not the highlight of her life. She made a lot of mistakes. Cheating on Byron with Kai’s father was one of them.
Prosperity: That was not her finest hour. That girl had a lot of growing up to do.
Byron: We both did.
Prosperity: I haven’t heard from you since then. What happened to you?
Byron: I went through a period I’m not too proud of.
Prosperity: Caused by me?
Byron: *slight hesitation* No. The things I chose to do are not your fault.
Byron can see that Peri is still feeling bad about it.
Byron: Maybe we can talk about something else?
Prosperity: Yes, please.
Byron: You look terrific.
Peri appreciates the compliment. She takes a moment to look Byron over. He’s aged, but he still looks as fine as ever.
Prosperity: So do you
Byron: Thanks
Prosperity: I was just about to check out the rest of the place. Care to join me – you know, since you’re already here?
Byron: Yeah, sure
Peri and Byron start walking to where Kai’s bedroom used to be.
Byron: So, when do you officially open?
Prosperity: Well, my grandson will be aging up soon. And I’d like to be open in time to host his birthday party here.
Byron: Grandson!
Prosperity: Yeah, me with a grandchild. Can you imagine? That’s sort of what happens when you start getting old.
They stop in the room where Kimmie has set up displays and put up old family photos. Byron looks at the pictures of Alida and Q’s wedding.
Byron: I ran into your father once in Windenburg.
Prosperity: He never mentioned it.
Byron: Yeah, why would he? I was sad to read online that he had passed not long after that.
Peri notices that a picture of Craig, Kai’s father, is next to her parent’s wedding picture. But, to her relief, Byron doesn’t mention it or ask who he is.
Peri notices that Byron hasn’t mentioned kids, grandkids, or a family.
Prosperity: So, are you married? Have any kids?
Byron: No. I never married, and I don’t have kids.
Prosperity: Oh. And your mom? Is she still with us?
Byron: No. She’s been gone a few years now.
More death. Almost everyone that Peri once knew is now gone. She suddenly isn’t feeling up to the company.
Prosperity: Feel free to continue looking around. There are a few things downstairs that I need to take care of.
Peri turns and leaves the room.
Peri sits alone in what was once her living room when Byron comes looking for her.
Byron: I won’t take any more of your time. Thanks for giving me a sneak preview of the place.
Prosperity: Yeah, no problem.
Byron and Peri haven’t spoken in a lifetime, but it’s evident to him that she’s going through something. He doesn’t have it in him to leave her in that state. So he walks over and sits next to her.
Byron: I’m sorry, but I have to ask. Are you okay?
Peri isn’t sure if she should bring up Waddell, but she could use a friend. Maybe she and Byron can become that once again.
Prosperity: I’m just dealing with a big loss, is all. My boyfriend recently passed away. He used to live with me – and being here brings it all up again.
Byron: Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. Do you want to talk about it?
Byron seems willing to listen, so she finds herself telling him all about Waddell.
Me-Me is upstairs taking a nap. So Dub and I find a spot in the living room to review some flash cards. I hold up a card.
Kai: What is this, Dub?
Wade: *giggles* A bottle for babies.
Kai: Yes. You’re not a baby anymore, are you?
Wade: I’m a big boy.
Kai: That’s right. You’re a big boy. And guess what – you’re going to be a big brother. Mommy is having a baby soon.
Dub wrinkles up his face.
Wade: I don’t like the baby.
Kai: That’s not nice, Dub. Remember what I said about the bunnies? It’s the same with the baby. If you don’t like the baby, the baby will be sad.
Dub’s expression doesn’t change. Dub growing to love his sibling will be a bridge we’ll have to cross when the time comes. I pull out another card – a picture of a bed.
Kai: What is this?
Wade: I don’t like the bed.
Kai: But it’s bedtime. Let’s get something to eat, and then you can get ready for bed.
I place Dub in his high chair and warm up some chicken nuggets for him, just as Me-Me joins us in the kitchen.
With Dub finally in bed, I have some time for myself. So I go into the garage and work out on the heavy bag. I’m happy I’m finally getting back some pre-college muscle structure – no more dad bod for me. I’m finishing my workout when I hear the front door open and shut.
I know it’s ma. She’s been gone all day, presumably working on whatever project she’s been keeping from us for the past few days. Hopefully, she’ll fill us in on what she’s been working on soon.
(Generation 3 Chapter Summaries)
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