I’m approaching a new stage in my life, and I decide it’s time for another change in my appearance. So I cut off my hair again, just like I did before starting college. But this time, I probably won’t be growing it back.
I go downstairs to a full kitchen. Leslie is down there washing his bowl, and Jalisa and Mase are at the table.
Jalisa: Love the hair. That’s what it looked like when we first met you.
Kai: Thanks. It’ll be too hot soon for all that hair.
Leslie: You look different, Uncle Kai. Your hair is like mine now.
Kai: Well, it seems that you’re my inspiration.
Jalisa: What about you, Mase? Will you continue to grow yours or cut it like your dad’s?
Mason: I don’t think I’m ready to cut it.
Kai: Maybe not, but meet me in my bathroom after breakfast. It’s time to teach you how to shave.
Leslie: Can you teach me how to shave, too?
Kai: You have a long way to go before you have to worry about that little man.
We’ve all finished eating when Me-Me comes downstairs to make a fruit salad. I’m glad she’ll finally be taking some time to enjoy the spa day I purchased for her during the holidays. Even better, she’ll be enjoying it with her mother.
It’s prank day, and Dray is extra excited. He wakes up already coming up with a few ways to trick Mase and Leslie.
I pass Dray in the hall, recognizing the mischievous look on his face.
Kai: Take it easy on the pranks today, son.
Drake: Okay, daddy.
Dray disappears into his bathroom, and I wonder if I should have explained exactly what I mean by ‘take it easy.’
Mase is waiting for me with the angered look he’s been wearing for the past day when I enter my bathroom.
Kai: We need to talk.
Mason: I thought we already talked about woohoo.
Kai: We need to talk about your brother and Perla.
The resentment deepens.
Mason: Pass
I pause momentarily, wondering when I lost my sweet, understanding little boy to puberty.
Kai: This is not a pass situation. You need to figure out how to get over this animosity.
Mason: I don’t know how.
Kai: Why is it bothering you so much?
Mason: I feel like I’m losing my friend.
Kai: Okay, I can understand that, but did Perla ever say she doesn’t want to be your friend?
Mason: No
I give Mase the shaving cream.
Kai: Spread that on your chin. *returns to original topic* Is it possible for her to be your friend and your brother’s friend?
Mason: Yeah, I guess so. *pause* But Dub has a ton of followers on the social bunny app, and he has a lot of friends. So why does he have to take Perla, too?
Kai: He can’t take Perla. Friends are not possessions, and there’s no cap – a person can be friends with several people at the same time. But I don’t think your brother’s popularity is the problem. Do you like Perla?
Mason: Of course, she’s my friend.
Kai: I mean, do you like, like her? Are you interested in dating her?
I give Mase the razor and continue my instructions.
Kai: Be gentle; this is sharp. Go down with the grain, or you’ll have shaving bumps.
Mase follows my instructions, then finally answers my question.
Mason: I don’t know. She’s pretty, and I like being around her.
Kai: Well, it seems your brother does too. I know it doesn’t seem fair, but you and Dub have known her all your life. Is it possible for Perla to like both of you in two different ways?
Mason: I guess so.
I can tell that Mase isn’t too happy with that possibility.
Kai: Listen, son. There will be a lot of girls coming in and out of you and Dub’s life. But he will always be your brother. You can’t let anything come between that. Okay?
Mason: Okay
Kai: Now rinse your face so we can see how you did.
Mase rinses his face, and I inspect his newly shaven chin for blood.
Kai: Nice job! Unlike you, I nicked myself the first time I shaved.
Mason: Thanks, dad.
Jalisa and Me-Me arrive at the Botanical spa.
Jalisa: So, have you heard from Lia? Is she meeting us here?
Me-Me checks her phone.
Melisa: I sent a text this morning. And she’s seen it but hasn’t responded.
Jalisa: Now I’m getting worried.
Melisa: I’m sure Lia is fine. She’s just being Lia. If we don’t hear from her, I’ll call Stef, or we’ll go to their house.
Jalisa: Promise?
Melisa: Of course, mom. But right now, please relax and enjoy this well-deserved spa day.
Me-Me goes for a manicure first, while Jalisa goes outside and joins a yoga class. Just as her nails have dried, Me-Me finally gets a response from Lia.
Jamelia’s Text: I’ll pass on the spa but come to your place after.
Melisa’s Text: Good, because mom was ready to hunt you down. Is everything okay?
Lia’s response is slow but comes eventually.
Jamelia’s Text: something like that
Me-Me and Jalisa meet in the sauna.
Melisa: Lia will be coming to the house after we leave here.
Jalisa: So she’s okay?
Melisa: I guess. I asked, and her response felt a little vague.
Jalisa: At least we’ll see her later.
Melisa: Yep, so enough about Lia. Time to relax.
Me-Me finishes her relaxing afternoon with a challenging yoga class. She can’t exactly get all the poses right, but she still benefits from moving her body and being active. The best part is the breathing exercises at the end. She’s now focused and ready to conquer the rest of her week.
(Generation 3 Chapter Summaries)
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