Despite the controversy at home, Dub meets Perla in front of the historic Finchwick Picture House in the village. He wants to show Perla a great time, but he can’t get the look on his parent’s faces off his mind. Maybe going on this date wasn’t a great idea, but he will try to make the best of it.
Wade: Would you like some popcorn?
Perla: Sure, thanks
Dub leads them to a double seat at the back of the theater as the movie ‘College Cram’ begins.
Perla: Oh! I haven’t seen this one yet.
Wade: Me neither, but I hear it’s funny.
They sit and eat their popcorn while watching the movie in silence for a bit.
They laugh at the college shenanigans taking place on the screen. Dub looks at Perla a few times, admiring her pretty, smooth brown skin, how cute she looks in her outfit, and enjoying her laughter.
Dub finishes his popcorn and is ready to get cozier with Perla. He slides closer after she puts aside her bowl, hoping she’ll mimic his movement. She does, and they sit there enjoying the feeling of their bodies being so close. Her arm brushes against his, sending tingles up to his shoulder. He stares into her eyes just as the movie slides casually into a woohoo scene. Now he’s imagining himself and Perla within the scene.
They turn their eyes back to the screen until the movie ends and the credits roll.
Perla: That movie makes college look like so much fun.
Wade: I didn’t think I wanted to go, but now –
Perla: Now what?
Wade: Now I can imagine all the freedom going to college would give me. No parents telling me what to do. No annoying brothers interrupting if I want to do this –
Dub pulls Perla closer and leans in until their lips meet in a kiss.
Their kisses quickly become much hotter and heavier than expected. Dub realizes this isn’t the time or the place for such an intense make-out session, so he pulls back reluctantly. Neither of them notices that they have an unhappy onlooker.
Wade: *whispers* I’d give anything for some alone time with you.
Perla: Me too
Dub is surprised to hear Perla say that.
Wade: Really? Then why did it take so long for you to agree to go out with me?
Perla: It wasn’t my fault. It was my dad. He kept saying that I couldn’t go out with you because *sight pause* you’re too old for me. But my mom talked him into it.
Wade: Too old?
Perla: Yeah, he couldn’t overcome the fact that you’ll be a young adult tomorrow. He even said that Mase is closer to my age.
Wade: Mase?
Why would he say that? Although Perla and Mase are indeed the same age, Dub has never considered the possibility of them dating.
Wade: But why did he agree to me taking you to the prom?
Perla: He said that was different because it was just the prom. He knew there would be chaperones there.
Wade: So, if you had asked to go out with Mase instead, he would have said yes right away?
Perla: Possibly
Wade: Wow
Dub wants to find out more, but their conversation is interrupted by a guy sitting in the seat next to them.
Onlooker: Why don’t you get a room next time?
Wade: What?
Onlooker: I didn’t come to the movies to see you two slobbing each other down.
Wade: Are you sure? I bet you enjoyed it. Maybe we’ll charge admission next time. What do you think, Perla?
Perla: *chuckles* Let’s just go.
Dub doesn’t want to turn this into a confrontation, so he gets up from his seat without another word and follows Perla.
Onlooker: Good riddance!
Dub checks the time on his phone as they leave the theater. He hopes they can grab something to eat or find an isolated place to continue their make-out session.
Wade: What time do you have to be back home?
Perla: My dad is coming to pick me up at 10.
Ten? It’s almost ten already. That doesn’t leave time for anything.
They head outside.
Perla: So, what are you doing for your birthday?
Wade: I want to take a trip with my brothers to Batuu.
Perla: The amusement park? Oh wow, I’ve been begging my parents to take us there – but they keep saying they can’t take that much time off work.
Wade: I wish you could come with us.
Perla: There’s no way they’d let me do that.
Wade: So, no more dates until you age up.
Perla: Yeah, it sucks, right?
Wade: More than you know.
Dub doesn’t have the heart to tell her he doesn’t plan to stay in Henford much longer. He has his sights set on a less isolated town – perhaps a bigger city like San Myshuno.
Perla’s dad finally pulls up. They hug and say their goodbyes, maybe just for now or for good. Only time will tell.
I wait up until Dub is back home from his date. I’m glad that he’s back at a decent hour. I’m not surprised that Mo wouldn’t want his daughter Perla to be out super late. Dub sees that I’m still up when he walks in the door.
Wade: Goodnight, dad.
Kai: One sec. I want to talk to you for a moment.
Wade: Before you start – I just wanted to say I’m sorry for not sticking around today. I’m sad that gran died. I just –
Kai: I’m not concerned with that right now. I was young once. I get it. But you’ll be a grown man tomorrow. I wanted to know what you had planned.
Wade: What? For my birthday?
Kai: No – for your life?
I sit down and wait for Dub’s answer.
Wade: I – uh, I’m not sure exactly. I did apply to college today. But dad – I want out of here. I want to explore other places. I’ll be stuck here for several years if I attend college.
Kai: You don’t have to stay here to attend college.
Wade: I don’t?
Kai: No. They offer remote classes.
I can almost see the relief on Dub’s face.
Wade: That gives me some options.
Kai: Good. *changes subject* Mase mentioned you were planning a trip to Batuu.
Wade: Yeah, but we probably won’t leave until Sunday. I want to take Dray, too, if that’s okay.
Kai: I’m sure Dray would love that. But I wanted to make you aware of something.
Wade: What’s that?
Kai: Mase has a thing for Perla. He tried to hide it, but he was upset when he found out you two had a date tonight.
Dub’s entire body deflates under the shock.
Wade: I had no idea. That explains so much.
Kai: I suspected as much. But I’m telling you because I need you to be a big brother on this trip. Be mindful of his feelings. Okay? I’d love to see you two work it out if you can.
Wade: I’ll try, dad.
Kai: Good. I guess that’s it. See you tomorrow.
Wade: yep
Dub walks towards the stairs.
(Generation 3 Chapter Summaries)
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