I feel much lighter now that Mase and I have cleared the air. Now, it’s time for me to begin planning for my future. First, I go online to check on my college application status.
My heart is pounding, but in a good way, when I see that Britechester and Foxbury colleges have accepted me. Foxbury has also admitted me to a couple of distinguished programs. Ma and Dad both graduated from there, so they’ll undoubtedly be thrilled to hear that. It’s just too bad that I still don’t want to attend college – at least not right now.
So, why am I happy to be accepted when I know I don’t want to attend? Honestly, I just wanted to know that college is an option. And I still haven’t ruled out the possibility of remotely taking a class or two. I’ll mention that when I talk to my parents about it.
But I need a plan if I hope to approach them with any of this. I go online and find an opening for what I really want to do: start a career in social media. The hours and the starting pay are decent and give me time to work on building up my social media projects on the side.
Now that it’s all official, I set up my camera to get started on my new career.
Wade: *to the camera* Hey, Simtube! It’s your boy Dub. I’m back with another video, but this time, I wanted to highlight my hometown, Henford-On-Bagley. Those who know me have probably heard me say that Henford is boring and there’s nothing to do here. While that may be true, it’s still a beautiful place, and I’m proud to call it home. I figure this is a great time to announce that I’ll be leaving soon – moving on to someplace, hopefully, a lot more exciting. But what better way to honor the town where I was born and raised than to show you the top five things to see here if you ever decide to visit? Let’s go!
While Dub is starting his Social Media career, the rest of the family occupy their time differently in other parts of the house. Me-Me is in the kitchen studying her robotics book. She’s so close to a promotion.
Kai is in the garage working out – his favorite pastime. And the youngest Banks boys are in the game room, finishing up a game of Simbles. After losing another game, Mase asks for a rematch.
Drake: Why bother? You’re no match for the kid.
Mason: The kid? Come on, best three out of four?
Drake: Okay, but I’m getting bored from handing out these ass whoopings.
Mason: *annoyed* I’m telling Dad if you keep saying ass.
Drake: Then that’ll make you a loser and a snitch.
Me-Me has successfully increased her robotics skills and immediately gets a promotion. She’s now at the top of her Mechanical Engineer career. She knows her parents would have been proud.
Melisa: Mom, Dad – I finally did it! I wish you were both still here to celebrate with me.
Kai goes outside to sheer the mini sheep and milk the goats. While Mase studies the Simbles board after another loss to see where he keeps going wrong.
After several takes, I finally finish the announcement for my video, but it’s still rough and sounds mechanical. Public speaking isn’t my thing, but I should at least be able to talk to a camera, right? It’s basically like talking to myself. But if I want it to sound more natural, I should practice talking to myself – in a mirror. That’s what I’ll do.
My mouth is dry, and I’m starving after practicing in my room. Ma is in the kitchen when I go down to grab leftovers out of the fridge. She’s alone, which is a good thing. I can announce my plans to her first before telling Dad.
Wade: Ma, I’ve finally decided what I want to do with my life.
Melisa: Am I going to want to hear this?
Wade: You’re the one who told me to find something that’ll make me happy, right?
Why is she looking like she regrets saying that?
Melisa: Yeah, I remember saying something like that.
Wade: Well, I took a position as an Engagement Monkey with Sim.tv.
Melisa: An engagement who?
Wade: Monkey, ma. It’s basically an online content creator. But that’s not all. I also found out that I got accepted into both colleges and some distinguished programs.
Now Ma is excited. She rushes over and stands near my stool.
Melisa: Congrats, Dubby! I knew you could do it! So you’re staying here and going to college?
Wade: No, ma. I’m not planning on enrolling. Not yet, anyway.
Ma’s smile melts away, and her eyes darken.
Melisa: So what am I supposed to do with this? What was the point in telling me that?
Ma sits down heavily on the stool next to me.
Wade: I just wanted you to know that if I’m smart enough to get accepted into two colleges and a few distinguished programs, then maybe I can grow this whole social media thing as well.
Melisa: I never doubted that you were smart enough, Dub. It would just be nice if you had a degree behind you, is all.
Wade: I know, and when I decide where to live – I plan to enroll in some remote classes. It’ll take me longer, but I’ll earn a degree.
Melisa: What do you mean? Are you moving out?
Wade: Eventually. I want to discuss it more with you and Dad first, but I need to be closer to a bigger city. Windenburg just isn’t enough. My social media would grow faster if I lived somewhere else.
Melisa: I can’t argue with that, and it sounds like you’ve given it a lot of thought.
Wade: I have, ma.
Melisa: Then I wish you nothing but the best.
Wade: Thank you. Do you think you can bring it up to Dad for me? Maybe smooth him over a little?
Melisa: If you’re grown enough to make big decisions, then you’re grown enough to do your own smoothing over.
She’s right. I wouldn’t say I like it, but I can’t deny that.
Melisa: I’m going to bed.
Wade: Okay, Ma. Thanks for listening. See you tomorrow.
Ma gets up, but not before I glimpse the worry lines on her face. Did I put them there? Ma isn’t a liar, so if she says she believes in me, I know it’s true. But maybe she’s worried about me moving out?
I try to swallow my food, but it seems to be blocked by the lump in my throat. Honestly, I’m a little worried, too. If I move out, I’ll be on my own – entirely on my own. All the things I’ve grown accustomed to Ma and Dad taking care of will be up to me. Am I ready for that?
You know what – yeah, I am! I was born ready.
(Generation 4 Chapter Summaries)
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