Ma wasn’t kidding when she said the whole family would be here. Her brother Jalin, the oldest of the triplets, arrives with his wife, Justina, and son, Leslie, who I haven’t seen since he was a kid. Uncle Jay is the person who influenced me to choose social media as my career choice. He’s successfully run his own online media company for years.
Ma’s other triplet, Aunt Lia, is here with her three kids and husband Stefan. Lia and Stef have a highly-rated restaurant in Tartosa. If Maia and I ever make it to Tartosa, eating there is on my to-do list.
I watch as Ma and Maia meet for the first time. Maia seems comfortable here, although surrounded by people she doesn’t know. Then again, she’s in good hands with Ma, who has a knack for making anyone comfortable.
I glance over and see that Mase and his friend Zoe have become much closer since I was last here. They’ve crossed into ’more than friends’ territory based on how they keep kissing and hugging. I’m happy for him.
I continue searching the crowd of familiar faces and notice a few are missing.
Wade: Where’s Uncle Merit, Terra, and Bri?
Drake: Ma and Dad didn’t tell you? Uncle Merit passed away not long ago. Terra lives in their house now.
Wade: Oh, man. I had no idea. I’m surprised Bri didn’t tell me.
Drake: It happened while you were out of town. Maybe that’s why she didn’t.
I nod towards Mase and Zoe.
Wade: How long has that been going on?
Dray doesn’t have to look to know what I’m talking about.
Drake: Ugh, too long. And they are annoying as hell – always kissing and hugging! It makes me want to move out like you did.
Wade: Don’t rush; it’s overrated. You saw my video, right?
Drake: Yeah, I did, but anything has to be better than this.
Wade: I plan on doing some traveling soon. How about if you house-sit for me while I’m away?
Drake: That would be a lifesaver.
I look in Maia’s direction once again. She and Ma seem to be in the middle of a conversation. I can’t hear what they are saying, but they seem to get along just fine. Dray turns to follow my gaze.
Drake: What about you and Maia? How long have you two been together?
Wade: We just made things official about a day ago. I asked her to move in with me this morning.
Drake: Have you told Dad yet?
I suddenly realize that I probably should. Ma and Dad still own the house and before I moved in, they gave me a list of conditions I need to meet to stay there. Moving someone in wasn’t mentioned, but I’d imagine it would fall somewhere on the ’banned’ list. I need to figure out a clever way to plead my case, but my thoughts are interrupted by an alert on Social Bunny. It’s a message from my boy, Luca – telling me he’s getting married.
Wade: *out loud to himself* That’s what’s up, Luc!
Drake: Who’s Luc?
Wade: Oh, he’s a friend. I met him while out west. He’s getting married and invited Maia and me to his wedding.
I type my response, sharing some news of my own.
Maia is now sitting next to Dad and engaged in another lively conversation.
Wade: *to Dray* Any advice on approaching Dad about Maia moving in?
Drake: If you’re anything like me, you’d just do it. I’d rather deal with the consequences than ask permission and risk him saying ‘no.’
Wade: Yeah, but there’s a lot at stake if I try to pull that. Maia and I could end up homeless or living in her tiny rental.
Dray watches Maia and Dad for a while.
Drake: He seems to like her. Maybe he won’t care – worst case, he might fuss about it but won’t kick you out.
Wade: Yeah, maybe
Dray’s attention gets pulled away by our little cousins, who walk over and ask him to play with them. I haven’t officially met them, so I don’t even know their names, but Dray seems reasonably close to them. He responds to my thoughts as if he read my mind.
Drake: I babysit for Aunt Lia and Uncle Stef from time to time. Sweet kids
That explains it.
Suddenly, Ma pulls out Dad’s overly loud dinner bell and begins to ring it.
Melisa: Time to eat!
I break away from Dray and make my way over to Maia, now standing at the buffet table.
Wade: Everything good? Sorry, I abandoned you to Ma and Dad.
Maia: Ha! No problem. Your parents are so sweet.
I didn’t exactly expect them to give Maia a threatening reception like her father did me, but it’s still nice to hear they’re being cordial towards her.
It’s soon apparent that the buffet table is not ideal for this conversation as the rest of the family rush over and practically push us away, trying to get at the food.
I step away to let everyone else make their plates and find a spot to eat. As I finally get my plate, Mase’s girl Zoe approaches me.
Zoe: Hey, Wade. It’s good to see you again!
I’m not unfamiliar with Zoe. After trying to ignore her friend request on the Social Bunny app for a while, I finally accepted it. But I still want to maintain a reasonable distance, especially after what happened between Mase and me over Perla and later Inata in Batuu. I don’t want him to misconstrue anything between Zoe and I. I‘m polite towards her, but I don’t linger.
Wade: Hey, Zoe. It’s good to see you too. You’d better hurry and grab food because it’ll be gone quickly with this crowd.
Zoe: Already on it.
Wade: Good!
I quickly slip away.
There’s family everywhere, so I give up on finding a place to sit. I settle for standing in the kitchen, balancing my plate in my hand. Mase walks over.
Mason: It’s good to see you, Dub.
Wade: Same here. You’re looking good. How is college treating you?
Mason: Not so great. My grades have been slipping. I’ve been a little distracted lately.
Wade: Ma and Dad know?
Mason: About my grades? Yeah. They’re not too happy about it.
I never thought I’d hear Mase – the paragon of the family say something like that. If I were still eating, I might have choked on my food.
Wade: Is it because of Zoe?
Mase answers with a smile.
Wade: So you two are pretty close, then? Have you done it yet?
Mase blushes.
Mason: No. We both still live at home, so there’s no privacy. Any advice?
I’m suddenly feeling paternal over Mase.
Wade: Get your grades up first because it’s life-changing. It’ll be all you want to do.
I’m sure that’s not what Mase wanted to hear from me. It’s more like something Dad would say. I shake his words out of my head and continue.
Wade: But if you’re looking for privacy – rent a room. There’s the Windenburg Inn. It’s expensive, but I heard it’s nice.
Mason: *nods* Yeah, okay. Thanks
Ma announces that it’s time to open presents. She calls all her nieces and nephews over, reads the labels, and distributes the gifts. There seems to be no shortage of them. But it’s not surprising or uncommon for our family to go all out for Winterfest.
(Generation 4 Chapter Summaries)
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