I can’t decide if Maia’s timing is impeccable or terrible, but she returns to the bedroom just as I’m about to renege on asking for Clyde’s help.
Maia: My water just broke!
I’ll have to deal with Clyde later. I jump up and hurry over to Maia.
Wade: Your what? What does that mean? Is the baby okay?
Maia: The baby is fine. It just means that we’re that much closer to becoming parents.
I don’t know if that’s supposed to be reassuring because, to me, becoming a parent sounds a lot more scary than hearing that Maia’s water has broken.
I would have been a complete mess if Maia’s dad wasn’t sitting there watching. But I’m not about to let him see me break. I take several deep breaths and focus on the task before me. Maia needs me to be calm, so I will. I take her hands in mine.
Wade: Are you okay? What can I do for you?
Maia bites her lip as she considers it.
Maia: My back and shoulders are hurting. Can you rub them for me?
I’d be glad to rub that and a lot more, but again – her dad is sitting a few feet away, so I’ll have to settle for the back and shoulders.
Wade: How does that feel?
Maia: So much better!
Clyde gets up and interrupts our moment.
Clyde: Can I do something to help out, Maia girl?
Maia: You both can help get the place ready for the baby. Father, I could use your help straightening up downstairs. And Dub, can you set up the changing table we received during the baby shower?
Clyde and I scatter to do the duties assigned to us.
After completing my task, Maia and I finally get some much-needed time alone.
Wade: I was talking to your dad about something before you walked in.
Maia: What was that?
Wade: Well, you know we’ll need a bigger place once the baby arrives, and I was wondering how you would feel about moving back to San Sequoia?
Maia: Why San Sequoia?
Wade: I guess I fell in love with it when I was there. It’s beautiful, and you can’t beat the weather. But it’s only something to think about. If you don’t want to go back, we won’t.
Maia: Part of me wants to. I do miss it. But, Dub, some of my worst memories took place there.
Wade: I know, and I understand. I won’t bring it up again.
Maia is quiet for a while.
Maia: You know what, let’s do it.
Wade: You really want to?
Maia: The only way to conquer bad memories is to face them head-on. I can’t continue to run from them. And you’re right, San Sequoia would be a great place to raise our baby.
I’m so glad to hear that, but I hope she’s not just saying that because of me.
Maia suddenly gets up from the bed, and I immediately think it’s because of what we’ve been discussing. Maybe it has upset her.
Wade: Maia, we can find a place here. We don’t have to —
Maia: Dub! The baby is coming!
Wade: What? Right now!
Maia: *urgent tone* Right now!
I get up to assist, but Maia doesn’t need me. After a few pushes, our baby is born.
Maia: Dub! It’s a girl.
My heart begins to melt instantly. I’m officially a girl dad!
I was old enough to remember when my little brother Dray was born, but I can’t recall him being so tiny. I reach down to pick up our daughter, but I’m almost afraid I’ll drop her.
Maia: It’s okay. They’re tougher than they look.
I pick her up and stare into her tiny face, but panic suddenly washes over me.
Wade: We never came up with a name for a girl.
We did our research but never settled and agreed on anything.
Maia: I have a name that I was considering. But we’ll think of something else if you don’t like it.
Wade: What is it?
Maia: I was thinking we could name her Tambara Elise Banks. Tambara means—a girl who is at ease. And, of course, Elise was my mother’s name.
I repeat the name as I look into my daughter’s eyes.
Wade: Tam-bah-rah Elise – it’s perfect, Maia.
I kiss Tambara on the forehead.
I promised Ma she’d be the first to know after the baby was born. I pull out my phone, still feeling some disbelief. Ma somehow manages to answer on the first ring.
Melisa: *on the phone* Hello?
Wade: Hey Ma! We had a baby girl!
I continue my conversation with Ma, answering the rapid questions she’s throwing at me while Maia goes downstairs to tell her father.
Maia and Clyde hug…
Maia: It’s a girl! We named her Tambara Elise Banks.
Clyde: *emotional* She has your mother’s name.
Maia: Yes. Mother had her issues, but somebody should continue her legacy.
Clyde: I agree. I’m sure she’s smiling down on us right now.
Maia and Clyde return to the bedroom, but by then Tambara is sleeping.
Clyde: *to Maia* She looks like you did as a baby.
Maia: Do you want to hold your granddaughter?
Clyde: No, I don’t want to wake her.
Is that a smile I see on Clyde’s face?
Maia takes Tambara downstairs with her while she gets something to eat. Once again, I’m alone with Clyde.
Clyde: Charlie hasn’t gotten back to me yet, but it’s a matter of time.
Wade: About that… I don’t feel comfortable getting information about housing from someone like him.
Clyde: You know nothing about him!
Wade: I know, but I’d like to use a more legitimate source.
Clyde stares at me, which is somehow worse than when he was swinging his cane in my face. After several minutes, he finally speaks.
Clyde: Listen here, youngblood. Not everyone is privileged enough to live like you do. Charlie is a disabled veteran who served in the Strangerville Military. When he was injured, the government did nothing to help him, and he ended up sleeping on the streets. He had to do what he could to keep a roof over his head. Even if that means squatting in abandoned homes that wealthy property owners didn’t give a sh*t about. It’s rough out in the streets, and survival is the only game.
Clyde looks down at his phone after it alerts him to a text.
Clyde: That’s him now, but if you’re too good to accept the help he can offer you, I’ll tell him never mind.
I hear what Clyde is saying, and I do feel bad for Charlie’s circumstances, but I’d still prefer to get my info from a reputable real estate agent.
Wade: Yeah, thanks. I think that might be best.
Clyde gets up from the bed, and I follow him, trying to explain my position. He bounds down the stairs faster than I could have imagined without his cane, which leads me to believe he’s faking the need for it.
Clyde: *mumbling to himself* Ain’t nothing worse than an uppity n-
Wade: I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to offend you!
We make it to the kitchen, and Clyde responds under his breath so that only I can hear him –
Clyde: If my daughter wasn’t here…
Luckily, Maia is sitting at the table eating with the baby right next to her because the threat in Clyde’s tone is too real, making me fear for my life.
(Generation 4 Chapter Summaries)
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