Banks Dynasty – Day 30.4

Clyde is up early to say goodbye to Tambara before returning to San Sequoia on a train. It’s not a long goodbye, though, because Maia and I are now official owners of a home in the Anchor Point section of San Sequoia, and we will be moving tomorrow. Maia showed me what the interior designer has been working on last night, and we’re sure everything will be ready on time. All that’s left for us to do is pack.

I can tell that it’s all a bit much for Maia. Like me, she set out to make her home here in Bindleton Bay, but now she’ll return to the city where she grew up. Just like she always does when significant changes arise, she heads outside and goes through one of her yoga routines to clear her head.

Meanwhile, I start packing our pictures, clothing and other personal items. My youngest brother, Dray, has been writing to me on the Social Bunny app, telling me that he wants to move into this place. I think it’s a good idea, and my parents seem open to buying it back for him, so that should work out well. And it’ll save us time because we won’t have to move the furniture.

While I’m working out those details with them, Maia goes outside to prepare our “Sun”-day meal, one of my favorites, BBQ Ribs. She’s an incredible cook, so I know it will be amazing.

Later on, I find Maia upstairs, sitting on our bed. I’ve been so excited about how everything has been shaping up that I’ve overlooked that she’s not quite feeling as enthused. But I have an idea that might make her feel a little better.

Wade: Are you okay, babe?

Maia: Yeah, I’m okay.

Wade: You don’t look like it. Are you sure?

Maia: I’m a little sad about leaving Brindleton Bay. I’ve built my adult life here. I met you here, and Tami was born here. I’m going to miss it—that’s all.

When I think about it, I can see what she means. This is where I became a man. I’m not fond of the weather here, but I’ll miss Brindleton Bay too.

Wade: Let’s get out of the house and visit the Skills Academy where we met. We can show Tami and tell her all about it.

Maia: Yeah, I’d like that.

Maia grabs Hiro, and we walk to the Skills Academy. It’s a scorching day, but we make it without wearing ourselves out too much.

Maia: I spent most of my time here in my early days in Brindleton Bay. I think I told you I was a part of the pond beautification committee. That’s when I started collecting frogs.

Wade: Then that’s where we should spend the day – at the pond.

Maia’s face lights up as she leads us to the pond at the back of the campus. I stop next to the water’s edge.

Wade: Tami, this is where I saw your mom for the first time. It was a hot day, just like this one. I did a lap around the lake, and suddenly, I was face to face with the most gorgeous woman I’d ever seen. But I don’t think she was too impressed by me.

Maia: *giggles* Oh, I was impressed, alright. Those eyes drew me in from the moment they landed on me. And then you spoke for the first time, and I heard your slight accent. It was a telltale sign that you weren’t from around here.

Wade: I don’t have an accent.

Maia: Yes, you do. I couldn’t figure out why you were talking to me. Guys like you usually don’t approach girls like me.

Wade: I never understood why you felt that way. You’re a hundred steps beyond any girl I’ve ever approached before.

Tambara isn’t as into our story as we are. She begins squirming and whining in the carrier.

Maia: I think she’s hungry.

I pull Tami out of the backpack carrier and offer her a bottle. She begins drinking as I continue my side of the story.

Wade: After we met, I forgot to get your phone number. I left the campus panicked because I didn’t think I’d ever see you again.

Maia: I came back here the next day; part of me hoped you’d return, but you didn’t.

Wade: You did? I can’t tell because you completely shot me down when I finally ran into you again.

Maia: Did I?

Wade: Maybe it wasn’t intentional, but it felt that way.

Maia: I’m sorry. It was just probably one of those days. And, like I said, I couldn’t believe you were even interested. I thought you were running a game or something—that maybe approaching me was a part of some bet.

Wade: Well, I almost gave up. But then I saw you again the next day and decided to shoot my final shot.

Maia: You asked me out.

Wade: Well, it wasn’t a date. But I was glad you said yes.

I pause and look down at Tami.

Wade: If mommy didn’t say yes, you probably wouldn’t exist.

Tami finishes the bottle, and I place her on my shoulder to burp her.

Maia: I’m glad I said yes.

Tami is milk-drunk and drowsy, so we pull out her portable crib, and I place her down for a much-needed nap.

Once Tami is asleep, it’s time for some adult fun. When Maia isn’t looking, I fill up a few water balloons and surprise her with a big splash on the side of her body. She stares at me, not looking very amused at first. But then she grabs one of her own and tries to get me back. She misses, and I laugh hard at her poor aim.

We toss a few more but stop when I suddenly get a message from my friend Luca. I’m sure Maia appreciates the interruption because she sucks at tossing water balloons. I walk away completely dry, and she’s soaked. Luca writes me to tell me that he and his wife are expecting a baby girl. Hearing that makes my day. I found an instant friend in him; now, our daughters could grow up to be friends.

We write back and forth a few times, and I end it by announcing our move. Looking at his profile, I realize that his birthday is approaching. If I know Luca, he’s struggling with whether or not he should invite me to whatever he has planned but doesn’t want me to feel obligated if it’s an inconvenience—especially with a new baby in the house. I make a mental note to plan how to celebrate once we finally arrive in San Sequoia.

I sit beside Maia on a nearby bench and hug her.

Wade: Luca and Sophia are expecting a baby girl too.

Maia: Really? That’s amazing.

Wade: It’s going to be nice living so close to them. Tami will always have someone to play with.

Maia: It will be nice.

Wade: Are you really okay with this move? I know there’s a lot of history for you back in San Sequoia. I want this to be a good thing – not something that causes pain.

Maia: There’s pain no matter where I am. But I have always loved the Bay Area, and being back and raising Tami there will be a blessing. But the hard part will be remembering that I’m there to build our future, not to get lost in the past.

Wade: Tami and I will be by your side through all of it.

Maia: That’s why I know I’ll be fine.

I squeeze Maia just a little tighter, admiring her courage.

After Tambara wakes up from her nap, we take pictures to commemorate our last day in Brindleton Bay.

Maia suggests it might be an excellent opportunity to give Tami a little tummy time.

Maia: She hates it when we do it at home; maybe she’ll like it better out here.

Wade: We can give it a shot.

I roll Tami on her tummy, and she looks around curiously at her surroundings. I can’t tell if she likes the position, but after some time on her stomach, she wiggles and rocks a few times before rolling over onto her back. Maia and I cheer!

Wade: That’s daddy’s girl!

Maia: Good job, Tami!

Tami is exhausted after being in the heat all day; honestly, Maia and I are too—mentally and physically. It’s time for sleep. I note that this will be our last night sleeping in this house and this bed. This room holds so many memories, including our first time woohooing. Feeling nostalgic, I pull Maia into my arms and kiss her.

Maia: What was that for?

Wade: For walking into my life and being my dream come true. You made my time here so much better, and I appreciate that. I love you so much!

Maia: Aww, I love you, too!

(Generation 4 Chapter Summaries)

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