With Dub and Tami gone to Windenburg, Maia and her father celebrate her birthday traditionally…at their favorite barbeque spot in the city. Maia checks in with the host to grab a table.
Host: And are you celebrating anything today?
Maia: Well… yeah, it’s actually my birthday.
Host: Happy birthday, let me show you to your table.
At their table, Clyde and Maia check the menu.
Clyde: This is just like old times, Maia girl – just me and you, like on your young adult birthday.
Maia: Yeah, and I’m ordering the same thing I got then.
Clyde: A slab of ribs with a twice-baked potato?
Maia: Exactly. It’s tradition at this point.
After Clyde and Maia have finished their meal, Maia pulls out a cake she baked before leaving the house. Other patrons came over to join Clyde singing, ‘Happy Birthday.’ Maia could do without all the extra attention, but she appreciates the thought.
Maia: Thanks, everyone.
She blows out the candles and ages up to an adult.
Shortly after arriving at the Narwhal Arms in Windenburg, my brother Mase and I sit at the bar to start our evening with a few drinks.
Mason: I’m glad you could return home for my bachelor party.
Wade: I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.
And it’s true. Mase and I have had our issues in the past, and I’ve made many mistakes as his big brother, but I love him and am glad to see him finally happy.
Mason: There’s something I wanted to talk to you about.
The last few sips settle heavy in my stomach. Did I do something wrong again? Is he about to bring up the past?
Wade: What’s up?
Mason: I wanted to know if you’d be my best man at my wedding.
Wade: Seriously? I’d be honored!
Over the years, Mase and Drake have grown much closer than he and I. I never thought he’d ask me to be his Sim of Honor.
Wade: Thanks, man… thanks for choosing me.
Mason: Of course! You’re my big brother, and I love you.
I get out of my seat and pull Mase up with me for a hug.
Wade: I love you too, little bro!
With formalities out of the way and after we have downed a couple of drinks, it’s time for the partying to begin. Mase and I join the rest of the crowd near the dance floor. Drake is there, already getting his groove on. I take two steps towards him, but another voice cuts through the loud club music, making my blood run cold.
Perla: Dub! Is that you? It’s so good to see you here.
I spin and come face to face with Perla, who was my prom date and first love. She’s standing there in all her fine glory.
Wade: Perla! Damn, you look good.
Perla: *shouting over the music* What?
Luckily, she didn’t hear what I said over the loud music, allowing me the chance to correct what I said. I adjust my voice to be audible over the deafening bass from the nearby speakers.
Wade: I was saying, it’s you… all of you.
She matches my volume.
Perla: Yep, all of me. How are you?
Wade: Good, good! What are you doing here?
Perla: My sister Mabel and I are in town visiting Mom and Dad and were overdue for a girl’s night out—so here we are. This club is right up the street from their house, you know.
Yes, I know very well.
Wade: Oh cool
But it’s not cool. It’s funny how drinking makes the past float right up to the forefront of your thoughts. I’m suddenly sweating under my clothes as I remember what Perla said to me the last time I saw her in person.
Perla: Congrats on your recent wedding and your daughter.
Perla and I still keep in contact on Social Bunny, so I’m not shocked that she knows about Maia and Tami. And I know that she’s also married. She’s no longer Perla Crews. Her last name is now Canfield. But that doesn’t make seeing her here in person any less awkward.
Wade: Yeah, thanks. My ladies are my world. I’m very happy.
I just figured I’d throw that last part in there, but as soon as I hear how weird and out of place it sounds, I wish I could take it back.
Perla: Good to know.
Perla’s words fade into a heavy silence. I hurry to fill it.
Wade: Well, congrats on your marriage, too.
Perla: Uh, yeah. We’re currently separated.
Oh shit! I didn’t know that. She never mentioned it on her Social Bunny page.
Wade: Well, congrats to that… I guess.
The drinks are getting to my head and making me dense. I try again.
Wade: What I meant is, I’m sorry to hear that.
Perla: It’s whatever. He’s doing his thing, and I’m here to dance, so…if you’ll excuse me.
Perla steps away and starts swaying to the music.
♪ “Do you mind if I wild out?
A little
‘Cause I’m just a little drunk
And I wanna come party with you
A little
When I look into your eyes
I can tell that you’re high too
That’s okay baby
‘Cause I just wanna party with you
‘Cause when we hit the peak
Baby
I just wanna party with you
All night”♫ (Song: Funny Thing by Thundercat)
I’m feeling the effects of the beat and the song’s lyrics. I’m ready to move my body as well.
Wade: Anyone know how to do the One-Two-Steppin?
My question doesn’t go unheard. The song continues, and Mase steps up and leads the dance while Dwight, our cousin-in-law, joins in. Perla and I follow suit.
♫“Someone hold my phone
‘Cause I can’t hold my tongue
‘Cause if I get too drunk, baby
Then I’m gonna ruin the fun
It’s not your problem
It’s because I’ve seen too much
Baby
Sorry if I give you PTSD
But I just wanna party with you
All night
Because you make me happy
That’s right
I only wanna party with you
Tonight
Because you make everything
Alright”♪
After dancing to a few songs, Mase directs the party guests to the bar for drinks. Naturally, he invites Perla and her sister, Mabel, over as well, which makes sense because they’re old family friends. Perla passes me closely while we’re standing at the bar, and I swivel to avoid all contact with her. Still, I turn to watch her as she walks by.
Sure, her beauty is nothing compared to my wife, but there’s still something magical about her. She wears an aura of privilege and walks with the sway of affluence. I’m not surprised. Perla and her sister had a similar upbringing as my brothers and I. Her parents attended and earned their degrees from Foxbury Institute, just as mine did. Her father is my father’s best friend. And our mothers were friends in high school and were college roommates. There’s a familiarity that Perla and I share that I never found with Maia. Maybe it’s because Maia and I come from two contrasting worlds. Maia’s background is harsh with struggle, but Perla’s is abundant and cozy.
I grab my drink and walk over to a table, away from everyone else. A couple of sips later, the alcohol is getting to my head and taking me where I shouldn’t go. I know it’s none of my business, but I can’t help but wonder why Perla and her husband separated. Did someone cheat, or are they just not compatible? I could ask her, but everything in me knows it’s not a good idea. I’m married, happily married and I love Maia and Tambara. But a small part of me still wonders, ‘What if’? What if Mase’s hurt feelings never got between Perla and me? Our relationship was never official, but where would we be now if we had been allowed to explore it? Married? Children? If she had married me instead, would we be separated?
I know it’s stupid to wonder. I have no doubts about my love for Maia. And I didn’t lie when mentioning that I’m happy. It’s time to leave the past in the past. But these drinks are weakening my resolve.
There’s a small seating area in a quiet corner of the club. Once everyone has a drink, Mase leads us to the more comfy seats. Some party guests remain at the bar, but others, including Perla and Mase’s future sibling-in-law, Londyn, join us.
Wade: *to Mase* This is it, bro – your last night as a single man! How do you feel?
Mase thinks about it for a few moments before responding.
Mason: Lucky
Wade: Yeah, I know the feeling.
I’m also lucky I won’t see Perla after tonight until she and Mase ruin it.
Perla: So, I guess Mabel and I sort of crashed your bachelor party.
Mason: I’m glad you’re here. If I had known you were in town, Zoe and I would have sent you an invitation.
If we were at a table, I would have kicked Mase under it to make him shut up. But if I did that now, Perla would see.
Mason: *continues* You should come, anyway! I’m officially inviting you.
Perla: I’d love to. Where and when?
Mason: Noon at the ‘Church on the Hill’ in Henford. I’ll have Zoe text you the details in the morning.
Dammit! I need to get my shit together because Maia will be at the wedding tomorrow, too. The thoughts I’ve been having about Perla need to stay here in this club.
It’s almost three in the morning. If we don’t get Mason out of here now, he’ll sleep through his wedding tomorrow. But he insists we finish the night with some pictures. Feeling guilty, I panic.
Wade: You’re not supposed to take pictures at your bachelor party? What happens at the club stays at the club.
Mason: Well, it’s my party, so we’re doing it.
Great, now there will be evidence of my mental fantasy about Perla… even if I’m the only one who knows.
First, my brothers and I take one with our cousin Blaze. Then, our cousin-in-law, Dwight, Zoe’s sibling, Londyn, Perla, and her younger sister, Mabel, gather for pics. Once we’ve captured pics of all the guests, we leave the club.
(Generation 4 Chapter Summaries)
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