Banks Dynasty – Day 53.4 (Part 2)

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I’m back home in Henford, with my dog Hiro, where my adult life started. Maybe something here will help me get back what I’ve lost.

Dad rushes outside to greet me. I can see worry lines etched into his face. I know he wants to know what sent me back here, but he doesn’t ask right away.

Kai: It’s so good to see you, son!

He leads me inside, finally asking a question I know he’s been asking himself all night.

Kai: We’ve been worried about you. What brought you back here so suddenly?

Wade: I’ll tell you about it. Right now, I just want to—

Mase walks over holding his little girl, saving me from having to give further explanations. It’s finally hitting me- I’m now Uncle Dub.

Mason: This is our daughter, Serena.

I walk over, and Mase places her in my arms. I’m reluctant to hold her, as if the mishaps I’ve caused will rub off on her.

Wade: She’s just as beautiful as I thought she’d be. Congrats to you and Zoe.

Mason: Thank you! We’re so proud of her.

I can understand that pride. I may have taken some wrong steps with my daughter, but she’s still the light of my life.

I secure my hold around my niece and walk over to a large picture of Maia and me on the wall. My stomach sinks with longing. I want my family back. Baby Serena responds to my change in mood and starts bawling in my arms. Luckily, Zoe is there to rescue her.

Zoe: Hey, Wade! You’ve met Serena.

Wade: Yeah, she’s beautiful, Zoe. I’m so happy for you and Mase. But you’d better take her. I don’t think she likes me right now.

I pass the baby to Zoe and walk around the front room to see that not much has changed. But someone is missing.

Wade: Where’s Ma?

Kai: She’s at work.

Wade: Still? I thought she’d be considering retirement by now.

Kai: I did too. But your mother insists there’s still a lot for her to do.

Dad leads me out into the backyard.

Kai: We recently lost Coco Puffs.

I recall the old days of being in charge of cleaning her stable. In those days, I knew exactly what to expect from each day. There was security in that. Reverting to my old routine, I enter the cowshed and begin shoveling up the mess—anything to avoid telling Dad how I wrecked my entire life.

Once I’ve finished, Dad stares at me as if I have two heads.

Kai: I’ve never seen you clean the shed without being asked. I know there’s something serious going on. We need to talk.

There’s no avoiding the inevitable.

I follow Dad to the gazebo where most of our serious conversations used to take place.

Kai: What’s going on, Dub? Why are you here without your family?

I take a deep breath and begin.

Wade: Maia kicked me out of the house.

Kai: What? What the hell happened?

Mase walks over, catching the tail end of my statement. I beckon him to sit down, to avoid repeating this more than necessary.

Wade: I messed up, Dad—big time.

Kai: I gathered that. This sounds serious, Dub. What’s going on?

I’m not sure where to begin.

Wade: It’s a lot of things. Maia says I’ve ruined Tami. And I did some things behind Maia’s back.

Disappointment washes over Dad’s face.

Kai: Dub! Don’t tell me you-

I know what he’s thinking, so I correct him before it can come out of his mouth.

Wade: I didn’t cheat, Dad! I bought Tami a horse for her birthday.

Kai: Mase told us about the horse. Are you telling me Maia didn’t know about it? Why wouldn’t you tell her?

Mason: So that was an argument I witnessed at Tami’s party.

Wade: Yeah. Maia didn’t take the horse very well. She says I don’t respect her. But I didn’t mean it as disrespect. The horse was supposed to be a surprise. Tami wanted it, so I got it for her. I thought Maia would be okay with it when she heard my reasons. But she says I turned Tami into a brat and now wants to take her away from me.

Dad gasps out loud.

Kai: Oh, no! She won’t let you see her?

Wade: I can see her. But I’m staying in the rental, and Maia wants me out by the end of the week.

Kai: I’m sorry to hear that.

Mason: Yeah, me too. Is there anything you can do to patch things up?

Wade: I don’t know. There are only so many ways I can say I’m sorry, but Maia doesn’t want to hear it. I’ve worked my butt off to provide my family with a good life. We live in a nice house. Maia doesn’t have to work, and Tami has everything she could ever ask for.

Kai: Not to kick you when you’re down, but it sounds like you’ve been focusing on the wrong things in life, son. Being a husband is more than providing material things. It’s about being a true partner in Maia’s life.

Wade: But how? I thought I was.

Kai: Have you been there for Maia emotionally? As her husband, you should be her safe space, and see her as your equal. Even when you think she’ll say no to something you want, you include her in every decision and value what she thinks. It’s like with me and your Ma, I think she should retire, but she’s not ready, so my job is to support that and give her what she needs to continue being her best. Do you know what goals Maia has for herself?

I have to think about that for a minute.

Wade: Well, I know she wants to open a food stand, and she recently started doing freelance work.

Kai: And have you supported her in any of that?

Wade: Well, I…

I think about it. Other than providing money for the garage conversion, I can’t say I have.

Wade: I could have done better.

Ma’s voice interrupts our conversation.

Melisa: Dubbie! You made it.

Ma saves me from having to admit my shortcomings. I rush over to hug her.

Ma takes a step back.

Melisa: I’m glad you’re here. But is everything okay with Maia and Tami?

Wade: I’m sorry, ma, but it’s not. Maia asked me to move out.

Melisa: Oh my Watcher! Dub, what happened?

Wade: A lot. And it’s looking like it’s all my fault. I’ve been a crappy husband and I’ve failed Tami.

Melisa: Failed her? How?

Wade: Maia says I’ve spoiled Tami and turned her into a brat.

The expression on Ma’s face doesn’t look surprised. I’m sure she’s remembering Tami being rude the last time we were here.

Melisa: I hate to hear it’s come to that, Dub.

Wade: Me too. But Dad can fill you in on the rest. I’m starving.

Melisa: Yeah, of course. Zoe made dinner.

We all go inside and sit at the table to eat. Ma graciously steers the conversation away from me and my shortcomings, and I’m grateful for that. After dinner, we all chip in to clean up. Then I retreat to the guest room, while the rest of the family heads upstairs.