Maia starts her morning feeling grateful to hear the news she’s been waiting for. She’s finally received approval to open a food stand at the Manzanita Public Market. Maia smiles as she enters the kitchen; even Tami’s teenage moodiness can’t erase it from her face.
Tami joins Maia at the table.
Tambara: *sarcastic* Does my outfit meet your approval?
Maia: You look nice!
Tambara: I’m not trying to look nice.
Maia: So, I see you woke up and chose rudeness this morning. But at least you’re talking to me again.
Tambara: *scoffs*
Maia: You’re growing up so fast.
Tambara: When will you grow up and let Daddy move back in?
Maia completely understands the attitude, but it’s time to clear the air.
Maia: You have every right to be upset. Tami! Look at me when I’m talking to you.
Tami puts her fork down and faces her mother.
Maia: You don’t know everything that’s going on between me and your dad, and I’m not sure I can explain it in a way you’d fully understand. But imagine if I woke up every morning and picked out all your school clothes for you, leaving you with no say in the matter. How would that make you feel?
Tambara: Pissed.
Maia: Just pissed?
Tambara: No, it would feel like you don’t trust me to make my own decisions.
Maia: Exactly. Men have done that to me my whole life. It started with my father, and recently, your father made decisions without including me.
Tami puts two and two together.
Tambara: Like buying Finesse?
Maia: Yes, but that’s only part of it. Still, I can’t put all the blame on him. He did what I allowed him to do. And I made choices—like putting my goals on hold—that had nothing to do with him. Somewhere along the way, I lost myself in our relationship. I don’t regret everything, but I want more for you. I want you to be strong and never depend on a man for anything. If you find someone special, they should enhance your life.
Tambara: Daddy doesn’t enhance your life?
Maia: He used to. And don’t get me wrong—I love him and always will. But he doesn’t always see me for who I am. I didn’t grow up the way you and your father did. My father had to scrimp and scrape for every dollar he made, which shaped me. Your father never really understood that—and maybe you don’t either. But at the very least, I want you both to respect it.
Tami thinks about that for a moment.
Tambara: I respect it.
Maia can feel herself tearing up.
Maia: You do?
Tambara: I can’t imagine not having the things we have. It must have been tough.
Tami may not fully get it, but the sentiment touches Maia.
Maia: Sometimes it was. But I didn’t know what I was missing until I grew up and left home. But I did alright for myself and accomplished some big things before I met your father. I hope to continue doing so, starting today. Can I share some good news with you?
Tambara: Is it about Daddy?
Maia: No. I’m sorry.
Maia sees Tami’s disappointment and wishes she could tell Tami what she wants to hear.
Tambara: What is it?
Maia: I’ve always wanted to open a food stand, and now I’m finally making it happen—my application got approved. I’m starting today, as long as the rain holds off.
Tami’s moodiness returns.
Tambara: Oh, good for you. I have homework.
Tami moves to another seat and pulls out her textbook. Maia would love to say more, but takes the victory. Tami has shown some empathy towards her past, and that’s enough for now. Maia finishes her breakfast and gives Tami silence to complete her work and process everything from their discussion.
The clouds open up, and the rain comes pouring down when Tami leaves for school. Maia’s grand opening will have to wait for another day. She can either spend the morning feeling disappointed or work out and meditate. She chooses the latter.
Back in Henford, Me-Me has taken the day off to spend time with her granddaughter, which frees Zoe up to help Kai and Mase on the farm.
Me-Me holds out a toy and gushes with delight when Serena bats her hand to reach for it.
Melisa: You’re such a smart girl!
Farm work never ends. Kai and Mase are a little behind schedule, but work extra hard to get the spring planting done, hoping to harvest a great crop before summer arrives.
Farm work was never my thing, so I avoid it by taking Hiro out for a morning jog. There’s nothing quite like fresh country air in the morning. Hiro enjoys it as much as I do.
When I return, Ma is in the living room with my niece, Serena.
Wade: Good morning, Ma. Hey there, Serena.
Melisa: Good morning, Dubbie!
Ma approaches me after Serena finishes her bottle.
Melisa: I spoke to Maia last night.
Wade: You did? Why?
Melisa: Because no matter what, she’s still my daughter. I wanted to make sure she’s okay.
Wade: What did she say?
Melisa: The same things you did, except with much more detail.
Wade: Oh
I’m sure those details made me look like the villain.
Wade: Well? Do you think there’s any hope of us getting back together?
Melisa: There’s always hope. But I think this separation isn’t just about you. I think Maia has some things that she needs to work on for herself. As a woman, I can relate to that.
Wade: But you never kicked Dad out.
Melisa: No, but your father and I had our issues. No couple is perfect.
This is my first time hearing about any issues.
Wade: So what do I do?
Melisa: Be sure to keep the lines of communication open. No matter what, you still have a child together.
I don’t know if Ma’s advice is helpful, but I’m glad she called Maia. Ma turns her attention back to Serena as Zoe enters the house.
Zoe: Hey, Dub. Dad is looking for you.
Wade: What does he want?
I hope it’s not about farm work.
Zoe: I don’t know. He says he has plans for you and Mase. But you’ll have to ask him.
I know I don’t have a choice. No matter how old I get, Dad is still Dad. I head outside to find out more about these ‘plans’.
(Generation 4 Chapter Summaries)
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