Maia wakes up to an unsightly view and the sharp scent of cat vomit all over the dining area. Either something Maj ate did not agree with her, or she is sick and needs to go to the vet.
Maia checks around the house and finds the poor cat in the guest room, hiding inside the cat tower, looking haggard and unwell. Maia thinks for a moment about waking Tami, but she heard her come in very late last night. The girl surely needs her sleep. She decides to look for Juanita instead.
Maia steps out into the hot Chestnut Ridge heat, grateful to spot Juanita in the garden just outside the front door. She fans herself with one hand as she walks over.
Maia: Good morning.
Juanita: Morning, Miss Maia. Everything alright?
Maia: Tami’s cat is sick. I was trying to figure out where the nearest vet is.
Juanita: Poor Maj. You won’t need a vet visit. Miss Tami bought wellness treats the last time Maj got sick. I still have a few.
Maia:*relieved smile* I’m so glad. I knew you’d know what to do.
Juanita appreciates the trust in her voice.
Juanita: Go ahead and enjoy your morning, Miss Maia. I’ll take care of Majesty right away.
Maia: Thank you, Juanita. If anyone needs me, I’ll be in the greenhouse catching up on some reading.
Now that she knows Maj will be in good hands, Maia doesn’t hesitate to get out of the sun. She makes her way to a cozy spot in Tami’s greenhouse, where the hired gardener is quietly watering plants, and pulls out her favorite book.
Mom is up in the kitchen when I finally climb out of bed and emerge from my bedroom in the late morning. I can tell she’s been up for a while.
Maia: Good morning, Tami. How was your date last night?
I’d like to eat before revealing anything about my date with Marvel, but the expression on my face gives everything away. Still, I avoid responding as I grab breakfast and sit down at the table. Mom sits in the chair next to me, all ready to jump to conclusions.
Maia: Judging by the smile on your face, I can see it went well.
I try to play it off.
Tambara: It was okay. I got in pretty late, though.
Maia: I heard. Did he make sure you got home safe?
Tambara: Of course he did, Mom. What type of guy wouldn’t?
Maia: You’d be surprised.
Tambara: Well, not Marvel. He’s always considerate.
I pause, not sure if I’m complimenting him or complaining. I decide it’s a little of both as I eat the last bite of my eggs.
Tambara: Sometimes maybe a little too considerate.
Maia: How can someone be too considerate?
My mind automatically goes to his refusal to come in last night. But that’s none of Mom’s business, so I keep it to myself and try to come up with something to satisfy her curiosity.
Tambara: Nevermind. It was a good date. We danced, had drinks, hung out, and it ended with a kiss. That’s that.
Maia: Well, I’m glad it went well.
I get up with my empty plate, and Mom leaves her chair as well and starts heading out of the kitchen.
Maia: Oh, by the way, Maj woke up ill this morning, but Juanita gave her a wellness treat.
My stomach sinks at the first part, but I’m relieved that I had the foresight to purchase the treats when I left the vet last time.
Tambara: Any idea what was wrong with her?
Maia: She was vomiting, so it could have been an upset stomach.
Tambara: Thanks for letting me know.
Mom leaves the room, and I put my dish in the dishwasher and immediately search the house for Maj.
After seeing with my own eyes that Maj is okay, I decide to head down to the dusty nectar cellar. Last night, when Marvel and I talked about me learning to make nectar, he mentioned that it gave him an idea for our next date. I have no idea what that idea might be, but can I really say that I’m a nectar producer if I’ve only made one bottle? It’s not exactly impressive, so my goal is to change that.
I haven’t seen Juanita all morning, but rather than search the ranch for her, I decide to use her previous instructions and try my hand at producing nectar on my own.
I do my best to follow everything she told me. I place the fruit in, clean my feet thoroughly, and climb into the big vat. After only a few stomps, I slip and fall into the squished fruit. I can safely say that I have a long way to go before I get good at this new skill.
I produce a couple of bottles before giving up. Juanita makes this look easy, but I’m learning that it’s anything but.
I head out to spend time and do a little training with Finesse instead.
The chosen skill of the day is jumping, because I refuse to take 3rd place again. I lead Finesse out to the jumping posts in front of the barn. She’s a bit reluctant at first, possibly because of the midday heat, but with some coaxing, she begins jumping the posts as if she were born to do it. After a few rounds, Mom walks over.
Maia: Tami, I think I’ll return home today, rather than tomorrow as planned.
Tambara: Why?
Maia: I feel like I’m coming down with something.
I climb down from the back of the horse and walk over. Sure enough, I can see red splotches all over Mom’s face and body. Is it possible that she caught something from Maj, or is it just a coincidence? We ignore the risk of her passing it on to me and hug one another goodbye. She promises to come and spend time here again soon.
Juanita steps out of the barn as if sensing that something is wrong. Mom approaches and tells her exactly what she told me. Her goodbye to me was brief compared to her and Juanita. They hug, talk, and share a laugh or two, and Juanita even gives her a gift. I shouldn’t be surprised because the two of them spent a lot of time together during Mom’s visit, particularly last night while I was on my date with Marvel. But I also can’t help but feel slightly offended.
Mom and Juanita eventually break away from one another, and Mom leaves through the gate. The thought hits me harder than expected. Does Mom really prefer Juanita over me?
I’m a little stung by the idea, but no matter what, I’m the daughter and Juanita is not. Even if they do seem a little extra friendly, I shake off the bad feelings and head inside to take a bath and start getting ready for bed. I scrub and play in the bubbles for a while, and when I’m finally dressed in freshly washed pj’s, I come up with another way to spend the rest of the evening before bed.
All thoughts of Mom and Juanita’s extended goodbye disappear as I log into the Social Bunny chat and invite Marvel to join me. A ping sounds the moment he logs in.
grilledcheesegmr: Hey! Glad you’re still up.
PrtyEyz: I was heading to bed, but you crossed my mind 😊
grilledcheesegmr: You crossed mine too.
PrtyEyz: And what were you thinking? 👀
grilledcheesegmr: About us.
The message is loaded, and I want to know more. I reach down to respond, but stop when I see the typing indicator pop up. I wait to see what he adds.
grilledcheesegmr: I’d like to take you out tomorrow, if you’re available. There’s something I want to ask you.
Thank goodness we’re not face to face, because I cannot hide my excitement. I’d love to see him tomorrow, and I definitely want to know what he wants to ask me. Does it have anything to do with that kiss or me inviting him inside after our date? I let a minute pass and play it cool.
PrtyEyz: I just checked my schedule. I’m available 🙂
The typing dots appear again. Before he finishes, I add one more message, just in case it changes his plans.
PrtyEyz: My mom returned home today, btw.
The dots stop, then start again.
grilledcheesegmr: I guess that makes you a free woman then.
PrtyEyz: Very free 😉
I hope that comes across as flirty as I intended.
grilledcheesegmr: Ever heard of the Yuma Heights Nectary? That’s where I’d like to take you. Maybe around 6 pm?
How thoughtful. I actually like the idea of visiting a nectary. Maybe I can pick up a few tips and show off a little knowledge. I’m already planning my outfit in my head as I respond.
PrtyEyz: See you tomorrow 💛
(Generation 5 Chapter Summaries)
