#Kamali Mitchem

[ellooelly]

In late fall, the family gets news that Ben’s grandmother, Stacey, is sick. By winter, she is gone. 

After the funeral, everyone gathers back at the house for dinner, even though no one is in the mood to eat. Ben and Lucy decide that, given recent circumstances, they need to finally tell the family what they’ve been hiding this whole time. “Um, Lucy is . . . she’s pregnant.” He stumbles over his words, nervous to see his family’s reaction. They don’t take it well. 

[ellooelly]

That same evening, Lucy gave birth to a healthy baby boy. Kamali and Tilda had since gotten over their initial anger and were overjoyed at this new addition to their family. They were excited to be grandmothers and Ben was finally happy again. 

Levi James Mitchem

[ellooelly]

The school year passes slowly, but eventually graduation comes around. By now Lucy is full term and definitely showing, so there is no hiding it anymore. 

During graduation, Lucy goes into labor. She was determined to walk the stage and receive her diploma, so she pushes through the 3 hour long ceremony and by the time its over, the family has only minutes to get her to the hospital.

On the south side of the city, Charlotte’s class is also graduating. 

After all of the students have received their diplomas and everyone is leaving, the family walks into the hallway. Myron suddenly collapses . . .

[ellooelly]

VIII Landgraab, 10:35 a.m.

Ben: Oh, uh, yeah, she left something here and, uh, came over to get it. She was just leaving, actually.

Kamali: Mmhm. Well, it’s nice to see you, darling.

Lucy, making a bee line for the front door: Oh, nice to see you both too! I’ve, uh, gotta go, bye!

She leaves quickly, closing the door a little too hard behind her.

The family stands silently for a moment, letting the strange awkwardness hang in the air.

Kamali clears her throat: So, Benjamin, did you have a good time last night?

Ben laughs nervously: Yeah, I uh- it was fine. Just hung out with Honey, watched some movies. Ya know, the usual . . . 

Tilda: I thought you told us you are going to a party at Drew’s?

Ben: Oh, well, yeah I don’t know. I didn’t feel like going I guess.

Tilda: Hmm. Ok, then. Do you want some breakfast? We’re starving . . .

[ellooelly]

VIII Landgraab, 10:30 a.m.

Kamali: I can’t believe the hotel tried to charge us for another night. How were we supposed to know their check-out time was freaking nine in the morning . . . 

Lucy: So you’ll call me later, yeah? My dad has some stupid plans for us but I’ll have my phone all night . . . 

Ben: Oh! Ma, Mo, you’re here.

Tilda: Mm, yes, we are here. And so is Lucy, I see.

[ellooelly]

VIII Landgraab, 6:00 p.m.

~six months later~

The kids are hanging out on the couch, waiting for Mo to make dinner while Ma works on an upcoming project at the table.

Ben’s phone vibrates in his pocket.

Drew to Ben: Yo homeslice, party at medina friday. i stole some keys from my parent’s and have a whole apt for myself. lol. bring weeeeeeeed.

Lucy: Who’s that?

Ben: It’s Drew. He said he’s having a party Friday and wants us to come.

Lucy grumbles, annoyed.

Kamali: Friday? Isn’t that the night of the Gala in Newcrest?

Tilda: Yes ma’am. I booked us a hotel at the Waterside too so we won’t have to catch a cab. 

Ben: So it’s cool if I go? It’s only gonna be a few of us, not a big thing.

Tilda: Hmmmm, yeah, I suppose. As long as you’re home before morning and NO drinking.

Ben: You know I’m not like that Ma.

[ellooelly]

VIII Landgraab, 5:50 p.m.

Cameron: Tilly, Kamali, this is Billie Jang.

Tilda: Hello Billie! It’s so great to finally meet you!

Kamali: Cam has been gushing about you for weeks, we were starting to wonder if he’d ever bring you over!

Billie, laughing: It’s such a pleasuring meeting you as well. 

Cameron calls to his daughter: Maggie, come here baby.

Billie kneels down to shake the little girl’s hand: Well, hello there Magnolia. It’s such an honor to be meeting you.

Magnolia stares at this new woman’s face for a moment before responding: . . . Wow, you-you’re so pretty.

Billie laughs out loud: Thank you so much, sweetie! You are very pretty yourself, and I bet you’re just as brilliant too, huh. Your dad has told me so much about you, it sounds like you are quite the incredible little lady.

Maggie smiles wide at Billie, completely in awe of this new woman. She has never met anyone quite like her.

[ellooelly]

VIII Landgraab, 5:50 p.m.

The Mitchem Family sits around the table, having dinner and talking about their days.

Cameron: -and tomorrow Jay and John are starting the floor, so they put me in charge of finishing the kitchen up.

Kamali: Sounds like you're really enjoying this job, huh-

Ben: Ma? Momo? Can we get a puppy?

Magnolia: A PUPPY?!?!?!

Kamali: Benjamin, first of all, you just interrupted us, and second, no. We don’t have time for a dog right now.

Ben: But Momo, Mira’s big brother just got one and she gets to play with it all the time! It’s not fair.

Cameron: I mean, I’d like a dog . . . 

Tilda: Cam. Not helping.

Kamali: Sorry bud, but right now it’s going to be a no. We can discuss it again when you’re older, ok?

Magnolia: oooh . . . no puppy? :(

[ellooelly]

VIII Landgraab, 3:50 p.m.

Kamali: Hey Ben, whatcha’ up to?

Ben: Oh, hey Mo. I’m just looking at all of the poor, sad, homeless puppies at the rescue that you won’t let me adopt.

Kamali laughs: Ben, come sit with me for a minute.

Kamali: Do you understand why Ma and I aren't letting you get a puppy right now?

Ben: Not really, no.

Kamali: Well, it’s not because we don’t want to. Frankly, I’d love one. It’s just because . . .

She looks around the room suspiciously and lowers her voice.

Kamali: . . . it’s because we’re waiting for your birthday. But shhh! Don’t tell Ma I told you, ok? You’ve gotta promise you’ll act surprised for me? Ok?

Ben: Ohmygosh REALLY? Oh I promise, I will. Thank you Momo!

Kamali squeezes her son tight: Anything for you, Benji.

[ellooelly]

// Mitchem Family Photo //

[ellooelly]

San Myshuno University Hospital, 1:23 a.m.

Tilda is running through the hospital halls, completely panicked. Kamali, who is carrying their sleeping son, is trying to keep up.

They finally find their family. Tilda, out of breath, sees her brother collapsed on the floor with his head in his hands.

Tilda: Mom . . . Dad . . . what happened?

James: Blue . . . had some complications.

Stacey begins to weep. Her husband holds her face, kissing her forehead.

Stacey: She didn’t make it, Tilly . . .

Tilda turns to Kamali.

Tilda: Can you take Ben back home? He doesn’t need to be here for this. I’ll call you in a little bit.

Kamali: Yeah, that’s probably for the best.

Ben has woken up now, confused about what is going on.

Ben: Wait, Mom, why is Uncle Cam crying? 

Kamali: I’ll tell you in the morning, Ok? Just go back to sleep Benji.

[ellooelly]

VIII Landgraab, 6:54 p.m.

Tilda: Have you seen the box with all of my coffee mugs? I swear those movers stole half of our stuff.

Kamali: I already put all of the kitchen boxes away, Tilly. Maybe you need a break? You’ve been up since 6 am.

Tilda: I will, I will, I’m just trying to get things situated here.

The front door opens and slams back shut as Amira and Ben come racing in.

Tilda: Whoa, whoa, whoa, where have you two been all day?

Ben: Oh hiya Ma. We were down playing by the fountains. You should see this place, it’s so fancy!

Tilda: Ben, I’m pretty sure I asked you quite nicely to work on unpacking your room today? I was just up there and not even one box was opened.

Ben: Maaaaaa, I don’t wanna do all of that. Me and Amira have stuff to dooooo.

Tilda: Well, I still want you to help get your room done. How about tomorrow we work on it together?

Ben: Sure Ma! Sounds great! Me and Mira are gonna go play on my new GoldBox!

The two friends dash up the stairs, laughing about who’s going to beat who at Party Frenzy.

Tilda: Oh, well, alright. But we’ve gotta take Amira home in about an . . . he’s not listening anymore is he . . .

Kamali: Judging by the fact that his bedroom door just slammed, I’d say no.

[ellooelly]

VIII Landgraab, 7:30 a.m

Tilda: I know, I know. I’m just trying to give him some time to heal.

Kamali: Yeah . . .

Kamali: It’s hard to say, but he kinda’ just needs to move on. If not for himself, then for his daughter. She needs a father.

Tilda: Don’t say that, Kamali. He’s a great father . . . he’s been so good to that baby girl. He just hasn’t been that good to himself.

Kamali: You’re right . . . I just hate to see him so depressed. He needs help.

[ellooelly]

122 Hakim House 9:09 p.m.

[ellooelly]

San Myshuno Park, 9:47 a.m.

[ellooelly]

122 Hakim House 8:48 p.m.