Pearl had focused on school and her career goals. She had recently graduated college with a degree in journalism. She had got a job at a local paper. She, also, wrote poetry. She was working on getting her first book of poems published.

Sun, however, worried about Pearl. She felt that Pearl spent too much time on her own and little socializing. Pearl had been teased often at school for not looking like the other children. Since then Pearl had kept to herself and had few friends.

Sun kept her feelings to herself, for the most part, but now that Pearl had graduated, she was done holding her tongue. It was time for Pearl to settle down and find a husband. Sun would bring it up often at meals. Pearl would just nod, arguing did not help.

“Pearl,” began Sun for what felt the millionth time to Pearl. “You are not getting any younger. You finished school. It’s time to marry and have children.”

“Mom,” Pearl laughed,”It’s the 80’s. Women don’t just stay home and have babies anymore. We can have careers. There’s time for that later.”

Pearl shook her head. “How will there be time when you are always working? How will you meet a man when you don’t go out?”

Pearl rolled her eyes, put on her jacket, and left for work.

But Sun did not give up.

“Did you meet anyone, yet? Any potential suitors at your office?” Sun would ask.

“Mom,” sighed Pearl.

“I have good news,” Sun said excitedly one evening.

“What is this good news?” asked Pearl cautiously.

“I have hired a matchmaker!” exclaimed Sun.

“Mom, no,” started Pearl.

“What you want to die an old maid?” Sun laughed. “You are leaving your future up to me. How else will you find someone.”

“Mom, I’m not being set up by a matchmaker,” Pearl said.

“I have already paid, non refundable,” sighed Sun, “Just try. You never know.”

“Fine,” agreed Pearl reluctantly. “I will go on a date. One date.”

“I’ve paid for four matches. I know you’re particular.”

“Mom,” cried Pearl putting her head in her hands. Sun grinned.

Pearl met the first date, Max, after work. Max was a science teacher. He talked mostly about his extensive bug collection. Pearl tried to feign interest, but he went on and on about the differences in beetles. Pearl tried to get the subject changed to anything else, but somehow it ended back on bugs.

Sun met Pearl eagerly at the door. Pearl shook her head.

“Don’t be discouraged. There’s three more matches. One will be the one,” Sun nodded. Pearl wasn’t so sure.

Roger was her next date. Roger was outgoing and flirtatious. He liked to go dancing, party, and was always up for a wild adventure. He was nothing like Pearl. He let her know that he was not looking for a relationship.

“Let’s just have some fun,” Roger said giving Pearl a wink.

Pearl disgusted ended the date early.

Date three was better, though not pleasant, than date two. Freddy found everything funny. Pearl would ask a question and he seemed unable to answer it in a serious manner. She learned little about him other than he enjoyed telling bad jokes. She found herself annoyed and relieved when the date ended.

Sun, at the door as usual, asked about the date. Pearl shook her head.

“Save the best for last,” Sun said hopefully.

“Last one,” said Pearl relieved.

Unfortunately, Sun was wrong. Cal was not a better match for Pearl. He asked no questions about Sun. He seemed only to want to talk about himself. He went on and on about all the places he’d been, all the things he accomplished, even the women who had chased him. Pearl tried to be engaged at first, but it was like she wasn’t even part of the conversation. She began thinking about work and daydreaming. Cal didn’t even notice.

Sun looked more upset than Pearl felt that the last date had been a failure. She tried to comfort Pearl, who was just glad it was over.

“Don’t you worry,” said Sun. “We will find you a husband.”

“Goodnight Mom,” Pearl kissed her and got ready for bed.

Amelia, unlike Pearl, had never had a problem finding dates. She was outgoing and a little flirty at times. Unlike Pearl, she didn’t know what career she wanted. She was currently a waitress. She had taken a few college courses, but was on a break. She wasn’t the best student, but that was more because she had more important things to do than study. There was always a party, or shopping, or friends to hang out with.

She had dated a lot, but none of her dates made her heart pound like Cody. Luckily for Amelia, Cody seemed just as enthralled with her as she was with him. They became inseparable.

Amelia couldn’t wait to tell her family about Cody. Harley and Alonzo were over for dinner.

“I met the most wonderful guy,” gushed Amelia. “I can’t wait for you all to meet him.”

“We would be happy to meet him,” said Constance.

The family asked a few questions, but then turned to other subjects. This wasn’t the first time Amelia had found a wonderful guy, that often turned out not so wonderful or that she quickly lost interest in.

Amelia frowned. She couldn’t understand why her family wasn’t as excited as she was.

Lyric played with her new blocks as her family talked at the table. Her grandparents doted on her. Constance would often keep her while her Alonzo was at work and Harley on tour.

Harley announced that she had a tour coming up and would be gone for 3 months. She was sad to be away from Lyric for so long, but if she refused it could be the end of her career. Alonzo frowned. He had hoped her touring days were over or at least rare. This was the longest she would be away since Lyric was born. Maybe it would be the last for awhile, he hoped.