GAVIN is now married. He has been on his honeymoon for a week. Henry has ironed things out with Aunt Cindy. The last month of the year has commenced. The Dynasty's family is eating dinner at their dining table—without Gavin.
"It has been an eventful year. But most importantly, there's a happy ending. I got my promotion! I resume my new position in January." Greg muses.
"You passed the promotional exam? Wow! Congrats, baby!" Shannel screams.
"That day, I was telling you to be optimistic. See now." Gem pouts.
"Right that. Destiny can only be delayed, never denied." Henry adds.
"Yeah yeah. You guys win." Greg raises his hands in surrender.
"I'm proud of you, little bro." Gem smiles.
"I'm certain next year will be better. It will be our year of resignation—Henry's and mine. Greg's promotion. Gavin's marriage. A good note to start next year on. Hmmm. What's Gem got going on for her?" Shannel teases.
"I'm currently enjoying a good meal with my family." Gem chuckles.
"How's that guy you used to hang out with in Tavis City?" Henry asks.
"Whoa. I don't remember mentioning any guy to you." Gem protests.
"Of course not, you didn't. But I heard his voice in the background a couple of times when I called you." Henry reinstates.
"And I know she hung out with him until late at night in Tavis City too." Shannel adds.
"She posted one goofy picture with him then." Greg interjects.
"That was a dare. He is simply a friend." Gem shrugs.
"I've noticed you avoid calls from a particular person. That must be him. He seems like a cool guy." Shannel mentions.
"He's only a friend, I've told you. I avoid his calls because I don't have anything to say to him."
"You told me he's been transferred to Wess. You don't want to hang out with him?" Greg asks.
"Ugh. You guys are so jarring." Gem rolls her eyes.
"I see you, my girl. In recent times, you work less and worry more. I know you miss him. But you are scared. I can tell you are scared." Henry stares at Gem.
"This is about Zach, isn't it? An aircraft has to touch the ground before it can fly, Gem. Zach has moved on—long ago. You have to move on too. Collapse the walls that you have built around your heart. Give someone else a chance." Shannel persuades.
"Zach really hurt me. I don't want to be that vulnerable again." Gem confesses.
"We are humans. We are prone to emotions. A heart that feels pain is a heart that acknowledges pleasure. Live, love, learn—your granny taught me that. I've not seen you like any other person since Zach…not until this new guy. He must be very sweet for you to feel this way about him despite your romance hiatus. Don't miss your chance at a healthy relationship, mmm?" Henry pats Gem on her back.
Gem nods her head, her face now downcast.
"How about this: you bring him over for the New Year's celebration so we will all meet him. Gavin will be there with Naomi. You bring him too. Do you agree?"
"Okay, mummy." Gem's voice is shaky.
"It's okay, Gem. Go call him. Get your man." Greg nods.
"Okay." Gem scoffs, amidst tears. "Let me go call him." She stands up and heads for her room.
"Mister, when do we get informed about your own love chronicles?" Shannel teases Greg.
Greg laughs. "Don't worry about me. I'm out on the streets."
"I hear you talk on the phone every night. Including lots of laughter." Henry chuckles.
"Ah. Busted. So you've been eavesdropping, Dad?" Greg's jaw drops.
"It's a loud voice you've got, son." Henry laughs.
"When will you bring her over?" Shannel inquires.
"When I'm convinced she's the one. Don't rush, mama." Greg winks.
"Run it up." Shannel jests.
In Gem's room, Gem grabs her phone and dials Var's phone number.
"Hello?" Var speaks as he picks up the call.
"Var, how are you?"
"Your voice is shaky. Princess, are you okay? You have been avoiding my calls. Why are you crying? Is something wrong, princess?"
"You still call me princess. Despite ignoring your calls. I'm so sorry."
"You are my princess. Nothing can change that."
Gem starts sobbing. She's overwhelmed by Var's compassion.
"You are still crying? What's wrong? Come on, talk to me." Var presses.
"It's a long story. I will explain everything. Do you have time to hang out tomorrow?"
"Why not? I'm always free for you. Been looking forward to hanging out with you since I came into town. I miss you, baby."
"I miss you too, love. See you tomorrow?"
"Roger that. Sweet dreams."
"Sleep tight."
Gem slept happily like a baby. A new chapter is about to unfold in her life, and she couldn't be more excited.