It's Irulan's Birthday and she starts the day with tons of presents from her family and friends back at home. Her friend Mikey is in town and he's amazed that her mother would send her thong underwear. Lots of thong underwear and a set of roller blad... (more)es. Irulan has an interesting family. She and Alton immediately go out to test her blades and it's still obvious that the two are much more than friends even if neither one wants to admit it. The roadblocks seem too large, the stakes too high, and so Alton is resigned to protecting his heart while Irulan continues to protect her relationship with Gabe. That night, though, Alton brings Irulan flowers and she's impressed and amazed with the gesture. They share a few quick kisses and proceed to celebrate her 22nd year with copious amounts of drink and gyration on the dance floor. The drunker Irulan gets, however, the more Alton's eyes start to wander.