The Wanderers Beginning: The Wanderers, Reborn, & Unforgiven

by Jessica Miller

  Tristan coughed uncomfortably and Josie pushed her mom out the door. “Gross mom,” she mumbled.

  “We'll see you in the lobby?” My mom asked, looking at her watch.

  “Five minutes top,” he replied. My mom gave him one last look and followed Josie and Jade down the hall.

  Once they were out of earshot I hit Tristan in the chest. “Why did you say yes?”

  “What, I thought it would be nice to get to know my future mother-in-law,” he teased with his cocky smile.

  “You never stop do you?”

  “I believe now this is twice that I got you into bed with me,” he said, holding up two fingers and smiling proudly.

  “Don't count your chickens before they hatch,” I said, quoting my grandmother. He went to retort but I stopped him and pushed him in the direction of my room. “Just get Billy out of the closet,” I said, taking off after my mom. I heard him chuckle under his breath as I walked away.

  Ten minutes later, Tristan was in the lobby and Billy was following a few feet behind. He winked at Josie on his way out and she blushed smiling bashfully at him.

  At breakfast, my mom instantly started with the questioning. “So Tristan, you said your last name was McKinnon, correct?”

  “Yes ma'am, sorry, Jamila,” he said, stumbling over his words a bit. I found it funny to see Tristan tense and nervous. He always seemed to be on top of his game, but for some reason he had this look like my mom had just gripped him by the balls and wasn't going to let go until she got the information she needed. This was surprising to me considering he was usually good in these types of situations. He was always so suave and debonair. If I looked close enough I could swear he was sweating a little. Although I don't blame him, my mom can be intimidating when she needs to be. I was kind of enjoying watching him squirm though, but I knew it wouldn't be long before he regained himself and said something that was going to make me want to hide under the table.

  “Any relation to Kenneth McKinnon?” My mom asked.

  “Yes, he's –” he stopped and corrected himself. “Sorry, was, my great grandfather,” he said, emphasizing the word ‘was’. I looked at him curiously but he kept his eyes on my mom watching her reaction to his mistake.

  “Ah yes, he was a great man and dear friend,” she said, emphasizing the word was as well. I looked at her, not having any memory of meeting him. “You never met him honey. You were too young at the time,” she said, reading the odd expression on my face.

  “I am to assume then your father is Caleb and your mother Bitsy?”

  'Bitsy,' Josie mouthed to me mocking the name. I looked down trying to hide my smile.

  “Yes,” Tristan confirmed. “And stepmother.”

  My mom nodded her head approvingly and Tristan relaxed a little. “Very nice people as well, I've worked with your mother, sorry, stepmother,” she corrected, “on quite a few charity events. I can't wait to tell her I've finally met the son she's always talking about.”

  “Don't believe everything she's told you. It's not all true,” he smiled, gaining back some of his normal bravado. My mom just smiled as if she and Tristan shared some inside joke.

  “You're from California?” I asked abruptly and annoyed I never knew this before. He nodded in response. “Why didn't you ever tell me?”

  “You never asked,” he said casually, taking a sip of his water.

  I scowled at him.

  “So Tristan, what is it that you do?”

  “I'm the Resident Advisor,” he said proudly, which I thought was a joke. Tristan was not the ideal candidate for the job and how he got it was baffling to me.

  “I'm pleased to know someone with such a fine background as yours is the Resident Advisor. I know my daughter is in good hands.”

  “She certainly is,” he smirked. Only I knew what he really meant by that and wished I was close enough to kick him.

  “What are you majoring in?” she continued with questions.

  “I'm undecided at the moment.”

  “Surely there's something that interests you.” Tristan's gaze locked on mine, making me blush.

  Hoping my mom didn't catch that, I quickly intervened to diffuse her somewhat scrutinizing stare. “Tristan's actually a very good artist. You should see some of his work.” Her head sprung up, interested.

  “Actually, Ella has offered to model for me,” Tristan snuck in slyly.

  “Really? Ella?” She set her arms down on the table and looked at me surprised.

  “Well, I...I said maybe. If I had time,” I stuttered. I really wish I had a stick. I couldn't reach him to kick him, but with a long enough stick I could poke him, really hard.

  “Yes dear, I understand how busy you are. I couldn't imagine when you would have time considering you're so busy that you can't even take ten minutes out of your day to call your own mother and let her know how you are doing.” She tilted her head showing her ever impressive act on making others feel sorry for the 'neglectful' daughter she had. I rolled my eyes; I've seen this look a million times and knew better. I will give her credit though. I was slightly rapt with how long it took her to start the guilt trip.

  I sighed and fought the urge to start a ridiculous fight. “Ella, you should be ashamed of yourself. Worrying your lovely mother like that. Seriously I'm sure you can take a few minutes away from your studies to call your own mom,” Tristan barked and looked at her sympathetically. He even went as far as reaching across the table and patting my mom's hand for comfort.

  “OH Please!” I said, not able to contain myself. My mom narrowed her eyes at me thinking I was being disrespectful. Tristan smiled wide, pleased with himself.

  I wrapped my fingers tightly around my knife grinding it into the table and shooting looks of death at Tristan. “Now Ella, no need to be rude,” my mom said, noticing my burning stare. She patted my hand like she was correcting a misbehaved child. I took a breath and released the knife. I caught Josie trying to hide her giggles. She herself was a witness to my mom's many over dramatic guilt trips. “You're not helping,” I mouthed to Josie. She put her head down, unable to wipe the smile from her face and seeming to enjoy every bit of my agony as much as Tristan was.

  “I'm sorry, where were we?” my mom asked, erasing the distraught look from her face and replacing it with her million dollar smile.

  “We were discussing Ella letting Tristan paint her,” Josie chimed in. I shot her a look of disapproval.

  “Oh yes,” my mom said clapping her hands, delighted. “Ella, honey, you should let Tristan paint you. I would feel honored if someone offered to paint me.”

  “Well, maybe that could be arranged,” Tristan offered.

  “How about two for the price of one?” Josie's mom asked, flirting shamelessly and making Josie roll her eyes.

  “Tristan's also Vice president of his fraternity,” I said, changing the subject, no longer feeling comfortable with the one we were on.

  “I love frat boys,” Jade cooed, wiggling her brows.

  “God mom, could you be any more embarrassing,” Josie said, burying her head in her hands to hide her flushed cheeks. Tristan just chuckled lightly not minding Jade's advances. Something I'm sure he was used to.

  “What fraternity?” my mom asked, trying to diffuse the awkwardness.

  “Theta Pi, the brother fraternity to Ella's sorority,” Tristan answered, throwing the attention back on me. He was pretty good at that.

  “You didn't tell me you joined a sorority?”

  “Um, yeah, Josie and I joined Theta Kappa.” I braced myself for the lecture. I was pretty sure my mom would not approve of this. Jade mumbled something unintelligible in response to hearing that Josie was a member as well. The look on Josie's face was enough to just ignore the comment and move on. Jade was already on her third mimosa, so we knew better than to pay her any mind.

  “I think that's wonderful,” my mom said, surprising us all. That was not the reaction I was expecting. I thought for sure she would argue about it taking ti
me away from my studies and use it as another excuse as why I'm too busy to call. “I would love to meet your sisters. You know, I was a Theta Kappa in the California chapter,” she admitted to my surprise.

  “We can head over after breakfast if you like?” I offered.

  “Perfect,” she said, squeezing my hand.

  I managed to make it through breakfast without any more eye rolls or dirty looks shot in the direction of Tristan. I continued the conversation by talking to my mom about my classes and the upcoming charity work we were going to be doing with the sorority. Tristan jumped in, taking the lead, and even impressing me with his extensive knowledge on the charity cases we'd be working on. Thankfully everything ended on a good note. I gave a sigh of relief when we said goodbye to Tristan and headed to the sorority house.

  In the car ride over my mom let me know how fairly impressed she was with Tristan. She especially loved that, according to her, he came from quite an elite family that was well respected. By the way she was regarding him I wouldn't be surprised if she had us married by next May. If she only knew what he was really like, I'm sure all that would change.

  “I really like that boy Tristan,” my mom said. “He's a very nice young boy who comes from a good family. He's also a, what do you kids say...a hottie?”

  Oh. My. God.

  She did not just say that.

  I gave my mom a sideways glance from the driver's seat. “Mom, you did not just say that.”

  “What, I'm not allowed to comment about another person's looks? I may be older but I'm not dead.”

  I just shook my head and heard Josie giggle from the back seat.

  Inside the sorority house, Cadence greeted us in the living room. “Good morning Ella, Josie, to what do we owe the pleasure?”

  “Good morning Cadence,” I said, returning the greeting. “Josie and I were surprised with a visit from our mother's this morning and they wanted to see the house. I hope that's okay?”

  “Of course it is. Mrs. McCallister, Mrs. McNaughton, welcome,” Cadence said kindly. “It is such a pleasure to meet both of you. We were so honored to have Ella and Josie join our sisterhood.”

  “My mom was actually a Theta Kappa from the California chapter,” I said.

  “I know, she was quite the legacy,” Cadence replied.

  My mom blushed and waved if off like it was an exaggeration. I wondered why Cadence never mentioned this little bit of known information. “Help yourselves, look around. I'm sure Ella should have no problem giving you the grand tour. Unfortunately I cannot stick around.” Cadence bowed her head. “Due to the recent tragic loss of a sister, I have much that needs to be done today to help with honoring her memory,” Cadence said, sullenly. If I didn't know any better I would have said her approach was more of a well-practiced act. But then again maybe being the head social speaker required this. The show never ended.

  “Of course, it was a pleasure to meet you,” my mom said, giving Cadence a friendly hug as she retreated to the door.

  I decided to make this a quick tour. I was getting a creepy vibe being in this place. I chalked it up to everything that was going on. Whatever it is was, I was eager to complete this tour. We had reached the photos of the sisters throughout the years and I recalled the strange picture I had seen of the guy who had a striking resemblance to my father. I brought the picture to my mom's attention and her eyes went wide at the sight of it. Her shock quickly dissolved and she returned to her normal perky self. “Well you know what they say, everyone has a twin,” she shrugged, brushing it off like it was nothing.

  “But with the same name? Surely he has to be some relation?”

  “It's just an odd coincidence Ella. I can assure you there is no relation.”

  “But –”

  “But nothing Ella, drop it,” she said forcefully. I took a step back, surprised by her reaction. “Now, show me the rest of the house,” she smiled as if nothing happened. I glanced back at Josie and she shrugged her shoulders looking as puzzled as I was.

  After we were done with the tour of the house, we took our moms on a tour of the campus and to a few shops in the area before we said our goodbyes. They had an early flight, both having to attend important meetings in the morning. Despite the unexpected visit I was happy to see my mom. I didn't realize how much I actually missed her until she was here, but at the same time I was glad she wasn't staying. I loved my mom, but another day spent with her would drive anyone insane.

  “I'm glad to know you're doing well, honey.”

  “Thanks, mom.”

  “Would it kill you to call once in a while?” she complained.

  “I promise I'll try better to keep in touch,” I smiled, giving her a hug and kiss. I held on a little longer wanting to feel her warmth and comfort. When I finally let go she placed a gentle hand on my cheek, smiling proudly, before getting into the car. We waved goodbye and I sighed at the surprising feeling of sadness in my heart as I watched them pull away.

  After a much needed nap, I woke up and began to get ready for Skylar's memorial. “How weird was the way my mom acted about that photo?” I asked Josie. “I mean, hello? That was almost like 'Mommie Dearest' come to life.”

  “That was a bit out of sorts for her.”

  “Which makes me think she’s hiding something? How about at breakfast, the weird conversation about Tristan's grandfather, even Tristan kind of –”

  “I don't know Ella, I wouldn't think too much of it. She seemed pretty adamant about you dropping it.”

  “Yeah, I guess,” I said, letting it go for now and finishing getting ready.

  Once I did my hair and got dressed, I dug through my jewelry box and pulled out my grandmother’s bumble bee pendant she bought me when I was little. Even though it seemed like such a childish thing it almost made me feel safe.

  “Here, let me help you with that.” I jumped slightly at the sound of his voice. He gestured to the necklace when I didn't respond. I turned back around and lifted my hair. He hooked the clasp and when his fingers brushed my skin I felt a small rush. I thanked him and stepped away, needing to find some air. “What are you doing here and how did you get in?” I didn't hear the door open nor did I hear him approach. It was almost as if he appeared out of thin air.

  “The door was open,” he said, throwing a thumb over his shoulder. Josie, I groaned rolling my eyes. “And I'd thought I'd escort you ladies to the memorial,” he finished. I noticed now he was wearing a dark gray suit with a black tie and looking incredibly handsome.

  “That would be nice.” I shot him a smile and he took a seat on the bed while I touched up my hair. “You know, you really did a number on my mom. I wouldn't be surprised if when she gets back she'll get together with your step-mom and start planning our wedding.”

  “Of course, that was my scheme all along,” he said, smiling coolly. I couldn't help but laugh. I got up and grabbed my parka. “You're not wearing that are you?”

  “What's wrong with my outfit?” I asked, checking myself out in the mirror. I was wearing a long sleeved gray and black dress that fell just above the knee and Josie's knee-high black boots.

  “Not the outfit, your coat. You don't have a dress coat?” he asked.

  “No, this is the only one I have,” I said annoyed.

  “Well lucky you, I thought ahead,” he said, getting up off the bed and leaving the room. He returned with a garment bag. “Open it,” he smiled. I drew down the zipper and peeled back the sides. Inside was a white, button down pea coat. The coat was knee length with a matching belt and hood.

  I wondered when he had time to do this or even thought to do this. “I knew you wouldn't have a nice dress coat so I came prepared,” he said, answering my question.

  “Thank you, it's beautiful, but you really didn't have to,” I said as he helped me put it on.

  “Of course I did. Can't have my future wife looking shabby,” he said, adjusting the collar of the jacket. I shook my head and pushed him away. “What?”

 
“Why do you always have to ruin it?” I sighed.

  “Ella, you can pretend all you want, but I know you feel something for me. Maybe not as much as I feel for you, but in the end you'll realize we're meant for each other,” he said as brushed his hand across my cheek.

  I closed my eyes. I could feel his warm breath close to my lips. “Hey Ella?” Josie said, coming back into the room, and causing me to jump back away from Tristan. She bounced back between our startled faces and smiled coyly, knowing clearly what she almost walked in on. Her attention was quickly attuned to a new subject when she noticed my coat. “Nice coat, when did you get that?” She frowned, imagining that I did the unthinkable and went shopping without her.

  “I didn't, Tristan got it for me.”

  She raised a brow and smiled again. “I think you should have a talk with Billy. I definitely would appreciate him more if he bought me things.”

  Tristan chuckled. “Duly noted.”

  “You almost ready?” I asked Josie.

  “You guys go ahead. I have to wait for Billy.”

  Tristan gestured with his hand for us to leave. I reluctantly followed him out the door. I was worried showing up at the memorial with Tristan would turn some heads considering the last time both Tristan and I saw Skylar alive was when we had a not so private fight. It was no secret, her dislike for me, but the last thing I needed was to spark rumors. I felt if Josie was with us it wouldn't look like Tristan and I were together, but now I wasn't sure.

  Tristan tried to take my hand as we walked out of the dorms but I pulled away afraid of what people would say. I felt bad when I sensed his hurt at my rejection and wanted to explain it to him, but I didn't know how. Instead I kept my eyes forward and my head up as we approached the quad.

  The whole school was in attendance for Skylar's memorial, including the professors, the Dean, and even Jack. He tried not to look too disappointed at the fact that I showed up with Tristan, but I knew it bothered him. I excused myself from Tristan and walked over to Jack to try and smooth things over. “Hi.”