Tartosan Sun: Journeys

Chapter Two:

As the calendar moved from August to September, Britechester was buzzing with an anxious energy. Every year as the summer days dwindled and autumn beckoned the city’s famous and prestigious universities welcomed an annual ritual, move-in day. In the coming days a small army of students, parents, and faculty would descend on the universities and the surrounding city. Inquisitive young minds flocking to the two iconic campuses, the storied and hallowed halls of the University of Britechester...

... and the gleaming modern, high-tech giant, Foxbury Institute.

For first year students, like Danielle, Summer, and Liberty the craziness, the excitement, and the anxiety of move-in day started weeks and months before. The lazy, carefree summer days of years past were replaced by to-do lists, phone calls and email exchanges with the university housing and financial aid departments. There were student organizations to research. Maps of the campus to learn. For Summer there were medical exams related to her soccer scholarship beyond the exams and shots that every student needed before arriving on campus.

Not all of the tasks on the to-do list were boring and tedious. There was no shortage of shopping to do. Finding those little touches to make the dorm rooms feel cozy and like home is so important. 

First year students and their families began arriving in Britechester a few days early. It was a good time to do some sight seeing and  last minute shopping. It was a good time for a leisurely tour of the campuses too. Britechester and Willow Creek’s differences went beyond just culture and geographical location. The climates were worlds apart too. Winter in Willow Creek was fairly mild, with just a handful of cold days every year. A light jacket or sweater was usually enough to get you through the worst of it. The only snow was the kind on your tv screen when the cable went out. Britechester had four real seasons, and proper winter weather. It was much colder and snowier which required wardrobe additions that were nearly impossible to find in Willow Creek. 

Liberty’s mom Clarissa had received her business degree from Foxbury so she was the perfect tour guide for the girls. She helped them get set up with student ID’s. She showed them where to find the health center, the book store, the best dining halls. She went over their schedules with them and showed them where each of their lecture halls were located. 

Their tour ended back at the hub of campus life, Larry’s Lagoon. Officially it was Foxbury Commons, but of course no one in Britechester knew it by that name. “God this place has changed so much since I hung out here with my sorority sisters!."

Liberty didn’t miss a beat. “Yeah, isn’t electricity amazing? You should check out the indoor plumbing too.”  

“Very funny Liberty.” Clarissa knew she’d set herself up for that one. Liberty had her father’s sense of humor. “Us old women are going to let you ladies spend the rest of the day looking around. Try to be back at the hotel by 6 so we can go have dinner together.” After a round of hugs they watched their mom’s retreat into the distance. In that moment it sunk into them, they were a long way from the only home they had ever known and they were free to do whatever they wanted. This adulting stuff was pretty sweet.

The weather was absolutely gorgeous, pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze. Nothing like the sweltering heat and humidity back in Willow creek. After their goodbyes, the girls decided to grab some drinks and snacks from the stalls in front of Larry's. They staked out one of the umbrella tables and enjoyed a spot of al fresco dining and took in the scenery. The campus greenery was vaguely reminiscent of the gardens that dotted the neighborhoods back home, especially along Orleans Street, the place that until now had been the only home they'd ever known. Those memories recalled the comforting scent of roses, honeysuckle, and gardenias. Danielle made a mental note to find some scented candles with those aromas, for that inevitable moment when she knew she'd need a reminder of home. 

Now that they were alone Liberty took the opportunity to vent a little. “My mom just had to sneak in that bit about sorority sisters. She won’t let up about me choosing a dorm instead of pledging a sorority. I love her and she means well, but she can be such a pain in the butt sometimes. She tries to run my life.” 

Danielle could relate to what Liberty was going through. “My mom hasn't gotten over me choosing Foxbury. She wanted me to go to Britechester. She keeps trying to make me feel guilty about it."

“My mom…” Summer began. 

“Oh Summer, shut up” Liberty said with a dismissive laugh, “your mom is like the ultimate cool mom.” Danielle nodded her agreement.

“Yeah right.” It was Summer’s turn to be theatrical. “You haven’t walked in and seen her dancing around the kitchen, wearing short shorts, a halter top, and singing "Single Ladies Put A Ring On It" into a wooden spoon."

“Ok that’s totally cringe. I'd die of embarrassment if my mom did that.” Danielle said.

“Ok so your mom isn't the ultimate cool mom" Liberty said. All three of them were trying desperately to get the mental image out of their heads. "But she's still sort of cool-ish. She's cooler than our moms.”

Summer knew it was useless to argue. Her friends had always seen her mom in the best light. She really wanted to change the subject and she got her wish in the best way she could imagine. “Mmm, hello” Summer purred, drawing each word out a little for effect.  

The small group of guys fully caught their attention. Summer wished she was wearing sunglasses so she could do that sexy cool movie thing of pulling them down a little to admire the guys over the top. “I think I’m going to like it here” she said. The comment was met with girlish laughter. 

“Ladies” Danielle said, “those aren't boys. Those are men.” 

“Yeah, understatement of the year.” Liberty replied while taking one last look over Summer's shoulder as the guys rounded the corner and disappeared. “See anything you liked?” she asked. Danielle’s relationships had been a carousel. If she made it to the third date with a guy it was a long term relationship. Summer and Liberty had made it their mission to help her change that.

“There were a couple that I wouldn’t mind seeing again.” She appreciated her friend’s efforts to help her find a guy. It wasn’t that Danielle had any trouble attracting guys. That had never been a problem. Her problem was she lost interest in them quickly and was ready to start looking again. It was the same thing here. The three guys who passed them were stunning. But she didn’t feel anything special. No fireworks, just appreciation for seeing three extremely handsome men. Her mom was probably right, she was just too much of a romantic and she needed a deeper emotional connection. More than any teenage boy was capable of. Her friends felt she was just too picky. Maybe I am too picky, she thought to herself. Maybe mom’s right. Maybe all of them were right. Try as she might to convince herself otherwise she didn’t believe either one of those explanations was right. It was something else though what that something else was she didn’t know. They were easy on the eyes, she mused to herself as she took another sip of her smoothie. That much is true.

Chapter One:

The sounds of the city filled the air. The hum and roar of the traffic. The murmurs of a hundred conversations mingled with the music of the buskers and the pitches of the sidewalk hustlers. Del Sol Valley’s entertainment district was a long way from the quiet life of Sulani, but there was no place else Londyn wanted to be more than right here, right now.  She was there to meet Venessa and sit down with their prospective roommate.

They had placed an ad on the Del Sol Pride website. There had been a few replies but so far no one that they had felt comfortable sharing their house with. They had chosen to meet at a coffee shop on Starlight Boulevard. It was Londyn’s favorite place to grab a latte when she is in this part of town. It was more than the luscious combination of espresso and milk that drew her here. It was the proximity to her dreams. Next door to the coffee shop was the hall that hosted the Starlight Accolades. She’d watched the Accolades with her mom back in Sulani, even after she came out and things sometimes got awkward between them. She never stopped dreaming of standing in that spotlight one day and receiving her own Accolades trophy. The next block over from the coffee shop also held the ‘Walk of Fame’. Someday her star would be there too.

She stood there lost in her thoughts and dreams while the world swirled around her. A familiar voice broke through the spell. “I’ve always wanted to hear them call my name from that stage. ‘And the winner of the Starlight Accolade for best acting, Venessa Jeong!’” 

“Hey ’Nessa” she said as she turned and hugged her friend. “Someday that will be us in there.” 

“Yeah someday. We'll arrive in limos like that one." Venessa nodded towards the nearby black stretch. "There'll be crowds screaming our names. Photographers snapping our pictures."

"And we'll be dressed in the best designer gowns." Londyn struck a pose. "Designers will be lining to have us wear their latest creations on the red carpet."

"Oh my god, look at the time." Venessa gasped. "C’mon we need to go meet our roomie. And I need my mocchiato.”

Londyn arched a brow and gave her a look. “Sounds like you’ve made up your mind already.”

“I’ve texted them twice and, yeah, I have a good feeling about this one. Think about it. It would be sooo awesome to have a queen living with us. The extra clothes, if they’re the right size. Someone new to swap hair and makeup tips with.”

“Chill girl. Let’s see what they’re like first okay” Londyn laughed. It was so like Venessa to get overly excited. Londyn and Venessa had only known each other for a few months but they formed a fast, effortless friendship. Venessa’s personality was magnetic. The fact that she was gorgeous didn’t hurt either. She pushed those thoughts away. She’d worry about them later. Time to focus on their reason for being here. They needed to find a roommate, and fast.

As they started towards the door, every step brought the aromas of caramel, vanilla, and roasted arabica beans seeped into their consciousness. As they rounded the corner Venessa and their guest spotted each other in the same instant. She handled the introductions before Londyn ducked in to get their orders. Venessa found a nice spot where they could sit and talk and get to know each other. She really had a good feeling they had found their roommate. They enjoyed the beautiful mid-morning sunshine and the light breeze that flowed between the buildings like an unseen river. It was going to be a beautifully cool, comfortable day. The searing heat of summer, where Del Sol Valley gave everyone a taste of what it was like to be dinner, was still a few weeks away. They passed the time with small talk like they’d known each other forever.

Londyn arrived a few minutes later with their drinks. A skinny mocha for Mimi, double half-caf macchiato with cold milk for Venessa, and for herself the usual caramel latte. For a few minutes the small talk continued as they compared notes on favorite flavors. Mimi told them who they thought had the best of what in different parts of the city.

“So you’re from Del Sol Valley?” Londyn asked.

“No, Oasis Springs.” Mimi paused for a sip of skinny mocha. “It’s a suburb. It’s close enough that my family is always coming into the city so I know my way around. Since we’re sharing where are you from.”

“I was born and raised in Sulani” Londyn said. "This is my first time living outside of the islands."

“And I’m from Chestnut Ridge.” Venessa could see the question forming. "Where's that?" is a common reply. “It’s in the middle of nowhere. Don’t get me wrong, it’s beautiful. I loved growing up there, but I’m a city girl.” 

The conversation turned to talk of what drew the two of them to Del Sol Valley. For Londyn and Venessa it was the dream of movie stardom. For now they were working side hustles to pay the bills, looking for small roles in commercials or local theater. 

“Both of us have applied to Judith Ward’s acting school” Londyn said. “For me it was either that or UBrite for a drama degree. Maybe someday I’ll go get that degree if I decide to try directing.”

Venessa took a big sip of her macchiato while Londyn spoke. “For me it’s always been about Judith’s school. I’m a huge fan of hers and I always knew I wanted to be an actor. Why not learn from the best?” 

“I’m like Venessa, acting is the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do. Between my wanting to be an actor and being an out and proud lesbian it created some drama with my parents. Especially my mom.”

Mimi could relate to that last part. “For me it’s all about breaking away and finding my true self. I know what you mean about family drama. But that’s a story for another day.” Mimi smiled and gathered themself before the emotions could bubble up. “The other part of it, Del Sol Valley is a Mecca for drag artists, besides being a place where I can feel safe to explore who I am. My look changes a lot. It’s no secret that I’m gender fluid.” Mimi put their best feminine flourish on motioning to their outfit. Everyone had a giggle. Londyn and Venessa shared a look that said Mimi was exactly the roommate they were looking for. Mimi read the look. “I have to warn you” they said with a playful head flip as if tossing invisible tresses, “I’m going to need a lot of closet space.” The laughter that followed had heads turning to see what happened.

“Just curious, how many clothes do you have? You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to” Venessa said apologetically.

“Be careful” Londyn said, “Her real name is Venessa Croft, Closet Raider.” 

“Haha.” She balled up her napkin and tossed it at Londyn. “I always put things back.”

“Yeah…eventually. I don’t want you to get the wrong idea Mimi. You never have to ask her more than two or three times where your clothes are.”

“I always wash them before I put them back.” 

Mimi laughed at the banter. It was wonderful to be part of a moment like this. Seen, accepted, and made to feel like one of the girls. “I have my everyday clothes. I have my outfits for my act. Wigs and makeup for both my act and everyday. And shoes. Lots of shoes. I don’t have a club where I perform at as a regular yet. So I have to keep my wigs and makeup at home.” 

The three of them sat there sipping their drinks and enjoying the perfect weather. They talked about their dreams and a little bit about their struggles. They didn’t go very far down that road. There would be plenty of time for that later. Venessa and Londyn knew they’d found their roommate. They’d found more than that too. They found a kindred spirit. Mimi’s road was different than their’s, but they had the same love of performing and knew the joy and heartbreak of being out and proud.

Londyn was buzzing on caffeine and good vibes. “All that’s left is to ask when can you move in?”, she said. “We’re so happy to have you move in with us.”

“I agree. It’s going to be awesome!” Venessa squealed. “So I’m guessing you’re what…a size 6?”

Chapter Three:

The small red hatchback glided to a stop in the driveway. Its simplicity and practicality contrasted with the palatial home and the luxury car that shared the driveway. As Mimi had hoped when the gates opened there was no sign of Nancy or Malcolm’s cars. Mimi wanted to spend some quiet time with Geoffrey, one last time before adulthood stole these moments from them. Not having Nancy and Malcolm around to ruin it made them smile. Before getting out Mimi checked to be sure the wig was properly situated and gave it a playful toss. Seeing the reflection in the rearview Mimi felt a wave of confidence wash over them.  

Mimi quietly unlocked the door and slipped in, hoping to surprise Geoffrey. Just as Mimi was about to clasp their hands over his eyes the scent of perfume tipped him off. “Morning kiddo” he said without even turning to look. Even before he turned a smile spread across his face. When he did he got a look at his eldest, and favorite, child. “Look at you! That’s a cute outfit. It really suits you.” He patted the sofa invitingly.   

“Thank you!” Mimi gave a spin to show off the whole look before taking a seat. “I’m glad you like it, you helped pay for it. I didn’t invest all of my graduation money. I set some aside for fun and things I need for my act. When I met my new roommates they saw my more androgynous side. I thought it would be fun to show them this side.”  

“Nothing wrong with that. You should get some enjoyment out of being a Landgraab.” Time seemed to stop for a few moments. Joy and sadness, fear and excitement, seemed to fill the world in those moments before Geoffrey broke the silence. 

“So I guess this is finally moving day?” His voice had a happy tone. His eyes were a mixture of sadness and pride. Mimi had left home over a year ago but had only moved a few blocks away. It didn’t feel like Mimi had entirely left the nest. They still talked or texted on a daily basis. Now they would be miles away and the opportunities to see one another face-to-face would be fewer, far fewer. This time Mimi really was leaving the nest. 

“Yeah. I wanted to come visit my dad and say goodbye before I left town. A phone call or a text isn’t good enough.” Mimi’s hand closed over dad’s. “You’ve been there for me through everything and you’ve been super supportive. I wouldn’t be where I am without you. I love you so much.” Mimi smiled as the tears began to well up. 

Geoffrey returned the smile as his world became slightly fuzzy as well. “You’re welcome kiddo, and the love is more than mutual. But you’re making it sound like Del Sol Valley is half way around the world. It’s not that far away. Unless it’s rush hour.” Geoffrey tried not to slip into overly protective dad mode, but he couldn’t help it. “I know I asked before, but, did you thoroughly check into your roommates? They’re not axe murderers or anything like that are they?”

“Yes dad, I checked their profiles and everything.” It made Mimi happy knowing at least one parent cared enough to worry about them. “We met in person too. Their names are Venessa and Londyn. They’re really chill and I feel like I can totally relax and be myself with them. We’re all different parts of the LGBTQ spectrum but we have so much in common too.”

“That’s great kiddo. You really need that kind of support from other people your own age who understand what you’re going through. I think they’ll help you much more than I can.” Geoffrey had watched with pride as Mimi blossomed in spite of Nancy and Malcom’s efforts to tear them down. Mimi had to put up with endless verbal abuse from both. Yet here they were, looking radiant and happy. The two spent almost an hour talking, neither wanting the moment to end just yet.

The unmistakable sound of Malcolm’s car reverberated through the house. He took a typical teenage boy's enjoyment from revving the sleek sports car’s powerful engine. Seeing Mimi’s car in the driveway motivated him to lay it on thick.

Mimi turned eyes towards the heavens and heaved a sigh. Thinking they could spend time with Geoffrey and avoid crossing paths with Nancy or Malcolm really was wishful thinking. Mimi often felt pangs of jealousy for people who had loving relationships with their siblings. Malcolm was less a sibling and more a tormentor and adversary. Mimi wondered if that was one of the reasons they hit it off so well with Venessa and Londyn. There had been a feeling between them that felt almost sisterly, or hinted that such a depth of emotional connection might be possible given enough time.

As the door opened Malcolm’s voice rang out. “Dad, what’s Johnny’s car doing in the drive? Is the little weirdo here?”

Mimi and Geoffrey exchanged a look before Mimi turned back to greet him. “Hello Malcolm.”

Puzzlement was written all over Malcolm’s face as his mind tried to piece together what his ears and eyes were telling him. “Johnny?” A moment later those pieces began to fit into place. “Johnny! What the hell are you doing here!?”

"Malcolm calm down." The fear was written on Mimi's face. They'd never seen Malcolm act this angry. And he was between them and the door. "Please. You're giving me the creeps."

“I'm creeping you out? What do you think you're doing to me? My own brother dressed like...like...that!” He waved his hands up and down between Mimi's head and feet.

“You owe your sister an apology Malcolm.”

“My what? Did you just call him my sister!?”

“Yes I did, Malcolm." Geoffrey knew he'd just made the situation worse. He hadn't planned to say it and he felt horrible for putting Mimi on the spot like that. "It wouldn't hurt you to learn some manners and some empathy.”

Mimi cringed inside. Sister felt like the right term, but it was also too soon to say if transition lay at the end of the journey. Saying it now had only made things worse. Mimi grabbed Geoffrey's arm. “Dad please, please stop. It’s okay, really. I'm ok.” Mimi’s eyes said otherwise. “This is a good time for me to leave” Mimi said. “My roommates are waiting and I don’t want them to worry about me. We’re going clubbing later so we’ll need time to get ready. And I still have to get the car unloaded when I get there. I love you dad. I'll call you as soon as I get there ok.” Mimi gave Geoffrey a kiss on the cheek and headed for the door. 

Malcolm had been right, Nancy was right behind him. Mimi emerged to find her waiting. “Johnny” she said mockingly, “come to ruin my day did you?”

“Hello mom. Come to be a loving parent did you?

The comeback was a direct hit. “You look ridiculous, Johnny.” Nancy knew how much Mimi disliked their old name. She wielded it like a knife, every utterance meant to wound deeply. “The pink leather jacket. Those jeans with those insipid designs. You look like a floozy.”

“You wanna talk about looking ridiculous? My God what's up with those shoulder pads. Are you moonlighting as a football player for the Del Sol Llamas?”  

Mimi didn’t have any illusions this would be the beginning of an open dialogue and understanding from Nancy. This conversation, like the rest of the morning, was only going to go downhill from here. They didn’t wait for a reply, Nancy’s reddening features said both comebacks had found their marks. Mimi stepped around Nancy and got into the car. 

As Mimi settled into the driver’s seat and closed the door Nancy taunted them, “That’s it Johnny. Run away like you always do. You can hate me all you want. You’re my son and that’s an end of it. If you won’t accept that and start acting like a man then don’t bother coming back.” 

Mimi lowered the window. “I’m not running away. I have better things to do than arguing with someone who only wants to be bitter, petty, and hurtful. Buh-bye now” As the window was coming up, Mimi blew Nancy a kiss and gave her a wave goodbye before backing out into the street.

That was the last straw. Nancy turned and stormed back toward the house, her outrage focused on the one remaining target. Geoffrey had been watching nearby. Mimi waved to him just before driving away and he returned it. Seeing the wave Nancy gave him a withering stare as she walked past him, slamming the door behind her as she disappeared into the house. 

 Geoffrey watched until Mimi’s car disappeared from view, then turned and headed inside knowing full well Nancy would be waiting to continue the fight. He’d gladly bear Nancy’s wrath if it meant Mimi didn’t have to.  

Just as he was expecting Nancy was waiting for him when he came through the door. She stood there with her arms folded across her chest. “This is all your fault If you had been a proper dad and talked some sense into him none of this would be happening. Our son wouldn't be throwing his life away and ruining the Landgraab name." 

“Overreact much Nancy? Look I had a hard time accepting it all at first too you know. But I talked to our child. I learned a lot from those talks. I went online and learned even more. Would it kill you to listen to her? To be open minded?”

“Oh for God’s sake Geoffrey, you’re his father. You’re not supposed to be learning from him. You’re supposed to be teaching him. And stop talking about him like he's female.”

“Nancy I’m not in the mood to argue with you about this again. Mimi is my child too. I’ll support her, or him, whatever they decide is right for them.” Geoffrey had chores to do. It would be a blessed relief compared to dealing with Nancy right now. He had been about to leave Nancy to stew, then stopped and had one last say, “You can push Mimi away if you want. I can't reason with you where she's concerned. But you’ll never convince me to turn my back on her. Whatever decision Mimi comes to, they have my unconditional love and support.” 

“At least there's one male in this house who knows how to act like it. Too bad his father and his older brother don’t know how” she said to Geoffrey’s retreating back as he started out of the room. 

He still loved Nancy but her refusal to make any effort at all to talk to Mimi and understand them tried his patience. He respected his first born’s journey to finding their true self. Geoffrey meant every word when he said Mimi had his unconditional love and support. As happy as he was for them, he was equally worried about the ripple effects of Mimi’s decisions. Whatever those decisions turned out to be.

Great to read the bios, much more in their personalities now 😊

What fun to meet everyone again and have a chance to learn how their characters and experiences contribute to their life choices. 

So looking forward to your reboot.

It’s wonderful to be reintroduced to all of your characters again, I’m looking forward to their stories!