Lost Girl in Transition Ch. 15

Wanting to go light on the makeup, she put on some eyeliner and a coat of mascara, followed by a tad of bronzer that made her beautiful dark skin take on a glow. A coating of clear lip gloss topped off the natural look, and after taking a brief look in her full length mirror, Claudia exited the bedroom.

Three seconds later she was across the hall and at the door to her mother's room. She knocked once then waited before the door was slowly opened, and as Mona's arm reached out to pull her in, Claudia entered the bedroom.

Only clad in a pair of panties and a basic white bra, Mona's full, pregnant belly caused Claudia's jaw to fall, which in turn caused Mona to smile.

"Did my belly grow that much more since you last saw it?"

"Yes. Oh my God, It's like huge."

"Well I am nearly five months along."

"Exactly, five months. Is it normal to be that large already, mom? Because I think you might be carrying twins."

"No twins. Only one little guy, and that's it."

"So It's a boy? Mom, why didn't you tell me?"

"Because it Isn't for certain yet." Now at her closet, Mona retrieved a maternity dress.

"But you just mentioned it was a boy. So if It's not, why would you say it?"

"I had a dream it was a boy and so did Big John, so we're choosing to say It's a male for the time being."

"Well hey, that's cool. So that means I'll have a little brother."

Nodding her head, Mona gave her a smile.

"Awesome, I can't wait. Remind me the next time we're out to get some quilting fabric, that way I can make him a baby blanket."

"He's already got two in the works," Mona said. "Big John's grandmother is busy creating one, as well as one of the elders at the bingo hall."

"What about Grandma Hattie?" Claudia asked. "Last time I spoke to her, she told me she was planning to start one."

"Oh dear, her too?" Mona shook her head light-heartedly. "This little boy is going to be drowning in blankets."

"Well if he's got three baby blankets already, then I'll have to make him something else."

Gesturing for Claudia to zip up her dress, Mona stood patiently while it was done. She then turned to show Claudia the front view of the garment, and with a somewhat nervous look, asked for an opinion.

"Alright, what do you think of me in this dress?" V-neck, with short ruffled sleeves and a seam at the waist, the maternity dress was peach and had a stretchy gold belt. "And be honest, because I wanna know the truth."

"It's kinda cool, in a 70's way," Claudia said while checking out the garment. "Did you get it from a vintage store?"

"No it was a gift from John's mother, who also wore it when she was pregnant."

"Oh, gotcha." Claudia gently nodded her head. "So I'm guessing Big John's mom will be attending tonight."

"Yep. And she had this dress shipped from Canada last week, so she practically begged me to wear it tonight."

"Canada?"

"That's where she lives," Mona replied. "Tonight will be our first time meeting and I'm super nervous, so I just really hope she likes me."

"She'll love you," Claudia responded. "How could she not? I mean you're totally rad."

"Thanks sugarplum," Mona said with a smile, and pointing towards a pair of ballet flats, let Claudia know that she needed them.

After retrieving the shoes, Claudia knelt on the floor, stretching the leather until it surrounded her mother's swollen feet. She then lifted herself back to a standing position and enveloped her mother in a hug. Perhaps surprised by the suddenness of it, Mona hugged her daughter back tightly.

"Thank you," Claudia said when they pulled back from the embrace.

"For what?"

"Your support." Claudia's eyes were soft, a moistness coming into them. "It's been real hard being on this leave of absence from school, but you've made it a little easier so I just want to thank you for that."

"Of course, you're my sugarplum. How could I not support you?"

"Just wanted to say thanks," Claudia replied.

"You're very welcome," Mona said. "But I'm still waiting for us to have that talk, so you can discuss your feelings and purge those emotions."

"I'm working up to it," Claudia responded. "Not quite there yet, but maybe soon."

"Alright." Reaching a hand out, Mona smoothed it over her daughter's curls. "Well I hope you're hungry, because we've got a feast to enjoy tonight."

"Been saving my appetite all day," Claudia said, and making their way out of the bedroom and into the hall, the two women headed out front.

* * * *

"Man, that was good." Relaxing back in his seat, Big John let out a satisfied sigh.

"Yeah, it was really delicious." Tristan wiped his mouth with a napkin, then set his fork on the empty plate.

"Mona and Claudia, you did an amazing job," said Ethan, who was seated next to Kimi at the table.

"Fantastic," said Tristan's father while resting his back against the chair. "You two really outdid yourselves."

"You have to give me the recipe for the potato-leek soup, Mona," Winona said. "It was amazing, way better than store bought."

"Of course," Mona replied. "I'll even send you home with a large container."

"I'd like the recipe as well." Seated next to her son, Big John's mother offered Mona a smile. "You're a very good cook, Mona. I now see why my son has put on a bit of weight."

"Just more to love, right baby?" Big John winked at Mona, who blushed and smiled right back.

"I also see why he's crazy about you." Still looking at Mona, Big John's mother was now admiring her face. "You're a beautiful woman, not to mention a great mother."

"Thank you, Tina." Mona beamed at the compliments.

"Yes, Claudia was raised well." Tina shifted her gaze across the table. "I can tell that just from looking at her."

Uncertain of how to respond to the compliment, Claudia could only smile.

"You and I Claudia, we'll have a talk later," Tina said. "Just the two of us, okay?"

"Okay," Claudia replied, and her gaze shifted to Mona questioningly. Yet instead of receiving any type of explanation in return, Mona only lifted her brows in a curious sort of way.

"So what's for dessert, Ms. Strauss?" Kimi asked.

"Two types of pie, vanilla ice cream, and a special type of coffee I've been saving for a holiday occasion."

"I'll help you get things ready," Tina said while standing onto her feet, and with Winona in tow, the three women went into the kitchen.

As Ray, Big John, and Ethan fell into conversation, Tristan grabbed Claudia's hand and held it beneath the table. Enjoying the feel of his large, manly palm, Claudia shifted her eyes to his face, offering a little smile. Giving her one back, Tristan gave her a soft kiss on the lips. Then pulling back to look at her face, he gazed uneasily into her eyes.

"I gotta go soon, okay?"

"Why?" A subtle pout poked out Claudia's lower lip.

"Got a text from Shauna a little while ago."

"Of course you did." Claudia heaved out an irritated sigh.

"She's out of diapers and aloe vera cream, which is pretty disastrous considering that Maggie has terrible diaper rash."

"You came here with your parents," Claudia replied. "Which means that your car is still at their house."

"Yeah..."

"So why doesn't Shauna just use your car to drive to the store herself? I mean she can drive, can't she?"

"Yes, but she hates my car," Tristan replied. "I tried to teach her to drive it the other day, but she says It's way too big and that it freaks her out."

"I don't believe this is happening again."

"Claude, come on. It's out of my control."

"You left me the night I got raped, Tristan. And it was for the exact same reason that Shauna is pulling tonight."

"I left you to take care of Maggie, who had diarrhea. And I still feel like shit that you were taken advantage of that night, so please stop reminding me that I wasn't there to protect you."

"So you're going to her, then."

"Who, Maggie?"

"No, Shauna. She just wants you away from me, can't you see that?"

"Claude, I have to. We're talking about Maggie here, it Isn't Shauna I'm going home for."

"Bullshit!" No longer concerned about keeping their argument covert, Claudia pushed back her chair, then stood to her feet and stormed off, heading straight for the porch and right outside without stopping to put on a jacket.

Shocked at Claudia's outburst, everyone at the table turned their eyes to Tristan, who in response could only sit frozen in place. But as Kimi nudged him lightly in the side, Tristan turned his head to meet her gaze.

"Go to her," Kimi whispered beneath her breath and as he did her eyes followed, watching him walk out of the door.

Upon stepping outside, Tristan saw that Claudia was leaning against the porch railing, her head bowed and shoulders drooping with a sadness that could be felt.

Her long hair was draped over her shoulder, partially obscuring her face from Tristan's view. But on walking closer and brushing back the mass of curls, he saw her expression was slack, eyes focused on the boards of the weather-worn porch.

"Claudia." His voice came out soft, fingers stroking the bone of her cheek.

"What do you want, Tristan?" She asked. "You already told me you're leaving, so just go on and do it."

"I don't like knowing that you're upset with me," he said. "And it makes me uncomfortable to go home with you feeling like this."

"I'll be fine."

"No you won't."

"Of course I will," she said. "I'll just have to get over not having you to myself."

"It's Maggie I'll be spending time with tonight, not Shauna just so you know."

"What if she's not even yours?"

"She is."

"But how do you know?" Claudia asked. "The DNA test results won't be revealed for another few days."

"Actually, I already received them," Tristan replied, and slipping a hand into the pocket of his jeans, retrieved a piece of paper that was folded. "I meant to tell you tonight, just was waiting for the right time when you and I would be alone to discuss it."

"Well what does it say?" Eager to see the paper yet also fearing the results, Claudia felt a wave of apprehension.

Simply handing the document over, Tristan waited for her to read it, eyes intently watching as Claudia unfolded it. As soon as she saw the printed words, Claudia's palms went clammy and her pulse sped up, lump lodging itself in her throat. Hope warred with fear, hands lightly shaking, but as she finally found the paragraph with the DNA results her heart did a steep dip.

Mother: Shauna Stewart

Child: Maggie Rose Stewart

Alleged Father: Tristan Whitefeather

Combined Paternity Index: 323,769

Probability of Paternity: 99.9998%

"No..." Shaking her head Claudia fought back the tears but they sprung forth anyway, rolling down her cheeks and off of her chin. "No, it can't be true."

"I'm the father, Claude." His voice was soft, tone exceptionally gentle. "No way around it, you see the results."

"But why?" Her voice was wavering now, chin trembling as she looked at him sadly.

"Because I just am, Claude. We have to accept it, because it is what it is."

"So they're staying, then." Gazing expectantly at him, Claudia waited for an answer.

"Well yeah, Maggie's my daughter and Shauna is the mom so I'm definitely not kicking them out."

"I know, I didn't mean..." Finding it difficult to continue, she lightly shook her head. "I just wanted to know if they would live with you forever, or if Shauna would eventually get her own place.

"I don't know, Tristan replied. "It's kinda up to her what she wants to do. I mean she's the mother of my child, so I sorta need to respect what she chooses."

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked that." Lowering her head with shame, Claudia was filled with a sudden self-loathing. "Maggie is like this innocent little baby, and here I am wishing she would just go away."

"It's fine, Claude."

"No, It's not." Shaking her head, she forced back the tears. "God, I'm a terrible person."

"Hey, no you're not. You can't help it, you're just struggling with your emotions."

Feeling as if her knees might give, Claudia rushed into Tristan's arms. Her body lightly quivered, palms grasping his shoulders as her chest ached. She didn't know what their future was now, had no idea if they would see everything through. But for the time being she was going to hold onto him, cheek resting against his shoulder as he embraced her with loving energy.

"It's gonna be okay, babe." Holding her tightly, Tristan smoothed her hair. "Nothing has to change between us, I just have a baby to support now."

"Things will change," Claudia rebutted. "They already have and we both know it."

"Maybe a little," he replied. "But we still love one another, don't we? And we want to remain together..."

Unable to give more than a sad little croak, Claudia buried her face in Tristan's shoulder.

"Claudia?" Clearly worried about her silence, his body went stiff against hers.

"Of course," she murmured against his shoulder, but her voice came out strained, heart heavy as she spoke the words.

"Well good," he replied while continuing to embrace her. "Because my feelings are strong for you, Claude. And I honestly don't know what I'd do if you left."

Noting the worry in his voice, Claudia knew that Tristan had picked up on her hesitancy, not to mention the flood of emotions that were coursing through her body. They stood there just hugging until the screen door pulled open, followed by the appearance of Winona, who popped her head out to check on them.

"Everything good with you two?" Concern was laced in her soft tone.

"We're fine, mom," Tristan said, but the way he was tightly clutching Claudia seemed to suggest the exact opposite.

"Then join us at the table," she replied. "We've got plenty of dessert, so come on in and enjoy."

"Actually, I was kinda hoping you or dad would give me a ride back home."

"Why?" Now stepping out onto the porch, she gave her son an inquisitive look. "Is something the matter with Maggie?"

"No. But she ran out of diapers and aloe vera cream, so Shauna needs me to make a run to the store."

"I'll go for you," Winona said. "That way you can stay here with Claudia and spend more time together."

"You don't mind?"

"Of course not."

"Awesome." Shifting his gaze to Claudia, Tristan gave her a smile. "Looks like I'm staying, then."

"Good." Her heart clifted at the news, fingers threading with his as they headed back inside.

Once seated at the table they dug into pumpkin pie, as well as chocolate cheesecake that was divinely rich and smooth. The coffee they drank was hot, tasting slightly of nutmeg and cinnamon, but Claudia wasn't able to fully enjoy it because a particular sound was grating on her nerves.

"Just answer it," Claudia suggested as Tristan received what seemed to be a sixth text. "She's obviously trying to get in contact with you, so go ahead and text her back.

"Texting can wait," Tristan said while grabbing her hand. "This time is for me and you, babe. And I won't let Shauna do anything to interrupt it."

Squeezing his palm tenderly, Claudia let him know that she was satisfied by this. She then took a leisurely sip of her coffee, listening in to the conversation that the others were having. Somewhere during all of this chatting at the table, she felt Tristan place a palm on her knee, resting it tentatively at the hem of her knee-high stockings.

Although she was still uneasy about the idea of having sex, Claudia was mostly okay with touching, as long as it wasn't on her intimate parts. Wanting Tristan to know she was okay with him touching her, Claudia rested her palm against his hand, then slid it a bit higher to her thigh.

Unable to ignore what she had done, Tristan glanced briefly at Claudia, brows raised to convey his surprise at the gesture. Amused by his expression she smiled softly, then leaned in and pecked him softly on the cheek.

Although her heart was still hurting over the DNA results, Claudia figured it would do no good to sulk. So despite the fact she still felt a keen disappointment, she put on the best face that she possibly could.

As she and Kimi fell into light conversation, Tristan and Ethan began to talk, discussing some new sci-fi movie that they both wanted to check out. Soon the low hum of conversation permeated the room, adding to the festive atmosphere which was already present.

Fully engaged into conversation with an animated Kimi, Claudia hardly noticed the sound of the doorbell ringing. As Mona went to answer it the discussions continued on, but Claudia was swiftly pulled out of her talkfest with Kimi, because Mona was standing right next to her. Bending down to whisper into Claudia's ear, her mother covertly spoke into it.

"Lucas is at the door."

"Really?" Gazing up at her mother Claudia saw her give a nod, then return to her seat which was next to Big John.

Wanting to go but knowing that Tristan would notice, Claudia excused herself with a 'be right back,' then went off to the front door. As soon as she saw that Lucas standing on the porch, she called out to him and stepped outside. But it wasn't until he turned to fully face her that she saw he was dressed in full regalia and face paint.

"Hi." Completely enthralled by his red and black face paint, as well as the traditional garments that adorned his body, Claudia took a moment to simply stare.

"Hello, Claudia." He gave her a smile, then stood proud so she could check him out.

Eyes wide with awe, her gaze swept from the porcupine hair roach which adorned his head, then down to the beaded turtle medallion around his neck. Along with a breastplate layered over his ribbon shirt, he wore a red and black vest that was intricately beaded.

Shifting her attention downward, Claudia noticed he was wearing leggings constructed from some type of animal skin, as well as a band of bells that were tied just below the knees.

"You look amazing." Consumed with admiration, Claudia dropped her gaze to Lucas's hand, which held a braid of sweet grass adorned with eagle feathers. "You must be on your way to the pow wow."

"Yep," he replied. "Just thought I'd stop by and see if you would be there."

"I'll be going as part of a group with everyone who came to Thanksgiving dinner, so yeah, I'll definitely be there."

"Cool. I'll be performing in the fancy dance competition, so keep your eyes peeled for me."

"Most definitely," Claudia said, and noting that his face was painted red with black stripes going along his cheeks, she stood in silence just checking him out.

"I must really look interesting to you," Lucas said. "You haven't stopped staring since you first came out on the porch."

"I'm sorry for staring so hard, I'm just pretty amazed by your beautiful regalia."

"No need to be sorry, you can stare all you want." Already six-foot-two he seemed to stand even taller, proud and handsome with his waist length braids. "It's not everyday you see me in full regalia and face paint, so I think you're entitled to gawk."

Giving him a smile, Claudia shifted on her feet.

"Your outfit is nice too, by the way." Not even attempting to be sly, Lucas checked out the way her velvet babydoll dress clung to her form, then eyed the knee-high stockings that accentuated her long legs.

"Thanks, but It's not nearly as cool the outfit you're wearing," she enthusiastically said, yet no sooner had the words left her lips, did her face go hot with embarrassment. "I'm sorry, I know It's not an outfit. It's regalia, right? Is that the proper term?"

"Yeah." Lucas nodded his head. "And It's okay, no offense taken."

"So just out of curiosity, can I ask if you had Thanksgiving dinner with your family?"

"You had dinner with yours, didn't you?"

Claudia nodded.

"So what makes you think I wouldn't do the same?"

"Well I remember you mentioning before that Thanksgiving trivialized and degraded indigenous people, so I just figured that you wouldn't be celebrating."