Tartosan Sun: Journeys

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 out and proud lesbian it created some drama with my parents. Especially my mom. They were definitely more upset about me a lesbian than an actor.”

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?”

Thank you. 😁 Their lives aren't going to be as perfect. The story will still be positive but you'll see the struggles that shaped them. I hope that makes them more charming and relatable. 🙂

I'm hoping to have Danielle, Summer, and Liberty's debut next week. 

You saw it and enjoyed it. That's all that matters.🙂

The ladies are back. This was a perfect opportunity to begin working Venessa into the story. There were references in the original that Londyn and Venessa had been friends for a while.

Get ready for the many faces of Mimi. For now Mimi's looks are going to be all over the place. 😁

luciusstorm Danielle's brief fling with Travis, and the almost with Summer, were all before this point in the story. There'll be references and maybe some flashback pics though. 😊

The story is going to mostly follow the original. But there will be some changes too. I fell in love with strong, confident Liberty. I can't bring myself to go back to having her living in anyone's shadow. But I left plenty of room for her to grow and become the Liberty we saw with Matteo. Travis will be in this too but the dynamic between him and the girls may be a little different.

You'll still recognize the story and I hope everyone will love the changes.

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 the perfect 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. Her familiarity with the campus made her 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. 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 gross. I'd die of embarrassment if my mom did that.” Danielle said.

“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.