Page 89 of Oleander
“Very well. You two are excused now.”
We take the hint, and Ander laces his fingers through mine, leading us out. “Have a good day, Headmaster,” Oleander says with a respectful nod that Goulding returns.
The metal door closes abruptly behind us, and excuse me if we ruffled the old Fae’s feathers, but he made the wrong decision keeping my mom from me. I mean, I thought she disowned me, for fuck’s sake! But it doesn’t matter anymore. She didn't do that. And now I have her phone number. I can call her. I can hear her voice. Maybe I can even plan a visit.
When we get back to the suite, Ander makes us a warm, comforting pot of vegetable stew. It’s full of flavor and fills me up, so I don’t even mind that it doesn’t have any meat in it.
“I think I’m going to call my mom now,” I tell him after we clean up the kitchen together. I’m excited to talk to her but also a little nervous about how the conversation will go. We haven’t spoken insolong.
“Do you want some privacy? I can step out and tend to some of the plants on the balcony.”
I grab his hand, threading our fingers together. “I’d actually like your support. If you don't mind.”
Warmth filters into his eyes, a soft and tender look entering them. “Of course.I will always be there for you. All you ever have to do is ask.”
“I love you,” I murmur, feeling safe and whole when I’m with him.
“Love you too, Sky.”
We walk in silence to my room and settle comfortably on the bed. I get the sticky note out of my pocket and smooth it out, stalling for time.
What if she doesn’t want to talk to me? What if she’s glad we haven’t been in touch?
I haven’t been the easiest son to raise. I can admit that.
“I can see the worry in your aura, Skyler. I feel your nerves, baby. Take a deep breath, it will be fine. I’m sure she’ll be relieved to hear from her son after so long.”
“You’re right. Thank you.” I kiss his lips sweetly and dial the number.
“Hello?” Her soft voice instantly comforts me.
“Mom?” I ask, even though I know it’s her.
“Skyler?Oh my God!I’ve been so worried! Where have you been?”
“I’m sorry, Mom. There was a mix-up at the university, and I never got your new cell number. Things have been so crazy trying to settle into a new school and a new country that I didn’t follow up. But to be fair, I did leave you a few voicemails at your old number. I love you, Mom.” The words come out like a string of vomit, but I don’t tell her I thought she was happy to be rid of me.
“Oh honey, I’ve been so worried,” she repeats with a sniffle.
“You have?” I don’t mean for the words to sound so surprised.
“Of course! I may need to get in touch with the dean at your college and have a word with him. I just can’t seem to find anycontact information at all, or I’m certain I would have already called. It’s the strangest thing, honey.”
It’s the compulsion tonic. She won’t be able to contact me in Faerie. I can only contact her. Otherwise, I’d be begging her not to call right now. I can’t even imagine an angry human woman yelling at Headmaster Goulding.
She moves the conversation along because the tonic Onyx originally gave her compels her to. “But anyway, how is everything? How’s your dorm? Have you made any new friends? Tell me everything.”
I laugh at her enthusiasm, and Ander kisses my bruised temple.
“That’s part of the reason why I was calling. I was wondering if I could come home to visit and bring some friends. Before Christmas, maybe?”
“Oh, honey! I would love that very much! I can’t wait to see you and meet the new friends in your life. If they’re special to you, they’re special to me. I’ll put in some time off tomorrow. You text me the days that work best for you, and I will be home. I’ll tell Scott and make sure the girls are with their mother. I’m so excited to spend some quality time with you, Skyler.”
“Thanks, Mom. I am, too. And speaking of special friends, I, um. . .” I’ve never actually told my mom I like guys. I’ve only ever brought a couple girls home, but I know she’s accepting and for some reason, I don’t feel scared to tell her. “I have a boyfriend. His name is Ander, and he’s coming home with me too.”
My mom squeals on the other end of the phone, and I pull it away from my ear for a moment. “Oh, Skyler. I can’t wait to meet him. Thank you for sharing this part of yourself with me. So, does this mean you’re gay? Or do you still like girls?”
“Mom!”
