The Marked One (The Marked Series Book 1) (11 page)

“You don’t mess with the Parker family!” A few jabs made their way to Tristan’s core and he was starting to feel sick. “You don’t belong here, so don’t act like you can be one of us!” The threats began cutting out as the world darkened, but only once he felt the cold ground beneath his fingertips did he know it was over.

He saw Gabriella peeking at him through the window, her eyes scared, but she knew it was safer inside and so she waited as Tristan attempted to find his feet, but only met pain. It was on his second try that he felt the firm grip of his father on his shoulder.

“Up you go. Come on now, let’s get you inside.” His father was a strong man and as he led him into the house, Gabriella smiled once more.

Tristan fell onto the couch, his head spinning. His father greeted Gabriella before bringing Tristan some ice for the bruises.

“What happened?” he asked, sounding mad at whoever did this while handing Tristan the ice pack.

“Nothing,” Tristan protested. He placed the ice pack on his eye; the cold bit the swollen flesh and he could barely see through it.

“Tristano?” His father added a tone of warning to the question.

He sighed. “It was just a few kids from the neighbourhood.”

“The Parkers’s son?” Tristan didn’t want to be a pussy and tell his father the truth. He wanted to deal with it himself, but the stern look on his father’s face quickly made him nod. “Were you defending our family name?” Just a nod and his father sighed, finally taking a seat. “One day, my son, this will all change.”

“But why do they call us mutts?”

Gabriella went to sit on their father’s lap, and he gave her a smile as she buried her head against his chest. “These families are all from old money and when a family like ours comes in and start making the amounts they do, they fear that we are starting communistic revolutions and that all hell might break loose.”

“But, Dad, we are not even as rich as they are.”

“Not yet, but one day, my boy, you’ll see them all begging at our feet for just an opportunity to work with us.” Tristan smiled at his father’s wild dream. “One day, we will be the best family, then you can show them that money doesn’t mean you need to be unkind.”

***

The front door opened and before he even reached it, Isabella was bolting past his father. After his father finally caught a break, he said, “Come help an old man in the garage with something before we go inside.” His father made it down the few steps and turned toward the garage.

“Hey, Dad, what’s going on?” Tristan reached his father, who then grabbed his shoulders and kissed his cheek before walking straight for the garage.

“It is Gabriella’s stuff.” As the realisation hit him, he stopped in his tracks. It had almost been eight years and every year was just as hard when he heard someone say her name.

“Wait, why do you want it?” Tristan asked, hesitant about hearing the answer.

His father faced him with familiar, yet emotionally-drained eyes. “It is time we give it to charity. We are holding on and your mum suggested that we all go through it together and then keep what we know needs to be kept.”

“When will it be exactly eight years?” Tristan felt a little lightheaded. Dealing with Valerie and now this so soon, it was going to be the end of him paired with how confused he was feeling about Aaliyah.

“Next Wednesday, which is why we wanted to do it today. Your mother and I aren’t going to be here next weekend, so we can’t all go through it together then.” Tristan knew his father tried hard to not show the pain and bitterness. His father had forgiven him years ago, but to Tristan it felt like he was still furious with him.

Entering the garage, his father reached for the ladder, but Tristan jumped ahead and grabbed the rope to bring it down. He made his way up into the garage’s attic and handed his father the boxes, mostly filled with Gabriella’s old clothes. He could still catch the faintest scent of her clinging to the fabrics, and he had to clear his throat in a weak attempt to fight the tears.

“I think there is one more with a few odds and ends. I’ll start taking these in,” his father said. Tristan searched for the other box and he found one half-filled with what was her old cell phone, letters from friends from before and after her passing, and a teddy bear he gave her with the money he won the first time he had gambled. It was a great memory now filled with sadness, as his ways back then were the reason she was now lost.

A flash of a memory of her bloodied face lifelessly staring back at him nearly caused him to trip over the steps as he headed down.

Walking around the side of the house, he saw Mrs. Parker returning from hell knew where. Her makeup looked smeared. She gave him an awkward nod and dashed into the house while he made his way to the front door.

Placing the boxes in the living room, he turned to face his mother. Her blond hair was kept in pristine condition with a pinup-style, and her blue eyes still held a soulfulness one rarely saw.

“Hello, darling.” She smiled with open arms.

Tristan made his way to his mother and gave her a kiss and a hug. “Hello, Mother. How are you?”

“Just splendid, and you?” Her eyes cleverly hid that she knew something, but he left it at that for the moment.

“I’m going on. Can I help with the food?” he asked as his father opened one of the boxes. He just wanted to avoid seeing anything else of Gabriella so early in the day.

“Just about done, but I would appreciate some help setting the table.” He nodded at her and followed behind as she made her way to the dining room. His mother told him about her week and keeping the mood easy, until she stopped what she was doing and faced him. “I heard Valerie still hasn’t signed?” She was being the rational woman instead of the caring, loving mother.

He sighed. “At least the year is almost over.” He pondered on it. “I take Ivan told you?”

She smiled guiltily. “I called when you were with the lawyers yesterday afternoon.” He sighed, feeling defeated and tired of this endless battle in getting back his life. “I also found out something else,” his mother said, attempting to lift his mood, but he was a little worried over what it might be she had found out. He raised a brow at her and her smile became one of pure excitement. “Ivan might have mentioned something about a girl.”

“Uhm, yeah…I…” This was one of those moments in his life he wanted to skip past, because he was very worried over what his mother thought of it all.

“Is she at least not like Val—”

“Anything but like Valerie. You’re going to love her…once I figure out if she will trust me.” His mother frowned. “It doesn’t matter. She doesn’t seem like the type to open up easily, but I really do like her.”

“Does she know of your situation with Valerie?” the rational woman asked.

He sighed, placing the forks and knives in their correct positions. “I’m hoping that the thing with Valerie will be over before things get serious between us.”

“You still need to be open with her about this. Explain to her the situation. The prenup might have allowed you both to continue dating after the separation without problems, which we know Valerie clearly took advantage of, but I don’t want to see you getting hurt when this news makes the girl feel like she can’t trust you.”

“The wise words of a mother,” he teased her.

She handed him the homemade bread to place on the table. “I heard Ivan said she has a quite beautiful birthmark. He mentioned something about a portrait, but I couldn’t quite understand what he was saying. Care to explain?”

Tristan was playing on a mighty fine line, but luckily for him, his father came from the living room. “Look at this.” He was smiling profusely as he showed them the stuffed Malayan tapir toy. Gabriella had received it as a small token of the actual baby she had “adopted” when on holiday in Thailand, when she had turned fourteen. It was her only wish that year, to pay for an endangered animal’s care, but her father surprised them all with a trip as well, so they could meet Suchart.

It was Tristan’s last holiday with her before all the bad took place, but he was still paying for the tapir along with several other animals to be taken care of in his sister’s name. He only smiled as he took the teddy bear from his father and the faint scent of Gabriella was still there. He accepted that his family had forgiven him about what had happened, based only on how happy they all seemed in that moment, even if he was still not sure he’d ever forgive himself.

Chapter Seven

Aaliyah

Aaliyah checked the microscopic slides and her dozen or so notes one last time. She was sure she had identified and labelled them all correctly—at least up to genus level—but for the past two days she had been learning about the differences in the diatoms from the Sharpsburg Islands Marina and some from the enclosures of the zoo. The week before—the one in which she and Tristan had only spoken on the phone, as he was too busy for a date, which made her question far too many things—Dr. Ramadan had helped her to collect the samples and data, cook them and mount them on the microscope slides, causing this week to begin with a flurry of excitement to try and learn a group of plants she barely knew existed.

While Dr. Ramadan was the one who taught her these things, it was Professor Li who was going to evaluate her, so the panic was gripping her heart in a tight clench. Prof. Li didn’t seem necessarily mean, but she was stern from the few encounters she had with the tan toned woman since the week before.

After she looked at the samples, she turned to Aaliyah. “So, Ms. Labuschagne, do you have any conclusions?”

Aaliyah hadn’t thought that far, but she looked at her notes and the results in the graphs she had drawn up. She bit her lip as she perused through it all and took a deep breath to gain some courage. She looked at Prof. Li. “The most abundant of the genera was
Diatoma
, which indicates both the sources—when looking at the zoo enclosure’s water combined—are pretty much normal when it comes to ecological health. With the marina, there were particular species within the
Naviculoid
genera, which were the second most abundant in the source, indicating more polluted waters. And the presence of
Nitzschia
further confirms that the water from the marina is industrially polluted, as the genera usually occur more abundantly in water polluted in this manner.”

Professor Li seemed indifferent. “How much did Dr. Ramadan help you?”

Aaliyah frowned. “He just explained the basics, helped with collection and how to mount the microscope slides, but then he gave me a guideline—” she showed the flimsy file “—to study and use to identify and count the diatoms. I haven’t seen him since Monday, when he left me here in the lab with the microscope work.”

She didn’t seem convinced, but Aaliyah hoped that the professor would trust her. “Very well, just write up a basic undergrad practical report, nothing too extensive, and hand it in on Monday. I assume four days is enough to handle that, and you can be excused for the rest of the day. I want you to continue working with Dr. Ramadan on a new project tomorrow morning. Something more in the zoological field, but I will let him know.” She made her way toward the door, and stopped and faced Aaliyah. “If you don’t feel like going home yet, I know Professor Dennis-Patrickson is cleaning the tanks of the aquatic animals. So if you are not squeamish, you can find her there.” The woman actually smiled at Aaliyah. “I hope to see you advance and stay on with us. Enjoy the rest of your day.”

“Thank you, Professor, you too.” When Aaliyah was once more on her own, she began collecting her things and a small smile crept on to her lips. She felt proud of herself for seemingly have impressed Professor Li. Most of the other scientists she had met in the short time there said Prof. Li was a hard case to crack.

With her things collected and her bag packed, she decided she would help Professor Dennis-Patrickson with the tedious job of cleaning the tanks. She had favoured the middle-aged woman the most of all her mentors thus far. Even with a dozen of lab technicians, who could’ve been asked to do the jobs no one ever wanted to do, she would do it herself, saying it was the best way to show that no matter your status, you can always do things for yourself.

Heading to the first floor, she found the very woman keeled over the side of a tank twice her size, with one tilapia in it. “Come on, big guy, the quicker you get into the net, the quicker we will be done.” Aaliyah knocked to make the professor aware of her presence. “Ahhh, how great it is to see you.”

“I was wondering if I could help, maybe?”

“There is no need, but I would appreciate it. Still three more tanks to go.” Aaliyah was about to put her bag down when the woman spoke again, “Before you do, take a break. I know you just came from your first practical evaluation with Professor Li. She was just here…apparently amazed by you.” She smiled, showing that it must’ve gone pretty well. Before Aaliyah could protest the break, she continued, “Dr. Ramadan has been more stressed out than you look, but I am aware you have been up there all morning. And…” she pointed toward the door “…I know I have no business with him, so he must be here for you.”

Aaliyah turned around and faced Tristan. She felt guilty first, because she had been consciously trying to avoid all thoughts of him the past few days. What had felt perfect between them seemed inane after the last time she had seen him. She thought it clearly had the same conclusion with him, as they truly were still just strangers. Though she was focussing solely on the diatom project, in all honesty, she was using it as an excuse.

“Mr. Gerardo.” She nodded in greeting.

“Ms. Labuschagne,” he said in return. “Professor Dennis-Patrickson, how are Harry and Sally?”

“Fat as ever, but I’ve finally gotten Michelle to go jog with them more often. She wasn’t glad about that, because it
messes
with her training, but oh well.” Aaliyah didn’t even need to ask, as her face had clearly given away her confusion. “They are dogs.”

“Oh, I thought you were talking about children.” Aaliyah realised she might have stepped over a line, “Sorry, that was—”

The professor was laughing at her. “Oh my, I do hope you chose to stay here. I like your wit.” This made Aaliyah feel her cheeks attempting to catch fire. “Now go take that break. I’ll be here. It was nice seeing you again, Tristan. Please tell that son of mine to come say hello before he leaves, assuming he is with you.”

“He is in the hallway.” Tristan looked to his right and then back at Aaliyah. “A moment?”

Panic took hold of her, so as a safety net and excuse, she decided to put down her bag on one of the tables to show she intended to come back soon. “Sure thing.” She stepped out and into a hug from Ivan, who winked at her and mouthed that he’ll talk to her later and then went to greet his mother.

In the hallway, the awkwardness was killing her as she faced Tristan again. “Is the cafeteria okay? Are you staying long?” She thought about it. “I’m glad to see you of course, but I don’t want to be keeping you.”

“Of course you’re not.” They made their way to the elevator and went up to the floor where the cafeteria was. Luckily, in Aaliyah’s opinion, it was basically empty and after grabbing something to drink, they sat at the farthest side from the door, looking out at the river and city. “So how are things going here?”

“Uhm…busy, learning a lot and I’m really enjoying it.” There was a short silence, then before he wanted to speak, she said, “Oh, I didn’t know Professor Dennis-Patrickson is Ivan’s mother?”

“He really likes you and yes, it was actually her recommendation to make Ivan my assistant. I regret every minute of that choice,” he teased and she chuckled at him while thumbing the edge of her water bottle’s label. “Aaliyah.” She finally made eye contact with him. “This last week has been a bit busy, but I do hope you aren’t avoiding me.”

“Tristan, I don’t know exactly what is going on between us and it is far from what I’m used to, but I enjoy your company, if that helps.” This was awkward and it was killing her, but with him actually in front of her, she did feel like she had on their date…content.

He rested his chin on his palm. It wasn’t a casual gesture, but more one of trepidation. “I would like to see you this evening.”

It was like crushing a kid’s dreams. “I can’t. I’m sorry, I just need to catch up with Madeline and I have a report to write.” She didn’t want to go as far and say because Madeline had called to finish up some details on a portrait of
her
.

He sighed. “I understand. And I want to apologise for not calling you more often. It just got—”

“I didn’t either,” she said, trying to take some of the blame as well.

A half-smile attempted to shape his lips, but it was weak. “I wasn’t sure you even wanted to see me again.” Guilt shot through her like arrows. “It is not your fault, Aaliyah. I just know I want you to trust me and know I won’t hurt you. That is the biggest reason why I wanted to spend the evening with you.” A look of longing and pain showed in his eyes. “I don’t want to be alone.”

It was the last remark she expected. It seemed far too intimate. “Why don’t you want to be alone, Tristan?” She searched his eyes, the gold flecks bright between the dark hazel of his irises and they told only one thing, but he didn’t want to talk about it.

It only proved to her once more why she was also struggling to open up with him. Neither seemed to want to and she wasn’t going to be the first to give in, as the risk was too high and she was far too acquainted with the consequences.

I have only known him for more than two weeks. I can’t.
She attempted to stay kind. “Well, you are here now. We can talk a bit and maybe plan something for later this week. The report I need to write is due Monday, so the weekend works, as I’ll likely finish it up as soon as possible.”

“I would like that,” he said with a bigger smile.

“That woman,” Ivan said from the other side of the room.

Aaliyah had never been more appreciative of a distraction than in that moment. “I love her, but damn, she can talk a lot!” Ivan sat down at the table and held a hand on his shoulder, “She might have dislocated my shoulder with her hug, so I need to take the weekend off.” He said to Tristan and then turned to Aaliyah. “This is me basically saying that I am required to visit with my mothers. The two of them will drive me insane before the end of the year, just you wait and see.”

Aaliyah chuckled at him.

“Oh! How was the date I planned for you two?” A gleam of evilness crossed his eyes.

“Ivan, honestly, you need to—” Tristan’s cell phone rang. “I need to get this, excuse me.” He rose from his seat and the look of concern made Aaliyah feel awful for what she was about to ask when he answered the phone and was out of hearing distance.

“Ivan, what is going on with Tristan? I barely know him, but he looks like a car crash today.” She wished she hadn’t said it out loud, but he seemed off and she was worried, because deep down she knew she shouldn’t even try helping, but she felt like this was something she needed to know for them to actually start opening up with one another.

Ivan sighed. “I wish I could explain, but it is not my tale to tell.”

“Of course, sorry, I just…he puzzles me.” Aaliyah shook her head.

“How so?” Ivan’s brows knitted tightly together.

She was about to answer when Tristan returned. “Ivan, we need to go to the office. Mr. Marx says there is an issue the board wants to discuss immediately.”

“Should I call the lawyers to go to the boardroom as well?” Ivan asked as he stood.

“Yes, call them. Get Fredricks and I’ll greet Ms. Labuschagne.”

“Sure thing.” Ivan faced Aaliyah. “It was nice seeing you again. Goodbye.” He gave her a hug and with concerned-filled eyes, he headed out.

“Is everything okay?” Aaliyah asked, uncertain if it was appropriate for her to do so.

“Just a personal problem they are making far too much of a fuss about,” he stated.

“That makes me feel a bit worried on your behalf,” she mused.

“Please, don’t be. I’ll explain on Friday.” He seemed like he truly needed to see her.

She sighed at the oddity. “Sure, I’ll see you then.”

“Aaliyah.” She looked more deeply into his eyes. He leaned forward, and their lips touched.

Warmth so unfamiliar pleasantly filled her veins and she softly moaned. Her tension dissipated to nothing, and she felt like she was at the right place and moment. Even if the moment lasted no longer than a few seconds.

He drew away. “Goodbye, Aaliyah.”

She still felt unbalanced, but nodded. “Bye.”

He smiled; it seemed close to cocky and made her shyly smile back. She watched him walk away. It was clear from that kiss that she wanted to try being with him, if only she could muster up the courage to do so.

***

Tristan

Tristan felt like he was going to lose it. The board was furious over something that truly didn’t even concern them. He rather wanted to be locked up in his house and away from everyone who might pass judgement.

“Please, ladies and gentlemen.” The thirty or so people slowly settled. “I assure you this is none of your concern. There is absolutely no reason for anyone to worry that my divorce, which is finally coming through, would cause any of the shares to be lost or stocks to fall. Mrs. Gerardo hasn’t even lived in the States for nearly a year, and she has no control or claim over the corporation.”