Caitlyns Journey Pt 02

When they arrived, Caitlyn was immediately aware of the differences between Will's Botswana life and his Oxford one. The neighbourhood wasn't as showy as their Botswana one. This was no gated community on a golf course. This was just a residential street. The houses were large and looked old. It seemed exclusive but lacked the traditional indicators of wealth; there were no ostentatious cars or luxury garden features. It felt practical and lived in.

"How old is the house?" Caitlyn asked once they settled in the kitchen.

"Between 100 and 120 years," Mike replied while Sarah made coffee.

"Wow, that's cool. Is the whole neighbourhood like that?"

"Most are, but there is an extension that's only about 40 years old," Mike said. "Caitlyn, I know for a lot of people, 100 years sounds historic, but we're going to have to change your perspective a bit. Oxford has been around for over 1000 years. Most people don't bat an eye at anything under 300 years old. We have a pub -

The Bear

, that claims to have been established in 1241, and no one who lives here actually cares. But that's going to have to wait. We have a selection meeting in a few hours, so rest up."

"What's a selection meeting?" Caitlyn asked innocently.

"It's where the men down the pub pretend to pick next week's cricket team while drinking the afternoon away," Sarah answered, handing Caitlyn her coffee. "It's the

whole

reason we had to be back today. Don't worry. We'll break it up around five and introduce you to everyone."

Caitlyn saw Will smiling as he accepted his cup. She smiled back before settling herself and listening to Sarah and Lettie's ideas for her stay. Caitlyn listened politely and told them she was happy to do everything.

"Are you really going to show me all that?" Caitlyn, as soon as she was alone with Will in his room.

"Yeah, Oxford is quite small. We can do most of the tourist attractions in a day, maybe two if we stretch it out," Will replied.

"Can we see the University?"

"No," Will replied, smiling with amusement at her curiosity. "There isn't one place that you can call the University. Roughly 30 self-governing colleges operate under the name

Oxford University

. We can visit one of the Colleges if you like."

"That's so weird," Caitlyn replied. "I thought it would just be one campus."

"Most universities are like that; Oxford and the

other place

are different."

"What's the

other place

?"

"Cambridge," Will replied, pretending to shudder at the name. "But that's a whole other story; I'll tell you the cowardly story of Cambridge's founding another day," Will said, grinning and climbing into bed. "We should get a nap."

Caitlyn didn't fall asleep immediately. Instead, she lay there looking around his childhood bedroom, reflecting that this was the last step to truly immersing herself in Will's world.

Caitlyn couldn't remember falling asleep when Will woke her up.

"Mum says to get up if you want to sleep tonight."

Caitlyn stretched and shook away her thoughts. Looking at Will, it was clear he'd been up for a while and had taken a shower.

"Dad and I are heading off," He continued. "There's pizza in the kitchen when you're ready."

Caitlyn didn't react except to grab his shirt and pull him down to kiss her.

"Have fun at your meeting," She said as he broke the kiss. "Try not to get too drunk before we get there. It'd be nice if you could hold my hand while I get to be the new girl again."

"I'll see what I can do. But it won't be too bad. Mum and Lettie will look after you, and I'd bet money that Aunt Mandy and the others will meet here before the pub. So chances are you'll be fully initiated into the Coven when you join us."

After demanding another kiss, Caitlyn finally let him go. Getting up slowly gave Will's room a proper inspection. She took in his eclectic taste in books. She noted pictures of him as a teenager playing rugby sports. She smiled at pictures of him with friends and his sisters. Finally, she decided to head down and eat something, hoping she had time for a shower before her introduction.

When she reached the kitchen, Sarah pointed her to the plates while she arranged wine glasses.

"I'm going to restock the house tomorrow. If there's anything special you want, add it to the list on the fridge," Sarah smiled.

"I'm sure I can manage with whatever you get," Caitlyn replied, looking over the pizza options before picking two slices.

"I have a few friends coming over while the boys have their fun; it's our little tradition," Sarah said.

"It's your house," Caitlyn smiled. "And Will already warned me. I've met Auntie Sharon. I can't imagine the Coven being worse than her," Caitlin finished with a smirk.

"Not you as well," Sarah sighed. "Mike likes to overestimate our influence."

"So you didn't convince him to hire a nanny so you could play matchmaker?" Caitlyn asked with a raised eyebrow.

"That was different; Lily and Alex were made for each other, and they've been married for nearly 20 years," Sarah said defensively.

"And what am I doing here?" Caitlyn asked, smiling wider.

"Fine, we might meddle a little bit, but it's for the greater good," Sarah said. I don't know if things will work out for you and Will, but I'm giving you the opportunity. And if it doesn't work, it won't be for lack of trying. But I want to be clear about something. I just want to point you in the right direction and maybe give you some advice if you ask. We don't interfere in each other's relationships. If you fuck up or he does, I'm not going to help; your relationship, your problem. Now tell me, are you a white or red girl?"

"Both, but I figure if it's afternoon drinking and the sun is out - white," Caitlyn said hesitantly, wondering if she was being tested.

"Good answer," Sarah smiled. "Though there is no wrong answer when it comes to wine during Coven days."

"I thought we weren't supposed to call you that?" Caitlyn asked, raising her eyebrows.

"I quite like it, and so do the others," Sarah chuckled. "But Mike doesn't need to know that."

After her shower, Caitlyn helped Sarah and Lettie finish setting things up for their guests. As they discussed Kate's latest training camp, Sarah surprised Caitlyn by opening a bottle before any of her friends arrived.

"I'm not waiting for those bitches. My house, my wine, they know the deal," Sarah laughed before offering the bottle to Lettie. "Just remember to pace yourself; we don't want to be drunk when I break up the boys' meeting."

As Sarah's friends arrived, it quickly became clear that she had warned them about Caitlyn's presence. Most showed no surprise and politely acknowledged her presence--except one who pushed a little further.

"So you're the Yank who seduced my Godson. I'm Mandy, Sarah's BFF and Mike's bully/minder."

"It's nice to meet you, but please don't call me a Yank. I'm from the South, and that's an insult," Caitlyn said politely. "How are you so sure I seduced him? Maybe he seduced me?"

"Ha. He's a Smith and a carbon copy of his father," Mandy laughed. "If Sarah hadn't taken the first step, Mike would still be second-guessing himself. Now, come on. The story of you snagging one of Oxford's most eligible bachelors needs a proper setting. Just leave out the dirty details. We don't want to traumatise Sarah and Lettie."

As Caitlyn let Mandy lead her into the garden, she realised Auntie Sharon had similar words about Will. Taking a seat next to Lettie, Caitlyn noted that the gathering of women was different from what she was used to. Her mother's friends were all similar in age and had similar backgrounds and views. There was a mix of ages and backgrounds. They all had distinct characters, while Mandy and Sarah took on the role of mentors.

"Right, so you and Will, how did it start?" Mandy said as soon as she made sure everyone's glass was full.

Caitlyn briefly glanced at Sarah, who nodded her head before she took a deep breath and started telling her story. The ladies laughed when Caitlyn described her initial impressions of Will. Caitlyn noted the pride on Sarah's face when she described Will's abilities in the bush and his skill as a guide. After she told the story of how Will saved her from the snake, she decided to finish with the camping trip and how it made her realise she was interested in him.

"Maybe he isn't like Mike after all," Mandy laughed. "He never would have gone near the snake, and he definitely wouldn't have turned the camping trip romantic."

"Mandy, you know the rules about insulting my husband while you drink his wine," Sarah said. "And you know my first trip into the Okavango was very romantic. Mike did all the work, fed me, kept me topped up on gin, and proposed at Victoria Falls. If I didn't have the implant, Will might have been conceived on that trip."

"Yes, your husband is perfect - for an emotionally repressed human being," Mandy teased, sticking her tongue out. "Well, Nat, it looks like your childhood crush is off the market."

"Mum," Natalie complained, giving Caitlyn a small wink. "Will is like my brother. He only took me to prom because you and Aunt Sarah made him."

"Come on, Nat," Lettie teased. "I remember when you would doodle Mrs Natalie Smith in your notebooks."

"Listen here bitch," Natalie laughed. "I love you like a sister, but I have no issues airing your dirty laundry."

"Come on, ladies," Caitlyn intervened. "Let's drink more wine before the embarrassing stories come out. I'll even share a few of my own. I'd like to know how you all met, and I need help. I need ideas on things to do with Will while I'm here. Sarah and Lettie have made a start, but more opinions can't hurt."

By the time they headed to the pub. Caitlyn had a new appreciation for Sarah's friends. Beneath the teasing and jokes, it was clear that they were a tight-knit group, and their differences added to the dynamic rather than providing a single uniform voice. They also offered Caitlyn plenty of ideas for things to do with Will, a contrasting mix of group experiences and little private things just for her and Will.

"So what's this pub like?" Caitlyn asked as she fell into step with Lettie.

"It's the last pub in this part of town," Lettie answered. "It's a proper traditional pub. We have a couple of classy wine bars, but I don't think Dad or Will have set foot in either. It's not quite what you would call a dive, and it's not a restaurant pretending to be a pub. They do decent food and pour a good pint. Dad and Will love it, and it's completely unpretentious despite the fact we're in Summertown, where everything is supposed to be upmarket and classy. It's also where Mum and Dad met."

"So it's like a part of your family history?" Caitlyn asked.

"I guess so. Dad says he's been drinking there all his life," Lettie replied. "It's where he had his first drink in England. It's where he drank with Granddad when they were both in Oxford. He met Aunt Mandy and the others, then Aunt Mandy introduced him to Mum, and here we are. When she's not giving Dad shit, Aunt Mandy takes the credit for getting them together. I've never worked out if Mum and Dad chose her as our Godmother or she appointed herself."

Caitlyn laughed at the joke before asking another question.

"So, is it one of those really old pubs Mike mentioned?"

"No, it's basically brand new; it was only built in the 1870s," Lettie laughed. "Nothing in Summertown can be considered old."

"I think my town was only founded around 1870," Caitlyn remarked.

"That explains a lot about America," Lettie smiled. "You're like the world's teenager, always acting out, wanting to do things your way, trying to speak at the grown-up's table."

"Hey, you'd have lost two world wars if it wasn't for us," Caitlyn replied defensively.

Lettie stopped instantly, grabbing Caitlyn's arm.

"Never make that joke around Dad or most people for that matter," Lettie said, her voice turning serious. "There is an element of truth there, but Dad says it minimises the sacrifices that people like my great-grandparents made. Rationing, surviving the Blitz - a year of nightly air raids and bombing, holding off the Germans, ensuring there was an ally left when you finally showed up. If we're going to be technical and appoint winners and losers, the Russians took Berlin, so if anything, they won the War in Europe. I guess you could say you won the Pacific, but the Aussies and Kiwis might have a few complaints."

"Let, I'm sorry," Caitlyn said quietly. "I was always taught that it was an American-led victory."

"That's fine. Just remember, there's always another perspective. It was an Allied victory. Now come on, if we miss the first round, Mum will make us pay for our drinks and won't let us use Dad's discount."

"Mike gets a discount at the pub?" Caitlyn asked, confused.

"We're not supposed to talk about it, but some of the regulars get 10% off," Lettie smiled. "Dad says it's a reward for his loyalty. Mum says the pub is scared of losing 1/4 of their profit if Dad and his mates start drinking elsewhere. It's probably somewhere in between. They survive him spending four to six months in Botswana, but he's also given a hero's welcome when he comes back."

The pub was fun. It wasn't perfect or polished, and most of the furniture was dated or needed replacing, but it was welcoming. As soon as Caitlyn walked in, Sarah introduced her to the staff and told them to treat her like a regular. The staff guided her through the drinks on offer, letting her taste samples. She liked the cider. She was aware of alcoholic cider, but she'd never had it. In her world, cider was just unsweetened, unfiltered apple juice that came out when the months got colder and was heated with spices. This stuff was cool, crisp and refreshing.

With her drink in hand, she followed Sarah to a smaller room to find Will and Mike. Just before they entered, Lettie and Natalie pulled her aside.

"Enjoy the show," Natalie whispered.

"Right, you wankers," Sarah yelled. "You've had three hours to 'pick' your team for next week. If you're not done yet, we should just cancel the season. I want my husband back."

"Oi, Missus," one voice yelled back. "You know the rules: No women until the meeting is over."

"Look here," Sarah replied. "These meetings happen because I allow them to. Mike may have been captain for the last 30 years, and I know you lot are grooming my son to replace him, but I have no issues pulling out the wife and mother card. Anyway, we have more important business..."

Caitlyn was shocked by the scene and even more surprised when Sarah grabbed her.

"This is Caitlyn. She is to be treated with the same care and respect you give the rest of us, or you might have to say goodbye to your little cricket team. Are we clear? Make sure you all introduce yourselves while I kiss my husband."

Caitlyn was immediately drawn into a series of handshakes and questions. Before she got overwhelmed, Will pushed through and gave her a hug.

"Help me," she whispered.

Will immediately stood at her side and took over the introductions before he led her outside.

"You okay?" he asked.

"Yeah, today has been awesome," Caitlyn smiled. "I loved hanging out with your mom, sister and their friends. Just that introduction was a bit much."

"Good, don't worry. Most people will disappear in a minute, and it will just be the core group," Will smiled.

"Who's the core group?"

"Everyone you met at home, and now the men are allowed to join," Will smiled. "Now help me put a table together."

Caitlyn happily joined Will as he combined four tables before he went inside for more drinks. As she waited for his return, it occurred to her that she'd never been in a world where trust and acceptance were immediate and unconditional. She also briefly wondered what would happen if that trust was broken.

"The hard part is over," Sarah said as she came outside. "Now you can just enjoy coming here without feeling like a new attraction. If you get hungry, order something."

"Thanks, Sarah," Caitlyn smiled as the rest of the group came outside.

Caitlyn found adjusting to England a little easier than Botswana. There were minor differences, such as cheers and shouts to "sack the juggler" when a glass was dropped, but it felt familiar in a way her African experience did not.

Most of all, she watched Will banter with the group, amazed that he looked as comfortable in this environment as he did tracking animals through the bush. It was still clearly him, but Oxford brought out another side of him.

Caitlyn would have been happy to sit there and watch the scene, but Mandy and Sarah were having none of it. They pointed out that the husbands hadn't met her yet and insisted that she retell the story of her first days with Will. It was only after the third interruption that she realised this was more about embarrassing him than it was about genuine interest. She was tempted to stop, but when she looked at him for reassurance, he gave her a nod to continue despite his blush.

Caitlyn quickly realised that a pub was not a

bar

in the traditional sense. It was a place of connections and coming together. However, by the time she had finished her dinner, the travelling had caught up with her, but she didn't want to end everyone's fun. Unfortunately, Sarah caught her yawning.

"Right, we should probably head off. It's our first day home, and our American guest already looks like she's tired of you lot. I don't blame her. I've known most of you for years, and I don't know how I still have the patience."

Sarah gave her a small smile before turning to Mike. "Dear Husband, are you going to pay our tab, or are you going to make me do it?"

"Sarah, you know it's the same account, the same money, right?"

"Yes, but I still think you should pay," Sarah smiled, kissing him. "Think of it as your punishment for calling me Sarah. To you, my names are Babe, Love, Dear Wife, and Love of my Life. Maybe Mrs Smith if I'm being naughty. But never Sarah."

"Mum!" Lettie complained as the table laughed.

"What's about Miss Timms?" Mike asked, winking at Lettie.

"Who?" Sarah laughed. "Are you talking about your old girlfriend who died when you said I do? I'm a phoenix. Miss Timms died so I could be reborn as Mrs Smith."

Caitlyn spent her first few days awed by Oxford and Will's attachment to it. She had thought he was dedicated to Botswana, but he clearly meant it when he said he embraced both sides of his heritage. Little things highlighted his deep connection to the city.

"What church is this?" Caitlyn asked.

"It used to be the Church of St Philip and St James, but now it's part of the University," Will told her. "It's also where my great-grandparents got married," He added casually.

"Did you go to Oxford?" Caitlyn asked.

"No, it didn't interest me," Will remarked.

"I would have thought, with your family history here, it would have been the expectation."

"Why?" Will asked. "Dad didn't go to Oxford, so he broke the tradition. The way he looked at it, university was a time to grow up and figure out who I wanted to be. I already knew who I was in Oxford, so I went to Sheffield. I did my MBA here, though, and Lettie went to London."

"Wow, I had to go to Georgia. It's where Mom and Dad went," Caitlyn replied. "I don't think my parents even considered the idea I wouldn't follow them. I enjoyed it, but now I wonder if it would have been better to spread my wings a little."

He didn't quite allow her to focus on being a tourist, so he mixed in a few local experiences to make sure she saw Oxford through his eyes.

She was amazed when they toured the Ashmolean Museum, and Will showed almost no interest.

"We're in the second oldest University museum in the world, and you look bored. How? We're looking at works by Da Vinci and Michaelangelo, and you don't care," Caitlyn complained.