Still Dunno

Chapter 6 - Just Can't Grasp It

Riker's POV

It took some persuading, but I convinced Jessie to visit my parents.

Rydel, Rocky, Ross, and Ryland were there when we got there. Mom was busy in the kitchen, and Dad was firing up the grill. I set down a bag of food we had bought with us.

"Hi," Jessie said.

"Hi honey," Mom said, giving Jessie a hug. "How are you?"

"Okay, do you need help?" Jessie asked.

"Sure, honey, you can make the salad," Mom said.

Jessie washed her hands, went to the fridge, and pulled out vegetables.

"Are you going to go say hi to everyone else?" I asked.

"Oh." Jessie set the vegetables down. "I'll be right back."

She offered Mom a smile and went outside. I followed behind her.

"Hey! The gang is all here!" Ryland exclaimed.

"We're still missing half the team. Is Zack coming?" Rocky asked.

"Yes," I said.

Jessie looked at me. "You called Zack?"

"I texted him."

"I asked him too," Tristan chimed in.

Jessie nodded. "I'm going to help your mom."

She didn't wait for anyone to answer. Instead, she turned and went inside.

I sighed.

Something was seriously wrong with my wife, and I didn't notice until her brother came over and pointed it out. What kind of husband does that? Not a good one.

Tristan shook hands and greeted everyone.

"Rydel, It's good to see you," Tristan said, hugging my sister.

Rydel and Tristan have had an exciting relationship through the years. At first, Rydel thought Tristan was a loud, barbaric, and obnoxious man, and he was.

Tristan would pick on Rydel and give her a hard time just to ruffle her feathers. Through the years, he's calmed down. But they still had their moments.

"How are you holding up?" Tristan said.

Almost a year ago, Rydel's husband, Ellington, and my best friend since high school, decided he was in love with another woman. He divorced Rydel and started a whole other life with his new wife. It was sudden and shocking. Rydel was crushed and lost. I was pissed. How could he do that to her?

Rydel seemed to be doing alright, but I thought Jessie was okay too.

"It's been a long road, but I'm trying," Rydel replied.

Rydel and Ellington never had any kids of their own. Rydel carried the twins for us, but it was different. Janis and Joslyn adored their aunt, and Rydel loved them so much.

"You look good," Tristan said with a wink.

Rydel's face grew a light shade of red.

"Where is Zack?" Tristan wondered.

"Calm down. I'm right here. You know there's six of us, so to get everyone together isn't the quickest thing to do," Zack said, going to his brother and hugging him.

"Excuses, excuses," Tristan said, hugging his brother back. "Where is the troop?"

"They're coming," Zack said with a nod. "Hey guys, Rydel."