Page 14 of Galaxy Between Us

“It’s nothing serious,” Dad promises. “I fell a while back. Messed up my hip. Clumsy me, huh?”

He smiles but it doesn’t reach his eyes. My heart aches, catching up to the amount of time that has passed. I’ve probably missed more than I could imagine. Now that I really look at my parents, their hair has lost some of its color, and their skin has creased deeper. It’s been too long.

“Enough about me, look at you! You’re all grown up,” Dad assesses me with tears prickling his eyes.

“I just knew you’d grow into a fine Omega,” Mom adds with pride.

Smiling with joy, we hug tightly again, so much comfort and love rushing through our family bond from the reunion.

After all our tears of happiness are dried, we have dinner together in the dining room like old times. It feels good although it’s tainted with strangeness. Even my parents look at me a bit odd when I offer to help in the kitchen and set the table. Things that a good, traditional Omega does.

My tone is softer, posture straighter. I’m different than the Omega who left this house seven years ago. It’s only normal, and exactly what I set out to learn, but I think it will take some getting used to for all of us.

By the time our meal ends, I’m not sure what to do. When I was little, I’d be out the door headed to my friend Knox’s house. But I’m not little anymore. Which means neither is he.

I snort inwardly at the thought. Knox was never little.

I wonder how he’s doing.

I’ve lost touch with all my childhood friends. We’ve all grown up and moved on, setting aside our unrealistic goals of sticking together forever. Fate never allows it, but that’s part of growth, I suppose. It comes with change and sacrifice for the better.

“So,” Mom begins while sipping a glass of wine. “You told us you have some exciting news?”

I did. And I do. My face grows warm with enthusiasm as I beam at my parents.

“Yes! The big news is that I…” I meet both of their intrigued gazes for dramatic build-up, “got offered a full-time position at Comet XI! I start in the next fiscal year!”

Truth be told, it’s nothing thrilling. I’ll be working as part of the cleaning crew in the labs. But still, it’s a permanent, full-time position. Which means I’ll be not only working but living on the Comet XI campus.

“Oh! Wow, that’s…” Mom’s face falls from happy to an unreadable expression.

My brightness dims as I wait through the tension of her searching for words that she can’t seem to find.

“That’s what?” I press quietly.

“It’s great! I’m happy for you, but… Honey, there’s no nicer way to say this. You’re at that age where you should seriously consider seeking out an Alpha and settling down, Arius.”

Her eyes shine with worry, and the defiance I’ve bottled deep down threatens to break through the surface. Settle down? I’m just getting started in my life. Why would I settle?

“Son,” Dad says, squeezing my shoulder. “Just promise us when you score yourself a loaded Alpha astronaut you won’t forget about us slums back at home.”

He chuckles, lifting the mood a little, and I can’t help but smile.

“Henry!” Mom swats his arm.

“What? Look at him, dear. He’s an Omega in his prime. Alphas will be lining up and down the block at this Comet X-Y-Z place! Congratulations, Kiddo.”

Mom sighs.

“When I said settle, I meant finding one special Alpha. Someone who will protect you and provide for you. I know how much you want to be independent, but as an Omega it’s just not…”

“Natural?” I provide, ready to give my spiel from Omega empowerment campaigns.

I exercise three times a week and I know self defense. Not every Alpha is tall and beefy, I can look after myself perfectly fine around them. And I know my rights in the workplace regarding the respect of Omega employees.

“Realistic,” she counters, deflating my argument.

I know what she means as soon as I exit the shuttle and step onto the neatly kept lawn of Comet XI headquarters. The building is even bigger than I’d imagined. Mirrored glass windows stretch and bend at complex angles, framed with a smooth, white exterior. The architect is immaculate. Unreal, even.