Page 11 of I Think I’m in Love with an Alien

I sip my water. It has an unusual tang, metallic.

“I was so nervous about meeting all of you in person.” For some reason, Jen glances at me when she says this.

If I’m reading the situation correctly, she wants reassurance. Which means I only need to be honest. “Truly? But I’ve wanted to meet you for a while. And you’re everything I hoped you’d be and more.”

Private Chat

October 26 | 19:29

[Jeneticist has joined the conversation]

[Seeker has joined the conversation]

Jeneticist: Hey, I hope you don’t mind the private message.

Seeker: Not at all. Is something bothering you?

Jeneticist: No, but I’ve been thinking about what you said before. About how you’re feeling. And I just wanted to check in. But I didn’t want to do that in the main chat.

Seeker: You’re concerned about me?

Jeneticist: I am, but I don’t want to be nosy.

Seeker: It would only be intrusive if I requested you to desist and you persisted.

Jeneticist: So this is okay?

Seeker: I’m pleased that you care about my well-being. It’s…been a while since that was the case. I’ve lost touch with so many.

Jeneticist: Totally get that. I had one group of friends in high school, but we drifted. I made new ones in college, but then everyone scattered after graduation. I still talk to some of them online, but they all think I’m a bit weird, frankly.

Seeker: I question their discernment. To me, you seem like a person of uncommon wit and sensitivity.

Jeneticist: Gosh. You’re making me blush. 😊

Seeker: Is that good?

Jeneticist: That depends on your intentions.

Seeker: I just want to communicate with you. And the others, of course.

Jeneticist: Now that we have the private chat going, feel free to ping me anytime. I can listen if you need a friendly ear or we can get to know each other better.

Seeker: I’m looking forward to that.

Jeneticist: Me too. 🥳

Seeker: There’s nothing particularly wrong. I just feel cut off.

Jeneticist: A bit trapped, maybe?

Seeker: That’s more accurate than you know.

Jeneticist: I think we all feel that way sometimes. I don’t want to be teaching Astronomy 101 to students who are only there to complete the science prereq.

Seeker: If you could be doing anything else instead, what would it be?

Jeneticist: Do I have to be realistic with this answer?