Page 113 of I Think I’m in Love with an Alien

I’m grateful that he doesn’t rub in the fact that he’s been worried about similar complications for a while. And those related to my family will be magnified by a factor of ten. While it’s fair to say I didn’t expect this to be easy, I didn’t anticipate all these wrinkles either.

Not at all.

“Yeah.”

Tam heads off, setting a leisurely pace. As we walk, he says softly, “I fear that for me to be completely safe, you would become isolated from other humans. I have studied human marital promises and I do not wish for you to forsake all others. Relationships are important. As I understand it, humans are social creatures.”

“We are,” I admit.

I’ve already stopped talking to my family because of what I overheard. Knowing they hate Tam and they tolerate me? It’s a mess. But he has a point. I don’t want to lie to them in perpetuity either. At this stage, I’m not sure if I should try to patch things up or let the distance build. This is a crappy choice, no matter how I analyze it.

But even understanding the risks and complications, I still choose Tam. I’m happy with him, so much more than I was before. Every day, my joy increases, and I adore each little detail that I learn about his personal quirks, his family, and his homeworld. I truly believe we’re meant to be together, even if I can’t glimpse the path through the thorny hedges surrounding us.

I extend a hand, and he takes it. Despite knowing the truth, there’s still a moment of cognitive dissonance because of the variance between what my eyes tell me and what I know to be true. Now I can feel the extra fingers and the unusual way they curve around mine. For now, we’re together—and that’s already one wish granted from the universe.

Why can’t I aim for two?

40

Seeker

Together, we meander through the park.

The trees are changing hues. This marks the second time I’ve witnessed this spectacle. Children call out to one another, frolicking away the final hours of daylight. Somehow, just walking with Jen, holding her hand, saps my negative emotions. Nothing has been resolved, so I don’t know how our story ends.

But I’ll walk the path with her.

“This is one of my favorite places,” she says. “When I wander around here, I always think about getting a dog.”

“Do you want one?”

“Scotty and Spock tolerate Mr. Snickers when Nancy travels, but they hide a lot. I don’t think they’d enjoy a permanent canine roomie.”

“That seems accurate.” I gaze into the distance, studying the structures on either side. “What are those?”

Jen follows the trajectory of my regard and smiles, showing teeth. “Those are picnic pavilions. People bring food and eat al fresco with friends or family. They usually need to be reserved ahead of time. Anyone can use the tables over there.”

“I’m always learning. Why do they transport food to eat outdoors?”

“It’s fun? I’m not sure, honestly. I’m not an outdoorsy person. I like a walk now and then, but I’ve never understood people who leave comfortable homes and sleep in the woods.” She walks on, shaking her head slightly.

“On my homeworld, there are those who go on sabbaticals, attempting to unfetter their creativity. Is that why such wilderness retreats occur here as well?”

“People go for lots of reasons. To get a break from modern life, clear their heads, commune with nature.”

“I see.”

Jen heads for a red bridge arching across a creek that filters into a pond nearby. We pause, facing the water that reflects the last embers of daylight. Ducks glide across the surface, leaving ripples in their wake. They are curious creatures; I enjoy the variety of life present on 97-B, even if I don’t always agree with the stewardship.

A venerable human couple stands before the water, joined by their hands. Her hair is silver. His back is bowed. They are tearing something apart and flinging it into the water. The avians are most interested in the offering.

Jen laughs. “They’re feeding them kale.”

“Is that unusual?”

“Kind of. People used to give the ducks bread, but it was bad for them. I guess people can learn new things, even at their age.”

“It bodes well,” I say.