Page 20 of I Think I’m in Love with an Alien

Now our duo has become a quartet. I shouldn’t mind, but now that I have only one fourth of a chance at occupying Jen’s attention, I feel mildly aggrieved. I’m here primarily because of her.

“Just a sec. I’m texting Star and FFH to let them know where we’re headed,” Jen says.

She focuses on her phone and then she sets out, threading through the crowd with the same level of concentration that she applies to all tasks. Tad and Jaz hurry after her, which amuses me. Jen probably wouldn’t see herself that way, but she’s undoubtedly the leader of our little band.

The “Aliens in Hollywood” panel is in a larger building because one of the panelists portrayed an alien in visual entertainment that I haven’t consumed. Or at least that’s what Jaz is speculating as we find seats. We’re early enough to get some together and two more humans rush toward us, signaling with both arms. I cannot discern much about their appearance because they are both in disguise, one blue and sleek, the other clad in armor with many composite weapons strapped to their body. Even their cranial structure has been altered—and in a fashion I find most interesting, as this alien reminds me of the locals in the Tau Ceti cluster.

“Nook neh,” the second one says.

Those sounds impart no meaning. I have heard nothing like that in my time on this planet, and while I struggle to identify what language is being spoken, Jen laughs.

“Nobody here speaks Klingon. You must be FFH.”

“Stargazer, actually.”

“I’m FFH.” The blue alien doesn’t step closer or offer a traditional greeting.

“It’s surprising to find the two of you together,” Tad observes. “You bicker like it’s your hobby in the group chat!”

“We just happened to rock up at the same time,” Stargazer explains.

“Acquit me of spending more time with this one than I must,” FFH adds.

“Yikes,” Jaz says.

“That’s kind of hostile,” Tad points out.

The introductions happen quickly. Stargazer reminds us that her name is Poppy, and it seems she’s said it before. I don’t recall, but she spends most of her time trying to aggravate FarfromHome. To my knowledge, they haven’t given their name yet, online or in person.

“You can call me Ravik,” FFH says, as if in response to my thought.

“Is that your Viking name?” Poppy seems to enjoy poking at the least-friendly member of our social collective.

“Shh. They’re starting.” With a smile, Jen motions everyone into silence, as we’re about to start the next round of obsessing over aliens.

This will be the most surreal day ever.

Group Chat

November 16 | 15:10

Stargazer: Here’s a pic of a cake I baked for my cousin’s birthday! 🎂🍰

Jeneticist: Is that vanilla?

JazzyPlum: Oooh, strawberries too. This looks so yummy.

Seeker: Was there a party?

SquidHead: How old is your cousin?

Stargazer: She’s 21. And just a little family thing. If I could get the writing on top right next time, that would be awesome.

FarfromHome: You should get her something useful instead of encouraging a sugar addiction.

Jeneticist: Ugh. I bet you get people socks, FFH.

JazzyPlum: No way! They definitely strike me as a gift card type.