Page 37 of I Think I’m in Love with an Alien

While I do rest, I don’t lose connection to my conscious mind. My people are known for their ability to memory walk. I pick a comforting occasion, learning from Oona, and settle in to relive the moment.

Much later, I stir, feeling refreshed. It occurs to me that I haven’t arranged for a means of transport to town. And I must vacate these premises before too much longer. I have left no traces, as I have devices dedicated to hygiene, and I will use them as long as they function. Standing in an interior deluge—no, a shower—reminds me of inclement weather, and I feel no cleaner when I dry off.

I check the habitation to ensure I haven’t left anything, then collect my meager belongings. As I step outside, I spot Jen’s boxy vehicle zipping down the road toward me. Even though I didn’t ask her to come, she’s here. That speaks volumes about how reliable she is. She understands me as no one ever has, and I can trust her.

It’s time to tell her. To share the burden and try to figure out what to do.

But as she draws nearer, I spot Tad in the passenger seat. While I’m willing to risk sharing the information with Jen, I’m not ready to spill it to the whole group. It’s too much of a statistical uncertainty. I need to see how Jen reacts first.

“We’re meeting for breakfast,” Tad says as I enter the vehicle from the rear.

I’m already out of patience with these meal gatherings because they’re another way that I’m forced to hide who I am. I’ll need another excuse for why I’m not ordering anything.

“I didn’t know. I’ve already eaten.”

“You can have coffee,” Jen suggests.

Coffee would poison me. It probably wouldn’t be fatal, but that much caffeine would be a serious hallucinogen, and there’s no telling what I’d say.

“I don’t drink it. Caffeine is bad for me.”

“I shouldn’t either,” Tad says unexpectedly. “Gives me the jitters. But when I haven’t slept much, I need the energy boost. I got so sick on energy drinks in college that I haven’t touched them since.”

Jen takes her eyes off the road briefly to smile at Tad. “You could do green tea. Just a bit of caffeine.”

“It’s not an issue today. I slept like a rock as soon as I got back to the RV.” He half turns in the seat. “Speaking of which, are you bunking with me tonight? The offer still stands if you need a place.”

I make a noncommittal noise. “Thanks for the offer.”

“Everything in town is booked. I’ve seen pics online, but nothing prepares you for the crowds. They’ve got stalls on the corners, selling pastries and bottles of juice and water because the restaurants can’t keep up.” Jen adds, “Ravik and Poppy are getting food. We’re having a picnic at Tad’s place. Then we’ll start planning the rest of our day.”

“Sounds good,” I say.

What else can I say in front of Tad? That I have important news and I need to speak with her alone? It’s true, but it will make Tad wonder what’s up. I don’t need to set up a chain reaction of gossipy speculation.

In addition, such an ominous tone doesn’t fit the day’s mood. The weather is cheerful and bright, all yellow glow. If I wasn’t anxious about talking to Jen, I’d love to bask in the sunshine. Heat metabolizes beautifully for me, filtering out toxins and deep cleaning my system. I don’t think it works that way for humans, though I believe they get some benefits from sunlight. There are risks as well, as their skin is delicate, unlike mine.

We drive in the opposite direction from town, and I catch up silently on all the text messages I missed during my memory walk. There aren’t many, just the rest of the group making plans and presuming I would pose no objections. I have a private message from Jaz, however. I hope she hasn’t been unwise or indiscreet.

Jaz: Think about what I said.

Nothing overt. I relax a trifle.

If she’s been here for ten human years, she knows how to live among them. I don’t need to worry about her discretion. Though I’m embarrassed to admit it, the opposite might not be true.

But I’ll be careful. And I’ll bide my time until I can get my moment with Jen.

I’ve lived taking risks, and there’s no reason to stop, not when the reward could be so incredible.

Private Chat

December 4 | 20:56

Jeneticist: What did you think of the Confession game?

Seeker: It was interesting. I learned a lot about everyone, I think.

Jeneticist: Star has the best ideas. I bet she’s tons of fun in person.