Page 43 of I Think I’m in Love with an Alien

“It was haunting. And I should have known then that it didn’t come from here. That sound… It wasn’t a pan flute?”

“No. I have my instrument with me.”

“I hope you’ll play for me in person sometime.”

“If you want me to.” I wonder if Jen can discern my ambivalence.

I’m nowhere near adept enough to garner acclaim or renown on my homeworld. In the local vernacular, my skills are “mid” at best. I was a difficult youngling, never wanting to cooperate or settle.

“Only if you enjoy it,” she says with uncommon perspicacity. “Why did you leave?”

She makes it easy to open up. “I found my homeworld too predictable. Too…orderly. I wanted to be somewhere more exciting, so I left—against my family’s wishes.”

“That must hurt even more now.”

Jen appears to understand. “It does. And I have no way to get word to them. Oona must be heartbroken while Arlan will be stoic, and Betau will be lighting the lamps to guide me home, never knowing it’s not possible. I can’t—”

“Can I hug you?”

I know what a hug is, but it’s a human comfort. Yet I agree with a whispered, “Yes,” just in case there is some magic that can slake this sorrowful homesickness. Back then, I couldn’t wait to leave, but now that I realize how difficult it will be to go home again, I ache.

Jen approaches with care, then bundles me close, and our bodies spark. Light jumps between our flesh, demonstrating the brightness of our energy. There is sweetness to her scent, notes I can’t identify, but her skin is fragrant and silken. The reassuring thump of her life force resounds in a delightfully regular pattern, and her warmth soothes me in a way I couldn’t have expected since I take my cues from the natural world.

Why does this feel so good?

Group Chat

December 7 | 18:27

Jeneticist: My turn for a game!

SquidHead: Oh no, it’s contagious.

JazzyPlum: I have more time today.

Stargazer: I knew I couldn’t be the only fun one.

FarfromHome: Reluctantly curious.

Seeker: I can’t wait to find out what you have in mind.

Jeneticist: I’m thinking Truth or Dare.

SquidHead: Ooh, spicy choice!

JazzyPlum: I’m in!

Stargazer: Count me in too.

FarfromHome: I’m not doing anything dangerous or silly.

Seeker: I’m unfamiliar with the rules, by the way.

Jeneticist: How have you never played Truth or Dare?

SquidHead: Some of us didn’t get invited to parties growing up, okay?

Stargazer: OK then, quick recap. If you’re picked, you choose Truth or Dare. Then you answer a question or do the dare. If you choose truth and then opt to pass on answering, you have to do TWO dares.