Page 68 of I Think I’m in Love with an Alien

“I consume protein powder derived from soy. And water. Many ingredients are toxic to me, and your cuisine tends to be quite complex.”

“Hmm. Maybe I can figure out a way to cook for you. If you decide to go with me. There are recipes focused on people with allergies who can only have very limited ingredients.”

Warmth blossoms within me. “You would do that? For me?”

“Of course! It wouldn’t even be that difficult. I’ll start the research tomorrow.”

“Speaking of tomorrow, do you have a plan for our activities?” She’s been looking forward to this event for months.

And I’ll accompany her wherever she wishes.

“I was hoping people will want to pause on con stuff and go to the UFO Museum. It’s a must-see when you’re in Rellows. It has all the town history, newspaper articles, alleged artifacts. They even built a life-size reproduction of the alleged crashed ship.”

“That sounds most enjoyable.”

“Awesome. I knew you’d be interested. You can confirm if they got any details right.”

Based on what I’ve seen so far, that’s highly implausible. Humans are wildly inventive and often chaotic, but their predictions about the larger galaxy generally don’t match my lived experience. I settle on top of the covers as Jen nestles in. As long as the room is warm enough to sustain my body temperature, I do not require concealment or nesting materials for comfort.

I shift my nictitating membrane so I can savor her colors in this spectrum. She is radiant, shimmering orange and gold with hits of red. Just when I think Jen cannot become more beautiful, I see her anew, a luster known only to me. Her breathing steadies, becoming lighter.

I think she’s drifting off when I hear her voice in the dark. “Seeker?”

“Yes?”

“Do you dream?”

“Not as humans understand it.” I could tell her about memory walking. I will, but it’s a long and detailed explanation. Not to be discussed now, when she needs to rest.

“Huh.” It’s like she’s sleepily, randomly asking questions, whatever floats into her tired mind. “Why didn’t you rent something more permanent? You had the legal means.”

Each month, I chose a new locale near the mountain rendezvous point, hoping my comm device would light with news from the agency. They will return soon. That’s what I told myself each time I sought new shelter. And every time, I was wrong.

“Because I didn’t intend to stay this long,” I whisper.

“And now?”

“I’m not sure I have any choice in the matter.”

Private Chat

February 14 | 17:22

Jeneticist: You there?

Seeker: Where else would I be?

Jeneticist: You have a life! You might have a date.

Seeker: Well, I don’t. What’s on your mind?

Jeneticist: First off, Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️

Seeker: Thank you. ❤️

Seeker: But you didn’t answer my question.

Jeneticist: You ever feel like you’re just…not made for this planet?