Page 95 of I Think I’m in Love with an Alien

Jaz watches until they move out of our line of sight. “I was never uneasy until right now. I’ve been here for ten years, and this has bothered me the most.”

Ravik inclines their head. “I have dwelled here the longest, but I never lose the sense that my safety could be compromised at any moment.”

Poppy takes a step toward them, lifting a hand as if she wants to offer a comforting touch, but then she lowers her arm. “I’m so sorry you live that way.”

“It’s not simply being here,” Ravik says quietly. “My sense of personal security was decimated long ago.”

Tad sighs. “I guess it’s getting to be that time.”

I nod. “We need to get going. The car is already packed.”

“This has been epic,” Tad says.

“Best con ever,” Poppy agrees. She pulls out her phone, taps on the screen, and grins. “But we’ve got the group chat. We’ll keep the spirit alive until next year.”

“Or until we crash at each other’s places,” I suggest.

While Seeker remains quiet, Tad nods at once, like he’s already planning a road trip in his head. Jaz and Ravik both hesitate, probably for different reasons.

Then Ravik says, “I have a large residence. I could host everyone.”

“Where do you live anyway?” Poppy asks.

“The mountains of Tennessee.”

Seeker stills. “That’s where I was supposed to…” He stops speaking.

I can fill in the blank, though. That was where he was supposed to get on a shuttle from the tourism agency. And leave Earth forever. The shuttle that never arrived.

“Interesting coincidence,” Tad says.

I don’t know if that’s the word I’d choose. The difference between coincidence and fate is unclear to me. In the end, I’ll take whatever I can have. I care about him so much; I’ll make the most of the time we have together. Not everyone gets to live their dream this way, meeting a love from beyond the stars.

“Group hug?” I open my arms, conscious of a poignant tug.

Everyone piles in at once, even Ravik. Tad is the tallest, towering over the rest of the group, and he wraps his long arms around everyone from the back. Poppy lets out a happy sigh while Seeker glances at me for confirmation that we’re doing it right, like there’s a wrong way.

Jaz steps back first. “This was something I needed so much. Thank you all.”

She doesn’t need to articulate what she’s thanking us for. We all know. It’s for believing in them and our friendship—for learning something wild and extraordinary and keeping our cool. Keeping their secrets.

But that’s what friends do. It feels amazing to have real-life friends again. I’ve been lonely for a long time, but it’s better now. I still miss Nina, but she made her choice years ago. And I do hope she’s happy.

“Talk to you soon,” Tad says, tapping his phone.

With final waves all around, the group parts ways, each heading to their own vehicles. I realize then that I don’t know how Ravik or Jaz got here. It’s impossible for them to get a driver’s license; they can’t get photos taken on-site. Maybe they have fake ones? Ravik did mention having flirted their way out of a speeding ticket, but that doesn’t mean they have a license. Possibly Jaz uses ride-sharing or public transportation to get around? Seeker seems to walk everywhere if he’s not with me.

“Home?” Seeker cuts into my thoughts as we reach the car.

It’s amazing that he’s already using that word. He hasn’t even seen the place. I hope the accommodations—and I—live up to expectations.

“Home,” I agree.

34

Seeker

The journey is much faster in a private vehicle.