Love in Troubled Times

by Gayle Riley

  They nodded, and I led the way. They seemed legitimately interested in what I showed them, and in a sense, this was almost like a date. They seemed to really want to know the difference between humans and their species, and while there were some key ones, including the fact that it seemed like they had the technology part down, we weren’t all that different.

  I brought them over to one of the bookstores, and soon, they went inside. They pored over the classic literature, and I watched with a smile on my face as they continued to gaze upon this.

  “Wow, this is amazing,” Nanel said.

  “Indeed. I never expected to find such great works here,” Xandra said.

  I was amazed by how much they knew about classic literature. Apparently, that’s something that you learn on their planet at a young age. We spent the rest of the day exploring the town, and while there wasn’t much else to really do besides go to the mall, I figured showing them the lake would be nice. I mean, that’s another major highlight of this place I guess. We went there, sitting on the benches and looking out. I sighed, feeling happy to at least have someone here this time around, but also a bit sad.

  “What’s wrong?” Nanel asked.

  “Oh nothing. It’s just… it feels weird. Like I expected us to be different, and in all honesty, I didn’t expect us to get along either. I’ve always been a bit of a science buff, always trying to find the various reasons for things, including why life is the way it is. I always thought if I ever did meet an alien, I’d just put on my logical facade, and not really connect with them on a deeper level. But when I’m around you two… it’s different. I don’t feel like I always have to play scientist,” I told them. A part of me thought about maybe exploring their own world, seeing what it was like there.

  “I get that. I feel happy as well. Humans are nice,” Nanel said.

  “Indeed. We were told that this place would be a final death knell if we came here and got stuck. But with you, it’s different. We like you a lot,” Xandra said.

  I blushed. I mean, I know they probably meant it in just a comrade sort of way, but this felt so nice. Even hearing that they liked me made me feel better.

  “I like you guys a lot too,” I said.

  “Have you thought about perhaps joining us on our journey back? We’re going to try to signal for a ship tomorrow, and hopefully, within a few days, we’ll be able to head back to where we belong,” Nanel said.

  That’s right. They would need to go back to where they belonged. I might never see them again. However, there were still many questions.

  “Right. I mean, I’ll miss you two. A lot,” I said.

  “The offer is still open if you want,” Xandra said.

  “I know you brought forward the offer, but honestly, I have a few questions,” I said.

  They looked at me with slight concern.

  “What is it?” Xandra asked.

  There were a few puzzling things that ate at me, especially with the threesome copulating. I don’t know how I could be a mate to both of them.

  “Well for starters, how the hell could I be a mate to both of you? Why do you desire a threesome coupling?” I asked.

  They paused, trying to figure out how to express this.

  “Both of us are stepbrothers, and we often share everything. We’ve heard some humans like to share more than one person, and on our planet, it’s a sign of wealth and intelligence to share a female mate between two males. I know it’s strange, but hopefully it doesn’t turn you off,” Nanel said.

  That was fucking weird. But I guess, that’s the way things are.

  “Yeah. Here we have something similar which isn’t for everyone. But maybe, there is a way to like two aliens,” I said. I mean, I did enjoy them both. I liked learning about who they were.

  “Indeed. Just remember Maya, if you so choose to be a part of our life, we’ll make sure that you’re gladly rewarded. We’ll take care of your education, show you the way of life on another planet, everything,” Nanel said.

  It was a tempting offer.

  “I do want to consider that. It’s just… I’m afraid. I’ve never felt strongly for another being before. It’s a very new thought. I’m a scientist. I’ve always focused on chemicals and the bodily process of how things come to be. I mean, I’m in school, so I’m still hesitant about even falling for another person. But when I think about it, with both of you, I do want that. It’s very strange,” I said.

  “You don’t need to respond right away. We’d love to bring you with us. Like we said earlier, while the mates on our planet might be fitting, they don’t have the intellect and power that a human does. If you choose to travel to our planet, we’ll make sure you’re not only set for life, but happy,” Xandra said.

  Happiness. That’s something I’ve yet to feel.

  “I would like that. my life is far from happy here,” I said.

  Despite being in a great school, having everything paid for, and doing what I love, I wasn’t happy. I craved affection, from anyone really. I hated getting into it, but I did think about that.

  “We can give that to you. that is, if you desire it,” Nanel offered.

  I contemplated this. Both of these aliens were charming. It was the first time I’ve ever felt a connection with another being. When I looked at them, I felt my heart thump, my body heat rise, and just the smallest of touches made me flush.

  But I was scared. I was scared of what might happen, especially if I leave.

  “I can’t answer this. Not yet,” I told them.

  They seemed disappointed, probably because they knew I was at odds with my feelings, but Xandra nodded, his face contorted into that of understanding.

  “I see. You have time to figure it out for yourself Maya. Do what makes you happy. Sometimes, the best way to find happiness is to change your life as you see fit,” he offered.

  Change my life as I see fit? Maybe he had a point.

  I did contemplate it. “Maybe. It’s just that I’ve put a lot of time into my education here. I mean, I doubt my parents would miss me. They’re never around anyways. Most of the time, they just come here, check on me for a day, and then leave. Part of it is they work a lot, but I also feel like there is more to this than expected. They probably just see me as a burden, and now that I’m an adult, I really don’t spend time with them. Course I rarely did even before then,” I said.

  “Really?” Xandra said.

  “Yeah. When I was a kid, they often would leave on these same trips. I did get some babysitters, which were alright I guess, but it wasn’t like a real childhood. I mean, I don’t really know if there is much to lose here, or if there is more to gain than anything if I leave,” I said.

  “Then do what’s right. I know humans say, ‘do as your heart says.’ I don’t understand it, but if that’s what helps you, then try that,” Xandra said.

  I chuckled at his grappling of understanding humans. However, I thought back to the debacle at hand, sighing.

  “That’s what worries me the most. The fact that I might never come back here again. I don’t know if it’ll have an impact on my life, but I’ll miss it,” I said.

  “Remember, you’re moving to a new place. If you want to continue your education, you certainly can. We’ll take care of you Maya,” Nanel said.

  I blushed. I knew they were serious about it. A part of me wanted to leave, but I also knew that it was the only life I knew. I shook my head, staring at both of them.

  “I can’t make my choice yet. Just give me time,” I said.

  “Of course. Just remember, we might not be here forever,” Xandra said.

  That’s right. The time ticked, and I knew that the risk that I would take sooner rather than later would change me. Was it worth it all? Or should I just cut this off while I had a chance? Of course, who knows if it’s even worth it to stay here. I knew I had a choice, and that this would be the choice that would change everything forever.

  Chapter 4

  I heard my parents get back
into town on that Monday. I moved the aliens out to my lab a few hours ago, and when they got back, I didn’t even get as much as a hello from either of them. I began to wonder if they even noticed that I was here.

  “Hello,” I said.

  “Hi,” my mother said.

  “So how was your trip?” I asked.

  “Fine. When do you go back to school?” my mother replied. It was obvious she didn’t want to make small talk. I began to frown, realizing how I didn’t belong here.

  “In a few weeks. Why?” I asked.

  “We’re selling the house,” my father added.

  I looked at them, shock settling in.

  “But why?” I asked.

  “We don’t even live here all that much. We figured we could just give you some money so you can get your own place. We’ll check on you every now and then, I guess,” my mother said.

  I felt angry when I heard that. I couldn’t believe they considered me as a sort of extra person, nothing more to them than just a guest in this house.

  “But I’m your daughter. I miss you guys,” I said.

  They looked at me, and I could feel the gaze boring into my skull.

  “We have jobs Maya. We don’t have time for that family sort of business. We’re both government agents, and if you don’t like it, then you can leave,” my father said.

  I looked at them, shock settling in.

  “For real?” I asked.

  “Yes. We don’t have time to baby you Maya. We didn’t really even want to have you. You’ve been here because of that, and honestly, if you disappeared, we would be fine with it,” my father said.

  I looked at them, feeling the words completely demolish my confidence.

  “I can’t believe you guys. You’re saying I was a mistake?” I asked. I felt as if all of the energy in my body sapped away. I knew my parents were rough with me, and they didn’t really like to show sympathy, but this hurt.

  They looked, and then, they sighed.

  “We’re leaving tomorrow. We’ll have the realtor set up a few people to look at the place. Once you head back, this place will be sold,” my mother told me.

  I couldn’t believe them. I wanted to scream, to tell them how terrible they were, how they only cared about themselves, but it’s always been like this. I’ve always had a home life without parents. It’s probably why I took up studying biology and the like. It gave me a reason to live, a reason to care for something other than myself, and in all honesty, I felt like burying myself in that work would suffice. I began to shiver, leaving the room with tears falling down my face. I didn’t know where to go. I could go to my room, but I felt like the lab might be a better place. I started to head over there, looking around to ensure that my parents wouldn’t show up. I began to unlock the door, and when I got in there, I saw Nanel making some strange sounds into a communicator. I was confused, but then Xandra motioned for me to stay quiet. I began to wonder if maybe, just maybe, they were planning on leaving. After a brief moment, he finally got off the phone, turning to me with concern.

  “You okay?” Nanel said.

  “No. Not really,” I told them. I didn’t know if they’d understand a situation such as my own. But at this point, it was better than nothing.

  Xandra and Nanel looked at each another, motioning for me to sit down. I did so, trying my best to hide the sniffling.

  “What’s the matter? I thought your parents were back. Shouldn’t you be spending time with them?” Xandra asked. He assumed that was what humans did.

  I shook my head, trying my hardest to compose myself, although failing.

  “That’s what you want to think. But truthfully, it’s actually not the case. Everything is going to shit,” I said.

  “Why is that?” Xandra asked.

  Do I throw this drama at them? Would they truly understand my predicament? I began to sigh, taking a chance and letting them know.

  “Well, I found out I’m actually permanently moving out of here at the end of summer. This is my last summer here. My parents are selling this place, even though I don’t want them to. I also found out that they never wanted me,” I said.

  “Whatever do you mean?” Xandra asked.

  “I mean what I say. They never wanted to have a child. They had me, and it explains why they haven’t made any effort to be a part of my life. It’s just hearing the truth about that makes me never want to come back here. I want to leave, I truly do, and honestly, I’m unsure of where to go. I feel like leaving might be my best option, but I don’t know where to start, where to begin, or even the best place to go. I’m scared,” I said.

  They listened. “I can’t believe a parent would do that,” Nanel said with anger.

  “I know that Genbu parents let their kids roam out of the home at a young age, but just saying something like that is wrong,” Xandra said.

  “Yeah. I mean, ours weren’t the best either. They kind of just left everything in our hands. But just hearing this frustrates me Maya. I don’t want to see you suffer,” Nanel said. He didn’t understand this feeling of emotion, but he let it in.

  I looked at them, seeing they were grappling with their feelings. I guess it’s time to explain the truth about human nature.

  “Remember when you said some humans are cruel? They’re an example of how bad the human race can become. I don’t really know what to do. I don’t have a future here. I also know they probably will stop putting money into my education. It’s just that I’m torn between leaving now and never looking back, or staying through the whole summer,” I said.

  They nodded, listening to my concern. Nanel moved closer to me, caressing my cheek, wiping the tears away. Even though he was in his human form, I could tell that he certainly did have a bit of a nervousness to touching me. I could feel the trepidation, but at the same time, I relaxed into the gesture, enjoying the concern.

  “If you want to leave, if you want to be happy, then do what you feel is right. Come with us. Honestly, I’ve been feeling some strange emotions as well. A sort of heat that I feel when I see you,” Nanel said.

  Hearing that surprised me. I felt the same way.

  “It might be affection. I don’t get it either,” Xandra said.

  “I know that. It’s weird. I’ve never felt love from anyone. My parents never loved me. It was all a sham. I’m a bit of a nerd and an outcast, so I’m not really the type to experience that emotion. With you two, I feel much happier and more comfortable. It’s strange,” I said.

  “We can make you feel better. If you choose to leave, you certainly can,” Xandra said.

  That was the problem. I didn’t know if I wanted to leave just yet. I awkwardly sighed, shuffling about and looking at them.

  “You guys would help me, right? Like get on my feet and such?” I asked.

  “But of course. You’re ours, and we’ll take great care of you. If you want to be our mate, you’ll have the utmost care,” Xandra said.

  Those words comforted me far more than anything else.

  “I know. I still need some time. All of this is overwhelming me,” I said. I didn’t even know what to do. I felt completely lost in my thoughts and feelings.

  “You have at least a week or two. Apparently, traveling to this place is a bit rough this time of the year. It might take time,” Xandra said.

  That was good. I smiled, embracing both of them, holding their bodies against my own.

  “Thank you. Even though we’re different, we’re so similar in a sense,” I said.

  “Indeed. That’s the beauty of the human race. We may act different around one another initially, but in a sense, it’s fitting,” Xandra replied.

  I felt warm when I heard that. After I pulled away, I headed on back to my room. My mother and father were already packing for the next trip, not even bothering to talk to me. A part of me wanted to call them out on that, to tell them how terrible of parents they were, but at the same time, I knew it wasn’t worth it.

  What was worth it, was to choose
the actions I would take next, to figure out what to do, and from there, choose my pathway, and the route I so choose to take, both to benefit myself, and to benefit others as well.

  Chapter 5

  I spent the next few days mostly in my room. My mother did come on by, asking me some very barbed questions about my lab. I doubt she figured out the aliens yet, and she wouldn’t. They’d be gone by the time she came back, myself as well. I mean, she told me that she did plan to fund my education, but I didn’t even know if that was possible.

  Of course, about a week later, I got a piece of mail confirming my suspicions. She didn’t. She was going to leave me with the debt, making me figure out how to pay for my semesters in college. I gripped the paper, anger flooding through my body. I hated this. I truly did, and I wanted nothing more than for this to just go away. Tears struck my eyes when I read the letter, saying that my payments to my school would be taken in by a loan company. I would have to take out a loan. My family didn’t care anymore, or at least the family I expected to have. I mean, I could try for scholarships, but at this point, what the hell was the use.

  I started to think about the life that I could have and what it could be. On the one hand, staying here would give me the sentimentality that I strove for, but at the same time, was it really, truly worth the hassle? I didn’t believe it was, nor did I expect it to really help me. I began to wonder if maybe, just maybe, I should just leave. The concept of leaving actually didn’t bother me as much as it should have. Instead, I began to shiver in anticipation. I began to wonder if leaving this place behind would really be damaging. It’s not like my family would care. I didn’t have friends that I was connected with, and at the same time, I feel like my skills could be used on this planet.

  I was also guaranteed an education by them. And help. And possibly love. All of that seemed so much better. I began to look at the options I had, and in truth, I started to realize that maybe this was the right sort of action. Going with them, becoming their mate, I mean they were attractive as all hell, and with the little flirting touches and looks, I began to realize the truth. The heat in my body every time I imagined them said it all.