MARIA
My tears drip into my coffee cup.
Callie seems to know I’m upset and she hops up onto the chair next to me, rubbing against my arm. I stroke her soft fur as she purrs.
“I’m half-Hedian, the love of my life is about to be killed and my Mom is trapped on an alien planet. I’m definitely unlucky, Cal.” I sniff.
She stares at me with her green eyes and then jumps off the chair as there’s a loud knock at the door.
My heart quickens as I run to the door, hoping against hope that T’zak will be standing there. I drag it open and it’s just the mailman, holding out an envelope that I have to sign for.
I sigh, sign the form and take the envelope. I rip it open as I walk to the kitchen. The letter inside informs me that I’ve won the competition. I stare at it blankly. This means I can pay off my loan and spend the next couple of years making documentaries. I should be delighted. Three days ago, this was all I ever wanted.
Except now I just feel nothing. Nothing matters except T’zak.
How can I stay here while he’s being executed?
I turn around, dropping the letter and flinging the front door open. I’m just wearing my robe but I don’t care as I run as fast as I can in the direction of The Crux. It’s still early enough that the streets are mostly empty, apart from a dog walker and the mailman going from house to house.
I collide with a huge figure as I run around the corner.
He catches me and I look up. It’s T’zak. I put my arms around him, sobbing.
“I thought you were dead.” I squeeze him as tight as I can.
“Maria. I was coming to tell you, Biek also kept a secret from me. The test was not the test we thought it was. It is a test to see if you love humans. And I do. I love you.” His voice is deep and wonderful.
“I love you too.” I reach up to kiss him and his hands reach under my robe. I want to stay here, kissing him in the morning sun, forever.
I break away for a second. “Can I make you a coffee? My neighbor is watching us and I’m afraid I might have an orgasm on the spot right here. You really are an incredible kisser.”
“Yes. Coffee is the second thing I like most on this earth, after you. And cats. I am fascinated by them.” He laughs.
“I have plenty of both. Come with me, big guy.” I take his hand and we walk back to the house.
The warmth of his hand echoes the warmth inside me. T’zak is here with me and it’s all going to be okay.
I’m in love with an alien and I can’t get enough.