Page 2 of Gyft

“How do you know?”

We’ve never seen him. Every time he vids, he wears a hooded cloak that leaves his features in shadows.

“He has to be. His voice is so deep, so sexy.” Ever the romantic, Yvette sighs.

Actually, we only heard him once and couldn’t understand the language. The words he uttered, translated to English, scrolled across thebottom of the vid, but that was a problem in itself. To focus on reading the lower half of the screen, I wouldn’t have been able to study his alien form underneath the hood. Apparently, it’s their tradition to keep their looks hidden from their bride before marriage.

And that’s what I am. A not-so-traditional, mail order bride. I’d begged my father not to appoint me as “the one,” but his face looked haggard as he admitted there was no other choice.

The alien had chosenme. He has good taste, at least.

“I won’t do it.”

Yvette gasps. “You have to. Your dad decreed it.”

“I didn’t ask to be his daughter! And I certainly didn’t ask to be married off like this is some kind ofold... Victorian... Earth!” I snap.

“You’re so brave,” she agrees.

“Well, I don’t have a choice,” I utter dramatically. “Apparently, the alien wants the best.”

And my dear friend nods enthusiastically.

“But, dear Yvette,” I moan. “However will I live without you near my side?”

We’ve been best friends forever. We’ve gone through the matching clothes stage, the cute puppies in a purse stage, the hideous false eyelash stage. But that was so yesterday.

Her lip quivers because, trusty best friend that she might be, she doesn’t want to be shipped off to the horrible planet either.

“I can’t believe I’ll be an MOB,” I say.

Yvette looks blank.

I sigh at the poor ding-a-ling. “A mail order bride.”

Her expression clears.

“I won’t go without a fight,” I vow.

“Stay strong.” Yvette holds her pinky finger out so we can swear.

As we lock our little fingers together, I lean in to bury my face in her hair so the listening drones can’t pick up my words or record my lip movements. “I’m going to spin the coordinates dial when I get inthe pod. It’ll take me somewhere new. And if I lose my cherished life? They may try to replace me and come after the next best thing—you, my friend. So follow my lead and do the same.”

She gulps. “They can never replace you.”

I blink my tears away. “Such a dear, loyal friend.”

“Come, let’s get you looking your finest,” Yvette says. “These aliens will forever regret the beauty they lost by forcing your hand.” Then she shudders when she looks at my picked polish.

I’ve been a little distressed.

“Manicure first.”

After our mani/pedi—I sayourbecause of course Yvette does everything right along with me—she helps me dress in my wedding gown. I’ll be shipped off like a Christmas doll in a box.

With one difference.

We dyed my wedding dress black. Maybe the Kashians won’t understand the meaning, but my father certainly will.

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