Page 74 of Alien Haven

Sara regarded her with warmth. “Listen to me. You’re an adult, as you keep pointing out to Groteg. Your reasons for remaining on Haven strike me as valid, so you should. But you must be fully aware of how dangerous your situation is. You can’t downplay how bad it could get over amaybe.”

Charity heard Sara’s urgency. She respected it, since her friend…another friend she was desperate to stay close to…had seen the worst.

“I’ve lived some horrific shit myself. I’ve been in similar danger before and nearly paid a terrible price.” She spoke slowly, feeling the words to be sure she chose the right ones. “The difference then was I had no choice. I don’t think I’ve ever had a choice until now.” She sat up straight too, mimicking Sara’s stance, looking her in the eye. “I can tell you with complete assurance I’ve weighed the consequences between body, heart, and soul. I’ve made my decision: I choose Haven.”

Sara smiled. “Give me one more stab at playing devil’s advocate. If you can tell me your solution to this detail, I’ll support you to my utmost ability.”

“Okay?”

“If it ends up you’ve found clanmates, or better yet, the loves of your life in Ilid, Detodev, and Mitag, this is where they’ve committed to live. On the place you’ve dubbed Planet Farm Hell. What happens to your education and future career as an astronomer in such a scenario?”

Charity grinned, unabashed that at some point Sara had overheard her denigrate Haven. She was too pleased to have discovered a worthy reply for her host. Of all the considerations, the answer to both issues had been among the first she’d figured out. “Let me tell you of the message our friend and consummate troublemaker ‘Jennifer’ sent to a certain Kalquorian governmental department last night.”

* * * *

Sara agreed Charity had given her good reasons to support her determination to stay on Haven. She gave the younger woman the green light to escape the farm prior to Groteg’s return from work. Avoiding a confrontation with the well-meaning and protective Nobek set the stage for a perfect night.

“I have the feeling you and the boys will be having a heart-to-heart talk, so I won’t wait up.” Sara grinned before she sent Charity off in the farm’s battered but serviceable spare shuttle.

“You’re as bad as Ilid’s mom and Imdiko father when it comes to playing matchmaker,” Charity teased.

“I’m remembering the happy rush of new love, I suppose.” Sara’s look turned wistful.

After comming Ilid, Charity arrived at the house his parents had rented. She and the handsome Dramok had little time to do much talking of even the casual sort. Diju barely let her get inthe door before urging her toward a spare bedroom no one was using.

Ilid tried to intervene. “Can I at least say hello before you abduct my date?”

“Of course.” Diju paused, her hand on Charity’s arm, which she’d been tugging. “Say hello to him, Jennifer.”

“Hello Ilid,” Charity giggled. It was impossible not to be amused when his fathers were snickering in the background.

“Hello. How—”

“We agreed on hello. Nothing more.” Diju resumed pulling Charity away.

“Mother!”

“You can have her later. I need another woman to talk to for a change.” Diju ignored his protests and sequestered herself and Charity in the pleasant but nondescript guest room, shutting the door in Ilid’s face.

She turned to beam at Charity. “There. Oh, what did you bring?” She eyed Charity’s dress bag greedily.

Unable to stop laughing, Charity showed her the cute dress sporting a flouncy skirt she’d decided on for the night. “It’s too much for a night out in Sunrise, but Mitag will be dressed up too, assuming he survived the hayseed wedding reception this afternoon.”

“So pretty!” Diju’s delight gave up room for a pout. “I tried to take Ilid to buy something special for tonight, but he said the outfits he’d brought would do. Men.”

“From our conversation yesterday, I believe he’s trying to put Detodev at ease. Our resident farmhand doesn’t do fancy.”

“Ah. That makes sense. He probably can’t afford much on his salary, and you don’t step on a Nobek’s pride.” Pride shone in Diju’s purple eyes. “My son is so considerate.”

“He was brought up right.” Charity winked.

“Don’t think I’m belittling Detodev. He’s a terrific man, and farming is a noble career. He isn’t much for smiles or talking, but few Nobeks are. I so hope…” Diju’s voice faltered as she caught herself.

“They’ve made a decent start.” Charity couldn’t resist raising her hopes. “With Mitag too.”

Diju’s expression took on a pleading quality. “Jennifer, I’m sorry I’ve been pushy. You’re so sweet, so adorable, and I can tell Ilid cares for you. I realize you have plans to return to school later, but I can’t help wanting my son to have the fresh start and happiness he deserves. Forgive me for being unable to stop from convincing you to see him as…as…”

Her hands fluttered. Tears filled Charity’s vision as she wondered what hopes her own mother might have held for her had she lived to see her daughter grown. Faith had often told her and Hope, “No matter the paths my girls take, I’ll be happy as long as you’re happy. It’s my greatest dream for you.”

---