Page 53 of Sky Song
Chapter 9
The lights were on in Mr. Sulys’ house when Cricket came home. The drapes were pulled tight to prevent seeing inside, with the stripes showing on the thick fabric. She had a mind to knock on his door to check how Hipper had survived his ordeal, but decided against it. Mr. Sulys wouldn't tell her anything, protective of his reputation if not his pet. Besides, she was still angry at him for his shitty attitude.
The warm wind blew, and she inhaled the fragrant air. Summer had surreptitiously arrived. More flowers went into bloom, exotic and different, defying Cricket’s imagination with their looks and fragrance, even after her six years here. It was perfect and enchanting. Summers here always were, so perfect they were like a fairy tale. It was during the magic of Meeus summer, that Cricket missed cold, temperamental Earth the most. She made a note to tell mama. It was important, that connection to her old self.
As she was opening her door, she noted that Hipper was quiet next door, which indicated that Lyle was at large. This man - alien - just wouldn't stay put, completely disregarding the fact that Meeus, and Shadush in particular, didn't want him roaming around. Was he aware of it when he went out? Absolutely. Did he care? Not particularly.
And he went out all the time. What was he doing? If she were stuck on an alien planet due to circumstances, her entire,sole goal would have been to find a way to contact her people and organize a ride out.
Her traitorous heart lurched at the thought of him leaving.
Maybe that was what he was doing when he wasn’t with her, looking for a way out. Yet she suspected he wasn’t. Moreover, he avoided detection, like hedidn’twant to leave, not yet…
The door to the left opened, and Paloma emerged.
“Hey, neighbor.”
Paloma was dressed in her customary hooded top but swapped the sweatpants for leggings that molded to the shapely legs. Mismatched sneakers encased her feet, a ridiculous look Paloma somehow made cute.
“Hey yourself.” It didn’t escape Cricket that Paloma reverted back to neighbors from calling her a friend during the corralling of Hipper. “Going out?”
“Yep, going to Atticus. I really need to unwind after a stressful day at the daycare.”
“Kids misbehave?”
“Parents misbehave.” Paloma’s beautiful face looked tired.
Cricket hesitated but in the end let the impulse to hug her go. “Well, have fun.”
“I will.”
She was halfway through the door when Paloma called to her.
“Listen, I… don’t want to be intrusive, but I meant to ask.” Her purple eyes searched Cricket’s face. “Ever since that alien delegation, you’ve seemed a bit tense. Is everything alright?”
Cricket’s gaze shifted away from Paloma’s face, a dead giveaway for sure. “Yes, yes. Everything’s alright.”
Paloma’s eyes wouldn’t drop, and there was hardness in them.
“You haven’t seen alien strangers anymore, have you?”
It was quickly becoming difficult to bear this probing regard. “Not since that one time. Have you?”
“No,” Paloma said slowly. “Hipper has been noisy lately. And he got so scared he escaped - something triggered him.”
“Yeah. I mean, I don’t know.” It was like talking to a strict parent after a misdeed. Damn, she should learn to be a better liar. Apparently, she needed it.
“Will you tell me if you see aliens again?”
Cricket’s head came up. “Tell you?”
Paloma climbed the two stairs that separated them and took her by the hand. “I’m concerned, Emma-Cricket.” Her eyes softened. “Something is going on, I can feel it. I’m worried about you.”
Cricked gave Paloma’s hand an answering squeeze. “I’m tougher than I look, neighbor.”
A corner of Paloma’s mouth went up. “Copy that, neighbor.”
“I… appreciate it. I really do, Paloma.” She was touched. And scared that her neighbor noticed something that wasn't meant for her to notice. “Thankfully, I don’t need any help.”
