Page 7 of My Brother's Alien Match
The monotony wasn’t enough for me to keep my mind off of Taylor though, and when my phone vibrated halfway through our meeting, it became painful to continue without tearing my drawer open and checking if he had messaged me.
Despite myself, two of my tentacles snaked up to the drawer and rested on the handle, simply waiting. The ones draped behind the back of my chair that were hidden from view, twisted anxiously together.
For two hours I worked through the issues he was having staying on Earth and helped him file what was needed. Somehow, I was able to find the resolve to keep my attention on business until the matter wasfinallysettled.
The moment the Harrow was pulling open the office door to leave, I was yanking the drawer open with eager appendages.
I reached in, snatching it up with my hands and flicking it on. Taylor's name shined on the screen. I opened the message, reading breathlessly.
Sometimes, people want more but they're afraid to admit it. They're afraid to jump into a relationship in case it doesn’t work out and they get disappointed. I guess that's what it means when people say they aren't sure. They don't want to commit in case it goes wrong.
Sorry. Total random message to spring on you. I just have a lot of time to think while I’m at work today.
You're probably busy. I'll leave you alone.
I stared at the words, a tremble starting at the tips of my tentacles and moving up my body.
This was my Sul. I could feel it. After all these years I had finally found him.
Hands shaking, I typed a reply.
Please do not leave me alone.
I remained still as the dead, staring at the screen. Eventually, I raked a tentacle through my hair, trying to calm myself. He might be busy. He might not feel what I did through the phone.
Are you busy?
His question brought me back to the reality of the moment. I was supposed to have more meetings today. But I wouldn’t. There would be no way for me to concentrate. The most important moment of my existence was happening right now.
No.
As I typed the answer, I rose from the human armchair. It was barely large enough for me. I spilled off all the edges, but it was comfortable enough that I didn’t bother to replace it. Still, rising and stretching all my limbs as I moved to the door felt good. I felt like I could fly away.
I opened the door, finding Eeda sitting at her desk, typing quickly on her computer. She looked at me without pausing.
“Your next appointment should be here any minute now,” she informed me.
“Cancel it,” I said. “I have found my Sul.”
She gasped, her fingers finally stopping their constant rhythm.
“You have?” she demanded, lifting seamlessly off the chair and sweeping toward me with bright, excited eyes. “How?”
“This app.”
Her brows rose.
“Wow. How lucky.”
“It is not luck,” I said. “It was my time. Finally, after lifetimes.”
Having another Nisank with me was a comfort at a time like this. She understood my excitement and felt it from me, and I felt hers pouring out, mingled with a touch of yearning. With her hands, she clasped my arms warmly.
“I am so very happy for you,” she said.
“You will find your Sul soon,” I told her.
She smiled.
