Page 48 of Whisked Away By the Alien

“I can’t believe we’re halfway through the holiday.” She repeats the blessing I’ve heard each night this week. Words I do not know but she recites with love as she lights each candle.

As I curve my arms around her, we watch the tiny flames in silence. I wonder what she’s thinking. When she leans her head back against my chest, life is perfect. I’d stay here forever with her, if I could.

“Sholani, my orders have changed. I’m leaving New York.”

She falls silent as she stares at the flickering flames. They burn bright and steady, but unlike our connection, they will not last. I hold her tighter, not sure what she’s thinking.

She leans into me, placing her arms atop mine. She’s not ready to let go. My heart soars with hope.

“California’s so far, Sten, but we’ll figure it out.”

My heart tightens. She doesn’t understand. “No, Golda. Not California. In four days, I’m leaving for Zyan.”

* * *

GOLDA

Staring out the window,I discover it didn’t snow last night. Not even a light dusting. Why I’m focused on the weather, I’m not sure. Maybe it’s because it’s too painful to face reality right now.

I’ve gone from the highest of highs as he made love to me, to the lowest of lows with his revelation. He launched me into the clouds and then let go without any warning, any safety net. I’m plunging back to Earth, crashing into the cold ocean, and sinking to the deepest recesses.

He’s leaving.

“You mean you’re leaving for a visit, right? To see your family?” I grab hold of other possibilities, hoping this is nothing more than a miscommunication.

“I’ve been reassigned to a base on Zyan.”

“That doesn’t make any sense. Your commander sent you to my family to learn about humans, to better understand us.”

“Yesterday, I received new orders. I will still interact with humans, but as a marshal on Zyan. The marshals of GI7 work on various worlds. There’s a growing number of humans on Zyan, making it a good location to settle some of our protected witnesses. This is why my commander is transferring me there. He feels I have taken too long acclimating to Earth and would be a better fit back on Zyan.”

“Tell him you can’t go!” I grab a sweatshirt and sweatpants from my dresser and shove my limbs into the clothing. This is a decision that I have no say in, no input but that doesn’t mean I have to be logical. I have every right to be selfish. This is Sten. Ican’tlose him.

“I cannot disobey orders.”

I realize what’s eating at me besides the fact that I’m losing him. “You deceived me,” I shout.

“I’m telling you the truth. I would never lie to you.”

“You knew you were leaving.Beforewe slept together. And you didn’t tell me.”

His horns move back. “I wasn’t sure how to tell you.”

“No, you thought you’d worm your way into my bed, one last conquest on Earth before going home.” I’m being totally unreasonable but I can’t think clearly. I told him I didn’t want a one-night stand. He doesn’t care.

“I understand leaving Earth will be hard for you since your family is here.”

“What do you mean? I’m not leaving Earth.”

“But you are my sholani. We are meant to be together. You will come with me. To Zyan.”

He wants me to leave Earth… to leave my parents, Bubbe, Rachel, Sadie… “I can’t leave my family, and you know it. This is just some excuse, to make it seem like you’re doing the honorable thing by saying you’ll take me with you. You used me!”

“Golda, we are heartmates.”

“Empty words!” I’m not sure what he’s saying anymore. Or whatI’msaying. Nothing makes sense. I only know I love him and he’s leaving.

I shove his clothing at him. “Take your jacket, your knives, and go. It’s what you’re good at, right?”

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