Page 51 of Whisked Away By the Alien

“Do you think you’re going to meet another guy as caring and good as Stenikov? He loves you, Golda. And you’re not getting any younger.”

Okay, this one’s on me. I engaged her in detailed conversation. Might as well leap into the lion’s den, full force. “He’s leaving Earth in two days.”

“Go with him.”

My mouth drops open in shock, and then I realize she’s not surprised. At. All.

“He told you?”

“He said nothing to me, but you can’t afford to pass up on a good man.”

“And you don’t care that he’s an alien?”

“Alien schm-alien, you can still raise the kids Jewish.”

I can’t believe we’re talking kids. Or about me leaving Earth. Or even religion, as if that’s what’s important here. “You’re talking like I’ve been dating the guy for years and passed up a marriage proposal. I just met him.”

“Not all marriages are for love. Some are arranged and they work out because both the man and woman learn to love one another over time. Of course, it’s easier if you find the man attractive. Stenikov has a fine body, Golda.” She winks at me. Please tell me I’m having a brain hemorrhage and didn’t just see that.

My mom lifts her eyebrows in a suggestive manner as if she’s one of my roommates and not my mom. “Don’t tell me you haven’t noticed.”

I’m starting to wonder where the real Gertrude Birnbaum is, if maybe aliens have come down and swapped her out with this woman who’s trying to convince me to leave my family and disappear into space. Except leaving with aliens is something she expects ofme.

“A man like that has needs. He won’t wait around forever for a woman like you.”

A woman like me. And there we have it, Ladies and Gents, we’re back to my weight. Or my age. Or my supposed lack of goals. She thinks I deserve better than working in a warehouse, doing inventory and bookkeeping for a bunch of unappreciative assholes. I do, but what career path I take is my choice, no one else’s.

“I’m not having this conversation, Mom.”

“Good, because I have to get groceries for dinner. Golda,” Her tone turns serious. “Find Stenikov. Tell him you’re going with him.” She grabs her coat again and her burlap shopping bag. “I’ll buy extra food and we’ll have a big party as a sendoff.”

“Honestly, Mom, are you trying to get rid of me? Am I that much of a burden to you and this family?”

She holds my face in her hands. “My sweet baby girl, you are not a burden to anyone, and we love you very much. Open your eyes, my Goldala, and see what you’re about to throw away. Sometimes we only have one chance at love in this life. I don’t want you to miss yours. Stop making excuses, pack your bags, and go build a life with a man who loves you.”

Loves me? Does he?

And do I love him enough to give up my family and my world?

These are the questions I have to answer.

I kiss my mom goodbye, grab my coat, and race out of the brownstone. I have to figure out what Sten means to me… and what I mean to him.

* * *

STENIKOV

When Mr. Birnbaumand I return to his home, I peel off my jacket and immediately catch several scents. Mrs. Birnbaum has been cooking, and she’s already lit the menorah… with six plus the helper candle. Her sholan found and bought red candles for her. Yesterday, I witnessed the expression on Mrs. Birnbaum’s face… love for such a simple act, even though she’d objected to red candles a few days ago. Apparently, Earth females often change their minds for not discernable reason. It’s quite confusing.

Mixed in with the scent of food and burning candles hovers the most decadent scent of all… Golda. Her bouquet imprinted on my brain the moment I met her.

Golda was here. This fills me with hope that she is not lost to me.

I remember my first day in this home, helping her in the kitchen. I bonded with her long before my mating cock rose, before I knew she was my sholani. I need to tell her how I feel about her, how I’ve felt about her since the moment we met.

When I grab my jacket, Mrs. Birnbaum points to a chair. “Sit.”

“I have something I must do. I will return shortly.”

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