Equinox

by L. J. Higgins

“Try to get into my head and trick me into saying the opposite to what I mean,” I said.

  He smiled. “Because it’s fun watching you get all angry and frustrated.”

  “Hilarious,” I replied.

  “Is the bet on or not? Or are you doubting your fifteen years of earthly knowledge?”

  I looked up into the sky again, a few thick white clouds but nothing said, ‘I’m about to bucket down’. “You’re on.”

  “Hope you like sleeping on old, saggy couches,” he said.

  “I think I’ll be quite comfy in the bed, thank you.”

  Loose strands of hair clung to my wet face as rain hammered us from all sides. The sky rumbled violently, and lightning flickered through the darkness. Where the storm had come from, I had no idea. It’d crept quickly up behind us as we walked until suddenly the sky was a thick black. Deep rumbles filled the bushland, and a cool wind whipped around us.

  Reece had a smug grin plastered across his face, despite the whip of wind and the fact we were soaked through. It made me want to stick my foot out and trip him over to face plant in the mud. Instead, I kept my eyes down and forward, determined to get to his safe house and out of the downpour sooner rather than later.

  He turned and spoke, but a round of thunder stole his words, and I shook my head. He pointed ahead of us, a single light barely visible in the distance.

  My eyes widened at the sight, and he nodded. It was the safe house.

  After trudging through the storm, the prospect of being warm and dry stole away any bitterness I’d had about losing our bet. I’d be perfectly happy sleeping on a couch as long as I had a decent meal and a warm shower beforehand. We picked up pace, and I followed Reece, our boots splashing up mud as we ran towards the light.

  As we neared, I could make out the dark outline of a small home, one window alight. As we approached, Reece slowed his steps and beckoned me to follow suit. He crouched a little as he moved towards the house cautiously, taking his weapon from his back. I drew my own weapon as we approached an unlit window, and Reece stood to peer through.

  He waved his hand towards the front of the house, and we remained crouched, facing the front door. When we arrived, I hid behind him, and he knocked on the door three times.

  Lightning lit up the world around us for a brief moment, followed by a loud crash of thunder. The door opened, and Reece’s shoulders dropped. He swung his gun over his shoulder, and he stepped out from where we hid and greeted the elderly woman in the doorway. I slung my own gun over my shoulder and followed them inside.

  The relief from being out from the stinging rain was instant as we stepped into the house, water puddling at our feet.

  “Goodness me, let me get you both a towel,” the old woman said before disappearing.

  We stood in a small dining room, leading into a slightly bigger lounge room. A wooden dining table with four chairs sat in front of us, and to our left was a kitchen with only two green benches. It wasn’t very big, but I imagined it was plenty big enough if this woman lived alone.

  “I take it this is your friend?” I whispered to Reece.

  “Yes, dear,” said the lady as she appeared in front of us. She wore a long white and blue nighty that accentuated the deep blue of her eyes. Her white hair was short and curly, and there wasn’t much of her but skin and bone. “Here, take a towel. You must both be freezing.”

  I took the fluffy pink towel and wrapped it around me, trying to soak off the bulk of the water to avoid leaving a wet trail through her home.

  “Leave the water. I’ll clean it up while you have a shower,” she said. “My name’s Betty, by the way.”

  “Thank you so much for having us, Betty,” Reece said.

  “You gave me a fright when I saw you in that black uniform. I nearly closed the door in your face to grab my gun before I recognised those big blue eyes. Reece here used to come visit me quite regularly before he disappeared on a special project. I didn’t realise it involved being a hunter.”

  “It was definitely complicated. But, we’re here now,” he said.

  “So you are. And who have you brought with you… a hunter?”

  I swallowed hard at her words.

  “This is Ky. She’s Tyson’s little sister.”

  Betty’s crinkled eyes widened. “You don’t say. Now you mention it, you do have your brother’s ice blue eyes and thick black hair. They say blue eyes are a sign of cleverness.” She gave me a wink.

  “You’ve met my brother?” I asked.

  “Only a couple of times. He usually sends someone like Reece to drop off supplies and give me word of what’s happening.”

  Tyson had been in her house. A few days walk, and he could’ve been standing out the front of Skywatchers. But he hadn’t come. He hadn’t saved me.

  “Sorry, Betty. I look forward to catching up, but we’ve had a big few days and could use a warm shower and decent meal,” said Reece.

  “Of course. Why don’t you get Ky a fresh towel and show her where the shower is while I get some dinner on?”

  Reece led me past the dining table and through the lounge where there was a small television and a saggy brown three-seater couch. Beside it was a recliner that had been used so much Betty’s outline was visible. A few more steps, and we were at the bathroom door.

  “You okay?” he asked.

  “To shower by myself?” I replied. “I certainly don’t want your help.”

  “That’s not what I meant. There are more towels in the tall cupboard there if you want a fresh one. Let me know when you’re done. I’ll help Betty get started with dinner.”

  “Meteorologist, and he cooks,” I said. “You’re quite the catch.”

  “You thought so once,” he replied before turning away and leaving me.

  His reply felt like a punch to the gut, but I pushed the feeling away and grabbed out a towel. I peeled off my wet clothing and stepped into the shower.

  The warmth of the water soothed away my aches and pains and warmed the chill in my bones. I stood under the shower head, letting the water drown out the noise of the storm outside. It only made my thoughts louder. Did this woman know what I’d done? What I’d been? I was sure the black Skywatchers uniform had given it away, but she knew Reece. Maybe she thought I was as innocent as he was?

  Chapter Four

  I lingered in the shower for longer than I needed. The thought of facing Betty, and her discovering the truth about my past, kept me under the warm water. But I couldn’t hide forever. There would be many more people to face, including my brother.

  As I stepped out of the shower, I found a pile of clothes folded neatly by the door. I prayed the frosted glass had hidden me from whoever had delivered them, but it was refreshing to pull on a light white cotton shirt and blue cotton long pants. When was the last time I’d worn anything but black?

  I finished drying my hair and pulled the door open to find Betty approaching the doorway.

  “There’s a spare hairbrush in the top drawer, sweetheart.” She ambled past me into the bathroom and opened the draw, pulling out the hairbrush and holding it towards me. “Oh, and a toothbrush, too, for after dinner.”

  “Thank you,” I replied, taking the hairbrush from her.

  She sat a yellow toothbrush on the sink for later.

  “Did you enjoy your shower?” she asked.

  “Very much, thank you. I didn’t want to come out.”

  “You definitely smell much better.” She smiled.

  I gave her a smile back.

  “I can tell you’re nervous, but I promise you’re safe here. I’ll go finish up dinner so you and Reece can have some food in your bellies before you hit the hay.” She made her way back out of the room.

  “Thank you,” I said again.

  I watched as she made her way towards the kitchen before turning to the mirror and brushing out the knots in my long dark hair. By the time I finished, I was surprised there was still hair on my head with the amount stuck in the brush. I threw the
loose strands in the bin and made my way out to the dining area.

  Reese sat at the small wooden table, watching as Betty cooked over the stove. The smell of meat filled my nose, and my mouth instantly began to salivate. I drew in the aroma, my stomach grumbling.

  Reece turned and smiled. “Feeling better?”

  “You have no idea,” I replied.

  “You’re right. Give me twenty, and hopefully, I’ll feel the same. You okay with Ky, Betty?” asked Reece.

  “Of course, sweetheart. You go have a shower. You’re stinking out the place.”

  Now Betty had mentioned it, there was an undertone of damp, smelly socks to the room. Was that what I’d smelled like? Reece gave me another smile and made his way past me to the bathroom.

  “Can I help at all?” I offered Betty.

  “I’m pretty much done, sweetheart. Have a seat at the table. I’ll join you in a moment.”

  I did as she asked, sliding out the wooden chair and sitting on its tied green cushion. Resting my hands on the table, I twiddled my fingers, my knees bouncing beneath me.

  “I hope you like steak and vegetables. If I’d had warning, I could’ve made you a lovely roast, but it was quite a surprise finding you both at my door earlier.” Betty pulled out her own chair and sat at the table.

  “I’d eat almost anything after living off tinned spaghetti for the past few days,” I replied. “What you’re cooking smells amazing.”

  “I wonder how long you’ll be staying. I could always make a roast tomorrow night,” she mused.

  “I’m just following Reece, so you’d have to ask him,” I said.

  “So, you’re one of his kind then, are you?” she asked.

  My eyes dropped to my hands on the table. “No. I’m human… are you a…?”

  “No. I’m human, too. But I’ve been a sympathiser from the start as was my late husband. We dedicated the last two and a half years to helping them stay safe until they could find a way to return to their own planet. Imagine being in a foreign place where you find yourself being hunted by those evil Skywatchers.” She shook her head in disappointment.

  My stomach twisted.

  “Why were you and Reece dressed in their uniforms, anyway?” she asked.

  “Hey, what are we talking about?” Reece walked around the corner, running his hand through his damp blonde hair.

  I shot a thankful glance his way, glad he hadn’t spent too long in the shower.

  “You had a quick shower,” Betty said. “I barely got a chance to talk to Ky.”

  “Don’t let me stop you,” he replied, giving me an apologetic look.

  “That’s okay. Dinner’s ready, so I’ll plate it up.” Betty rose from her chair and made her way into the kitchen.

  Reece sat beside me and waited until Betty started clanging and banging around the cupboards.

  “You okay?” he asked.

  “She wanted to know why we were dressed like Skywatchers hunters,” I whispered in reply.

  “You can tell her. She’ll understand,” he said.

  “Will she? She just told me how evil they are,” I replied.

  “Here you go.” Betty slid a plate of food in front of both Reece and me before returning with cutlery.

  Betty put her own plate on the table, and we waited for her to sit with us before we began eating. The steak melted in my mouth with each bite, and I had to stop myself from groaning aloud.

  “Is it okay?” Betty asked.

  “It’s amazing,” I mumbled.

  Reece laughed. “I think it’s safe to say Ky’s enjoying it.”

  “We’ve been living off spaghetti. This is five-star dining compared to that,” I replied.

  Betty smiled. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it. Reece, I was asking Ky why you were wearing those horrid uniforms earlier.”

  I shot Reece a side glare, hoping Betty wouldn’t spot it.

  Reece looked to me for a moment before answering. “It was an important mission I can’t really talk about. Sorry, Betty. But it’s complete now, and tomorrow we’ll be making our way back to the base.”

  “That’s a shame,” she said. “I was just telling Ky I might make a roast if you stayed another night.”

  “If this weather keeps up, we might have to stay,” Reece said.

  As if on cue, thunder roared outside, and the house rattled and groaned in protest.

  “I’d be more than happy for you to keep me company for another day,” Betty said. “How is your brother anyway, Ky?”

  I opened my mouth, but Reece spoke for me. “Ky hasn’t seen her brother for a long time. I’m actually taking her to be reunited with him. They were split apart during the invasion.”

  Betty reached out and put her hand on mine. “Oh dear, that’s terrible. I bet you can’t wait to see him again.”

  “I’ve missed him very much,” I replied.

  We finished dinner, and I helped clear up the plates while Betty filled the sink with water.

  “Would you like a hand?” I offered.

  “That’d be lovely, dear. Reece, why don’t you go set up the bed and the couch while we clean up.”

  “I’d love to,” he replied.

  I looked over to the saggy brown three-seater couch, my bed for the night because of this damned rain.

  Betty passed me a green-and-white checked tea towel and began filling the sink with soapy water. She washed the first plate and passed it to me to dry.

  “Tell me if I’m prying, but what’s going on between you and Reece?” Betty asked with a grin.

  “He’s taking me to find my brother,” I replied.

  “Nothing more? You both just seem… very close,” she said.

  “He’s an alien. I’m a human, is it even…”

  “Of course, it is. I’ve heard of a few relationships between the new comers and humans. You do know we’re basically the same. The only difference is a slight change in their blood make up. I’ve even heard of an alien and a human having a baby together,” she said.

  “A baby?”

  She nodded. “We’re basically the same species. We just come from different planets.”

  “I guess I have a lot to learn when I find my brother,” I said.

  “Where have you been this whole time? I hope you weren’t alone,” she said. “How old are you? Sixteen?”

  “Seventeen. Eighteen soon.” I replied. “I wasn’t alone. But things would be much better if I had been.”

  “That doesn’t sound very good. Were you mistreated?” she asked.

  “I guess you could say that. I was lied to and manipulated. I did a lot of things I’m ashamed of. I just hope my brother can forgive me,” I said.

  She stopped washing and turned to me. “He’s your family. It doesn’t matter what you do, he’ll always love you.”

  “I hope you’re right,” I said.

  “What could be so horrible you think your own brother wouldn’t forgive you?”

  “I’m afraid if I tell you, you’ll throw me out of your house into the storm.”

  “You were one of them, weren’t you? A Skywatcher? An alien hunter?” she said.

  I looked to my bare feet and nodded. How could this stranger make me feel so ashamed?

  Betty pulled me towards her, and my body tensed until I realised she was wrapping me in her arms. I hugged her back as tears slipped over my cheeks.

  “You’re not to blame for anything you did under their control. They’re monsters who stop at nothing to get what they want. They manipulated my husband, too, in the beginning, and when he fought them, he wound up dead,” she said.

  She hugged me for a moment longer before letting me go. I wiped at my cheeks with the bottom of my shirt.

  “Thank you. And I’m sorry to hear about your husband,” I said.

  “You two okay in here?” Reece came into the room, eyes darting between us.

  “We’re fine,” Betty replied. “I think you should show Ky to her bed. You’ve both had a long day.”


  “You mean the couch,” I said. “Reece and I had a bet, and I lost. So, I have to sleep on the couch.”

  “I decided to let you off the hook this time. I want Betty to think I’m a gentleman.” He winked at Betty who smiled in return.

  “Are you sure?” I asked him. “Is this going to bite me in the ass later?” I flinched at my language.

  “Oh sweetheart, don’t worry about saying ass. My husband could swear like a sailor. I’m well used to it,” Betty said.

  “Good night, Betty. Thank you. For everything,” I said as Reece guided me towards the bedroom.

  “My pleasure, sweetheart. Have a good sleep,” she said.

  Reece lead me into a small room with wooden-clad walls and a high ceiling. A tall, mirrored wardrobe sat on one side of the room while a small table sat on the other. In the middle, against the wall, was a large bed.

  “This could easily fit both of us,” I said.

  “You’d want to share a bed? With me?” he asked.

  “Not want to. But it’s stupid, you sleeping on the couch when there’s a massive bed in here. We’ll build a pillow wall or something.”

  “A pillow wall?”

  “You’re right. It was a stupid idea. I don’t really want to share a bed with you anyway.”

  “Okay.”

  “Okay?”

  “I’ll sleep in here with you.”

  “Don’t act like you’re doing me a favour. It just makes sense, right?” I said.

  “Right. It has nothing to do with my good looks and charms.”

  “Do you want me to start calling you Ricko?” I asked him.

  “No way.” He mimicked vomiting.

  “Then get over yourself. I’m taking the right side, and if you decide to stay, you can have the left.”

  I climbed into the big comfy bed, crawling underneath the soft warm sheets and nuzzled into the pillow. My eyes grew instantly heavy.

  The bed shifted as Reece climbed in beside me, but I didn’t look his way. My eyes were already too heavy as the past few days caught up with me.

  “Sweet dreams, Ky,” Reece said.

  “Night,” I replied groggily.

  The sound of pattering rain and rumbling skies helped me drift off to sleep.