by Ines Johnson
“Eva!”
The applauding ended abruptly. Eva’s mother, Beulah, rushed into the room, taking her daughter into her arms.
Esther did not cross the threshold. She took one look at Teng and Shiung, her eyes fixed on the red hue of their skin. “Demons,” she screamed. “In the name of Jesus, I rebuke you, devils.” She made a crossing sign over herself and backed out of the room.
“Mama, what’s wrong?” said Eva.
“Did they hurt you, baby?” Beulah ran her hands over the little girl’s small body.
“Did who hurt me?”
Beulah’s eyes fell upon Yehfe. “What did you do to my child?”
“Mr. Yehfe didn’t do anything to me,” said Eva. “I just taught them to applaud.”
Yehfe rose and approached Beulah slowly, carefully. “She sang a wonderful chant. I am afraid we did not understand most of the meaning, but the sound was lovely.”
The fear was slow to drain from Beulah’s eyes. She took a deep breath. But she didn’t let go of her daughter.
“You and Auntie Esther were asleep,” said Eva. “Niao came back and asked if I wanted to play.”
Beulah bent down to the child’s level. “Eva, you know you never go off with strangers.”
“They’re not strangers, mama. This is their house. Did you know we’re on a spaceship, but it’s also a house.” Eva turned back to Niao and Nse who’d put their applauding hands away and into their laps. “On Earth, we have houses on wheels that can travel across countries.”
Niao’s eyes lit up like the curious thing that he was. He reached out his hand. “Will you show me, Eva?”
Eva reached her hand to Niao, but her mother grabbed it back.
Eva frowned at her mother. “Oh, you haven’t seen them do it. It’s so neat, mama. Watch.”
The girl twined her fingers with her mother’s and then reached for Niao’s hand.
Niao hesitated. He looked to her mother.
Yehfe watched Beulah stare at the Eloh child and reconcile her fear with the harmless creature that sat before her.
Eva grabbed Niao’s hand with one of hers and then tightened her grip on her mother’s. Yehfe saw the moment the grown woman felt the link and witnessed the exchange.
Yehfe also saw the moment after Eva finished showing Niao the wonders of Earth ground travel. Then it was clear when Niao took over and showed Beulah some of Eloh culture. Yehfe imagined the youngling showing the mother their brotherhood, their way of life, and judging by the sorrow and compassion in the human woman’s eyes, Niao must’ve shown her his sparse memories of his own mother.
“Your mama’s dead?” Eva asked.
Niao nodded. “And one of my fathers.”
“You have two daddies,” said Eva. “You’re so lucky. I only have one and he has a lot of sleepovers away from home.”
“It was my Yin father who took you from your home.” Niao hung his head. “I am sorry for that.”
“That was not your doing or your responsibility, Niao.” Yehfe came before them. He caught the mother’s eyes. There was conflict there. He saw the war of her compassion winning against her fear.
“My Yin father is sick,” Niao continued. “There is no cure. But no Eloh on this ship will harm you. It is not in our nature to do harm.”
Beulah reached over with her free hand and gave the youngling a gentle squeeze. “I’m sorry for your loss, sweetheart.”
Niao’s curious eyes released his grief and blinked. “What does sweetheart mean?”
“It’s a term of endearment,” Beulah said.
“I like it,” Niao grinned. “Thank you for sharing it with me.”
“Mama, Niao was going to show me how to play Eloh games. Can I stay and play, mama, please?”
Beulah hesitated. Then slowly, she nodded. Before her head bounced a second time in assent, the children dashed off into the corner of the room, followed by a sullen Nse.
Yehfe watched the woman rise, her eyes never left her daughter. “Your child is also a sweetheart,” he said.
Beulah blinked at him. Then she gave him the smallest of smiles. “Yes, yes she is.”
“I am called Yehfe. Though Eva insists on calling me Mister Yehfe.”
“We’re southern. It’s a title of respect and it shows her manners. I’m Beulah.”
“Should I call you Mister Beulah? To show my manners?”
She gave him a broader smile. “No, you would call me Miss Beulah. But just Beulah is fine.”
“I am pleased to encounter your existence, Beulah.”
Beulah stuck out her hand. Yehfe stared at it. He knew her intention was to shake palms. He’d seen other beings greet in a similar way.
“Touching is a very intimate act with my people,” he said. “As you can see from the energy transfer you shared with Niao.”
Beulah put her hand away. “Earlier, you saw inside my mind.”
He nodded and then bowed. “My apologies. That was an accident. Your distress was so sudden. My instinct was to help. I did not see much. I will not do it again without your permission.”
“When you touched me earlier when I fainted, what did you see?”
“I saw how very much you wanted to get home to your mate. I promise we will return you as quickly as we can. Once it is safe.”
She nodded, looking around the room. Yehfe noted that she was much calmer. Perhaps during their brief exchange, Niao had been able to impart some Zen onto her spirit.
“We should get out of your hair,” she said.
“I do not have any hair.”
Her eyes widened in horror. But Yehfe smiled. He knew Shanti liked to tell what she called jokes. It appeared he’d made a successful one.
Beulah smiled sheepishly. “What I mean is that we shouldn’t disturb you any longer. Eva, sweetheart, it’s time to go.”
From her spot in the corner with Niao and Nse, the child’s face crumbled.
“She is welcome to stay,” said YehFe.
Beulah regarded him. The fright had completely dissipated from earlier. The uncertainty was fading fast, as well. Yehfe wasn’t able to tell what remained.
“Thank you, Mr. Yehfe. I believe that you’re trying to help us. And I thank you for looking after my daughter. But I don’t want her wandering around without me.”
“There is no danger on this ship. No one will harm her. You have my word.”
Eva came up with Niao and Nse in tow. “Can I come back tomorrow, Mr. Yehfe?”
Yehfe frowned. “I do not understand this word tomorrow.”
“It means when the sun rises again,” said Eva.
Yehfe laughed. “We are in the Heavens child. There is always a sun out. You may return any time you like. With your mother’s permission. I would love the pleasure of your company again.”
Eva beamed as she took her mother’s hand. Eva waved a farewell to everyone in the room. Everyone was sad to see her go.
Her mother surveyed the room, likely noting the sad emotions. “We can come back later, sweetheart.”
Yehfe watched Eva skip down the hall next to her mother. They made a lovely picture. He couldn’t wait to see them again.
Chapter Seven
“I can’t believe you’re going into the devils’ den.”
“They’re not devils, Auntie Essie. They’re Eloheem. They’re made of light. Niao showed me his-”
“Satan disguises himself as an angel of light,” insisted Esther. “Jesus taught that many would come in his name saying that they are the way and the light, but they will mislead you.”
Beulah had heard all of these things her whole life. Her Bible brandishing father had beaten them over the head with the good book.
“Essie, they’re trying to help us. I truly believe they mean us no harm. Just come with us and see for yourself.”
Esther shook her head, backing into the corner of the room. “As the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Chri
st.”
Esther crossed her heart and pulled the sheets around herself, burrowing into the bed where she’d been for the last…three days? Beulah wasn’t sure. She’d lost track of time on the ship. Being around the younglings, as the Eloheem children were called, left her feeling peaceful and with little cares.
Eva reached out to her aunt, but Beulah stayed the child’s hand. She knew there would be no convincing Esther of the Eloheem’s good intentions. She would just have to see for herself when they brought them all back home to Earth safe and sound like Yehfe promised her.
Beulah and Eva went out of the room and made their way down the hall. The interior of the ship was the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen. It pulsed with life. Beulah felt love and warmth seeping out of the walls as she glided her hand along the smooth paneling.
Yehfe had told her on their last visit that the ship was alive; a living mother that saw to all of their needs, even down to fine dining. Beulah’s favorite food was coconut curry, a delicacy that she had to drive miles into Atlanta to partake of. But the brown lentils she’d been served tasted exactly like the dish from Earth. The Mothership had figured out her preference and served it up to her.
Yehfe had told her that they’d traveled to Earth to gather algae which saved the ship after an attack by the Marred one’s, the sick Eloheem that had abducted them and infected the ship. Beulah had never harmed a person, an animal, or even a plant in all of her life. She couldn’t imagine inflicting harm on this ship or its gentle inhabitants.
Her steps slowed as she came to what she called the nursery. The ship cradled her back in warmth as she rested against the doorway and looked out at the young Eloheem sitting quietly and observing their lessons. At the head of the class stood Yehfe.
He paced calmly. His expressive face was set in an encouraging, half smile as he listened to the pale green Lung recite an answer. Lung’s words stuttered with uncertainty. Yehfe’s smile turned pensive. He nodded slowly at the boy, willing the answer from him, compassion, caring, and finally pride lighting his large eyes as the boy worked through his answer aloud.
There was no applause at the conclusion of the recitation. The Eloh bowed their heads at Lung and then at Yehfe.
When Beulah was a child, if she got something wrong, she’d receive scolding words or a reprimanding look from her elders. She’d never heard Yehfe raise his voice. Not once since she’d been visiting him and the children. She’d never seen anything stronger than a pensive look cross his features.
He looked up now and caught sight of her and Eva. Each time they came to this room, Yehfe welcomed them with a joyful smile, an eager bow, and an attentive ear.
Beulah found Yehfe easy to talk to. He was a teacher, like her. Yehfe taught the younglings every day where Beulah only taught once a week at her church’s Sunday school. Even if Josiah had yet to miss her, she knew her congregation would be frantic.
“I greet you in peace, Ms. Eva.”
“I greet you in peace, Mr. Yehfe.” Eva’s bow was more of a curtsey, and she wobbled as she bent low.
Yehfe smiled fondly at the little girl before she ran off and joined the boys. Eva sat between Niao and Nse in their folded meditation poses. The young Eloheem seemed to spend most of their time in meditation.
Eva tried to join in, but she wiggled and fidgeted within the first minute. With his eyes closed, Niao stretched out his hand. Eva took it.
Beulah saw wonder cross her daughter’s eyes. She wondered what Niao was showing her. Eva didn’t make friends easily. But she’d latched on to Niao immediately. Beulah felt a pang that the two wouldn’t get to have a lifelong friendship.
His darker brother, Nse, hung back. The boy always wore a frown. Beulah saw him peer up at Eva with a sense of longing in his eyes before he ducked his head back.
It appeared that way with the darker-skinned boys. The lighter ones, Yang they were called, always wore smiles and were open. But the darker-toned Eloheem, like Nse and Chang, looked out skeptically into the world as though they were always waiting for a threat.
Chang looked up at her now. His dark green face let go of the perpetual frown. He didn’t quite smile at her as he bowed his head in respect. But his features did soften as he greeted her.
“You are welcome, Beulah,” Yehfe said with a bow.
“I greet you in peace, Yehfe.” Beulah’s bow was only slightly less wobbly than her daughter’s. When she straightened she saw a crinkle of laughter in Yehfe’s eyes.
Beulah inhaled at the quirk of his lips. Yehfe was the most handsome man she’d ever seen in her life. And the kindest. And the most patient. And the most attentive person she’d ever encountered.
He never seemed to tire of her company or her questions or her chattering. He was always thrilled to hear about her times as a child with Esther. There wasn’t much to tell. Still, he asked her about the most mundane of things.
What things did she and Esther do as children? What did she and Esther do for amusement? What were she and Esther’s favorite things now?
Beulah prepared herself for another barrage of questions. But just as Yehfe opened his mouth to speak, he closed it. Then he looked past her and frowned.
The expression looked entirely wrong on his handsome face. Beulah turned to look over her shoulder, and she gasped. It was the first time she’d come face to face with Yehfe’s brother.
His physique and his face were an exact replica of Yehfe’s. He had the same broad shoulders, the same chiseled chin, the same node pattern at the top of his head. But unlike Yehfe, this man’s posture did not appear inviting. His face was set into a deep scowl as he surveyed Beulah.
The male was darker in every way. He was the color of a storm cloud at sunset. His large eyes narrowed to slits, hiding the light that naturally shone from within. His lips were set in a firm grimace as though there was a stench in the room. And it all focused on her.
Beulah shuffled back. The mere look of this man reminded her of her ex-husband and their final year together. Whenever she came into a room, Josiah would scowl at her. His body closed off, offering no warmth.
Yehfe stepped in front of his brother, shutting out the cold draft coming from that direction. “Beulah, may I present my brother Pakua.”
“I bring news,” said the darker version of Yehfe through tight lips. “I have found a way to get you and your family home sooner rather than later.”
His words were addressed to Beulah.
“Oh?” Yehfe and Beulah said in unison.
“There is a comet racing across your galaxy now,” continued Pakua. “We could hide in the tail end of it and mask our presence.”
“Well, this is wonderful news.” Yehfe shuffled his feet, his melodic voice monotone.
“Yes,” Beulah felt her smile sag. “Wonderful.”
“You’ll be able to rejoin your mate,” said the dark Eloh.
“Right.” Beulah shuffled her feet, her voice pitchless. “He’ll be so happy to see us.”
The dark purple male’s eyes bored into hers as though he saw the truth; that Josiah was likely happy to be rid of them and the expense the alimony and child support burdened him with.
But the brother was already walking past them and out the door.
Yehfe looked at her apologetically. “My apologies. Pakua does not take well to strangers.”
“I understand. My sister doesn’t take well to strangers either.”
Yehfe smiled down at her. His smile was beatific. Beulah could get lost in those pale eyes of his.
“How is your sister?” he asked.
He was always so thoughtful. He’d asked about the welfare of Essie with each visit. Beulah wished her sister would come around to see how devout and spiritual these beings were. “Essie is-”
“Mama, can I go with Niao to see the energy springs?”
Beulah hesitated as she looked down into Eva’s eager eyes. Although she’d come to trust these beings, she didn’t like having her daughter out of her sight.
> “It is perfectly safe,” said Yehfe. “And it is not far.”
Beulah studied him, wondering if he’d read her mind. But then she felt the wind pass her as Eva tugged Niao out of the room in a dash. Nse trailed behind them with a sulking face.
“Whoa there! Slow down you all.” Shanti appeared in the doorway alongside her dark blue husband. His face wasn’t scowling, like Yehfe’s brother. His arms were wrapped around Shanti’s waist. “We were looking for you, Beulah. We have good news.”
“Pakua has delivered the happy news already.” Yehfe’s tone didn’t ring with its usual note of joy.
“The comet is providing us with a tailwind,” said the dark blue male. “It appears that the way back to Earth is clear. We may get you there sooner than even Pakua calculated.”
“Wow,” Beulah sighed. “That’s just… wonderful.”
Beside her, she heard Yehfe’s jaw tick. He turned to her. His smile was forced.
“Would you excuse me?” he said. He bowed his head and took off in the direction of his brother.
Chapter Eight
Yehfe had to race to catch up with his brother’s march. “Are you so ready to be free of our guests?”
“They are not guests.” Pakua didn’t slow his steps. “They are captives. I have provided them with their key to freedom. You are discontent because you have designs on that female.”
“Beulah? She is mated.”
The news that Beulah and her family would be returning home hit Yehfe in both his hearts. He’d only sat with Beulah for three cycles. The first time when she’d come looking for her daughter and left behind a little bit of trust in him. The other times she’d helped him with the youngling’s lessons. She had an amazing talent for explanations. And she also fed him information about her secluded sister.
“Not the mother,” said Pakua. “The unattached one who is full of fear and self-righteousness.”
Yehfe had thought he’d have time to open Esther’s mind. But he had not even had the chance to have a conversation with the unattached sister. She was so frightened of their kind, so closed off. His plan to win her over and then have her win over his brother had failed. But that didn’t upset him as much as the impending loss of little Eva, and Beulah.