by Lauren Wood
“Truth.” He admitted confidently. “But you loved him. Leaving him makes you brave, baby-girl.”
Sucking on this information was sour. She knew that Lonnie was right but couldn’t help scolding herself for retaining this decision for so long.
“I don’t know what I am supposed to do next.” She conceded.
A longing smile escalated across Lonnie’s face. “Sweetie, let me introduce you to Infinite.”
***
Contrite, Kayla measured the lengths of Lonnie’s apartment. Escalating heartbeats and insecurities over unexplored opportunity. The computer displayed notification of Kayla’s potential future.
Infinite was the largest grossing intergalactic dating service online to-date. With ninety-eight percent match success, Kayla figured she had little to lose and a lot to gain.
“Are you going to check that?” Lonnie snuggled up to Rin on the sofa.
Warily, Kayla looked over at the smitten pair. Granted, she longed for the comfort of their relationship but feared the alien concept in more ways than one.
Her first encounter with Rin earlier today went much smoother than she would ever have imagined. He was polite and had adjusted to customs on Earth without a hitch. Kayla’s happiness for Lonnie overflowed and she couldn’t agree more with the newfound companionship.
She was still quite unsettled with Rin’s orange flesh and temporal piercings covering his body. Presumably this shouldn’t cause much distress under the consideration that a quarter of the female population graced the streets with orange spray tans. Somehow the color of orange flesh determined upon conception, didn’t sit well on Kayla’s mind.
Cautiously, Rin approached Kayla. Her nails almost chewed down to flesh. Rin placed a cold, orange hand over Kayla’s bringing them away from her face.
“I understand that you are uncomfortable meeting other life forces, Kayla. I felt the same when I received a message from Lonnie a few months ago. I was scared and unfamiliar with life outside of Yeba.” His voice fluid, this relaxed Kayla. Rin looked over at Lonnie. “I can now safely and confidently say that thanks to Infinite, my life has changed forever. I know you can do this too.”
Reluctantly, Kayla sat herself in front of the computer. With one glance back at Rin and Lonnie for encouragement, she clicked on the displayed notification.
His name is Zig with an undisclosed surname. Judging by his profile, Zig is tall, standing at six foot eight he would tower a foot over Kayla’s five foot eight stature. His skin was evenly peach, much to Kayla’s relief. He was employed through his home planet Mamugnar’s government as a peacekeeping solider. For inexplicable reasons, this fact settled Kayla. Mamugnar was located in the galaxy closest to the Milky Way. This would significantly cut down much required space travel if their relationship caught fire.
Greetings Kayla,
My name is Zig. I apologize in advance as I am new to Infinite, I am unsure that I am following proper protocol in contacting you. Your profile struck me instantly and I desired to know more about you. I have studied Earth, however, I have yet to visit. The Milky Way Galaxy homes only one habitable planet, Earth, as you are abundantly aware. Mamugnar does not see visitation to Earth necessary as you have discovered how to thrive wholeheartedly without our attempted aid.
Honestly, I have never dated anyone outside of Mamugnar. Granted, I have much experience in alien communities as I have spent much of my career visiting neighboring galaxies spreading Mamugnar’s philosophy of peace. I wish very much for that to change, as I desire greatly to meet you.
With abundant admiration and longing,
Yours,
Zig.
Kayla graced the keys lightly with her fingertips contemplating her response.
Hello Zig,
Admittedly, I am quite flattered by your message. How brave of you to try something new and to reach out to a complete stranger. I am also new to Infinite and I am unsure how to appropriately respond. Rather than overthinking this interaction I will put it quite simply, I would truly like to meet you if given the opportunity. How shall we proceed?
With existential longing and aversion,
Yours,
Kayla.
***
A few weeks later, Kayla found herself pacing the entrance of Senga Arcade awaiting Zig’s arrival. The decision was cautiously made on Kayla’s behalf. With such an unexplored opportunity she assumed it much safer to endure their first encounter in a public area with proper lighting. As much as she was anticipating this moment, her emotions were weighed down with overbearing dread.
Leaving Lonnie’s apartment this afternoon was an incredibly difficult feat. Fourteen outfit alterations later and Kayla was prepared to toss a lamp at Lonnie’s head. They settled with a casual ensemble. Kayla was wearing a plum-colored blazer over her favorite black skinny-jeans. She fidgeted nervously with the cuff of her jacket. She had no idea what she was getting herself into. Was she really ready for this?
“Kayla?” A raspy voice sounded from behind her.
She turned to see a man tower over her bearing a bundle of wild flowers. More or less bearing a bundle of wild weeds. Dandelions to be exact. Zig’s hair was tucked back into a braid at the nape of his neck. The braid fell low along his waist. In Mamugnar it was customary for men to grow their hair long. It was a symbol of status and accomplishment.
Kayla could sense that he had dressed for the occasion. Everything about him screamed human. From his brown leather boots to his paperboy bag, he looked like a clipping out of GQ magazine. Kayla’s heart quivered at the sight of him.
“For you.” His smile radiated naivety. Clueless to the obvious fact that he had ripped those ‘flowers’ out of the ground on the corner of Stanton and Weymouth Avenue.
“Thank you.” Kayla reluctantly cradled the mess of weeds in her arms.
Zig’s expression fell. “I have done something wrong haven’t I?”
Uneasily, Kayla responded “No, they’re,” she paused and smiled up at him “unconventional. I love them.”
He seemed pleased with her reaction. “I have been doing much research on Earthly customs. I have learned many interesting concepts. In this situation I know that many women expect flowers from their male suitors when on a first date.” His smile revealed many pearly white teeth sparkling upon Kayla. “I presume we are on, what they call, a date? A social appointment or engagement often intended for the purpose of romance.”
Kayla couldn’t stifle it, she erupted in laughter. Maybe it was the nerves or his robotic response, or a combination of the two. She could feel the stress escaping her allowing her to relax for the first time since Kevin was eliminated from her life. Kayla felt a sense of relief wash over her.
As though on cue, Zig started laughing with her. “May I ask what is so funny? I read that laughter often erupts when a situation has comical annotations. I’m afraid I have not picked up any comedy.” He continued to laugh.
“It’s ok, Zig. Just relax. You don’t need to act up to a certain standard for me to like you. Just be yourself and do whatever comes naturally.”
His shoulders dropped, he exhaled and closed his eyes. “I am sorry for acting so strange, Kayla. I thought you would want me to pretend I was a human from Earth.”
“If I wanted that, I wouldn’t have tried Infinite.” Kayla nudged Zig politely. Her nerves bubbled as well. However, seeing his similar discomfort released a lot of self-induced pressure on her emotions.
“So what is this place?” Zig motioned toward the entrance of the building.
“It’s an arcade.” His static response told her that he had never heard of an arcade before. “Inside they have games and prizes. It’s actually a lot of fun! I haven’t been inside since I was a kid. Kayla remembered finding lose change on the sidewalk en route to school in the mornings. She would pocket each coin carefully so that her mother would never find them. When she had saved up enough coins she would spend it on an hour of escape from her mother at the arcade.
“That sounds delightful. After you Kayla.” Zig held the door open for her.
Kayla could feel her pulse intensify. There was no denying the immediate connection between them.
Inside the arcade, lights flashed and laser gunshots sounded. Kayla couldn’t help but to notice the uneasiness in Zigs movements. “Is everything alright?” He held his tongue but Kayla could sense that something was wrong. He was skittish and on edge.
Zig flinched at the sound of arcade warfare. Having spent the entirety of his life as a Mamugnar warrior, these weren’t exactly tones he accepted naturally. Desperation seeped out of his pores and his heart rested weary. As far back as Zig could recall, there was hate and darkness surrounding him. His father and grandfather before that each fought with the Mamugnar government, creating peace and freedom for all, or so he thought.
From what information Zig could gather, his mother was a gentle being. His memories tainted only bearing his falsities based on photographic evidence of her existence. He preferred to contain fond memories of his mother but he couldn’t quite conjure up memories to store. He was certain she was intelligent and cunning. He had to have inherited those traits somewhere along the genetic line. Certainly such traits fell short upon his father who was stoic and relentless. Military school became his primal destination at the age of four. Zig was molded into a weapon, which the government concealed for many years.
A mission to Yeba separated Zig from his father for eternity. Zig managed to flee the planet unscathed and unidentified. His father was much less fortunate. He didn’t have to study common Earth etiquette to know that this conversation would be much too heavy for a first encounter. He decided it best to keep it light.
“I must tell you something Kayla.” Zig’s eyes stayed forward. “In my line of work I have seen many deaths.” He wasn’t quite sure where he was planning to go with this. “Often achieving peace resolves in death.”
Somehow this didn’t scare Kayla. “What exactly is it that you do?”
“I keep peace for Mamugnar. I am a warrior and a soldier. My entire existence dedicated to serving my people.” Zig decided he had shared enough information. “I cannot say I am at liberty to discuss further.”
Sensing his disdain, Kayla spoke up in attempt to ease the tension. “I want you to know that I too have darkness behind me.” This seemed to capture his attention and distract his tortured mind.
“How so?” Zig wondered if she also knew sorrow and guilt as he did.
“I have never known anything other than abandonment and loneliness.” This was the first time she spoke these words aloud. They tasted bitter. “When I was a baby, my father decided he wasn’t a suitable parent. He walked away. My mother only kept me because she had no one other resource to pawn me off.” Kayla fumbled around for Zig’s hand. It was electric. She held it tight. “My childhood was spent locked in a vacant room with yellow walls. I am still uncertain if they were intended to be yellow or if the paint had simply been altered by the abundance of nicotine.”
Kayla had never spoken of her childhood to anyone. With Zig, she felt relaxed. The feeling between them was inexplicable, natural. Kayla felt as though she had finally uncovered home.
“Where is your mother now?” Concern boiled in Zig’s voice.
“Nearly ten years ago, when I was fifteen, Mom died of a heroine overdose. I found her hours later,” she hesitated “but I won’t get into the details.” Kayla dug her toe into the floor. “Good riddance.” She groused inaudibly.
“What was that? I didn’t quite hear that last part.” Zig leaned his ear closer.
“I presumed it to be a turning point in my life. No more disappointment. No more false security. No more settling. The perfect chance to turn a fresh page and start my life honestly.” She couldn’t believe she was actually telling him all of this. “Instead I fell into the trap of abusive relationships and exceeding disappointment at my own hands. Even though I knew better.” Kayla glued her eyes to the floor avoiding eye contact with Zig at all cost. “I was nearly killed in my previous relationship.”
Zig got down on his knee collecting her hands in his. “Kayla,” he brought her chin up and looked into her eyes. “I am saddened to hear about this but I promise you I will do everything in my power to protect you. From the moment I saw you outside I felt a powerful connection. I believe you did too. No matter our differences this life has brought us together purposefully.” Zig brought his lips to Kayla’s. She eased into his embrace. For once, she truly felt safe.
***
Weeks transpired and life with Zig continued to surprise Kayla. There were times where she thought their relationship may have been moving too fast but she was ultimately happy for potentially the first time.
Zig reached for his coffee across the table from Kayla, newspaper in hand. He was certainly growing accustom to the norms of inhabiting Earth. Kayla draped her legs over his lap taking in the morning sun. Temporarily, Kayla and Zig were residing in the spare room in Lonnie’s apartment. Having Rin around eased the tension and aided Zig’s adjustment to his stay Earth. The transition became much smoother than originally anticipated.
“Oh you two!” Lonnie sang out, entering the room in a terry cloth bathrobe and slippers. He leaned against the counter and tucked himself under Rin’s arm. “Aren’t they beautiful?” Lonnie directed at Rin.
“Oh, stop.” Kayla blushed. Her feelings reminded her of being a schoolgirl again, falling in love for the first time. She placed a gentle kiss on Zig’s cheek.
“I have been meaning to talk to you both about something.” Lonnie shifted uncomfortably. He glanced up at Rin for support. Rin politely bowed out of the conversation. “This living situation is temporary. Right? I mean, I love having your company but Rin and I value our privacy. You know?” He muttered.
Kayla instantly felt uncomfortable. Where would she go?
“Could you give us a minute?” Zig winked at Lonnie who politely excused himself out of the kitchen. “Kayla, I have been meaning to ask you something. I was going to give it more time but I presume that there is no better time than the present.” Zig reached for Kayla’s hand. It was cool and smooth to the touch. “I hadn’t expected to have feelings of such intensity toward you. I understand on Earth you call it love.”
Kayla’s heart raced in her chest. Zig was speaking the words she was containing in her mind.
“Kayla, I truly have strong feelings of love for you. However, this should not come to you as a surprise.” Zig leaned in and kissed her. “What I was hoping to speak to you about was the opportunity to obtain residence with you.”
It took a moment for Kayla to swallow this information. “What are you saying? You want to move out with me?”
“Unquestionably.”
“Is that a yes?” Her pulse quickened, she couldn’t imagine anything she would want more than to wake up everyday to see Zig’s face.
Zig laughed. “Yes. Kayla, will you move out with me?”
“Of course I will! But what will you do about your job? Your home is in Mamugnar. I can’t take you away from your family.” Kayla’s excitement fizzled.
“I have not told you everything Kayla. I have no remaining family in Mamugnar. As for my job, I will speak to my agency about a transfer.”
“A transfer? There are Mamugnar warriors stationed on Earth?” Her nerves pulsed. This didn’t sit well on her mind.
“Not yet. I will propose terms to unify Mamugnar with Earth. We have much to learn from your people and it would satisfy me to be the one mediating. I will propose the terms by the end of the month.”
Kayla squealed and threw her arms around his neck, planting kisses around his face. “I love you, Zig.”
***
“How close are you to securing the mission?”
Zig held the device closely against his ear. “Commander, I am uncertain that our motives are justified.”
Silence rang hollow on the other end.
“This planet thrives peacefully
on its own. These inhabitants offer no harm to the people of Mamugnar. In fact I have a proposition.” Zig bit his lip nervously. A habit adopted by observing daily interactions on Earth.
“Proceed.”
“I propose unification between the people of Earth and Mamugnar. I believe there is opportunity for greater knowledge among the inhabitants of this planet.” Earthly emotions were starting to resin through him. His palms began to sweat and nerves were teased.
“Denied.”
“You have not given a fair evaluation of my request—“ Zig started.
“Explain why you assume it to be appropriate to question the Higher Order?”
“It’s simply an observation, Commander. I presume the Higher Order would prefer a collective base of intelligence before we eliminate the entire human race on a whim.” Zig stood his ground.
“What is this you speak of whim?”
“We must review the consequences before making unenlightened decisions, sir.” Not to mention Zig had fallen in love with Kayla. He couldn’t allow Mamugnar warriors to obliterate her home. Had he known about this mission prior to arriving on Earth he never would have come. He could never betray Kayla.
“Private, consider your mission on Earth expired. You have questioned the Higher Order. The penalty for treason is exile.”
Zig’s heartbeat found his throat. What had he done now? He could not return to Mamugnar, if he did he would certainly be destroyed. Processing the conversation proved incapacitating. For the first time in Zig’s existence, he had chosen love over his duty to his home planet. It seemed simple, a life without Kayla wouldn’t be a living at all. This affirmed Zig’s decision.
“Who was on the phone?” Kayla rounded the corner into the kitchen. Zig jumped at the sound of her voice and slammed the phone down.
One week had passed since they had moved out of Lonnie’s apartment. So far, it couldn’t have been more perfect. Until now.
“Kayla, pack your bags. We have to go.” Zig scurried around the apartment throwing necessities into a brown, tattered duffle bag.
“What are you talking about? Where are we going?” Kayla hugged herself. It always seemed when life was looking up, darkness loomed heavy overhead. A tear found its way down her cheek.