by Lucy Kelly
Before she realized what was happening, she’d been pushed into a big chair and a drink was shoved into her hand. She was still coming to grips with it, when a voice to her left intruded on her thoughts.
“Did Natalie mention the movie marathon? We’d do the all-night boogie but—one, there’s no men allowed and—two, few of us are in a position to dance the night away. So we’re going the pamper route and do makeovers. Let me tell you, honey, you could use one. I’m surprised you bothered to pack for this trip with those bags under your eyes. No worries, though, we’ll take care of you,” said Grace.
Malpha didn’t know how to respond to the female’s remarks, so she took a sip of her drink and was quite pleased with the sweet, fruity taste. She gave a brief thought as to why a circular piece of paper on a slim piece of wood was sticking out of the glass and then decided to let it go. It was delicious. Right now, in this strange new reality, it didn’t matter. She turned to the woman who had been speaking and saw a tall, slender female with sun-kissed skin, long black hair and very pregnant.
“Where am I?” Malpha asked the woman.
Good, thought Grace, we’ve got her off-balance. The rum punch will help.
“I’ve just been explaining—you’re at your bachelorette party,” said Grace.
Malpha was going to ask the woman what it meant, when her eyes wandered to the next chair. Lying there, sleeping, was a smaller woman with pale skin and hair of a shade of red she’d never seen before. What was even more startling was the fact she was the most pregnant female Malpha had ever seen. It was as if a full-sized person had crawled under her shirt and crouched there.
Grace, seeing how Malpha’s eyes had grown round, lowered her voice and said, “That’s my sister, Addie. She’s not too happy about getting knocked up with six babies all at once. So, no fat jokes, okay? She’s a little sensitive about it. She’s been on bed rest for the last two and a half months, so she’s a little cranky.”
“I’m not cranky; I’m never cranky,” said Addie as Grace just rolled her eyes at Malpha.
“Oh, yeah, you’re whipped cream, sweetness and light.”
“Pot-kettle, Grace—pot-kettle,” said Addie with her eyes closed.
“You need to wake up, Addie; you have a guest,” said Grace.
“I wasn’t sleeping. I was just resting my eyes in between movies. Hi, Malpha—welcome to girl’s night out.”
Before Malpha could respond, someone came over with a pitcher and refreshed her drink. They also brought a platter and placed it on the table between her and the female named Grace.
“Yum—we have nachos! Jen makes the best. I’m thinking we start with the pedi and then wait until you’re blissed out on punch before we go for the manicure or any waxing,” said Grace.
Malpha hadn’t had anything to eat during the day and the plate of food looked appetizing. She watched the way the female, Grace, had picked up the small triangles of some type of crisped bread, covered in what smelled like meat and a melted substance of some kind. Messy—but from the look on her face, it was good to eat. She took another sip of the fruit punch and then made an attempt to eat the alien food.
When she picked up the triangle, another piece seemed to be glued to it with the golden-colored melted substance speckled with circular slices of some type of green vegetable. She put down her beverage and used both hands to guide the food to her mouth.
The explosion of flavors was surprising and wonderful. Then she got the kick of heat from the spices and nearly gasped as her eyes began to water. She picked up her glass and drank down half of it in her hurry to cool down the heat.
Ply her with alcoholic beverages—check. Spicy food so she’ll drink more—check, thought Addie.
She looked at Malpha through her eyelashes, still pretending to be dozing. She didn’t know how long it would take to get Malpha blitzed, but they were going to do their best.
For the next hour, different women came up and gave Malpha hugs while they fed her spicy foods and kept her glass full of rum punch. Catherine was keeping track of her intake because they wanted her happy-drunk, not falling-down-sick drunk.
Malpha didn’t even flinch when they removed her shoes and put her feet in the pedicure basin. By this time, all the women had eaten and had started giving each other manicures, pedicures, or were doing hair and facials. Every so often, a woman would come up and give Malpha a hug or rub her shoulder as they talked. Addie was pleased to see Malpha had begun to return the embraces.
On one level, Malpha was aware of what was happening. Thinking about it, she realized she didn’t care if she was being manipulated; the results were good. This new queen was smart. She had discerned what Malpha was beginning to realize—what she needed the most—being around a large group of other women and simply be women. It was unfortunate it couldn’t last. While it did, though, she was going to participate.
“I like this shade of shiny blue. May I have it on my toes, please?” she asked.
“Sure thing,” said the young lady sitting on a stool in front of her.
“I’m sorry; I don’t remember your name,” said Malpha.
“You were a little busy when I came over. I’m Marta,” Marta said, standing and giving Malpha a hug which she returned. “What color would you like on your hands?”
“I think I would like the green; it is a nice color,” said Malpha.
Marta looked at the neon lime green Malpha had chosen. “Great, it’s one of my contributions to girl’s night. I’m glad you like it. So, do you have any great sexy stories to share?” she asked, causing Malpha to spew the sip she’d just taken.
Grace burst into laughter and then groaned, “Marta! I’m not supposed to laugh!”
“Then don’t listen!” answered Marta.
“Oh, hell, no—I’m listening to every word. So—do you? Have any sexy stories, that is?” asked Grace.
“By sexy stories, you mean romantic escapades of a sexual nature involving myself? Then, no, I do not. I have kept myself untouched for my Ankida,” she said.
Marta looked at her in awe. “You said all that and didn’t slur your words once. I’ve been watching you drink. You are my total hero.” She narrowed her eyes at Malpha, “How old are you, anyway?” she asked.
“Old enough,” said Malpha. “But not quite drunk enough.”
“Perhaps you’re not drunk enough and then perhaps you have had just enough,” said Addie.
Malpha looked over and met the eyes of the female who had taken the place she had thought was hers for so long.
“I had not expected to like you. It’s interesting to know, after so much time, I can be wrong about something. I think you will be just what HeVan needs. Not just females, but this—this type of gathering and harmony,” said Malpha.
“While I liked the idea, it wasn’t mine. I can’t take the credit,” said Addie honestly.
“First lesson—being the one with the good ideas is not as important as recognizing a good idea and implementing it. Surround yourself with smart people and listen,” said Malpha.
“Good lesson,” said Addie. “Are you angry about my arranging for you to marry King Ben?”
“I admit for a short while, I was. I am no longer. You are correct in that I cannot stay on HeVan. This is an acceptable alternative. Also, Cassandra gave me enough of a glimpse into a possible future for me to accept it as an alternative. I do not love him nor does he love me. I believe I will come to love him in time and he me,” said Malpha.
“Good—it was my only worry. Now that it’s settled, do you want to drink more or heckle the movie?” asked Addie.
Malpha looked over at the screen where a large reptilian creature was breathing fire over a city while also stomping on ground vehicles and buildings.
“Can we not do both?”
“You know, Malpha, I’m starting to like you, too. Let’s keep in touch. I may need further lessons,” said Addie.
“As you wish, My Queen,” answered Malpha.
Chapter Twenty-One
The girl’s night out party lasted late into the night. Even so, by normal standards, it was a pretty tame bachelorette party. When Malpha finally found out what it meant, she grilled them on all the Earth traditions and was slightly upset she wasn’t getting the full Monty, borrowing a phrase from Grace. Grace just patted her hand and reminded her she’d be getting the real deal soon enough and would definitely be getting her fill, especially if Cassandra’s predictions were going to come true. Addie had recommended having the dozen girls individually, instead of six at a time.
In addition to a manicure, pedicure, and face treatment, they also had a bridal shower, complete with gifts. Malpha was greatly touched. By the end of the evening, she was also initiating hugs with the other women. Addie smiled when she saw that.
After Malpha was ready to leave, Cassandra and Marta, taking her to her temporary quarters, Addie signaled for the men to come and begin collecting their mates. Many of the women had fallen asleep; although most were awake and looking at their Ankida with a sparkle in their eyes.
As Addie watched them, she thought, well, at least someone’s getting lucky tonight. However, she didn’t mind. Even resting in her chair for the entire evening had been exhausting for her—exhausting and enlightening. She had also missed having this connection with a group of women friends. She would make a point of having more ‘girl’s night outs’ in the future.
Still, she was glad when Arjun, Kylan, and Rune came to take her back to her quarters. She was hoping she could get comfortable enough to sleep for the remainder of the night.
Marta, Cassandra, and Natalie all helped Jennifer clean up the restaurant after the party. Then they decided, since Cassandra’s parents weren’t there and Natalie’s Ankida were going to be in quarantine for another day, to move the party to the cabin Marta now shared with Jennifer. The four of them pretty much spent the evening taking care of the other women. Now they would have a louder, younger slumber party—with more alcohol, loud music, and dancing around the room.
Natalie should have known the other girls would get her drunk enough so she’d spill the deets on having multiple lovers. When she figured out what they were up to, though, she was too drunk to refuse. By the time they all fell asleep, the other three women had learned all they had wanted to know and a few things they hadn’t thought to ask. Cassandra did a lot of blushing. Marta kept laughing and Jennifer would get a suspicious gleam in her eye from time to time.
Cassandra was the only one from their group who didn’t have a hangover in the morning. She was only sixteen and the other girls had included her but they also said they hadn’t wanted to contribute to the delinquency of a minor. She didn’t mind; she was happy to be part of their group. Being the youngest and carrying the burden of sight was tough sometimes. It wasn’t as hard now as it had been. The fact everyone believed her and what she saw, was huge. Now she knew she was doing a good thing; giving valuable information, which might save lives—well, that was the bomb!
Presently, she was on her way to give Addie her report about the Council on HeVan. There were some dangerous people on the Council. They’d been in power for a long time. While the original Council may have had good intentions, the current Council had become accustomed to the perks power brought them. One or two of them might even be evil. To know for sure, she’d have to spend more time in their company. But she’d gotten enough to warn Addie to be on guard and tell her of some plots which were brewing.
Cassandra stopped in front of the door to the quarters assigned to Malpha. Passing her hand over the visitor announcer, she waited. The door slid open to the room and Cassandra saw Malpha looking great—for the amount of liquor she’d imbibed the night before. She looked like she’d gotten a good night’s sleep. No more bags under her eyes or dark circles. She was also dressed more casually in long silky pants of light gray with a tunic top in periwinkle. Over the top, she wore a long necklace of small gold and opalescent beads falling to just below her cleavage, where it was knotted. Cassie looked down.
“Those are some killer shoes,” she said.
“My footwear is not a weapon,” Malpha stated.
“I meant they look really good—fantastic, even. Did you get some breakfast?”
“No, I have not yet eaten this morning. I just finished dressing.”
“Okay, I haven’t eaten yet, either. Let’s stop by the restaurant for coffee and a Danish bite.”
Malpha followed Cassandra down the hallway, wondering what type of food coffee was and if by Danish, she meant something to do with people from the country Denmark on her home planet. It was confusing. She had a slight headache and didn’t think her translating nano patch was working properly.
It took about ten minutes to get to the restaurant. Cassandra explained about Jennifer not actually serving any meals until lunch, but Jennifer let her friends into the kitchen in the morning to hang out. She liked having company while she was prepping. Chopping was boring and it was nice having friends stop in, she’d always say.
“Hey, Jen, Malpha would like to try some coffee; do you have any ready?” asked Cassandra when they entered.
Jennifer came over and gave each of the women a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
“You’re lucky; it just finished brewing. I got a late start this morning. I took some cinnamon rolls out of the freezer; they should be out of the oven in another two minutes. I’ve gotta get these vegetables done. Would you mind taking the rolls out and icing them? The icing is in the door of the fridge,” said Jennifer.
“Sure thing,” Cassie said. “Malpha—let me introduce you to coffee. First, I’ll pour you some in a cup and you can try it black. Then you can try it with sugar, with milk, or both. Coffee is a drink most people drink hot but you can also have it cold. That’s how I like it. I go for a Frappuccino—it’s milky and sweet over ice. Do you still have any flavors left, Jen?” she asked.
“I think there’s some pumpkin spice, Irish Crème, and maybe a few others. Check the cabinet on the far left,” answered Jennifer.
While Malpha learned the intricacies of coffee drinking, Jennifer went back to chopping vegetables. Before they left the station at the Earth Gate, Jennifer had gotten a harvest of fresh ingredients grown by Heidi and her two Ankida, Gaius and Gael. She had started small, only making a set number of meals each day for dinner. But because of the high demand and offers of help with her prep work, cooking, and serving, she now served lunch and dinner. She still had a set menu each day with only two choices, but everyone loved her cooking.
“Malpha, do you have restaurants on HeVan?” Jen asked.
At the blank look on Malpha’s face, she described what a restaurant was.
“There are a few establishments similar to yours in the cities. But they are supported by their clan and they only feed members of their clan. They don’t charge any money and all of their food is supplied by their clan. It enables clan members working in the city to concentrate on their own gifts. The food is only adequate. Your food is much tastier. I think many would be willing to part with credits in order to get food which inspires their soul and doesn’t just fill their stomachs,” said Malpha.
“Are you serious? That’s great! Maybe I can hire some of these other cooks to help out with the prep. I could use a couple of sous chefs,” Jen said “Do you want to take some of those cinnamon rolls with you?” she asked Cassie.
“Are you kidding? Yes! I’m glad you heated up an entire sheet. Addie’s Ankida are bottomless pits,” said Cassandra.
As Cassandra and Malpha headed to Addie’s quarters, carrying boxes of gooey cinnamon rolls and their favorite coffee drinks, Malpha reflected on how she would feel seeing Arjun, Kylan, and Rune for the first time in more than two hundred years. She had been concentrating on all the ways they had angered her in order to keep at bay the feelings of love she had nurtured for so long. Stopping for this coffee also helped, as did keeping her hands busy. Before she was mentally ready, they were approaching the
warriors guarding the entrance to Queen Addie’s quarters.
“Morning, guys—the smaller box on top is for you two—cinnamon rolls from Jennifer,” said Cassandra with a smile.
“Thank you, Cassandra; if we had waited for leftovers, we would have been out of luck,” he said with a smile.
While Cassandra spoke to the first warrior, the second passed his hand over the visitor announcer. The warrior took the bakery box as the door slid open.
Malpha was pleased when seeing Arjun didn’t actually cause her heart to skip a beat. She took a breath and then another. If the love she felt for them had faded, it would be a good thing. She had her pride, after all. She knew she looked good. The pampering the women had given her last night had made her realize how much she had let herself go. She was thankful to the women who had taken her into their hearts. She hoped the women of the KowLer would be equally as welcoming.
Arjun nodded to Cassandra and Malpha, then turned and led the way to where Addie and Grace were ensconced in their chairs.
“We brought cinnamon rolls from Jennifer but no coffee for the pregos,” said Cassandra.
“I’m so ready for some sweet empty calories. If I have to digest another protein shake, I may run amok. As much as I can from this chair, anyway,” said Addie.
Grace looked over at the men. “I’m just going to say this one time. No cinnamon rolls for any of you until after the women have had a chance to eat what they want. I know if you start, you’ll inhale them all down in five minutes and we won’t get any—capiche?”
“Ah, honey, couldn’t we each have at least one?” asked Jett with an exaggerated pout, making her laugh.
“What do you think, Addie?” asked Grace.
“How many did you bring, Cass?” asked Addie.
“There’s at least three dozen here,” said Cassandra.