“Really?” Granny’s eyes widened. “So few... Why would they all be here?”
“The Command Compound clinic is the best in the world. I’m sure it’s so we can receive the best possible care.”
“I suppose so…”
“I know you’ve always felt uneasy about the Szu’Kara, but, Granny, they’ve done so much for humanity. I really am happy about this baby. This could be a positive step for both of our species.”
“Maybe...” Granny gazed at the sky through the window above the sink.
“Anyway, Kayn seems happy… and proud.” Alyssa muffled a scoff. “I’m not sure how this will affect our relationship, though. It’s still so new, and we have so much to learn about each other.”
Snapping her attention back to the conversation, Granny returned to her ladyfingers and milkshake. “Well, I’m sure you two will figure things out. You’re a very smart girl, and you know your old Granny is here to help you with anything.”
“Thanks.” Alyssa gave Granny a grateful smile, patting her hand. “Hey, you haven’t noticed anyone strange hanging around outside, have you?”
“No, baby girl, just the usual neighbors who come visit me in my rocker.”
“Hmm, okay. Just had that weird, creepy feeling like someone was watching me when I got here.”
“Don’t know what to tell you.”
“That reminds me. I made another friend the other day when I came into town for some dinner.”
“Well, aren’t you a popular girl these days.” Granny winked, her lips curling into a little smirk.
“Sure seems that way.” Alyssa laughed at the playful old woman. “Anyway, I was in that little café at the other end of town, stuffing my face with salad—the same day I found out about the baby. This guy, Jordan, about my age, stopped to chat with me. He says he moved to his brother’s farm a few miles from here. Have you seen him?”
“Oh, yes, I believe I’ve seen a new pickup drive by a couple of times.”
“I think you’d like him. Seems like a nice guy, talks a little funny. Apparently, he moved around a lot.”
“Well, bring him around someday. I could do with some new stories. Not sure how many more times I can listen to Old Dan talk about his chickens.”
Alyssa grinned at Granny’s sour face. “Will do, Granny.”
***
“Come by in about an hour, Jess,” Alyssa said into her phone. “Kora’s really shy, and I don’t want to scare her off right away. We’ll eat dinner, and hopefully by then, she’ll be comfortable enough that you showing up won’t make her too nervous.”
“Sounds good to me.” Jess sounded chipper as always. “I hope she likes me. We haven’t had a new girlfriend since high school.”
“Yeah, it’ll be nice to talk to someone who’s pregnant like me.”
“Don’t tell Lorn, but I got a birth control implant this morning. Not that I’m not happy for you, I just don’t think I am ready for a baby yet. I don’t want to take any chances.”
“Honestly, I don’t blame you.” Alyssa sighed. “I didn’t want kids for a while, either.”
“It’ll be okay, Aly.”
“I know—”
The door buzzer went off as Alyssa balanced the phone between her ear and her shoulder while carrying a bowl of fettuccine to the table. “That’s her, Jess. See you soon.”
Alyssa jogged to the door, palming the scanner to open it. Standing on the other side, Kora looked tired and anxious, hunched in a way that almost seemed fearful, and Alyssa wondered how someone could be so fragile at such a young age.
“Hey—” she smiled brightly “—come in.”
“Thanks.” Kora shuffled inside, glancing around warily.
“I just set the table. Have a seat.”
Kora lowered herself into a dining chair, eyes wide and mouth fallen open, her large belly pressed against the table.
“I might have made a little too much food...” Alyssa smiled apologetically while holding her hand up with her forefinger and thumb close together. “Wasn’t sure what you like to eat.”
“This is good... Everything looks great.”
Wearing a baggy, gray sweater over a faded, black T-shirt and black leggings, Kora seemed lost in a sea of dreariness with her straight, black hair hanging limp and oily around her dull eyes and gaunt face. Her appearance brought out a mothering instinct in Alyssa that had to be tamped down. She looks like a starved kitten! Someone her age should be bright and healthy, ready to take on the world.
Alyssa started loading up a plate for Kora. “So… do you work?”
“No. Sen doesn’t want me to work.” Her hungry eyes followed the plate as Alyssa added generous portions.
She set the plate in front of a nearly drooling Kora. “What does Sen do?”
“He manages the commissary and the cafeteria.” Kora stared at her overflowing plate with a pained expression.
“What do you two do for fun? Do you go to the town much?” Alyssa added a glass of milk to Kora’s place setting.
“I haven’t been to the town yet. Sen works a lot.”
With her own overflowing plate and glass of milk, Alyssa began eating, gesturing at Kora to eat when the girl still hadn’t moved. “Well... maybe you and I can go shopping soon. That would be fun, right?”
Kora picked at the food, looking almost frightened. With a huff, Alyssa washed down a mouthful with her milk and gave Kora a pointed look. “I swear I didn’t poison the food. Please eat. Don’t make me look like a pig here.”
Kora cringed, but made more of an effort, and after a couple of bites, began to eat with more gusto. “I have to ask Sen if I can go.”
“I don’t want to seem rude, but, uh, do you have to get permission for everything you do?”
Kora flushed, looking down at her plate. “Sen just likes to know what I’m doing.”
“Okay, well… let me know what you find out,” Alyssa said, backing off. “We can stop by the Malt Shop. You’ll just love Marly. He’s a big ol’ lovable teddy bear.”
“O-okay.”
“I bought us some treats for dessert.” That got Kora to perk up.
They continued chatting over dinner, with Alyssa carrying most of the conversation, trying to draw out the timid girl. Kora’s reticence only made Alyssa more determined to learn about this worrisome girl.
After dinner, Kora helped clean up. Alyssa insisted she sit and relax, but Kora wouldn’t listen, seeming anxious about washing the dishes just right and putting them away immediately. No matter how much Alyssa reassured her the dishes could wait, Kora just wouldn’t hear it.
Unpacking the candies, Alyssa spread them out on a small platter, excited to share with her new friend. As she arranged the treats on the coffee table, the door opened and Jess appeared, startling a yelp out of Kora. Stifling a laugh, Alyssa waved at her best friend.
Jess bounced in, waving at them with a huge grin on her face. “Hey there! I’m Jess. You must be Kora?”
“Hi...”
“Sorry if I scared you. I guess Aly’s used to me barging into her place.”
“Yes, sorry, Kora. I forgot to mention I invited Jess over for dessert. I thought it might be nice for you to meet my sweet, adorable best friend.”
“Aw, Aly, you’re too kind.” Jess blushed, tittering.
Kora teetered in place, staring with anxious eyes, making Alyssa worry that maybe inviting Jess had been a mistake. She really wanted Kora to feel welcome and wanted, and it seemed as if this fearful young woman needed some friends.
“Come sit down, Kora.” Alyssa waved her over to the sofa. “Let’s indulge our sweet tooth, shall we? Jess, I bought your favorite candy.”
“Oh, you’re the best!” Jess sat on the floor, tucking her legs under.
Reluctantly, Kora shuffled over to join them, perching on the edge of the sofa cushion as if she were ready to bolt at any moment. Alyssa handed her a dessert plate and held the platter out.
“There’s caramels, mints,
cordials, truffles, a good mix of all my favorites. Please, have as many as you want.”
Kora quickly picked out three candies. As she took delicate bites, her face fell, her eyes closed, and Alyssa and Jess watched, mesmerized, as she savored the candies as if she’d never had such a delicacy. Alyssa glanced at Jess, who sucked the cherry juice out of a cordial while staring at Kora with concern.
“Jess, Kora and I were talking about going to town sometime next week to do some shopping.” Alyssa picked out several candies for herself. “She’s been here a month and hasn’t been off the compound yet.”
“That sounds fun. Mind if I join you? I haven’t been shopping in a while and Lorn gave me some money for shoes.” She snorted. “I told him I can buy my own shoes, but you know Lorn. He’s such a sweetie.”
Although she smiled as she spoke, Jess’ expression turned wary and confused when she noticed Kora openly gaping at her.
“I’m sorry. Did I say something wrong?”
“Um… no.” Kora’s pale cheeks turned pink. “I, uh, it’s nothing. Sorry.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah, sorry.”
“It’s okay, Kora.” Jess patted the girl’s petite hand. “If you aren’t comfortable with me going shopping with you, I can wait. I don’t mind.”
“NO! No. It’s not that... I didn’t mean to upset you.”
Jess frowned, glancing sidelong at a worried Alyssa. “I’m not upset.”
“I just—I’m not used to independent women.” Kora turned away, hiding her face behind a curtain of inky hair. “Sen wouldn’t just give me money like that... Oh, I shouldn’t even be saying anything. He’d be very angry with me.”
“Kora, sweetie, you don’t have to worry about hiding things from us. We won’t judge you or make you feel bad.” Alyssa reached over to touch the young woman’s bouncing knee. “You’re welcome to come to either of us for anything.”
“That’s right, Kora.” Jess bobbed her head. “I’m in pod six, unit eight. Anytime you need anything, please stop by. Lorn is very friendly for a Szu’Kara so, if I’m not there, he’ll make sure you’re comfortable. You’re one of us girls now!”
“Thanks.” Kora let out a shaky breath.
Alyssa set her dish down. “Are things good with you and Sen?”
“Uh, yes. It’s fine, we’re fine” Kora stared at her plate, not looking fine. “Sen is just a little… strict. Our community in Florida was old-fashioned.”
“Sounds kind of backwards to me.” Alyssa popped a mint candy in her mouth.
“I guess we’re pretty lucky here on the Command Compound,” Jess said. “The Szu’Kara have done a good job fitting in here. We’ve meshed our peoples together into a calm and respectful community. I bet it seems quite different here.”
“I really haven’t gone anywhere, except the prenatal class, so I don’t really know what it’s like here. Sen brings home all our food and supplies. I clean and cook and take care of him.”
“Does he take care of you, you know, other than bringing home the bacon?”
“Yeah,” Alyssa said, “does he pamper you or bring you special treats? You are carrying his precious baby.”
“Uh, no. Nothing has changed other than we moved here.”
“Oh dear...”
“Hmm. Well, I think we definitely need a shopping trip.” Alyssa nodded decisively. “You check with Sen and let me know when you’re available. Whatever time is fine with me. Kayn’ll let me take the day off if I put it on the schedule.”
“I’ll ask.” Kora crossed her arms over her protruding belly. “I should go now. I’ve been gone too long.”
“Okay,” Alyssa said, “but take some candies with you. Actually, take the whole box. I’ll pack them up for you right now.”
With a tiny gasp, Kora’s eye brightened a little. “Really?”
“Absolutely!”
Alyssa jumped up to package the remaining candies, giggling as Jess even snuck in her leftover cordial cherries. Alyssa side-hugged her, grateful for such an adorable and caring friend. Glancing over at Kora, Alyssa saw her fidgeting in her seat and a troubling thought struck her.
“Are you going to be okay? Sen won’t mind if you bring home candy, will he?”
“No, I don’t think so, but I haven’t had girlfriends or anyone to give me anything since before my mother arranged for me to go to Sen.”
“She did what?”
“It’s not a big deal,” Kora said, cringing as she averted her gaze. “That’s just how things were done in our community.”
Alyssa and Jess glanced at each other. Jess pressed her lips together, eyes wide with restraint, and Alyssa cleared her throat, swallowing her scathing opinions.
“Well, if the candy causes you any problems, next time I go to town I’ll get you some to keep here.” She gave Kora a broad smile. “That way you’ll always have a reason to come visit me.”
Tears brimmed Kora’s trembling eyelids. Alyssa and Jess each took a side, one with an arm over her shoulder and another around her waist, handing her the bag of candies as they led her to the front door.
“We may not understand your situation, Kora,” Alyssa said, “but you can count on us to be here for you whenever you need.”
Jess patted Kora’s arm, nodding.
“Thanks, Alyssa. Thanks, Jess.”
Waving goodbye, Alyssa and Jess watched as Kora shuffled away, noticing all appearances of ease and comfort disappear from her body language within a few steps, with her shoulders drooping and her overall stature seeming to shrink. Back inside, Alyssa and Jess stood by the door, stunned.
“Wow...” Jess grabbed Alyssa’s arm, squeezing softly.
“Yeah...”
“Did you know she was living like that?”
“No.” Alyssa shook her head, crossing her arms. “I’ve only met her twice. The women in my prenatal class mentioned looking out for her but they didn’t say anything about her home situation.”
“I hope she’s safe. She seems like such a scared little girl.”
“Yes, she does...” She whipped around to face Jess, grinning ear-to-ear. “Maybe we can teach her some girl power.”
“Girl power, yes!” Jess guffawed, slapping Alyssa’s outstretched hand.
“She really needs us, doesn’t she?”
“I think so.” Jess threaded her arm around Alyssa’s waist. “I really do.”
“I’m kind of tired. You staying over?”
“You bet. I wanted to hang out with you. We haven’t had much time together lately.”
Heading into the bedroom, they tucked themselves into Alyssa’s comfy queen size bed. Sinking into the plethora of pillows layered against the headboard, Alyssa breathed a sigh of happiness and contemplated her blessed life. Especially compared to Kora…
“I think we’re lucky. We have amazing families. We’re dating great guys. We have great careers. Right?”
“Right.” Jess nodded. “So, what’s been going on with you and Kayn?”
“Well...” Alyssa drew out the word to tease her friend. “We had our own private celebration after the Arrival Day festivities.”
“Really? Tell me all about it, girl.”
Regaling Jess with a minute by minute recount of her night with Kayn, Alyssa snuggled up with her long-time friend. Spending this time with Jess gave her a chance to relax and let her guard down, making herself acutely aware she’d been feeling rather stressed about her future with a baby. Remembering what Katie told her, Alyssa scolded herself for not asking Kayn about the Nursery.
Okay, baby brain, first thing tomorrow we talk to Kayn about this nonsense of being sent away to some strange baby compound!
Chapter 5
“Commander, may I have a few moments in private please?”
As usual, General Ras monopolized Kayn’s time, pacing in front of his expansive desk. Alyssa, determined to get to the bottom of this Nursery business, boldly interrupted the general as he droned on about some minor conflict
between the compounds in Uganda and Kenya. All eyes zeroed in on her.
Outraged, General Ras puffed up his chest, and Alyssa pulled in a steadying breath, ready to fight. Glancing at Kayn, she noticed he appeared quite amused by the situation.
“Miss Rose,” Ras said, his booming voice rattling her eardrums, “you are aware we are in the middle of important matters.”
“Ras, wait outside.” Kayn calmly flicked his fingers in the direction of the office door.
In a huff, the general marched out of the office, glaring daggers at Alyssa as he passed by.
“What is so important that you could not wait until later to speak with me?” Kayn peered at her with his dark lips pursed.
“I apologize, Kayn.” Alyssa clasped her hands behind her back. “I should have spoken to you about this right away, but it seems the baby hormones are starting to make me forgetful.”
“This hormone issue... is it something I should be concerned about?” Kayn began to stand, a hint of worry in his eyes. “I rely on you for many essential tasks. Is this what you wanted to speak to me about?”
“No and no.” She waved him back to his seat, endeared by his concern. “I’ll make sure I take copious notes so I may continue to serve you efficiently. Actually, I wanted to talk to you about something I heard at my first prenatal checkup.”
“Well, what is it?” He waved his hand at her impatiently.
Kayn’s sudden sharp tone rattled Alyssa. “Well, one of the ladies mentioned that all the women pregnant by Szu’Kara, are sent to a place called the Nursery, once their babies are born, that is. Is this your intention for me and our child?”
Turning in his chair to face the window, Kayn rose to gaze out at the compound, but didn’t respond right away, his hesitation unnerving Alyssa as she clasped her shaky hands behind her back.
“This is the established procedure for any planet we have assisted.” He said, still not facing her. “Szu’Kara do not reproduce easily. We prefer to care for all our offspring in a secure and managed environment.”
“I am perfectly secure here.” Alyssa bit her tongue, reining in her irritation. “I have a wonderful support system and I love my job. I don’t need to be managed. Besides, don’t you want to help raise your child?”
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