A Soldier in Love

by A. Petrov

  Michelle’s stomach sank. “But…” she stammered.

  “Go be with your people,” Serik said as he turned around.

  Michelle watched as Serik began to turn around and walk the other way. She was torn. Part of her wanted to chase after him and part of her wanted to see her people; to find out what was going on with the Earth wars.

  A pat on the shoulder suddenly tore her internal turmoil away. “Welcome home, soldier,” a man with graying hair said with a smile.

  “Thank you, sir,” she replied as more people surrounded her. One by one, in what seemed like a whirlwind, they encircled her and introduced themselves. She guessed she was where she belonged although it felt wrong. But how could it be wrong to be with your own kind?

  Michelle felt like she was going to get dizzy as Ethan introduced her to even more people. She knew she wouldn’t be able to remember their names or faces. It was all a blur.

  “So, you will stay with us?” the petite pregnant woman smiled as the crowd finally thinned out. Her dark hair was neatly piled on her head. As Michelle got a closer look, she could see the woman had a thick application of makeup. It wasn’t a bad look or gaudy, no, the woman was very beautiful.

  Michelle nodded. “Sure but I never got your name?”

  “I’m Rina,” she replied extending a small well manicured hand.

  “Michelle,” she replied shaking her hand.

  “Well, I hope you won’t mind my mess. Things have been kind of crazy with my son and then this little bun in the oven,” Rina smiled as she led the way to her house.

  Michelle knew it wasn’t real but the street, the houses, the area it all reminded her of the suburbs. It seemed like a quiet little place. Not that the suburbs could really exist on another planet but it was definitely a family community, mostly human. Michelle could see a basketball court in the distance.

  I don’t care if I am a grown woman, I’m going to the basketball court when I get a chance, she vowed eyeing the outdoor court.

  Michelle studied Rina as they walked. Rina had been quiet and for that Michelle thankful; she was too tired to do any more talking. She was thankful when they did talk that Rina carried the conversation. She wasn’t used to being with anyone except Serik, it was strange to be the center of everyone’s attention. Suddenly, Rina’s neck caught Michelle’s attention. She had some sort of strange mark. It looked kind of like a bug bite or maybe even a hickey, a very painful hickey. Michelle shook her head. She hoped there weren’t giant mosquitoes on this planet.

  Michelle smiled as a brigade of children swarmed past her yelling and laughing. Her heart leaped for joy. They were the ones she was truly fighting for all this time. Everything she did was so that they could have a better life.

  Upon on further examination, Michelle noticed that not all of the children were well human. There was a boy who looked remarkably similar to Serik. His skin was the same color with hazel eyes. Michelle’s heart grew heavy again. She imagined that if her and Serik were to have a child, a boy, it would look similar to him.

  He’s gone. He never wanted me. I was just a burden on him, Michelle realized.

  Michelle took a deep breath as she pushed down her sadness. These people thought she was a soldier, a real soldier, not a broken crying one. She had to be strong like she had been before. Somewhere she had lost her strength but she had to pretend to carry it here. These people idealized her.

  “We’re almost there,” Rina said breaking Michelle’s thoughts.

  “Great,” Michelle replied as she tried her best to muster up a smile.

  To her relief they soon arrived at Rina’s home. She fumbled with the door and led the way inside. Rina showed her to a small guestroom. Michelle sat her pack down.

  “I’ll get you some things to make your stay more comfortable. I’m sure you want to take a shower,” Rina said with a smile.

  “Thank you.” Michelle nodded and looked around the room.

  Moments later Rina reappeared with an armful of fluffy white towels and toiletries. Michelle wondered how many showers Rina thought she was going to take.

  “Thank you,” Michelle said gently as she took the towels from her arms.

  “Do you mind if I go for a walk? I just need to get some air. I’m… uh, not used to on the ground, I’ve been in the shuttle for so long,” Michelle questioned her host.

  She knew it might come off as a bit rude but she needed to be alone for a few minutes. If not, she wasn’t sure how she was going to pretend to be a normal Earth girl.

  “I don’t mind at all,” Rina said gently to Michelle’s relief.

  Michelle headed out the door.

  “Just don’t forget my house number,” Rina called.

  “I won’t. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

  Michelle followed the winding path that Rina had just taken her own back down to the outdoor basketball courts. She watched from the sidelines as the children played a game. It was a game of leisure and fun. She looked over the children. Michelle smiled as joy overwhelmed her. Lately, it felt that all she did was cry but this time there were no tears; only happiness.

  This is why. This is why I went through all of this so people could have a normal life.

  The game finished and the children began to disperse.

  Michelle still stood on the sideline as the sun began to slowly go down.

  “You wanna play?” a young boy called out.

  She grinned. “Yeah, sure.”

  “I gotta go inside,” he pointed to the sky with one hand and then passed the ball to her. Michelle watched as the other children made their way back on the path as well.

  Michelle slowly dribbled the ball on the court as she made her way towards the free throw line. She balanced her weight and steadied herself. She dribbled a few more times before she lined up her elbows and took a shot. She took a few shots as the ball bounced off the rim. She didn’t know why but it was soothing. She took a few more shots before she watched as the ball went through the hoop.

  In that moment she felt normal, she felt as though she was back on Earth.

  Michelle felt the cool wind blow through her hair. She watched as the sun set lower and decided it was time to make her way back. She set the basketball down on the sidelines and followed the path back to Rina’s house. She couldn’t escape that without Serik she felt as though she was missing something, something she couldn’t explain. It was something huge; it was a giant void, an emptiness, a lonely pit.

  Michelle stepped up to the house and saw Rina on the porch.

  “Hey, you’re back,” Rina smiled warmly.

  Michelle nodded. “Yeah, sorry I just needed to clear my mind.”

  “Understandable, you’ve been through a lot to get here. Let’s get some dinner,” Rina offered.

  “Please,” Michelle replied.

  Michelle followed Rina back in the house and to the kitchen.

  “Babe,” Rina called upstairs. “Come down and meet Michelle, the solider I told you was staying with us.”

  Michelle heard thudding footsteps as a large man appeared. He was much darker than both Bock and Serik but he had the distinctive Baat look.

  “Hey, I’m Dru,” he said embracing her in a hug.

  “Uh, hi. I’m Michelle,” Michelle replied tentatively hugging him back.

  How could I forget these people really like to hug?

  “And I’m Kyle,” a young boy introduced himself. He quickly followed Dru’s lead and also gave her a hug.

  “You guys get out of here and I’ll make dinner,” Dru announced.

  “Do you like Baat food?” Rina asked as she shot a look over to Dru.

  Michelle nodded.

  “Really? Where did you have Baat food?” Dru asked.

  Michelle shook her head. “It’s a long story but I look forward to trying your cooking. Thank you again for having me,” she replied with a small smile.

  “Give me a few minutes and it’ll be ready,” Dru called out as he began to clamor ar
ound the kitchen.

  Rina motioned for Michelle to sit at the table. Michelle sat down and relaxed, suddenly aware of how tired she was. It had been a long draining day.

  “What was it like being in the Earth Army?” Kyle asked wide eyed as he climbed onto the chair next to hers.

  “A lot of pushups and running,” Michelle replied with a wink.

  “Oh, I’m a really fast runner!” he exclaimed.

  Michelle smiled. “Yeah? Tell me more.”

  Chapter Thirty-seven

  It was midday on Sora. The warm sunshine shined down and a slight breeze blew. She was dressed down in something besides her uniform. Her long hair freely flowed down her back. She looked happy and relaxed. She looked beautiful.

  Michelle’s sweet laughter filled his ears. He held her in his arms as they sat on the bay. They looked over the blue water. It had a peaceful and calming effect.

  “The water on Earth, it was blue?” Serik asked.

  Michelle nodded. “It was much like this actually.”

  “I bet your planet was beautiful,” he mused.

  “Parts of it were,” she said with a shrug.

  “I know this isn’t the same…” he started.

  Michelle’s expression suddenly changed. “What is it you have to tell me? Why did you bring me out here?”

  “I’m Cabaka,” he blurted out without control. It was as though something else had possessed him to speak; he hadn’t been in control of his own body. He gasped realizing the words he had just spoken.

  Her expression froze before turning into one of complete disgust. It was the same look that he had gotten his entire life. It was a look of hate, disgust, and betrayal.

  “Michelle?” he tried. It was no use. He had lost her.

  His breathing became labored and heavy. Abruptly, his eyes opened. It had been just a dream, but it was also a reality. He would have to tell her, he couldn’t keep this up. She would hate him.

  Serik tossed and turned but he just couldn’t get back to sleep. The dream had felt real. He shuddered at the thought of her hating him. Hate, he railed himself. He hated being without her. Every time he closed his eyes he could see her beautiful face. He reached out for her but then quickly realized she was not there. Why would she be?

  He grumbled and tried to shake it off yet his mind still raced.

  Should I really leave her after I take this luvoxko in? Should I say goodbye? Should I ask her to stay with me? Should I tell her?

  He hungered for her in such a way that left him ravenous. He couldn’t sleep he couldn’t eat, Hell he couldn’t even think straight. He wanted her more than he had ever wanted anything in his entire existence.

  He closed his eyes again but sleep did not come. He wondered if maybe he had waited his entire life for this female who made him feel loved. She gave him everything he needed, love, acceptance, and affection. She understood. He knew he loved her. He had ever since he first laid eyes on her. The love grew as he became closer and closer to her.

  But how did love happen anyway? he pondered. He supposed it didn’t happen, but instead it just moved in swiftly and took its place whether you protested it or not. It was unyielding to what the brain knew as best. Worst of all he craved it more and more. He craved her more and more. He sighed and fully stretched out on the body. He longed for her body to be next to his.

  Nonsense you survived your entire life without her you can survive again. She will never accept you, he sharply reminded himself.

  But he wondered if he really could survive without her. Michelle was his life. She was his everything. He shut his eyes and finally sleep came back to take him away again for the night.

  Chapter Thirty-eight

  Michelle had fallen asleep without Serik next to her for the first time in a very long time. She had thought it would be difficult task but as soon as she shut her eyes, sleep overtook her. The next morning when she woke up, she felt empty. She lay in bed for a few minutes not wanting to face the day. She finally summoned the courage and strength to get up and take a shower.

  She showered and brushed her teeth. She wondered back to her room to see Rina perched on her bed like a cat, waiting on her.

  “So, now that the boys are gone I thought maybe you could tell me who that hunky Baat guy was who dropped you off,” Rina grinned.

  “Where did they go?” Michelle asked as she wished Rina would quit asking about Serik. Her heart ached every time she did.

  “Dru took Kyle to school then he’s off to work,” Rina replied. “I got you some clothes to wear while you’re here. We hit the jackpot with a shipment that came in from Earth. I think we got practically a whole department store, clothes, makeup, perfume, the good stuff too. Try these on and see if they fit. If not, I’ll go look again.”

  Michelle looked down at the jeans and long black sleeve shirt Rina had brought her. She hated to admit it but in the short time Rina had known her she knew her style very well. It was simple and plain.

  “Get changed and come on downstairs and I’ll get you some breakfast,” Rina offered.

  “Sure,” Michelle smiled. She was becoming increasingly grateful for her host’s generosity.

  Michelle slipped off her uniform and put on the jeans and t-shirt. She chuckled a little when she realized that Rina had also left her a pair of stiletto high heels.

  Yeah, I’ll just keep my army boots.

  Michelle laced up her boots and headed downstairs. She felt strange in her civilian clothes. She realized how they showed her form. She couldn’t hide behind anything in her current attire. Michelle shifted her weight uncomfortably. She felt exposed without her uniform. Without the Earth Army, she would have to face the fact that she was now a regular Earth woman again. She looked to Rina as she entered the kitchen. Rina was the vision of beauty. Her hair was neatly placed on her head, she had a flawless application of makeup on, and she was very well dressed. Michelle had never been good at those sorts of things. Amy had always helped her if she needed to be dressed up for something. She felt out of place. She felt odd. It was like being back on Earth all over again.

  “So, where in the US are you from?” Rina asked as she poured Michelle a bowl of cereal.

  “I’m from Utah,” Michelle replied.

  “Ah, OK. I wasn’t too far away. I lived in California. Oh, we don’t have cows here on Sora. Well, not yet maybe we can get a dairy farm started soon but for now no milk. I have something from Baat that kind of tastes like almond milk,” Rina offered.

  “Of course, that’s fine. Thank you again for letting me stay with you. I guess I’d be on the street without you,” Michelle replied.

  “Or at Ethan’s. He has quite the crush on you, you know?” Rina chuckled.

  Michelle shook her head and smiled. It was true he had even come back to check on her. It didn’t seem right to her to have male attention. It was still a new and foreign concept. Michelle took several bites of food as Rina set down at the table with her.

  “Rina, I went to Kano and no one could tell me what was happening on Earth,” Michelle began in a soft, more serious tone.

  “They probably didn’t know. Our planet doesn’t concern them much, well, except for our women. Did you know we are like supermodels out there? Who would have guessed it? Plus, that’s out in the middle of nowhere. What were you doing out there?” Rina replied in almost a single breath.

  Rina reminded Michelle of a whirlwind. She slowly processed everything she said before replying, “I was with Serik… It’s not important. Rina, what is the current state of the Earth wars?”

  Rina shook her head as her eyes grew dark. “I’m sorry Michelle. I hate to be the one to have to tell you all of this…”

  “Tell me,” Michelle pleaded as her green eyes met Rina’s saddened brown ones.

  “Earth… Earth got taken,” Rina stammered.

  Michelle’s heart sank. She wanted to scream but she held it together. For some reason it wasn’t shocking news she had known it was going to happen
. She listened closely to Rina’s words as she continued.

  “Most everyone that could, well, they left for other planets in the end. Sora is probably the planet with the most resemblance to Earth,” Rina offered.

  “Then why didn’t the Cabaka just take this one?” Michelle questioned bitterly.

  Rina shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know.”