Back To The Stars: ROMANCE: ALIEN (Alien Invasion Abduction SciFi Romance) (Fantasy Anthologies & Collections)

by Clare Morgan

  “I know. I heard about your grandma. It’s really nice of you to come and visit her, Eva. Damn! This is really strange. I have really missed you,” Derek confessed as all those emotions that were coming back to him from his past. When they were teenagers, Derek used to have a thing for Eva, but he never confessed his feeling for her.

  She has always been extremely occupied by her priorities and would curse about almost everything related to love, which only made Derek think that she was not into her. Little did he know that Eva felt the same way for Derek too! She never confessed about her feelings because she thought that love would make her fragile. She had seen people changing their life goals because of love and didn’t want it to happen to her.

  She knew that she would be leaving Spring Hill in order to attend college and will have a different life while Derek would be living in the town. His parents owned several ranches and properties in the town, which Derek was supposed to take care of. He was the only son and was expected to take care of the family business. Even at that age, she knew that the two of them had no future and that confessing her feelings for him would only make her reveal her fragile side.

  “I miss you too, Derek. I miss everything about this place. I knew that I had to visit it before relocating myself,” she added.

  “You did the right thing, Eva. Do you need my help with something here?” he asked and signaled at her car that was almost broken in the middle of the street.

  “Yes! You always come to my rescue. What would have I done without you!” she smiled and explained to him what was wrong with her car.

  “Let me have a look.”

  As he said, they continued talking to each other under the moonlit sky. It was just like old times, except that they weren’t teenagers anymore. They were responsible adults and were changed individuals. Nevertheless, it didn’t feel like that at all. For them, it was just like one of those old days. They could simply blink and revisit the past. Eva knew that she had made the right choice by coming back, even if it was just for a few weeks.

  Chapter 3:

  Eva could still remember the expressions on her grandmother’s face when she surprised her out of the blue. She hugged Eva tightly in her arms with no intentions of letting her go.

  “You have grown up so beautifully, my girl!” she said as she kept hugging her. She was really delighted to see Eva after so long, as she knew that she was going through a tough phase in her life. Medically, her grandmother was not keeping well and wanted to see her favorite granddaughter before any unforeseen situation.

  “I will not let you go this time!” she said, as a tear rolled out of her eyes.

  “I am here to stay, grandma. I will be here for at least a month with you. I am glad to be here too!” Eva reciprocated her joy and looked at Derek, who accompanied her to her grandmother’s house. Her car didn’t work and Derek decided to drop her instead.

  “I have missed you so much, my baby girl!” her grandmother started to brush her hair with her hands. Eva had long blonde curls that were lustrous and shiny. It was just the perfect evening for her and Derek really liked her coming back. He didn’t want her to go, not so easily and decided to give her the time of her life.

  As Derek kept looking at Eva, he couldn’t stop his heart beating profoundly. He knew that he has strong emotions for Eva ever since they were in high school. When Eva left Spring Hill, he thought that his feelings for her would subside, but he was wrong. Even after all those years, he still had strong feelings for Eva and wanted to let her know about it. He looked at her and knew that God has given him a second chance. He just had that one month, a few weeks to win Eva back and make her stay – and this time, forever.

  The next few days passed the same way. Eva was finding it hard to adjust as it was new for her. Yes, it was her hometown and she had stayed there for years, but when she came back to Spring Hill, after all those years, she had realized that the town had certainly grown. It was not the same place anymore.

  She could see the impression of technology in the city area, making the life of its residents a whole lot easier. All the other people who went with her to her school were grown as mature adults. Some of them got married and had kids while some decided to come back and open their own venture in the town. She also realized that she had lost a few people down the lane.

  Mrs. Robinsons, her adorable neighbor demised a few years back. The news only broke Eva’s heart as she realized that she was not able to attend her funeral. It was not just that single event that she had missed. There were so many weddings, housewarming parties, birthdays, and events that she had also missed. She wanted to go back in time and re-live those moments, but she couldn’t. It felt like all those last few years didn’t exist at all for her. She wanted to make it count, but she couldn’t. She was not a part of those celebrations, and as she saw all her friends moving on with their lives, she had to question herself about her priorities and choices.

  Though, she was delighted to have Derek by her side. He was keeping her company and didn’t seem to disappoint her at all. When it came to Derek, it was just so effortless for her. She could be herself and do everything without giving it a second thought. Every day, Derek would plan some or other thing for the two of them. He would make her re-live the age-old country charm of the town that Eva used to love. He would take her out for a horse riding training and was determined to teach her all the other practices of a cowboy.

  Eva was initially not ready for all those activities, but when she had the initial taste of it, she loved it to the core. She realized the reason why so many people love the country charm and that traditional way of life, as she got converted from a city babe to a true cowgirl.

  Derek made it all happen, as without his help; she would still be stuck with her past. She got to explore a whole new different side of her with him and realized that it was Derek, who was able to bring out the best in her.

  Chapter 4:

  It has been almost a week since Eva has come to stay in Spring Hill, and in these last few days, she was able to see the difference in her. She was enjoying Derek’s company and was able to live her life on her own terms. She has never been so happy in her life and could catch her own reflection in the mirror time and time. Every night, she would think of Derek and the time that they had spent together, which only made her fall for her.

  She would be with her grandmother as much as she would, and would daily have meals with her. They would have heartfelt conversations together and her grandmother would reminisce about her past, narrating her some great stories about her life that would give Eva a personal insight of her life. It felt like she was getting to know herself while hearing those stories. Eva felt extremely fortunate to visit Spring Hill, as it gave her a chance to rediscover not only herself, but also people like Derek, and someone as important as her grandmother. The visit certainly strengthened her bond between these two people, who started to matter a lot in her life.

  It was one of those beautiful moonlit nights when Derek and Eva were sitting on the porch. Eva had just put her grandmother to bed and was yet to have dinner.

  “Why don’t you stay here for dinner? I have made some really nice lasagna,” she suggested and tried to temp Derek.

  “I would love that!” he replied with a smile. He loved spending time with Eva and the dinner seemed like a great idea.

  “I am really glad that you have stayed!” she said as she served dinner.

  “I am glad that I stayed too. This is some fine lasagna ma’am.”

  “Tell me something, Derek – why is it so hard to come back?” Eva asked her swiftly. Derek was able to read her mind and knew what exactly Eva was thinking.

  “It’s not coming back that makes it hard, Eva. It’s the farewell that makes it so heartbreaking. I know what you are thinking – you have to go, but your heart is not ready for that. You think that this is the right thing to do because this is not where you belong. You have worked really hard to earn that position and moving to Californ
ia seems like the best choice, but then deep within, your heart wants you to stay here. You don’t know what to choose anymore. Should you follow your heart or your brain? Should you stay here and be happy, or should you bid a heavy farewell, and try to have your best shot?”

  Derek said without taking a break in between. Eva kept looking at him, with her wide-opened eyes, as he was able to read her mind like a pro.

  “How do you know that?”

  “I know you, Eva. I know what you are thinking, and I know what you will do in the end,” he said politely.

  “And what is that?”

  “I can’t tell you that. It’s not my decision. Only time will tell,” he said and left the room, leaving her caught in the whirlpool of thoughts that were created by her own mind.

  Chapter 5:

  Eva was caught up in a hundred thoughts. She looked at the wide expanse of ranches just outside her home and she thought of the times spent with Derek and the way she had reconnected with her grandma.

  She knew that her grandmother needed her and to be honest, everything felt great here. Eva was at that position in her life where she knew that she could grab a great job working from the confines of her own home. It wasn’t mandatory for her to go to California, but what if she had regrets? What if ten years down the line, she detested her decision to stay a country girl rather than live her dream of the big American city!

  Her life had become a series of what-ifs and maybe, but she realized that she didn’t want to waste the little time she had here, fussing about all these things.

  She remembered her grandma’s golden advice, “Live in the moment, my child. Nothing is certain. Don’t spend your today worrying about the tomorrow that may never come.”

  She tied her long hair in a bun and went outside. Derek was sitting on her porch fiddling with his guitar.

  “You finally learned to play it?”

  “Oh come on! I always played it well.”

  “Oh Derek, stop lying! Remember how terribly you performed at the prom! Rita almost choked.”

  “Ha! Yes, she did and then you slapped her and told everyone that you would be my date and ditched Robbie unceremoniously.”

  “Robbie was an asshole. I don't feel sorry for him. He was busy ogling everyone’s breast.”

  “True that.”

  It felt so good just to bask in the memories of the old times. Eva knew this was a moment. She knew that they could both seize it. Maybe, this was the second chance which destiny had given her. Eva wanted to express what she felt and she could feel a strong sense of chemistry between the two of them.

  “Derek, did you forget about me when I was gone?”

  “Not once, Eva. You always stayed with me.”

  “Do you hate me for going away just like that? Looking back, I think I should have tried a little harder to stay in touch. Maybe, I should have called you more often. I don’t know I got so caught in college and then one thing led to the other.”

  “Eva, you never have to explain or justify anything to me. I am glad you have come back and we are sitting here under this beautiful moonlight.”

  “You have always been like that – so easy to understand.”

  “I know I have my charming moments. Let me sing you a song.”

  Eva giggled and she felt like a teenager all over again. Deep in her heart, Eva had wanted Derek to ask her out for prom but when he hadn't made the move, she had lied and told him that she had a date because she didn’t want to be embarrassed.

  She had asked Robbie to accompany her and had offered to help with his calculus. As Derek sang Eva’s favorite song by Taylor Swift, she couldn't help but fall in love.

  “You remember Taylor is still my favorite singer?”

  “Of course, I do!”

  “And it didn’t bother you that you are singing a girl song.”

  “Anything for you, Eva.”

  “Derek, why didn't you ask me out to prom?”

  “Oh, you told you had a date. How could I?”

  “No, I had lied. I asked Robbie to go with me and I promised to do his calculus homework.”

  “What the fuck! You are making this up, right?”

  “Nope, it is the truth.”

  “You are such a girl. I had always had a thing for you Eva. But, I didn’t know how to bring it up. I didn’t know if you ever saw me like that and you were my only friend. I didn’t want to jeopardize our friendship for wanting something more. This is why I never gathered the courage to ask you out.”

  Eva was shocked to hear all of this. She told Derek about how she felt for him in her prime too. They booth giggled and realized that they were both looking for love and yet they had let the moment go.

  They were different people now, but somehow the feeling underneath were still the same. Derek wanted to kiss Eva and he knew that this was the right time. He brought his lips closer to her and she parted her lips immediately as if she was waiting to be kissed.

  She let his tongue inside her and the passion and heat between them were massive. He could feel the heat burn through his body and he got a boner just by kissing Eva. He knew he had wanted to do this since so long.

  He pushed his fingers in her long blond hair and pulled her closer. They kept on kissing and explored the inside of each other’s mouth. Eva wasn’t gentle but she met him stroke for stroke and kept on kissing him. Their tongues danced together and they were extremely happy.

  When they finally broke the kiss, Eva’s lips had swollen.

  “Whoa! That was hot!” she said.

  “You are hot. I have needed you since a very long time.”

  “Derek, I –”

  She stopped in between because she could hear her grandma calling. She sensed an urgency in her voice and as both of them quickly ran upstairs, she found her grandma trying to reach for her water but failing to do so.

  They both helped her out and got her to her bed.

  “Eva, can you stay here with me tonight?” her grandma asked.

  “Of course, I will sleep in your room.”

  She looked at Derek and he knew that he should leave. He told Eva to ring him up if she needed anything and he would come instantly. She knew that she could always count on Derek as he was more than just a friend.

  He asked her to take care and left, humming Eva’s favorite song. Life had just got better and he couldn’t wait to make love to Eva. His body was still tingling with the kiss and he wanted to do so much more.

  However, he knew that Eva needed to be with her grandmother and he could wait until the next morning or more to spend some of the best times with her.

  Chapter 6:

  Derek woke up at 3 in the night to the buzzing of his phone. Eva was calling and he knew that it wouldn’t be for a pleasant reason.

  He immediately picked her call and found Eva sobbing.

  “Derek, could you come over, please? Granny is having a lot of troubles breathing. I think I need to take her to the hospital right away. I called Uncle John but he doesn’t seem to be picking the call.”

  “Just be where you are, I will be there in 5 minutes.”

  Derek put on his sweatpants and didn’t even bother to dress. He took his car and immediately rushed to Eva’s home. He climbed the stairs in a jiffy and then hauled her grandmother in his big lap.

  “Eva, which hospital are we headed to? Have you called them up?”

  “Yes, I called the Central hospital on the Strand Avenue. They are open and are ready to take grandma now.”

  “Great, get all the needed stuff and I will get her in the car. Come downstairs. I have the car ready. Do it quick.”

  Eva rushed through the drawers and picked some cash along with a few documents which may be needed. Once she had everything, she quickly went outside and locked her home.

  As they drove away to the hospital, she messaged her parents about her grandmother’s declining health and prayed she would make it. She couldn't control the tears that kept falling. Derek assured her that nothing
would happen and drove carefully yet fast to help them reach in time.

  When Eva finally admitted her grandmother, she prayed for her safety.

  “Derek, what would I do without you? I would be so lost. I can’t thank you enough for what you did for me.”

  “I didn’t do it for you, Eva, I did it for us. Don’t thank me. I would always be there for you.”

  The doctors came out a little later and told that the situation was under control. However, she needed some rest and the nurse would take care of her.

  Eva didn’t want to leave, but Derek knew Doctor Hans personally. He assured her that he would call immediately if they needed any help.

  Derek knew that Eva couldn’t stay alone that night and he knew she needed love. As he took her to her home, he didn’t let her walk. He scooped her in his big arms and gently kissed her forehead.

  “Tonight, you have been through much. Let me take care of you and make you forget every other thing for a little while.”

  Eva nodded because she really needed this. She could see his azure blue eyes and she saw her own reflection in it. She wanted to feel him and see his amazing body.

  Derek didn’t rush through the whole process. He knew he had to use his cowboy charm and the rugged countryside appeal. Eva needed someone who could care and love her. He took her to her own bedroom and then undressed her slowly and gently.

  He was in no mood to rush things because it wasn’t about a long hot fuck. Derek wanted to make love and he knew the right way to let her feel comfortable.

  “Baby, do you feel any better?”

  “Don’t talk, Derek. Love me tonight. Get rid of your clothes. I want to touch skin to skin.”

  Derek stripped completely and Eva saw his thick and long dick which was a proof of how much he wanted her. Eva was still wearing her bra and panties and Derek helped her get out of it.

  He sat on the bed and positioned Eva above her. Eva was in his lap and he caressed her breast slightly. He rubbed his hands over her breast and kept on massaging her. Eva could feel the tension drain away from her body and she began to relax. A different kind of tension started to build in her body, but this was the kind of tension that she could enjoy.