Out Of This World

by Annette Mori

  “Okay.” It was just one word, but it said everything. Celeste was more important to me than my self-proclaimed integrity.

  Sydney just nodded and I thought I saw a bit of sadness surface in her expression. I wasn’t sure what that was about, but I didn’t have time to contemplate what was going on in Sydney’s head.

  I jogged back to my bedroom and pulled out a large overnight bag. I began tossing shirts, shorts, jeans, underwear, and my bag of toiletries that fortunately, due to my severe case of OCD, I’d amassed neatly in a clear plastic bag.

  I had a thing about my shower case. I wanted all the things that made me clean arranged neatly in one location in case I ever needed to go out of town. I didn’t want to forget anything. I would religiously put them back into their little plastic bag and zip them up tight after every use. The bag included an impressive list of items: a second toothbrush, tube of toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, face and hand lotion, handmade soap, and chapstick. I didn’t wear much make-up, but I also had a second plastic bag for that in an equally organized manner.

  I silently apologized to my shower and make-up bags after tossing them unceremoniously into the overnight duffel.

  Celeste was watching me and I almost forgot about needing to retrieve a bag for her. I rummaged in my closet until I found my second overnight duffel and tossed it in her direction.

  “Put all your new clothes and your toothbrush in that bag and grab whatever books you want to read and toss them in,” I directed.

  She walked out of the room with the duffel in her hand.

  A few minutes later, I was packed and ready to head out. I could hear noises in the guest bedroom and hoped that Celeste wouldn’t need any help. She came out of the room about ten minutes later and the bag looked full, so I let out of sigh of relief. For someone suffering from paranoid delusions, she was remarkably calm.

  Celeste walked calmly to my bookshelf, scanned the titles, and plucked four from their cozy home in the bookcase. She unzipped her bag and carefully placed them on top before closing it back up. She grabbed her backpack and slung it over her free shoulder.

  Gizmo had a sixth sense for when her mommy’s normal routine was different. She would weave in and out of my legs before stretching her paws up and meowing loudly. It was as if she were saying, hey aren’t you forgetting something.

  “Crud, what about Gizmo. I can’t just leave her here all alone. She doesn’t understand. She’s not like other cats, you know, all aloof and snippy. She’ll definitely miss the people contact.”

  “Um, I guess we can bring her along. I don’t have any cat food or a litter box, so we’ll have to grab those and bring them with us.” Sydney touched her hand to my arm and gently retrieved my bag to carry it out to the jeep. It was such a Sydney thing to do and I let the sweet gesture wash over me like one of those beautiful rain showers I bathed in with my Aunt on one of our adventures.

  I don’t know why I always forgot about all the gentle, caring, gestures that Sydney did throughout the years of our friendship. You would think I would have tattooed each one directly to my brain, burning each and every kind deed into my memory, but I found myself unworthy of her kindness so I promptly dismissed them.

  Sydney left with my bag and was back a few seconds later. I’d located my container of cat food and some extra litter holding one item in each hand. Sydney promptly grabbed both and once again exited my house where I presumed she was making a second trip to her jeep to load the additional items.

  Celeste had followed Sydney out on the first trip and when she came back, she was minus the overnight bag and backpack so I assumed she had already stashed them in the jeep.

  As I was heading to the mudroom where Gizmo’s litter box was located, I turned around briefly to ask, “Celeste, would you mind picking up Gizmo while I get the litter box?”

  Sydney followed me into the mudroom and grabbed the box before I even had a chance to pick it up. I thought to myself, what a butch thing to do, like carrying all my books to class. I chuckled at that random thought.

  I grabbed my purse with my phone, credit cards, and a small amount of cash. Actually, it was more of a small bag because I didn’t carry a purse, and I looked around one last time before I shut the door on my comfortable, safe life. I was about to start a new adventure and with one quick touch from Celeste using her free hand, the calm feeling swept over me. I eagerly stepped into the Jeep.

  Chapter Five

  Sydney’s cabin was hidden so far into the woods that I doubted a first rate bloodhound would be able to find it without detailed directions. I remember thinking it was so like her, unpretentious, simple, and elegant, with fine angular lines in perfect symmetry. I imagined her cabin absorbing the essence of Sydney, just like when pets begin to take on the characteristics of their owners.

  I’d always wondered how she could stand to live in Hollie’s ostentatious home in the haughty gated community that undoubtedly Hollie’s father picked out for her. Sydney seemed to stick out like one of those pictures in an IQ test where they ask what doesn’t belong here?

  The ginormous evergreen trees bunched up around the cabin provided a layer of protection against outsiders hoping to break into the inner circle. Ten different shades of green blended together creating a postcard picture of splendor. I imagined this was a favorite location for the local wildlife, and made a note to peek out the window to try to catch a glimpse of the magnificent elk that might make a brief appearance.

  It was an overcast day again, which wasn’t a big surprise for late spring. Dark gray clouds blanketed the sky, and I couldn’t tell if the trees let any sunshine breach their protective barrier. I hoped they did so that I could raise my face to the sky and absorb the healing light that always seemed to brighten my mood.

  Sydney grabbed my bag again and led us into her private world. The inside of the cabin was just as spectacular with its gleaming wood floors and hand-crafted stone fireplace. Polished granite and marble accented various parts in the cabin, creating the perfect blend of wood and stone.

  Celeste followed us into the cabin carrying her backpack across her shoulder and, in her other arm, Gizmo rested calmly as if going to a new place was the most natural thing in the world. She’d left the borrowed overnight bag in the Jeep, presumably determining her pack and Gizmo were her first priorities.

  There was a slight hesitation from Sydney before she ambled down to what I assumed was the guest bedroom and gently placed my bag on the bed. She looked up quickly at Celeste who placed her own duffel next to mine on the bed. A frown replaced Sydney’s usual quick smile, but she didn’t say a word. Gizmo, the little harlot, was content to remain in Celeste’s arms. Sydney quickly left the room and I momentarily forgot about getting the rest of our stuff, including Gizmo’s litter box and food.

  “I do not wish to offend, but I would enjoy sharing energy again,” Celeste stated.

  Fortunately, I knew this was not a euphemism for sex in her delusional world, because even if I was ready for that, I somehow didn’t feel right having sex in Sydney’s cabin. It almost felt like cheating. I knew that was ridiculous because Sydney and I were never anything more than friends, but I was still madly in love with her, even though I was starting to have very similar feelings for Celeste.

  What a loser I was to fall in love with two completely unsuitable women. One was unobtainable and the other quite possibly might end up locked away in an institution.

  I kissed Celeste’s cheek to let her know I was okay with the sleeping arrangements. She smiled at me and my heart went pitter pat. One touch or one smile from her was enough to make my day. The only other person ever to have the same effect on me was Sydney.

  Celeste sat on the bed petting my purring feline. I sat next to her and gave Gizmo a few scratches on her chin. She was adapting to the transition of a new place amazingly well. Celeste handed her to me as I hugged her closely to my body, absorbing the warmth and security of something familiar. After a few minutes, I set her gently on
the bed.

  I heard some rustling around in the living room and then I remembered about the rest of our shit and suspected that Sydney was probably hauling it all into her cabin. I am the worst friend in the world sitting here relaxing on the bed while Sydney does all the work.

  My mind was jumping all over the place as I thought about where we would store the litter box because I didn’t want to stink up her cabin. I should have thought to bring the flowers. That got me thinking about the fish that would undoubtedly rot in the refrigerator unless I called my mom to take care of it, but then she would ask a whole bunch of questions I was not prepared to answer. Maybe I could get Sydney to go back for it. God, what was I thinking?

  I hopped up from the bed to help and started to think about some kind of plan to keep Greg from involuntarily committing Celeste to the mental hospital. Celeste was right on my heels as I entered the main living area.

  Of course it was too late to help Sydney since she’d already finished bringing everything in. I felt like such a schmuck for not helping her. Now she was busy building a fire, and with one quick blow on the logs, the flames licked up the fuel and burst into a blaze of orange and yellow dancing lights. Rather than simply sit, she seemed to fall back on the chair a few feet away from the fireplace.

  Sydney wasn’t aware that we’d entered the cozy living room as she sat with her head in her hands. I’d never seen her so dejected. I wanted desperately to fix whatever made her so sad and to tell her how sorry I was for being so rude.

  “Oh, God, Sydney. I’m so sorry that we left you to take care of all of our shit. I’m such an ingrate.” I put my hand on her back to let her know I was there for her. “Sydney, what’s wrong?”

  She looked up and a quick smile returned to her face, but I noticed it didn’t reach her eyes. “I’m just tired. This morning I came off my double shift.”

  Sydney was a Paramedic/Firefighter who worked forty-eight-hour shifts and then had a string of days off. I was thankful that she wasn’t missing work on our behalf. It was bad enough that I had to lie to my boss. I was surprised she’d suggested I call in sick because Sydney was the most honest, straightforward person I knew. I don’t think she had the constitution to lie to anyone.

  Sydney gestured toward the couch and I took that as our cue to get down to business and try to figure things out. She looked directly at Celeste.

  “Okay, if we’re going to help you, I’d like to hear your side of the story. Something about Greg didn’t ring true and I’m willing to keep an open mind,” Sydney calmly stated.

  “What would you like to know?” Celeste asked.

  “For starters, did you check yourself out of the hospital like Greg claims?”

  “Yes.”

  “Okay. Why?”

  “I did not belong there.”

  “Did your family take you there?”

  “No.”

  “Okay, maybe I’m going about this all wrong. Can you give me a little more information besides yes, no, and other cryptic responses?” Sydney shifted in her seat and I noted a touch of frustration in her voice.

  “I fear you will not believe what I have to tell you. Initially, Bella accepted my story, but now I fear she was tainted by the information the government man, Greg, provided to you.” Celeste tilted her head to the side and seemed to watch Sydney’s reaction with interest.

  I flinched when she casually revealed her perspective about me. She was spot on, I was influenced by what I’d learned at the Cottage Café, and it was reinforced when Celeste confirmed that she had indeed checked herself out of the mental hospital.

  “I’m really trying here to be open to all possibilities. So please, give me a chance to weigh all the information before we proceed,” Sydney pleaded.

  “I misjudged the reaction of humans when I tried to find a human who was energy compatible. When I reached out to touch various women, one began to shriek and attracted the attention of a man in a uniform. I did try to explain I meant no harm, but he would not listen and when I tried to calm him by touching his arm, he used a burst of energy that caused momentary pain and left me without the ability to calm him or others. He placed shackles on my hands and led me to a busy building with humans bustling about. Some were injured and I wanted to help them. A nice woman came in to talk with me and I told her why I was here and tried to explain that I meant no harm. The shackles were uncomfortable and I tried to use my energy reserve to open them, but I did not have enough to break free. I was agitated and they stuck me with a large needle injecting a chemical substance that was very unpleasant. I woke up the next morning shackled to a bed and without energy to free myself. I needed the sun to recharge and the room was without light.” Celeste gave her explanation calmly.

  I groaned. I wasn’t sure if Sydney would decide to yank her from her chair and escort her straight to the hospital. I tried to add a little levity to her explanation. “Well at least you learned your lesson and didn’t approach Sydney or me that way.”

  She smiled. “Oh yes, I did learn. Sydney had an energy signature that did not appear to exhibit aggressiveness or an overactive response, so I just touched her arm to calm her. With you, I did a mind exploration to make sure you were not afraid. However, I did not need to touch you to determine compatibility. I knew right away that you were special, because your energy came off in strong waves before I made contact. This was how it was with my energy mate. It is a rare thing on my planet to determine compatibility prior to contact.”

  “How does Greg enter into this equation?” Sydney asked.

  “I do not know who called Greg, but he showed up shortly after I became aware of my surroundings and he began questioning me. I sensed his motives were impure. He reminded me of the invaders. I refused to answer his questions. He became angry. I tried to touch his arm to calm him, but he slapped my hand away and then they stuck a needle in my arm again.”

  “How did you find your way here?” Sydney asked.

  “I watched and listened. I learned what I needed to imitate to convince the lady doctor I was not a threat. I overheard them talking about releasing me to Greg. He told them he was a friend of the family. I’d convinced them to take me out to the garden so I could recharge under the Earth sun. I used a special energy burst and some minor mind manipulation on the lady doctor to get her to discharge me several hours early, and then I fled to this town.”

  Okay, so she had explained everything, but everything she said fit very nicely into Greg’s story of her delusions. Sydney was still one step behind because she hadn’t heard Celeste explain that she was from Sisterna and all the other stuff about energy mates and the quest to understand love.

  Sydney stared wide-eyed at Celeste. “Um, I don’t really understand your reference to ‘energy compatibility’ or using ‘energy bursts’?”

  “I could offer a demonstration, but it is forbidden to use our energy for superfluous reasons,” Celeste responded.

  “So you don’t have family looking for you?”

  “We do not have family on Sisterna. We have caretakers assigned to no more than three young ones. They teach us and provide the basis for our moral code of behavior. It is normal for us to want to be like our caretakers, and one of mine was an explorer so I naturally emulated her.”

  “Sisterna?” Sydney crinkled her nose.

  “Yes, that is the planet I come from. My home world offers a different kind of beauty than Earth. Sisterna has three suns to your one, and although I am biased, I believe the result is a more spectacular sunrise and sunset. The additional energy assists with our recharging needs. It is difficult for me on Earth to achieve the same benefit.”

  “So you actually believe you are from another planet?” Sydney’s eyebrow shot up.

  “I warned that you would not believe.” Celeste looked down and seemed to deflate right before my eyes.

  I felt bad, but I had my own reasons for not supporting her. It was almost impossible to accept that this stunning woman would give me the time of
day under normal circumstances. I didn’t trust that anyone would want to spend time with boring, plain ole Mabel.

  She looked directly at me. “You do not believe me,” she stated. She didn’t seem to care if Sydney believed her.

  I couldn’t lie to her. “I want to believe you, but you’re so beautiful and I’m well...I guess it makes sense…um not that I think any less of you…oh shit, I’m just making you feel worse, aren’t I?”

  “This illness that you suspect me of is considered a substantial flaw?” she asked.

  “Um yes, wait, no. I don’t want you to think there is something wrong with you. Shit, this is all coming out wrong. I guess I just proved the enormous stigma attached to mental illness. I’m so sorry. I’m really not trying to judge you, but I guess that’s hard to believe now.”

  “Bella, I do not know why you believe yourself to have insurmountable flaws making you unworthy of an energy mate, but on my world you would be highly sought after. Your energy signature is strong and vibrant. I think I now understand why you do not believe me. If I have this enormous imperfection, then it would make sense that I would choose you as my energy mate. You are not as flawed as your logic.” She glanced at Sydney. “I am sorry, your energy signature is strong, but not compatible with mine. You would make a worthy energy mate.”

  “Okay, let’s say for the sake of argument that I do believe you. Why don’t you just take off in your ship and head back home if Earth is so dangerous and this Greg guy has nefarious motives?” Sydney asked.

  “It is worth the risk to bring back the understanding of love and passion. We’ve been watching this planet and, while sometimes your passion leads to destructive fanaticism, it has an equal likelihood of generating what’s needed on our planet to protect against the invaders. Love seems to be a powerful emotion and I must understand this before I leave.”

  “You know it doesn’t really matter whether we believe her or not. I know you don’t trust Greg and that should be enough to try to help her,” I added.