by Astrid Cielo
“UGH” Serenity cried in frustration as she slammed the telephone down. Stephanie, her partner for the shift looked over and said, “Well, I take it that didn’t go well?” she said.
“That fool told me to go ahead and give it. I told him the patient’s blood pressure couldn’t handle that medication, maybe we could give something else, but no. He said, give it anyways. I told him no. He said he would speak to my boss, he wanted the house supervisor. Too bad I am house supervisor tonight.” She said.
Her partner just laughed and said, “So, what is the plan?”
“I call Michelle and tell her to call the patients doctor instead of the doctor on call.” Serenity shrugged as she put words to action.
Serenity left the desk to do a little straightening of the ER before the next catastrophe occurred. She looked at her watch and thanked the powers that be she would only have to be here another 30 minutes before the next shift started coming in. Even better, she and her best friend Anna were going to go to breakfast. She hated that she and Anna couldn’t work the ER together, but Anna loved Labor and Delivery, and Serenity, well, she ‘didn’t know nothin’ ‘bout birthing no babies.’ She lived for the ER.
Clocking out she walked out the sliding doors and greeted Anna. Anna stated they were taking her car, because Serenity’s was a natural disaster. Serenity couldn’t argue, so she just smiled and climbed in Anna’s car.
“So, did you give any thought to what we discussed?” Anna asked as Serenity buckled her safety belt.
“And what discussion was I supposed to ponder?” Serenity replied. Serenity knew what she was supposed to ponder, but she just hoped that Anna had given up on it. She really didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, but she just didn’t like the guy. Anna was under the impression that she needed to play matchmaker for her and that just wasn’t the case. So, she was a 26 year old virgin, Anna was still one too, albeit a 24 year old one, but still. Anyways, she didn’t know if she could be with anyone. She had major issues that she sure wasn’t ready to face. One of those being she was fat. Not just pleasingly plump, but fat. Add that to the fact everyone basically stared straight through her, she didn’t see why she should attempt when it would only hurt.
“Hello! Serenity, the plan of you and me double dating. I met this guy who has a friend who I think you will like.” She said.
Serenity let out a sigh then said, “Look, Anna, I know you mean well, but I bet this guy has no idea what I look like. That will be awkward. I mean, he will just assume that I will be pretty like you, and when he meets me he will be disappointed. I just can’t do that. I will be embarrassed and you know I get angry when I get embarrassed. Then you know I’ll say things that I will regret later while stuffing my face with everything that doesn’t run fast enough.”
Anna stared at Serenity as if she had grown two heads, then said, “First, thanks for thinking I am pretty. Secondly, no one talks about my best friend as if she is some kind of troll, even my best friend. I am making that date. You already asked off for that night anyways. I already made the plans. You can’t back out.”
Serenity just nodded, and then said “Well, then why did you even ask?”
Anna laughed then said, “I don’t like to make people do things they don’t want to do, unless it is for their health, well-being, or whatever.”
“I bet all your patients call you slave driver!” Serenity retorted with a smile.
“Well, not to my face.” Anna replied solemnly, only to break out into giggles.
* * * * * *
Kylan had studied the ovum that Eon had stolen. He was sure that this would work. After placing their sperm with the ova, he was excited to realize that their sperm just as readily joined with the ovum as the human’s specimen. This planet held the key to their salvation.
Eon walked into the lab and looked over Kylan’s shoulder. It had been two weeks since he had acquired the ova, and he appeared interested in the results, “So...” he began.
Kylan clasped him on the shoulder and stated, “We are compatible on the sexually cellular level. We have the same number of fertilizations as compared with the human control. The embryos seem viable, but of course, without implantation, we can’t be sure. However, I can say that if we were to put the control next to either of our samples, then we would be unable to tell the difference.”
Eon smiled then said, “So the only thing left to do is find ourselves mates?” Kylan smiled and nodded his head in agreement.
* * * * * *
Eon took Kylan with him to see the female he had seen a few days earlier. They happened to see her jump into a car with another female. Kylan caught his breath, and then whispered to Eon, “She is beautiful.” Eon stared at Kylan in dismay. Certainly Kylan didn’t want the female that Eon had chosen.
Kylan looked over at Eon and stated, “So which female did you want me to see?”
Eon cleared his throat, and then stated, “I had liked the short brown-haired female.”
Kylan smiled and let out a sigh of relief, before stating, “Well, I like the blonde one. She is beautiful to me. I hope she has a personality as radiant as her hair.”
Eon just nodded his head, because he hoped so about his little female, too.
They spent three weeks learning about their little females. Eon’s females name was Serenity Smith, and Kylan’s was Anna Smith. While their surnames were the same, they weren’t kin, but they were friends. They had family, but they spoke to them sparingly. They were single, which pleased Eon and Kylan. The night that they got dressed up and went out with a couple of males was pure torture on Kylan and Eon. They already viewed the two as their females.
Kylan’s female seemed at ease with the two males, but Eon’s female, not as much. She was confident and participated in the conversation, but it was like she wasn’t interested in the male sitting across from her. Eon, though not well versed in human mating rituals, it did seem as if the male were trying to vie for Serenity’s attention. This was rather odd, but pleasing to Eon. Kylan was less than pleased. When they left the eatery and Anna’s date kissed her on the cheek, Eon thought he would have to knock his longtime friend out. Needless to say, when Serenity’s date didn’t attempt said kiss, Eon was vastly pleased.
They were both nurses at the same healing center. Serenity worked in the department known as the emergency room. Kylan had told Eon this was the place where the sick and wounded came to get care necessary to save their lives at that moment. His little spitfire dealt with injuries and other serious ailments. Kylan’s female worked in what was known as Labor and Delivery, or according to Kylan, his female helped the females have their children.
At first they had thought that the little humans were healers like Kylan, but it became apparent that their healing centers worked in a different way. Their healers were called doctors, and Anna and Serenity were called nurses. They were sort of like aides to the healers, but not quite. They found it hard to understand, but an interesting concept. They believed their people would be interested in learning about what exactly the nurses of this society did and maybe implement such a system for their healing centers.
* * * * * *
Serenity couldn’t believe she let Anna talk her into this, scratch that, force her into this. She was miserable. She kept thinking how she could be at home right now reading a good book. She had just gotten to the good part, where the heroine had just decided that it was okay to sleep with the hero, because she really and truly loved him. He may never love her, or so the heroine thought, but really he loved her too. He just hadn’t told her because, he wasn’t even aware of it himself.
Serenity was brought from her daydreams when she felt someone kick her shin. Serenity glared at Anna, who glared back. It was then she realized her date had been talking to her. Serenity blushed in embarrassment, and said, “I’m sorry, Daniel, I sometimes get lost in my own thoughts.”
He nodded, then smiled and said, “That’s okay, I was just asking about what you do? I mean, I kn
ow you’re a nurse, but Anna set me straight that you are not, as she put it, L&D?”
When the evening finally ended, she was so happy she could have danced a jig. When Anna’s date went to kiss her on the cheek, Daniel moved in close as if to reciprocate. Serenity moved out of reach and smiled. She let him off the hook. She didn’t need a peck on the cheek from someone who didn’t really want to do it anyway.
Anna couldn’t stop asking Serenity if she thought if Greg liked her. Serenity wanted to tell Anna, what’s not to like, but she didn’t, like a good friend she kept telling her, that yes she did believe Greg liked her. Now Serenity wasn’t too fond of Greg, but that was beside the point. If Anna liked him, then she would tolerate him.
Serenity wanted love. She always had. She just yearned for a love that accepted her for what she was and loved her anyways. She sighed as she watched the trees pass by.
* * * * * *
After much planning, Kylan and Eon were ready to retrieve their mates and take them back to their planet. When they took the females they were astounded by how easy it seemed. They just hoped that their acclimation to their home planet would be as easy.
Chapter 4
Her head hurt. That was her first thought as she woke up and took in her surroundings. She slowly sat up and wondered just where the hell she was. She was lying on a cold platform that seemed to extend from the wall. She released the straps that held her immobile and glanced over to see another shape strapped to another platform just across from her. Her thought processes were a little sluggish, or so that was how she put it. It was an odd feeling, one she hated and knew only every once and a while. It was the same feeling she got from taking nighttime cold medicine. She slowly walked over to the body and was shocked to notice her best friend lying there. She checked for breathing and was relieved to find it even and non-labored with an even radial pulse greeting her fingers. She shook her slowly, “Anna, wake up. Girl, wake up. I don’t know what the crap is going on.”
Anna roused in much the same manner she had seen after a sedative had been given. She hoped like hell there was some really good explanation for this, if not, her mind could think up a few not so good scenarios. “Serenity?” Anna slurred. Serenity might have laughed if it weren’t so damn scary. She couldn’t understand how anything like this could happen. It wasn’t like her or Anna to wake up in strange places. They hadn’t ever been drunk. Anna finally struggled into sitting position, pushing her chin length blonde hair behind her ears. “Serenity, where are we?” she finally said.
“Well, Anna, I’m not really that sure. What do you remember? I mean I feel like I’ve been drugged. I don’t even remember why we would be together. I thought I worked the ER last night and didn’t you have L&D this AM?” She asked in a more inquisitive tone than with confidence, before adding, “I think I remember going home and getting ready for bed, but I’m not really sure.”
“Well, we are assuming what day it is, but we really don’t know.” Anna said the worry evident in her voice. The girls looked around the room they were in, Serenity noting that there didn’t seem to be any exits. That didn’t make sense because there was obviously a way in and if you could get in, then theoretically you could get back out. The dim lighting didn’t help anything. Serenity pushed her glasses up her nose as she looked over at Anna, who seemed to be doing her best to keep her cool. She could tell by the rapid eye movements that look that she had seen in several people who felt trapped. Then remembering back to when she had first met Anna, that she offered to accompany her in the elevator, due to the fact she had a flare up of asthma, and the three flights of stairs that they both preferred was just too much for Anna’s lungs to take. But, the fear of riding the elevator alone was worse, and it prompted Anna to ask her if she would wait for her to come into the building so that they could ride the elevator together. That had been in college and Serenity had waited patiently every morning for Anna to enter and ride the elevator together. She also remembered the time Anna had been having problems with her then boyfriend. Serenity still remembered meeting him for the first time and although she really had no reason to dislike the boy, she couldn’t help but feel the fakeness he portrayed. She just plain and simple didn’t like him. Anna had looked at her one day and said, “Everyone says he is just so perfect and I should feel so lucky that I have him, but I don’t think they realize how he really is.” Serenity had looked at her and said, “Anna, you are my friend, and I can honestly say that I don’t like him one bit.”
Anna had looked at her and then said, “So, you think I should break up with him? You wouldn’t be disappointed in me if I did?”
Serenity looked her in her blue eyes and said, “Anna, I think you should make that decision for you. If you break up with him then here I will be to help you in whatever you need, and if you stay with him, then I will tell him that should he hurt you, that he will have me to answer to. I will be your friend and support you no matter what.” Anna just smiled and hugged Serenity, and then they got down to the business of nursing school.
Serenity placed her hand on Anna’s shoulder and said, “Anna, sweetie, this may get bad. I need to know that you can keep a level head. We have got to be prepared for anything. You follow me?”
Anna took a deep breath and nodded. Serenity released her shoulder and stood slowly. She placed her hands against the wall and began walking allowing her fingertips to find any way out of this “cell.” What seemed like hours but were probably just minutes, Serenity felt the small imperfection that signaled an exit. “Anna, I think I found it. But, we need to figure out how to open it.” She said as she turned to her friend. Anna was staring at Serenity her face drained of all blood as she stared in what Serenity could only describe as horror. It took her many seconds to realize that it wasn’t her that Anna was looking at but beyond her.
Serenity turned slowly then looked up into a stranger’s face. His skin was a ruddy reddish color. He stood tall. Serenity never was good at gauging size, but she knew she and Anna were around 5’ 3’’, and he was tall. If she had to guess, she would say 6’ 4’’ or taller. He had the lean muscles she associated with swimmers or basketball players, which meant for her his reflexes, were pretty damn fast. He looked human, but she had never seen such a skin color. His golden eyes were studying her, as if waiting for something. When she realized that she had been staring with her mouth open she slammed it shut. She did drool on occasion which was quite embarrassing.
She flinched when he reached for her, but to her amazement he just placed his fingers under her chin and raised her gaze to his once more. She just stared at him. She wasn’t sure why she wasn’t freaking out. Maybe it was because he hadn’t moved to hurt her. He released her chin, and spoke. She didn’t understand him, but she did think his voice was nice, soothing even. She finally found her voice when he stared at her expectantly. She cleared her throat, “I’m sorry, but, I didn’t understand what you just said. I mean, I speak English, and some passable Spanish, I even know a song in French.” She finished lamely. He appeared amused. She had a nagging suspicion he was trying not to laugh at her. She tilted her head to the side and studied him for a few seconds. When he reached behind him as if to grab something, she jumped backwards and tripped over Anna who apparently was scared stiff. She fell backwards and landed on her rear with an“oomph.” She looked over at Anna and asked, “Are you okay?” Anna looked back at Serenity like she had lost her mind and just shook her head no. Serenity got to her knees and gave Anna a hug, stating, “It’s gonna be okay, Anna Banana.” She looked up and finally noticed the male had come closer to her. He looked at them from a short distance away. He had crouched down. In his hand he had a thing that looked suspiciously like the IO drill at the hospital. She thought to herself, “He better not be thinking about drilling a needle into Anna’s or my bones. I’ve been pretty docile so far, but I’ll turn on the hellcat before he can blink.” She must have delivered one hell of a look because he just held the thing out to her. She hesitantl
y let go of Anna, and reached for it. When she placed her hand on it, he moved like lightening and grabbed her wrist, jerking her from the floor and holding her plastered against his chest. She flailed her legs because she couldn’t move her arms that he had pinned between their chests. She was getting pissed off. She felt his other arm place the IO drill thingy behind her ear and she went wild. She pulled her head to the side before he could depress the button. He cried out in what seemed like frustration, before he dropped her to the floor. She landed on her feet and went to punch him with her newly freed fist. He caught her fist, effortlessly. He buckled her knees easily with a slight kick from his feet and followed her down. He pinned her hands between them and used his legs to hold hers prisoner. She tried to buck, but he was immovable. With his free hand, he turned her face to the side, exposing the flesh behind her ear. When she tried to bite, he growled and placed his hand over her mouth. He carefully left her nose open for breathing. She began to cry with fear and anger, the tears pooling on the floor. He gently pulled the hair away from her neck and placed the IO drill against the skin behind her ear. She closed her eyes waiting for the pain. When she felt a small pinch then felt him remove his hand from her mouth, she turned her face to look up at him. He smiled at her, and then said, “Now, that was not so bad was it?”
She burst into tears, sobbing loudly. He carefully picked her up and put her in his lap and held her while she cried. He hugged her to his chest, soothing her with soothing circles on her back. She looked up at him and said, “I thought you were trying to kill me. That damn thing looked like an IO drill. I’m sorry I tried to kick your ass.”
He chuckled, and then said. “I apologize for not making sure this was done while you were unconscious.” At that she looked over at Anna, who was huddled into a ball in a corner. She could tell by how she shook that she was sobbing. Apparently, Anna had reached her breaking point. She slid from the strange alien’s lap over to Anna and pulled her into her embrace. “Anna, it’s okay. He didn’t hurt me. Sweetie, look at me.” After several seconds, Anna displayed her face for Serenity to see. The tears were still flowing. “Anna, sweetie, look at me, I’m okay. He didn’t hurt me. I don’t think he wants to hurt us. I know it seems like he does, but just trust me I have this feeling. When have you ever known my feelings to be wrong?”