by Sherry Soule
I sit at the table staring at my empty plate and sigh. Knots form in my gut. This night is turning out extra sucky and I’ll never be able to win over Hayden’s parents. Uncontrollable tears fill my eyes and I wipe at them with my napkin.
Standing, I consider going home and putting this whole nerve-wracking evening far behind me. Through the doorway, I glimpse Hayden and his mother talking, their voices rising.
Mrs. Lancaster lifts her chin. “What’re her plans after graduation? That girl can’t be serious about writing.”
“She’s moderately ambitious.”
“You plan to keep dating this moderately ambitious girl?”
“Her name is Sloane, Mother, and you were really putting her on the spot.” His jaw tenses. “Dinner is finished.”
“Dinner might be, but this conversation certainly isn’t.” Mrs. Lancaster teleports out of the room in an explosion of indigo winds.
“Sorry about all that.” Hayden enters the dining room, running a hand through his floppy bangs. “Wanna go outside? I have a surprise for you.”
“What is it?” I take a deep breath and blow the air out, releasing my frustration at his parents with it.
“You’ll see.”
Thankful to be ditching this horrible family dinner, I follow him out the door. We sit in the lounge chairs on the beach in front of his home, holding hands and gazing at the ocean.
“That’s the family you want me to marry into?” I tease. “Rude parents, fat-shaming brother, and a mute sister?”
He sighs. “You must be crazy.”
“Definitely seems so.”
Hayden’s expression softens, tender and loving. “I have something for you.”
“I don’t deserve any gifts,” I say. “Although, I should get a prize for staying through dinner.”
Hayden squeezes my hand. “You certainly should.” He untangles our fingers, takes a box from his pocket, and holds it out to me. I stare at it like a snake about to strike. “Open it.” He places his elbows on his knees and leans forward.
I warily reach out to accept the gift with shaky fingers. I fling open the top and my jaw drops to my lap. Inside is a white gold ring with a two-carat sapphire so dark it’s almost black surrounded by tiny diamonds. And I absolutely love it.
“Hayden, this is perfect!” I clutch the box to my chest.
His eyes dance in the moonlight. “Do you really like it?”
“It’s the most beautiful piece of jewelry I’ve ever owned.” I lean closer and kiss him. “Does this mean we’re going steady?” I tease.
Hayden stands, pulling me with him. “Don’t make jokes. You were right. I shouldn’t have proposed like that at the cottage. It was lame, and I know it came out all wrong. The timing was bad, and I kicked myself in the ass for saying it.” He grips my upper-arms, staring into my eyes. “I proposed because I love you, and we keep getting derailed, so why not prove to everyone just how firm our commitment to each other really is?”
“Hayden…”
“I’m ready to go public. If I keep worrying about what others think or what my parents are gonna say, then I’m not the man I thought I was. The man I want to be. The kind that wakes up every day with the goal of making you happy, and who brings you chocolate or flowers even when it’s not a special occasion, and who watches scary movies with you every weekend…the man you deserve.”
Tears sting my eyes. “Wow, you might win an Oscar for best romantic speech.”
“Look, I don’t want an answer now.” He kisses my forehead, his grip loosening on my arms as his fingers slide downward to catch hold of my hands. “I love you, Sloane Masterson. You complete me.”
I smile. “You had me at chocolate and movies.”
My heart expands enough to fill my entire body. I can’t speak, only gape at the amazing ring in the box, yet I still can’t give him an answer. I realize all of his choices have already been laid out for him—his engagement to Neela, his profession, and even the colleges he has to attend. Except me, the one thing he’s choosing for himself.
I slip my hands from his grasp. “I love the ring, but this is really fast and a lot scary.”
“Funny because I’m not scared at all.” Hayden holds my head between his hands and caresses my cheeks with his thumbs. “For the first time in my life, everything seems so clear to me, and when I look into my future, you’re standing beside me in it.”
TWENTY-FIVE
That night as I lie in bed, I make myself breathe in and out. Tears fill my eyes and a lump catches in my throat. For once, I’ve done the smart thing. I’m giving Hayden’s proposal serious thought and not impulsively jumping into a marriage with so much family turbulence.
A sense of hopelessness turns into a boulder inside my chest. Hayden’s parents will never accept me into their family. This feels like the all hope is lost black moment in a film when the hero must make a sacrifice. Although, I really don’t want to, I know deep down that I can’t be selfish and ask Hayden to pick me over his family. It’s not fair to make him choose. And if I do, then Neela was right, and I am Cyclone Sloane, destroyer of families. I’ll just have to tell Hayden that I’ve changed my mind and give him back the ring, then with any luck the credits will roll on this doomed relationship.
I let the tears flow. I’ll have to be strong, and avoid romance novels and any Netflix documentaries about horrible things happening to innocent animals (Hello, Blackfish!). But I’m gonna need a batch of Rice Krispy treats and a whole box of Kleenex to get through this breakup. Finally, I fall into a restless sleep.
In the morning, after I take a shower with these cool dual showerheads, I put on a mini-skirt, a black blouse with short ruffled sleeves, and dark blue Mondo Creepers, then slip on a military jacket before I go into the kitchen. My mom sits at the table eating breakfast.
“You should try this chuppiwi, Sloane.” She digs a spoon into the magenta fruit bowl. “It tastes like cantaloupe, but much sweeter, and it’s healthy.”
Ah, so the Food Police are on vacay with us. Her fruit does look appetizing, so I scoop some into a bowl and sit beside her at the table.
“Mom, while I want to lose five more pounds, I don’t wanna get caught up in one of those, eat healthy and exercise scams.”
“Very funny.” She takes a spoonful of fruit and swallows. “By the way, happy belated birthday. How does it feel to officially be an adult?”
“Like a noose around my neck,” I mumble and take a bite, the flavor tastes like a strawberry mated with a cantaloupe. “Mom? Can I talk to you about something?”
She puts her fork down. “Sure, honey. You sound serious.”
“I don’t want you to freak out, but I’ve had some scary incidents lately…” I go on to tell her all about the Water-Glider incident, the equestroxian riding scare, and the dinner from hell with Hayden’s parents. Tears quiver on my eyelids and I wipe at them with a napkin. “And my relationship with Hayden is cursed. I don’t know what to do, but I feel like I should break up with him. I don’t want to destroy his family. It sucks because we escaped the bad guys on Earth, but now I have a whole new set of enemies and problems here.”
“Such an unusual life we lead.” My mom stands, lifts me by the arms, and hugs me. “I’m sorry that learning about your heritage and dating has been so hard for you.”
“I love Hayden so much, and it hurts that his family doesn’t like me.” I sniffle. “But what about all the accidents? They can’t be coincidences, right?”
“You really think someone purposely tried to harm you?” My mom retakes her seat. “Because I think those were only fluke accidents, and nothing to be worried about, honey.”
“Maybe,” I mutter. “Except my gut tells me otherwise.”
“And if the Lancasters can’t see what a wonderful girl you are, then the hell with them!” She gives me another quick hug. “I understand why you’d want to break it off with Hayden, but I would wait. Things may get better, even if they seem hopeless right now.”
“Yes, honey?”
“I want to apologize to you about, you know, before. When I doubted your motives and reasons for keeping my heritage from me. Anyway, I’m really sorry.”
“I accept your apology.” My mom smiles. “After breakfast, I’m going to do watercolors of the beach. Want to come?”
I shake my head. “Nah. I have some journaling to do.” Writing all the crazy in my trusty Hello Kitty notebook might help ease my worries and fears. “Where’s Dad?”
“Oh, he took Jonah to meet with the GB counsel to try to figure out how best to handle Sector Thirteen when we return home.”
“He’s been meeting with them a lot lately. I hope they make a decision soon.”
We finish breakfast and clear the dishes. My mom gathers her art supplies and heads out to depict the scenery. I go to my bedroom and get out my notebook to digest all the drama. I scribble on a blank sheet:
We might be vacationing in a galaxy far, far away, but someone still wants me dead. Check.
Need to discover who the evil Vacation Sabotager is. Check.
Doubts about marrying Hayden? Check.
Flipping to a new page, I write:
Neela Voorhees, missing girl and possible new enemy.
Neela has joined the Sloane-haters club. Check.
She disappeared without many clues. Check.
“What’re you doing?” Viola enters the room and plops on the bed beside me.
“Making lists,” I say, handing her the notebook.
“I need a pen.” She grabs one off my dresser, flips to a new page, and starts writing. “What year is Hayden’s car?”
“A 2015 Range Rover.”
“Nice car.” She writes in my Hello Kitty notebook. “What about his GPA? Excellent?”
“Yeah. What’re you doing?”
She shrugs. “A marry Hayden Lancaster pros and cons list. Information is the ultimate weapon.”
“Seriously? A better weapon than ray guns and aliens with acid for blood? Because who doesn’t love scary Sci-Fi films?”
Viola signs dramatically. “Are you done?”
“Whatcha got so far?” I lean over her shoulder to peek at the list.
Viola chews on the end of the pen. “Would you rather the cons first or the pros?”
“Pros please. Definitely, the pros.”
“A real-life hero. Exceptionally smart, stands up to bullies, loyal to friends and family. Very romantic—”
“Oh, my gosh. He sounds too perfect. He must be fictional. We need to find the Blue Fairy and turn him into a real boy!”
“Funny. Let me finish.” She scans the notes. “Decent fighting skills, smells great, showers frequently, opens doors, and from what you’ve said, a wicked good kisser.”
“Don’t forget on the weekends, he saves babies from burning buildings and rescues kittens from trees, but only when his red cape isn’t at the dry cleaners.”
“Ha. Get serious.” Viola frowns at the page, scratching her cheek with the tip of the pen. “The cons are lacking any substance. Give me dirt on him. Please tell me he has a dark-side.”
“Well, his communication skills could use some work. He can be very evasive.”
Viola scribbles more notes and lifts her head, gnawing on the end of the pen. “It’s tough to get most guys to open up, but I’d say the pros are winning by a mile.”
“Viola, I’m not deciding whether I’m getting married from a stupid list. This is a huge life-changing decision. So I should ask the Magic Eight Ball.”
“You’re dodging an answer.”
“And you are annoying the best friend.” I get up and stretch. “Listen, while I’m grateful for your help, I’m struggling to be sensible and use my head. My heart is the troublemaker.”
“I’m only helping you sort it all out so you can make a logical decision. Heart not required.”
“Thank you. I appreciate all your wisdom, Yoda.”
The doorbell buzzes and I walk away, rolling my eyes.
Hayden is at the door with Delta, Tanisha, and Zach, who invite Viola and I to join them for lunch. When we leave the house, Viola and I lag behind while the siblings forge ahead.
Viola touches my shoulder. “You never said anything about dinner with the Lancasters.”
“Dinner was fine. Peachy. Awesome—”
“Enough with the adjectives! How’d it really go?”
“I’ve hit a level of flawlessness only found in a Victoria’s Secret catalogue.”
“That bad, huh?”
“Aww, don’t you pity me. What happened at that vile dinner was inevitable.”
Viola touches my arm. “You’re alive, so at least they didn’t chop you up into little pieces and serve you in the chili.”
“No, but his parents still hate me.” I sigh. “His mother is mean. And I’m not just talking overly protective. If she wasn’t my boyfriend’s mom, I would’ve went full Matrix on her.”
Viola bumps my shoulder with her own. “Are you saying you wanted to kick your future mother-in-law’s ass?”
I giggle. “No. But she does deserve a hard slap.”
“Did Hayden tell them he proposed yet?” Viola asks.
“No way. It might’ve given Mr. Lancaster a stroke and drove Mrs. Lancaster to become an alcoholic. Although, with the way she was pounding drinks, she might already be headed in that direction.”
“So basically, you tried and failed.”
“Crashed and burned.” I sigh. “Hoping that Hayden’s parents would be okay with us dating was delusional. Let’s just watch the fireworks when they hear he proposed to me. Or when they find out Zach’s dating a human.” I make an explosion sound and gesture with my hands.
“Maybe if you and Hayden remain a united front, they’ll eventually cave.”
“Never gonna happen.” I shake my head, marching ahead. “I’m an idiot. The minute I entered their house, my brain was yelling, ‘Don’t do it! Turn back!’ But did my stupid heart listen?”
Viola jogs to catch up with me. “I’m guessing it didn’t.”
“And you’d be right,” I say slowing my pace. “My mouth joined my heart by saying I’d stay, and before I knew it, I was sitting down for an awkward meal with two people who hate me. My mouth and heart felt hurt and rejected. Then my brain said, ‘I told you so.’ After that my mouth and heart got all huffy because they didn’t like feeling all foolish. So now I have body parts that aren’t talking to each other, and it’ll be awhile before they decide to call a truce.”
“That’s why you’re so grouchy.”
“Let’s just say Zeta world has a formidable opponent.”
Hayden puts his arm around Delta’s slim shoulders and Zach laughs at something their sister says, but I can’t imagine what since the girl barely speaks.
“Hey, Vi,” I say. “You know, all these accidents don’t feel like accidents. I think it’s Nasty Neela, and she’s faking her disappearance so she won’t get caught.”
“Maybe…so any decision on your answer to Hayden’s big question yet?” Viola asks, changing the subject.
“Nope. Still doing the whole soul-searching thing.”
“Well, have you thought about where you’ll have the wedding? Or where you two crazy kids are gonna live? With his parents in their big house? Or in the cottage?”
“I don’t know.” I shake my head. “We haven’t talked about that yet.”
“What about moving to L.A. and film school? Will he go with you?”
I shrug. “Um, yeah, I guess so.”
“Otherwise, you might have to put your plans on hold and follow him to college.”
“Or I guess we could do the long distance thing.”
“Once you’re married?” She frowns. “You can’t start a marriage living in different places.”
“We can’t?” I say, my voice squeaky. “I haven’t even said yes yet.”
“Hey, I’m only here to
help,” Viola says. “You two planning on having kids?”
My stomach lurches. “Kids? As in baby Sloanes and Haydens?”
“He must want children. You could start reproducing once he’s done with college and has a job. In about five years.”
I feel jittery and nauseous, as if I just downed too many shots of expresso. “Me pregnant in five years?”
“I take it you haven’t talked about that either, huh?”
“No, we haven’t talked about having kids!” I whisper-hiss.
“Relax, you don’t have to get so excited. It’s only your whole future we’re discussing.”
“A future where there’s no film school, I’m pregnant, and moving in with his parents.” I hold my stomach. “I think I’m gonna puke.”
“Those are just pre-wedding nerves.” Viola pats my shoulder. “Plenty of time to talk about this stuff before you walk down the aisle. Like how the maid-of-honor, which would be me, gets to pick out her own dress.”
The dual suns warm our skin and brighten everything their rays touch. I love my outfit today, but all this dark fabric can be the ultimate sweatfest. And all of Viola’s questions are only making my perspiration worse.
She fans herself with one pale hand. “It has taken years of hiding in my basement to keep my skin looking ghoulishly on-point, so I can’t throw it all away in the heat of these suns. How much further is this place?”
“I don’t know,” I say, rubbing my temple. “Wait up, guys!”
The three siblings slow their pace, and Zach and Delta linger behind Hayden, Viola, and me.
“Sloane needs cheering up,” Viola says.
Hayden laces his fingers with mine. “That’s my job. I’m great at dispensing the happy.”
“Then I’ll have a cheeseburger with a side if extra happiness, please.”
“I’ll check to see if they have that on the menu,” Hayden says. “If they don’t, I will make a special request.”