Title: Everything to Gain
Author: Jenny
Beta Reader: Kerri
Disclaimer: I own nada.
Pairing: Kyle/Tess (Tess POV)
Rating: TEEN for now, may go to MATURE
Summary: Sequel to Nothing to Lose. Six months later, Kyle and Tess are still going strong. No alien threats are imminent and the group is happier than they’ve ever been. But then an old friend comes bearing news that will turn their world upside down.
Author’s Note: Thanks to everyone who read and reviewed Nothing to Lose. I wouldn’t even have considered a sequel if it wasn’t for all the wonderful feedback, so this one’s for you!
Part One
RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNNNG!
The shrill sound of the bell sends swarms of boisterous students flowing out into the hallways. All around me I hear the cheers and excited chatter of the other students. It's the last day of school and officially the beginning of summer break. I good-naturedly push my way through the crowds to my locker to gather my belongings. As I'm putting the last of my stuff into my bag, I feel a set of familiar hands land on my waist and a kiss is dropped onto my shoulder. “Hey, babe,” the voice of Kyle Valenti says.
I turn to him and smile, placing a chaste kiss upon his lips. “Hey, yourself,” I say.
“Ready to get the hell out of here?”
“You know it!” I exclaim, zipping up my bag and slinging it over my shoulder. I intertwine my fingers with Kyle’s, and we walk hand-in-hand out the doors into the glaring June sunshine. Kyle stops in the quad to say goodbye to some of his jock buddies.
“Hey, Valenti,” one of them says, slapping Kyle on the shoulder. “Can't believe we're gonna miss you at football camp this summer.”
“Yeah, well, I've got other things to take care of,” he says, casting a sly glance my way, and I blush.
“Tess, you keep this guy in line,” his friend jokes. “Don't let him go soft over the summer.”
“Don't you worry,” I say with a smirk. “Nothing's going soft.” I think Kyle actually blushes at that.
We chat for a few more minutes and then head to the parking lot to Kyle's Mustang. Tonight Mr. and Mrs. Parker are throwing a big end-of-school blowout at the Crashdown to celebrate the beginning of summer and our upcoming Senior year.
The last six months have been the best of my life. Things have been more normal than I've ever experienced. There’s been no alien madness, and I'm finally getting to enjoy just being a teenager. Kyle and I have gotten closer with each passing day, and he's the best boyfriend any girl could ever wish for. Of course, after finding out about our relationship, Sheriff Valenti keeps a pretty close eye on us. He's very wary of leaving us home alone together, and has threatened Kyle with bodily harm if he ever wakes up to find he's not sleeping on the couch where he should be. But all in all, he's been really great about it. He even told me that he's never seen Kyle happier.
And speaking of the Sheriff, he and Amy are still going strong too. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if by this time next year, Maria is Kyle's new stepsister.
And things have never been better in the "I Know an Alien" Club. Isabel and Alex continued their little dance up until prom, when Isabel finally woke up and realized what was right under her nose. She took a big step and asked him to be her date to the prom, and the rest, as they say, is history. Maria and Michael are the same as always - bickering all the time but totally in love.
The biggest mystery has been Liz. After Kyle and I made our relationship public, Liz reacted kind of strangely. For a while, I thought maybe she was jealous - after all, she and Kyle had hooked up back in the fall. Then one day after we had returned to school from Winter Break, she caught up with me in the quad and said she wanted to talk.
“I just felt like you should know…that Kyle and I never slept together,” she said.
“What?” I asked in confusion. “But I thought…”
“Yeah, I know what everyone thought,” she said with a self-deprecating chuckle. “It was all a set up. I just wanted to Max to think that we had.”
“But why?” I asked.
“That’s not really important,” she said, looking down at the ground. “I just thought that you should know. I know Kyle really cares about you.”
I blushed slightly, though still very confused. “Are you going to tell Max the truth?” I asked.
She nodded. “I will.”
We sat in awkward silence for a few minutes, neither of us quite sure what to say next. Then Liz spoke softly, “Tess?”
“Yeah?”
She looked at me with emotion swimming in her dark eyes. “I know that we never really got off to a good start, but I’d really like it if…if we could try to be friends.”
I gave her a tentative smile and said, “I’d like that too.”
Granted, we’re still not best buds or anything, but at least we don’t walk on thin ice around each other anymore. I guess she eventually told Max the truth about what happened, because they have slowly been rebuilding their relationship over the last few months. I still don’t know what would possess Liz to want Max to think she had slept with someone else, but I guess it doesn’t really matter now. All that matters is that we’re all happy and safe.
***
It’s nine p.m. and the party at the Crashdown is in full swing. It seems like the entire rising Senior class from West Roswell is here. I didn’t even know this many people could fit in the Crashdown. Alex’s band is performing on a small makeshift stage in the corner while Isabel watches with pride from a side booth. Maria is currently onstage crooning some peppy country song. I’m sitting at a booth with Liz, Max, Michael, and Kyle, absently listening to Max and Michael argue the merits of The Matrix versus Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Kyle tries pointing out the positive aspects of both movies, and Liz and I just look at each other and roll our eyes, neither of us having seen either movie. Nor do we care to.
The Whits slow things down for the next song, and Kyle finally gives up on the debate between the other two guys. “You wanna dance?” he asks me.
“Please,” I say, glad to get away from the table for a few minutes. He pulls me by the hand to the center of the restaurant where other couples are holding each other close and swaying gently to the melodic sound of Maria’s voice.
Kyle wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me close, and I rest my head on his chest, just enjoying the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. We move to the music in comfortable silence, just reveling in each other’s presence. It’s moments like these that I want to remember and cherish forever.
“It’s been a pretty good year,” Kyle says softly in my ear, and I murmur in agreement, lifting my head to meet his gaze. “I have you to thank for that.”
I blush profusely and lean in to kiss his lips. Smiling, I say, “I feel the same way, Kyle. You were the first person who ever made me feel like I have a home here. Thank you for that.”
The corner of his mouth lifts in a half-smile, and he reaches out to brush a stray curl out of my face. Then, looking into my eyes, he says, “I love you, Tess.”
My heart nearly jumps up into my throat and I feel the slight sting of tears behind my eyelids. It’s the first time he’s said that out loud. I know how I feel about him, and I hoped he felt the same, but this is the first time he’s let me hear him say it.
I can’t stop the smile that spreads cross my face as I say, “I love you, too.”
TBC
Everything to Gain (CC,K/T,MATURE) COMPLETE - 9/22/05
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Everything to Gain (CC,K/T,MATURE) COMPLETE - 9/22/05
Last edited by jbangelo on Thu Sep 22, 2005 6:12 am, edited 5 times in total.
“You know you’re right for someone when they force you to be the best version of yourself.”
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jbangelo
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Thanks for fb, Roselle and LovinGuerin2much! I'm so glad you enjoyed. And no worries; there might be a little bit of drama, but I guarantee a happy ending. 
Part Two
An hour later, the party is still going strong, but I’ve had about all I can take. Leaning over towards Kyle, I say into his ear, “You wanna get out of here?”
“Already?” he asks.
“Well, if we leave now, we can probably have some alone time before your dad gets off from his shift…” I say seductively.
That’s all the convincing he needs. We make a quick round and say goodbye to everyone, then make our escape home.
On the short ride there, I can’t keep the smile off my face. A year ago, if anyone had told me that this is how things would turn out, I’d have laughed in their face. But now, I can’t imagine things any other way. I never thought I would be this happy.
“What are you smiling about?” Kyle asks, glancing over at me.
I blush. “Just you,” I say sweetly, and reach over to grab his hand. He intertwines his fingers with mine and gives a little squeeze, turning his eyes back to the road.
Minutes later, we're at the Valenti house, and as soon as we're inside with the door closed behind us, Kyle pulls me to him and attacks me with his lips. I kiss him back ardently and we go tumbling onto the couch. "What time does my dad get off?" Kyle asks breathlessly between kisses.
"Midnight," I say. "We've got almost two hours."
"Hmm, we could do a lot in two hours," he says with a mischievous smirk, his hand snaking underneath my shirt. Shivers run through me when he comes in contact with my breast, and I nibble on his earlobe and blow softly, the way I know it drives him crazy.
After six months together, I still never get tired of Kyle touching me. Every time feels like the first time - new and exciting; yet familiar and comfortable all at once. We actually don't get to be alone like this very often, and we try to take advantage of it when we can.
Eagerly, I unbutton his shirt, and toss the discarded clothing to the floor, before running my hands all over his smooth, muscular back. He lifts my shirt and begins placing open-mouthed kisses all over my stomach, and then reaches for the button of my khakis.
"Oh my god!" a shrill female voice suddenly says, as the lights in the living room come on. Kyle jumps off of me and I hastily lower my shirt, and as my eyes adjust to the sudden brightness, we're both staring into the shocked faces of Jim and Amy.
"Kyle Valenti!" Jim shouts as Kyle stumbles trying to put his shirt back on.
"Dad, what the hell are you doing home?!" Kyle asks.
"Don't you take that tone with me, young man," Jim says sternly. "The question is, what are you two doing here? You're supposed to be at the Parkers' party."
"We left early," Kyle says sheepishly as he finishes buttoning his shirt.
Amy glances my way, and my cheeks redden with embarrassment as I look at the floor. I'm so humiliated, and I know this all my fault.
Jim runs a hand through his hair, clearly rattled and not sure how to handle the situation. "Kyle," he says, "just...go to bed. We'll talk about this in the morning."
"But, Dad, it's only 10:30!"
"Bed, Kyle! Don't argue with me now." Looking at me, he says, "Tess, go to your room."
"Yes, sir," I mumble and hastily make my retreat. I scurry down the hall to the bedroom and close the door behind me, breathing in a deep sigh. It's such a surreal feeling when Jim talks to me like he's my parent, but I kind of like it, in a weird, twisted way. I let out a little laugh at the irony of the situation, and then decide to get ready for bed.
***
I wake up to feel the sun shining on my face, and a soft breeze blowing through my hair. Shielding my eyes from the bright light, I look around to find myself on a sandy beach. There's nothing but sand and the ocean for as far as my eyes can see, and I feel a sense of peace all around me. I don't know where I am or how I got here, but something about it just feels right.
"It's lovely, isn't it?" says a voice next to me. I turn to see a beautiful woman with flowing blonde hair and a gentle face. I think I should be startled, because she wasn't there a second ago, but I feel no concern.
"It's beautiful," I say in response, turning towards the water and feeling the breeze on my face. I have so many questions running through my mind, and yet, no immediate urge to ask them. So I just sit basking in the warm glow of the sunshine.
The woman next to me runs a hand through my hair, saying, "You are very beautiful, my dear. It's been a long time since I've seen you here."
Confused, I say, "But I don't think I've ever been here before."
"My dear, have you forgotten?" she asks with a smile. "You used to come here all the time."
"I don't understand," I say with a shake of my head. "Where is here? What is this place?"
"My darling Ava," she says, "don't you recognize your own home?"
I gasp for breath and sit upright, opening my eyes to see Kyle.
"Hey, hey, what's wrong?" he asks worriedly. "Did I scare you?"
"No…No," I say with a breath of relief. "Just a dream." I rub the sleep from my eyes and glance over at the digital clock on the nightstand. It reads 12:47 am. "What are you doing?" I ask Kyle. "Your dad's gonna kill us both if he catches you in here."
"I know, I won't stay long," he says. "I just wanted to say a proper goodnight."
I giggle as he raises his eyebrow suggestively, and lean in to kiss him, our mouths parting to allow our tongues to caress one another. He wraps his arms around me, pulling me close enough that I can feel the heat radiating off of his body. I moan when I feel him run his hand up my leg, sliding up the side of my pajama shorts.
A piercing ring causes Kyle to jump up and my heart to skip a beat. "Shit!" he curses.
"Relax, it's just my cell phone," I say, but Kyle puts his ear to the door, just to make sure his dad hasn't woken up.
I look at the caller ID and say, "It's Max," with a curious furrow of my brow.
"Max?" Kyle says in a slightly bitter tone. I think he's jealous, which would make me giggle if not for the worry that I now feel. Max hardly ever calls me. Thinking back to my strange dream, I get a dreadful feeling in the pit of my stomach.
Answering the phone with a shaky hand, I try not to let myself jump to any unnecessary conclusions. "Hello?" I say.
"Tess, good, you're still up."
“Max, it's late. What's going on?” I ask.
“Can you and Kyle come back to the Crashdown?”
“Why? What’s wrong?”
Max pauses and takes a deep breath. “Larek’s here.”
TBC
Part Two
An hour later, the party is still going strong, but I’ve had about all I can take. Leaning over towards Kyle, I say into his ear, “You wanna get out of here?”
“Already?” he asks.
“Well, if we leave now, we can probably have some alone time before your dad gets off from his shift…” I say seductively.
That’s all the convincing he needs. We make a quick round and say goodbye to everyone, then make our escape home.
On the short ride there, I can’t keep the smile off my face. A year ago, if anyone had told me that this is how things would turn out, I’d have laughed in their face. But now, I can’t imagine things any other way. I never thought I would be this happy.
“What are you smiling about?” Kyle asks, glancing over at me.
I blush. “Just you,” I say sweetly, and reach over to grab his hand. He intertwines his fingers with mine and gives a little squeeze, turning his eyes back to the road.
Minutes later, we're at the Valenti house, and as soon as we're inside with the door closed behind us, Kyle pulls me to him and attacks me with his lips. I kiss him back ardently and we go tumbling onto the couch. "What time does my dad get off?" Kyle asks breathlessly between kisses.
"Midnight," I say. "We've got almost two hours."
"Hmm, we could do a lot in two hours," he says with a mischievous smirk, his hand snaking underneath my shirt. Shivers run through me when he comes in contact with my breast, and I nibble on his earlobe and blow softly, the way I know it drives him crazy.
After six months together, I still never get tired of Kyle touching me. Every time feels like the first time - new and exciting; yet familiar and comfortable all at once. We actually don't get to be alone like this very often, and we try to take advantage of it when we can.
Eagerly, I unbutton his shirt, and toss the discarded clothing to the floor, before running my hands all over his smooth, muscular back. He lifts my shirt and begins placing open-mouthed kisses all over my stomach, and then reaches for the button of my khakis.
"Oh my god!" a shrill female voice suddenly says, as the lights in the living room come on. Kyle jumps off of me and I hastily lower my shirt, and as my eyes adjust to the sudden brightness, we're both staring into the shocked faces of Jim and Amy.
"Kyle Valenti!" Jim shouts as Kyle stumbles trying to put his shirt back on.
"Dad, what the hell are you doing home?!" Kyle asks.
"Don't you take that tone with me, young man," Jim says sternly. "The question is, what are you two doing here? You're supposed to be at the Parkers' party."
"We left early," Kyle says sheepishly as he finishes buttoning his shirt.
Amy glances my way, and my cheeks redden with embarrassment as I look at the floor. I'm so humiliated, and I know this all my fault.
Jim runs a hand through his hair, clearly rattled and not sure how to handle the situation. "Kyle," he says, "just...go to bed. We'll talk about this in the morning."
"But, Dad, it's only 10:30!"
"Bed, Kyle! Don't argue with me now." Looking at me, he says, "Tess, go to your room."
"Yes, sir," I mumble and hastily make my retreat. I scurry down the hall to the bedroom and close the door behind me, breathing in a deep sigh. It's such a surreal feeling when Jim talks to me like he's my parent, but I kind of like it, in a weird, twisted way. I let out a little laugh at the irony of the situation, and then decide to get ready for bed.
***
I wake up to feel the sun shining on my face, and a soft breeze blowing through my hair. Shielding my eyes from the bright light, I look around to find myself on a sandy beach. There's nothing but sand and the ocean for as far as my eyes can see, and I feel a sense of peace all around me. I don't know where I am or how I got here, but something about it just feels right.
"It's lovely, isn't it?" says a voice next to me. I turn to see a beautiful woman with flowing blonde hair and a gentle face. I think I should be startled, because she wasn't there a second ago, but I feel no concern.
"It's beautiful," I say in response, turning towards the water and feeling the breeze on my face. I have so many questions running through my mind, and yet, no immediate urge to ask them. So I just sit basking in the warm glow of the sunshine.
The woman next to me runs a hand through my hair, saying, "You are very beautiful, my dear. It's been a long time since I've seen you here."
Confused, I say, "But I don't think I've ever been here before."
"My dear, have you forgotten?" she asks with a smile. "You used to come here all the time."
"I don't understand," I say with a shake of my head. "Where is here? What is this place?"
"My darling Ava," she says, "don't you recognize your own home?"
I gasp for breath and sit upright, opening my eyes to see Kyle.
"Hey, hey, what's wrong?" he asks worriedly. "Did I scare you?"
"No…No," I say with a breath of relief. "Just a dream." I rub the sleep from my eyes and glance over at the digital clock on the nightstand. It reads 12:47 am. "What are you doing?" I ask Kyle. "Your dad's gonna kill us both if he catches you in here."
"I know, I won't stay long," he says. "I just wanted to say a proper goodnight."
I giggle as he raises his eyebrow suggestively, and lean in to kiss him, our mouths parting to allow our tongues to caress one another. He wraps his arms around me, pulling me close enough that I can feel the heat radiating off of his body. I moan when I feel him run his hand up my leg, sliding up the side of my pajama shorts.
A piercing ring causes Kyle to jump up and my heart to skip a beat. "Shit!" he curses.
"Relax, it's just my cell phone," I say, but Kyle puts his ear to the door, just to make sure his dad hasn't woken up.
I look at the caller ID and say, "It's Max," with a curious furrow of my brow.
"Max?" Kyle says in a slightly bitter tone. I think he's jealous, which would make me giggle if not for the worry that I now feel. Max hardly ever calls me. Thinking back to my strange dream, I get a dreadful feeling in the pit of my stomach.
Answering the phone with a shaky hand, I try not to let myself jump to any unnecessary conclusions. "Hello?" I say.
"Tess, good, you're still up."
“Max, it's late. What's going on?” I ask.
“Can you and Kyle come back to the Crashdown?”
“Why? What’s wrong?”
Max pauses and takes a deep breath. “Larek’s here.”
TBC
“You know you’re right for someone when they force you to be the best version of yourself.”
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jbangelo
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I'm so sorry it's been so long. I hope you all haven't forgotten about me! 
Thanks for all the awesome feedback. 
Many thanks to Kerri for her guidance and friendship.
Part Three
The ride to the Crashdown is short and silent. Neither of us really knows what to expect once we get there, and I think neither of us wants to express our worries and concerns. We woke Jim up to tell him what was going on, because we figured he'd be understanding once he knew it was alien-related. We didn't dare risk him waking up and finding us gone in the middle of the night.
Everyone is already at the Crashdown – they most likely never even left the party. They all look up with eager and expectant faces when we walk in the door, probably waiting with bated breath to hear the news Larek brings us. Without a sound, Kyle and I sit down at the counter side by side, and Max immediately lays into Larek.
“Okay, we're all here now,” he says. “What's going on, Larek?”
“Well, I bring good news,” Larek says in Brody's British accent, and a collective sigh echoes throughout the group.
“Jesus, Larek,” Michael grumbles. “You could have at least told us that much to start with.”
“Just tell us why you've come,” Max says calmly.
“You'll all be happy to know,” he starts with a smile, “that the war is over. Kivar has been overthrown.”
We all burst into excited chatter at once, until Larek holds up his hands for silence. “That's not all,” he says.
We fall silent again, waiting for him to drop the ball that will inevitably counter-balance the good news we just received.
“Your parents,” he says, looking at Max and Isabel, “have resumed their rightful place on the throne. But they are old, and will not live forever.”
“I don't understand,” Isabel says quietly, although I think she does.
“Your mother has sent me with instructions for you to use the Granolith for a return trip home.” He looks at Max. “Her desire is for you to come back and take your place as heir to the throne of Antar.” Then, turning to me, he says, “And you as Queen.
“She’s also very excited about planning the wedding of Rath and Vilandra,” Larek continues on, and I think I hear a soft gasp come from Isabel. “The four of you will present a united front to the people of Antar – something that they’ve needed for a long time.”
Silence befalls our group as we all sit with gaping jaws. Larek looks around, obviously confused, and asks, “What is the matter? Is this not good news?”
Max answers for all of us when he says, “It’s just a shock. I mean, our lives are here. They have been for the last ten years. It’s all we know.”
“I understand,” Larek says with sympathy. “But you must know what this means to your mother – to your planet. It is your duty after all. You are the Royal Four.”
We all look at one another with mixed expressions, no one quite sure what to say. With a sigh, Larek says, “The Granolith is good for one trip only. It’s now or never.” His eyes scan the group, and I drop my eyes guiltily when his gaze lands on me. I feel like he will hold me personally responsible if things don’t go his way. I know it’s irrational, but I can’t help it.
“I will return in two days time,” he says. “You have until then to make your decision.”
He gives one last pensive glance at everyone in the diner, his intense eyes falling to Max as he says with finality, “I sincerely hope you will make the right one.” With that, he turns and leaves us in silence.
No one knows what to say after we’re left alone, and we all seem to be avoiding each other’s eyes. Things have been so normal for the last six months that none of us have even considered the possibility of something like this happening. We’ve been so wrapped up in our human lives – just focusing on being normal teenagers for the first time – that thoughts of Antar were practically the last thing on our minds.
I have a home here. I have friends and a family now. I have Kyle. And I love him more than I ever thought possible. But I can’t deny that there’s a small part of me that is intrigued at the thought of going back to Antar and sitting on the throne as Queen. It is, after all, the only thing I strived for, for almost ten years.
I guiltily push the thoughts from my mind when I feel Kyle rest a gentle hand on my shoulder. I look over at him and he gives me a supportive smile, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. I know what he’s thinking. He’s thinking that I’m going to leave him. I inwardly chide myself for the thoughts I was just having. How could I even think about leaving this man? He is my heart. I give his hand a reassuring squeeze.
When still no one speaks, Max clears his throat and says, “It’s late. Why don’t we all go get a good night’s sleep and meet up tomorrow to talk about this?”
Everyone seems eager to put the discussion off for another twelve hours, and we all agree to meet at the quarry after lunch the next day. Wordlessly, we file out of the Crashdown and go our separate ways.
Kyle and I return home in silence, but grasp hands tightly the entire way. It’s as if he’s afraid to let me go. I don’t even know what to say to him to make him feel better, so I just reciprocate his tight grip. I feel his gaze turn towards me, and with a sad smile, lift our joined hands to brush a soft kiss over my knuckles. I smile sadly in return, but the thought remains…will this be one of the last kisses I ever receive from him?
***
When I wake, I hear the sound of waves crashing, and open my eyes to find myself on the same beach as before. The sun shines brightly up above and a gentle breeze caresses my skin. I’m not at all surprised when I turn and am faced with the same woman from my last dream. Oddly, I can recognize this time that it’s a dream, but at the same time, it feels real. The heat from the sun, the cool breeze, the sound of the waves crashing on the shore…
“Hello, my dear,” the woman greets me with a smile.
This time I’m going to get some answers. “Why am I here?” I ask. “And who are you?”
“I’m surprised you don’t remember,” she says with a sad smile. “But I suppose it really has been a long time.”
“You didn’t answer my question.”
“Oh, Ava, always the persistent one,” she says with a chuckle. “It’s how I knew you’d make a wonderful bride for my Zan.”
Realization dawns on me and I give a slight gasp. Of course! I don’t know why I didn’t recognize her before. The flowing blonde hair, the serene, gentle face – this is Max and Isabel’s mother.
“What do you want from me?” I ask, while wondering if she’s been appearing in anyone else’s dreams. Deep down I know that she thinks I will be the logical choice to convince the others to come, given that all I wanted for so long was to fulfill my “destiny.”
“Did Larek not deliver my message?”
“Yes, he did.”
“Then you know. I want you to come home and sit on the throne where you belong.”
“But Earth is our home now,” I say earnestly.
She laughs. “Ava, your home is here. Your people are here. Your family. Earth was only temporary. You’ve always known that.”
“No,” I say, shaking my head, although I feel a little stab in my heart at the truth she speaks. It’s what Nasedo always tried to make me believe.
“Yes, dear,” she says, still smiling. “You, Zan, Vilandra, Rath…this is where you belong. You and Zan will rule as the King and Queen you were meant to be.”
I shake my head again in frustration. No! I belong on Earth! With Kyle!
“Oh, these silly notions you have!” she laughs as though reading my mind. “You and Zan belong together. It’s your destiny.”
That cursed word. “No, I don’t believe in destiny,” I say adamantly.
“Destiny is not for you to believe in, Ava.”
“Stop calling me that!” I shout. “My name is Tess!”
“What has happened to you, my child?” she asks sadly. “We’ve left you on that foreign planet for far too long.”
“It’s my home,” I say softly, feeling the sting of tears forming in my eyes. “It’s my home.” I repeat it, as though I’m trying to convince myself.
“You’re not human, Ava,” she says, as though she knows just where my insecurities lie. “You never will be.”
“Please,” I beg, tears flowing freely down my cheeks now. “Please, just leave me alone.”
“You know I speak the truth,” she says, her voice fading. “Remember, Ava, remember…”
“Tess… Tess, wake up, baby.” The gentle voice pulls me from the dream plane and I’m back in my bed, Kyle sitting over me and smoothing the hair out of my face.
“Kyle?” I ask groggily. “What time is it?”
“It’s just after seven a.m.,” he says. “I woke up and heard you crying. What’s wrong?”
The dream is already distorted in my mind, and I’m not sure that I would tell Kyle about it even if I could remember it all. So I just say, “It’s nothing. Just a dream.”
“Are you sure?” he asks with a furrow of his brow.
“I’m sure,” I say, mustering a smile to ease his worry. “I’m fine.”
“You’d tell me if something was wrong, right?”
“Of course,” I say with a gulp, immediately feeling guilty for lying to him.
He gives me small smile and pulls me to him in a comforting embrace. I cling to him tightly and try to push all thoughts of the dream and what my mother-in-law said out of my head.
But as Kyle rubs his hands in soothing circles on my back, the words echo over and over in my mind…
“…You’re not human…you never will be…”
Thanks for all the awesome feedback. Many thanks to Kerri for her guidance and friendship.
Part Three
The ride to the Crashdown is short and silent. Neither of us really knows what to expect once we get there, and I think neither of us wants to express our worries and concerns. We woke Jim up to tell him what was going on, because we figured he'd be understanding once he knew it was alien-related. We didn't dare risk him waking up and finding us gone in the middle of the night.
Everyone is already at the Crashdown – they most likely never even left the party. They all look up with eager and expectant faces when we walk in the door, probably waiting with bated breath to hear the news Larek brings us. Without a sound, Kyle and I sit down at the counter side by side, and Max immediately lays into Larek.
“Okay, we're all here now,” he says. “What's going on, Larek?”
“Well, I bring good news,” Larek says in Brody's British accent, and a collective sigh echoes throughout the group.
“Jesus, Larek,” Michael grumbles. “You could have at least told us that much to start with.”
“Just tell us why you've come,” Max says calmly.
“You'll all be happy to know,” he starts with a smile, “that the war is over. Kivar has been overthrown.”
We all burst into excited chatter at once, until Larek holds up his hands for silence. “That's not all,” he says.
We fall silent again, waiting for him to drop the ball that will inevitably counter-balance the good news we just received.
“Your parents,” he says, looking at Max and Isabel, “have resumed their rightful place on the throne. But they are old, and will not live forever.”
“I don't understand,” Isabel says quietly, although I think she does.
“Your mother has sent me with instructions for you to use the Granolith for a return trip home.” He looks at Max. “Her desire is for you to come back and take your place as heir to the throne of Antar.” Then, turning to me, he says, “And you as Queen.
“She’s also very excited about planning the wedding of Rath and Vilandra,” Larek continues on, and I think I hear a soft gasp come from Isabel. “The four of you will present a united front to the people of Antar – something that they’ve needed for a long time.”
Silence befalls our group as we all sit with gaping jaws. Larek looks around, obviously confused, and asks, “What is the matter? Is this not good news?”
Max answers for all of us when he says, “It’s just a shock. I mean, our lives are here. They have been for the last ten years. It’s all we know.”
“I understand,” Larek says with sympathy. “But you must know what this means to your mother – to your planet. It is your duty after all. You are the Royal Four.”
We all look at one another with mixed expressions, no one quite sure what to say. With a sigh, Larek says, “The Granolith is good for one trip only. It’s now or never.” His eyes scan the group, and I drop my eyes guiltily when his gaze lands on me. I feel like he will hold me personally responsible if things don’t go his way. I know it’s irrational, but I can’t help it.
“I will return in two days time,” he says. “You have until then to make your decision.”
He gives one last pensive glance at everyone in the diner, his intense eyes falling to Max as he says with finality, “I sincerely hope you will make the right one.” With that, he turns and leaves us in silence.
No one knows what to say after we’re left alone, and we all seem to be avoiding each other’s eyes. Things have been so normal for the last six months that none of us have even considered the possibility of something like this happening. We’ve been so wrapped up in our human lives – just focusing on being normal teenagers for the first time – that thoughts of Antar were practically the last thing on our minds.
I have a home here. I have friends and a family now. I have Kyle. And I love him more than I ever thought possible. But I can’t deny that there’s a small part of me that is intrigued at the thought of going back to Antar and sitting on the throne as Queen. It is, after all, the only thing I strived for, for almost ten years.
I guiltily push the thoughts from my mind when I feel Kyle rest a gentle hand on my shoulder. I look over at him and he gives me a supportive smile, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. I know what he’s thinking. He’s thinking that I’m going to leave him. I inwardly chide myself for the thoughts I was just having. How could I even think about leaving this man? He is my heart. I give his hand a reassuring squeeze.
When still no one speaks, Max clears his throat and says, “It’s late. Why don’t we all go get a good night’s sleep and meet up tomorrow to talk about this?”
Everyone seems eager to put the discussion off for another twelve hours, and we all agree to meet at the quarry after lunch the next day. Wordlessly, we file out of the Crashdown and go our separate ways.
Kyle and I return home in silence, but grasp hands tightly the entire way. It’s as if he’s afraid to let me go. I don’t even know what to say to him to make him feel better, so I just reciprocate his tight grip. I feel his gaze turn towards me, and with a sad smile, lift our joined hands to brush a soft kiss over my knuckles. I smile sadly in return, but the thought remains…will this be one of the last kisses I ever receive from him?
***
When I wake, I hear the sound of waves crashing, and open my eyes to find myself on the same beach as before. The sun shines brightly up above and a gentle breeze caresses my skin. I’m not at all surprised when I turn and am faced with the same woman from my last dream. Oddly, I can recognize this time that it’s a dream, but at the same time, it feels real. The heat from the sun, the cool breeze, the sound of the waves crashing on the shore…
“Hello, my dear,” the woman greets me with a smile.
This time I’m going to get some answers. “Why am I here?” I ask. “And who are you?”
“I’m surprised you don’t remember,” she says with a sad smile. “But I suppose it really has been a long time.”
“You didn’t answer my question.”
“Oh, Ava, always the persistent one,” she says with a chuckle. “It’s how I knew you’d make a wonderful bride for my Zan.”
Realization dawns on me and I give a slight gasp. Of course! I don’t know why I didn’t recognize her before. The flowing blonde hair, the serene, gentle face – this is Max and Isabel’s mother.
“What do you want from me?” I ask, while wondering if she’s been appearing in anyone else’s dreams. Deep down I know that she thinks I will be the logical choice to convince the others to come, given that all I wanted for so long was to fulfill my “destiny.”
“Did Larek not deliver my message?”
“Yes, he did.”
“Then you know. I want you to come home and sit on the throne where you belong.”
“But Earth is our home now,” I say earnestly.
She laughs. “Ava, your home is here. Your people are here. Your family. Earth was only temporary. You’ve always known that.”
“No,” I say, shaking my head, although I feel a little stab in my heart at the truth she speaks. It’s what Nasedo always tried to make me believe.
“Yes, dear,” she says, still smiling. “You, Zan, Vilandra, Rath…this is where you belong. You and Zan will rule as the King and Queen you were meant to be.”
I shake my head again in frustration. No! I belong on Earth! With Kyle!
“Oh, these silly notions you have!” she laughs as though reading my mind. “You and Zan belong together. It’s your destiny.”
That cursed word. “No, I don’t believe in destiny,” I say adamantly.
“Destiny is not for you to believe in, Ava.”
“Stop calling me that!” I shout. “My name is Tess!”
“What has happened to you, my child?” she asks sadly. “We’ve left you on that foreign planet for far too long.”
“It’s my home,” I say softly, feeling the sting of tears forming in my eyes. “It’s my home.” I repeat it, as though I’m trying to convince myself.
“You’re not human, Ava,” she says, as though she knows just where my insecurities lie. “You never will be.”
“Please,” I beg, tears flowing freely down my cheeks now. “Please, just leave me alone.”
“You know I speak the truth,” she says, her voice fading. “Remember, Ava, remember…”
“Tess… Tess, wake up, baby.” The gentle voice pulls me from the dream plane and I’m back in my bed, Kyle sitting over me and smoothing the hair out of my face.
“Kyle?” I ask groggily. “What time is it?”
“It’s just after seven a.m.,” he says. “I woke up and heard you crying. What’s wrong?”
The dream is already distorted in my mind, and I’m not sure that I would tell Kyle about it even if I could remember it all. So I just say, “It’s nothing. Just a dream.”
“Are you sure?” he asks with a furrow of his brow.
“I’m sure,” I say, mustering a smile to ease his worry. “I’m fine.”
“You’d tell me if something was wrong, right?”
“Of course,” I say with a gulp, immediately feeling guilty for lying to him.
He gives me small smile and pulls me to him in a comforting embrace. I cling to him tightly and try to push all thoughts of the dream and what my mother-in-law said out of my head.
But as Kyle rubs his hands in soothing circles on my back, the words echo over and over in my mind…
“…You’re not human…you never will be…”
“You know you’re right for someone when they force you to be the best version of yourself.”
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jbangelo
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Thanks for reading everyone! Wow, your comments really make my day.
LovinGuerin2much, thanks for the awesome fb as always. I'm glad you like Kyle! I'm actually planning a third installment after this one which will be from his POV.
Timelord31, don't worry, there are no hidden agendas. I'm not really even touching much on the sci-fi aspect of the story - that's not really my forte lol. This story is more just about Tess' struggle of what she thought she wanted vs. what she now has.
RTds9fan, thanks! Yes, Larek was quite evil wasn't he?
FaithfulAngel24, thank you! What a compliment!
killjoy, thanks! So great to see another Lamptrimmer fan!
Part Four
Turning over in the bed, I see that the clock reads 9:07 am. I haven’t been able to get back to sleep since Kyle woke me up from my dream a couple of hours ago. Not that I’d want to go back to sleep anyway. She’ll probably still be there in my dreams, waiting for me.
I decide to get up – maybe I’ll go for a walk to clear my head and get some fresh air. I throw on a pair of track pants and a tank top and lace up my tennis shoes. Opening the bedroom door quietly, I hear the shower running from the bathroom, so I scrawl a quick note for Kyle and leave it on the coffee table. Gone for a walk. I’ll see you at the Crashdown for lunch. xo.
I stop at the sound of a clearing throat just as I’m about to walk out the front door, and Jim calls from the kitchen, “Where are you going?”
“Just out for a walk,” I say without turning around.
“Don’t go too far,” he says. “I want to talk to you and Kyle.”
I sigh with exasperation and turn to face him, knowing exactly what he wants to talk to us about. “We were just kissing.”
“You both know the rules, Tess.”
“You know, you’re not my father,” I say suddenly. “What don’t you stop pretending like you are?” With that, I turn abruptly and exit the house, but not before seeing the hurt that crosses his face.
Oh my god! What is the matter with me? What would possess me to speak to Jim like that? He’s been nothing but kind to me since the day I met him. He’s opened up his home to me and treated me like a part of the family. He is like a father to me.
Why did I say that? What was I thinking? It was almost as if I wasn’t in control of my own words. I briefly touch the doorknob and debate going back inside to apologize, but embarrassment prevents me from doing so, and I begin walking slowly down the sidewalk.
My mind is a jumble of thoughts. Larek’s news from the night before, my mysterious dreams, the harsh words I just spoke to Jim. Everything is starting to become a blur and I don’t know what to do or think. Twenty-four hours ago, everything was fine. Life was great and I didn’t have a care in the world. How did everything go so wrong?
Picking up my pace, I head in the direction of the one person who might understand what I’m feeling.
***
“Tess, it’s 9:30 on a Saturday morning,” Michael grumbles. “This better be good.”
“I just needed to talk to you,” I say, and he must notice my look of distress, because his face softens and he opens to door to let me into his apartment. He ushers me inside, and I sit down on the sofa.
“I can make some coffee if you want some,” Michael offers.
“No, that’s okay,” I say.
He goes to the small kitchen anyway to start a pot of coffee, and when I still don’t speak after a few minutes, he prods me, “So what’s going on? You said you wanted to talk.”
“Yeah,” I say.
“Let me guess,” he says. “Larek’s big news?”
I nod. “Do you want to go back, Michael?” I ask him.
Michael sighs, sitting down next to me on the couch and taking a sip of his steaming coffee. “It used to be all I wanted,” he says. “All I ever dreamed of was finding out where we came from and getting away from this place.”
“But now?”
“Now…” he sighs. “Now this is my home.”
“What changed?” I ask, although I’m pretty sure I know.
He simply gives me a crooked smile and says, “Maria.”
I nod and look down at my hands. “You know I’m not one for getting all touchy-feely,” he says, “but I love her. She drives me absolutely crazy sometimes, but I can’t imagine my life without her. Wherever she is, that’s where I want to be.”
I know exactly what he means, but…
“Why, Tess?” Michael asks. “Do you want to go back?”
“No!” I say, a little too quickly. “No, this is my home too, but…” I trail off.
“But what?”
I pause momentarily before confiding my secret. “I think Max and Isabel’s mother is dream walking me,” I say quietly, as though someone might be listening.
“You what?” Michael asks incredulously.
“She’s appeared in my dreams twice now. Trying to convince me that we should go back.”
“Why you?” Michael asks, scratching his eyebrow.
“Think about it, Michael,” I say. “I’m the one who came to town spouting off about destiny. I’m sure she thinks that I can convince the rest of you to return.”
“But you’re with Kyle now,” Michael says. “We all gave up on that bogus idea of destiny.”
I’m silent for a moment, and then say, “I think she’s doing something to me.”
“What do you mean?”
“I think she’s messing with my mind somehow. Michael, I agree with you that this is our home now. I love Kyle. I love him so much.” I pause briefly before continuing. I hope I can trust Michael with what I’m about to tell him. “But there’s also this part of me that still wants that other life. Wants to be Queen. I think she’s somehow bringing those dormant desires to the surface. And then, this morning, I yelled at Jim for no reason. It was like I wasn’t in control of what I was saying.”
“Have you told anyone else about this?” he asks, and I shake my head. “Why’d you choose to tell me?”
“Because you and I are so alike, Michael,” I say. “You know what it’s like to want nothing more than to get off this planet. You know what it’s like to not have any real family here.”
“But I do have family here now, Tess,” Michael says. “And you do too. You know you do.”
I gulp and feel tears start to well up in my eyes. “Look, we’ll figure this out, Tess,” he says and grabs my hand in a supportive gesture. “You’re strong, Tess. I’d bet you’re stronger than she is. We’ll beat this, I promise.”
“Michael, I don’t want the others to know about this,” I say.
“But—“
“Please, Michael, don’t tell them.”
“Fine,” he grumbles. “But for the record, I think it’s a bad idea.”
“Thank you.”
***
Our group discussion meeting at the quarry is relatively short considering the seriousness of the situation. The general consensus is established pretty quickly – no one wants to leave.
“So what do we do?” Isabel asks. “Even if we’re not going to go back, we still have a responsibility to our parents and our people.”
“You’re right,” Max says.
“Surely there is something that be worked out,” Liz pipes in. “Someone else who can sit on the throne in your place.”
“We can ask Larek when he comes back tomorrow night,” Max says. “We’ll get this worked out one way or another.”
“He’s gonna be pissed,” Michael says. “You heard that guilt trip he was laying on us last night.”
“I sincerely hope you will make the right decision,” Alex mocks in a British accent, and the rest of us can’t help but laugh.
“Well, I guess that’s that,” Max says. “We’ll all talk with Larek tomorrow. Hopefully this can be settled once and for all, and then…”
“Then we can live in peace,” Liz finishes for him, reaching for his hand and intertwining her fingers with his.
Michael glances in my direction as we begin to disperse, and I avoid his eyes. I know he wants me to tell them about the dreams, but I can’t. I went out a limb just telling him about it. It took so long to get them all to trust and accept me, and I don’t want to ruin that. Besides, once Max’s mother realizes that we’re really not coming back, she’ll probably leave me alone. I just have to be strong until then.
***
Later that night, I’m in my room getting ready for bed when I hear a knock at the door. “Come in,” I call, and Kyle enters.
“Hey,” he greets me solemnly.
“Hey,” I say back, mustering what I can of a smile.
“Look, Tess, I don’t know what’s going on with you. You’ve barely said two words to me since Larek showed up last night.”
“I know, and I’m sorry,” I say, reaching for his hand, but he pulls away and begins pacing the room. Frowning, I say, “What’s wrong?”
“You want to go back, don’t you?” he blurts out.
“What?! No!”
“I mean, I don’t blame you,” he continues on, as if I hadn’t even spoken. “You can be Queen and have everything you’ve ever wanted. What have you got to gain by staying here?”
“Kyle, would you listen to yourself? You’re crazy!” But as I say it, that long dormant desire rises up in me again. No! I scream inwardly, trying with all my might to suppress it.
“I won’t ask you to stay,” he says, looking into my eyes. “I just want you to know that I love you. And I hope that’s enough.”
He doesn’t wait for my response as he quickly exits the room, leaving me alone with the echo of his words. In a fit of tears, I collapse onto the bed and cry myself to sleep, waiting for the inevitable dreams to come.
TBC... Part Five will wrap it up. Remember that I promised a happy ending!
LovinGuerin2much, thanks for the awesome fb as always. I'm glad you like Kyle! I'm actually planning a third installment after this one which will be from his POV.
Timelord31, don't worry, there are no hidden agendas. I'm not really even touching much on the sci-fi aspect of the story - that's not really my forte lol. This story is more just about Tess' struggle of what she thought she wanted vs. what she now has.
RTds9fan, thanks! Yes, Larek was quite evil wasn't he?
FaithfulAngel24, thank you! What a compliment!
killjoy, thanks! So great to see another Lamptrimmer fan!
Part Four
Turning over in the bed, I see that the clock reads 9:07 am. I haven’t been able to get back to sleep since Kyle woke me up from my dream a couple of hours ago. Not that I’d want to go back to sleep anyway. She’ll probably still be there in my dreams, waiting for me.
I decide to get up – maybe I’ll go for a walk to clear my head and get some fresh air. I throw on a pair of track pants and a tank top and lace up my tennis shoes. Opening the bedroom door quietly, I hear the shower running from the bathroom, so I scrawl a quick note for Kyle and leave it on the coffee table. Gone for a walk. I’ll see you at the Crashdown for lunch. xo.
I stop at the sound of a clearing throat just as I’m about to walk out the front door, and Jim calls from the kitchen, “Where are you going?”
“Just out for a walk,” I say without turning around.
“Don’t go too far,” he says. “I want to talk to you and Kyle.”
I sigh with exasperation and turn to face him, knowing exactly what he wants to talk to us about. “We were just kissing.”
“You both know the rules, Tess.”
“You know, you’re not my father,” I say suddenly. “What don’t you stop pretending like you are?” With that, I turn abruptly and exit the house, but not before seeing the hurt that crosses his face.
Oh my god! What is the matter with me? What would possess me to speak to Jim like that? He’s been nothing but kind to me since the day I met him. He’s opened up his home to me and treated me like a part of the family. He is like a father to me.
Why did I say that? What was I thinking? It was almost as if I wasn’t in control of my own words. I briefly touch the doorknob and debate going back inside to apologize, but embarrassment prevents me from doing so, and I begin walking slowly down the sidewalk.
My mind is a jumble of thoughts. Larek’s news from the night before, my mysterious dreams, the harsh words I just spoke to Jim. Everything is starting to become a blur and I don’t know what to do or think. Twenty-four hours ago, everything was fine. Life was great and I didn’t have a care in the world. How did everything go so wrong?
Picking up my pace, I head in the direction of the one person who might understand what I’m feeling.
***
“Tess, it’s 9:30 on a Saturday morning,” Michael grumbles. “This better be good.”
“I just needed to talk to you,” I say, and he must notice my look of distress, because his face softens and he opens to door to let me into his apartment. He ushers me inside, and I sit down on the sofa.
“I can make some coffee if you want some,” Michael offers.
“No, that’s okay,” I say.
He goes to the small kitchen anyway to start a pot of coffee, and when I still don’t speak after a few minutes, he prods me, “So what’s going on? You said you wanted to talk.”
“Yeah,” I say.
“Let me guess,” he says. “Larek’s big news?”
I nod. “Do you want to go back, Michael?” I ask him.
Michael sighs, sitting down next to me on the couch and taking a sip of his steaming coffee. “It used to be all I wanted,” he says. “All I ever dreamed of was finding out where we came from and getting away from this place.”
“But now?”
“Now…” he sighs. “Now this is my home.”
“What changed?” I ask, although I’m pretty sure I know.
He simply gives me a crooked smile and says, “Maria.”
I nod and look down at my hands. “You know I’m not one for getting all touchy-feely,” he says, “but I love her. She drives me absolutely crazy sometimes, but I can’t imagine my life without her. Wherever she is, that’s where I want to be.”
I know exactly what he means, but…
“Why, Tess?” Michael asks. “Do you want to go back?”
“No!” I say, a little too quickly. “No, this is my home too, but…” I trail off.
“But what?”
I pause momentarily before confiding my secret. “I think Max and Isabel’s mother is dream walking me,” I say quietly, as though someone might be listening.
“You what?” Michael asks incredulously.
“She’s appeared in my dreams twice now. Trying to convince me that we should go back.”
“Why you?” Michael asks, scratching his eyebrow.
“Think about it, Michael,” I say. “I’m the one who came to town spouting off about destiny. I’m sure she thinks that I can convince the rest of you to return.”
“But you’re with Kyle now,” Michael says. “We all gave up on that bogus idea of destiny.”
I’m silent for a moment, and then say, “I think she’s doing something to me.”
“What do you mean?”
“I think she’s messing with my mind somehow. Michael, I agree with you that this is our home now. I love Kyle. I love him so much.” I pause briefly before continuing. I hope I can trust Michael with what I’m about to tell him. “But there’s also this part of me that still wants that other life. Wants to be Queen. I think she’s somehow bringing those dormant desires to the surface. And then, this morning, I yelled at Jim for no reason. It was like I wasn’t in control of what I was saying.”
“Have you told anyone else about this?” he asks, and I shake my head. “Why’d you choose to tell me?”
“Because you and I are so alike, Michael,” I say. “You know what it’s like to want nothing more than to get off this planet. You know what it’s like to not have any real family here.”
“But I do have family here now, Tess,” Michael says. “And you do too. You know you do.”
I gulp and feel tears start to well up in my eyes. “Look, we’ll figure this out, Tess,” he says and grabs my hand in a supportive gesture. “You’re strong, Tess. I’d bet you’re stronger than she is. We’ll beat this, I promise.”
“Michael, I don’t want the others to know about this,” I say.
“But—“
“Please, Michael, don’t tell them.”
“Fine,” he grumbles. “But for the record, I think it’s a bad idea.”
“Thank you.”
***
Our group discussion meeting at the quarry is relatively short considering the seriousness of the situation. The general consensus is established pretty quickly – no one wants to leave.
“So what do we do?” Isabel asks. “Even if we’re not going to go back, we still have a responsibility to our parents and our people.”
“You’re right,” Max says.
“Surely there is something that be worked out,” Liz pipes in. “Someone else who can sit on the throne in your place.”
“We can ask Larek when he comes back tomorrow night,” Max says. “We’ll get this worked out one way or another.”
“He’s gonna be pissed,” Michael says. “You heard that guilt trip he was laying on us last night.”
“I sincerely hope you will make the right decision,” Alex mocks in a British accent, and the rest of us can’t help but laugh.
“Well, I guess that’s that,” Max says. “We’ll all talk with Larek tomorrow. Hopefully this can be settled once and for all, and then…”
“Then we can live in peace,” Liz finishes for him, reaching for his hand and intertwining her fingers with his.
Michael glances in my direction as we begin to disperse, and I avoid his eyes. I know he wants me to tell them about the dreams, but I can’t. I went out a limb just telling him about it. It took so long to get them all to trust and accept me, and I don’t want to ruin that. Besides, once Max’s mother realizes that we’re really not coming back, she’ll probably leave me alone. I just have to be strong until then.
***
Later that night, I’m in my room getting ready for bed when I hear a knock at the door. “Come in,” I call, and Kyle enters.
“Hey,” he greets me solemnly.
“Hey,” I say back, mustering what I can of a smile.
“Look, Tess, I don’t know what’s going on with you. You’ve barely said two words to me since Larek showed up last night.”
“I know, and I’m sorry,” I say, reaching for his hand, but he pulls away and begins pacing the room. Frowning, I say, “What’s wrong?”
“You want to go back, don’t you?” he blurts out.
“What?! No!”
“I mean, I don’t blame you,” he continues on, as if I hadn’t even spoken. “You can be Queen and have everything you’ve ever wanted. What have you got to gain by staying here?”
“Kyle, would you listen to yourself? You’re crazy!” But as I say it, that long dormant desire rises up in me again. No! I scream inwardly, trying with all my might to suppress it.
“I won’t ask you to stay,” he says, looking into my eyes. “I just want you to know that I love you. And I hope that’s enough.”
He doesn’t wait for my response as he quickly exits the room, leaving me alone with the echo of his words. In a fit of tears, I collapse onto the bed and cry myself to sleep, waiting for the inevitable dreams to come.
TBC... Part Five will wrap it up. Remember that I promised a happy ending!
“You know you’re right for someone when they force you to be the best version of yourself.”
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jbangelo
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Okay, this is the final part. Let me go ahead and tell you that I'm not going back to the issue of what the gang is going to do about Antar since they're not returning, because that's not what this story is about. This story is about Kyle and Tess and how they feel about each other.
As I mentioned before, I'm thinking about a thrid story in this series, from Kyle's POV. I have some ideas rolling around in my head, and pretty much know how I want it to go, but we'll see. I sometimes lack the discipline that writing takes, as you can probably tell from my sporadic updates. But I really do want to bring this thing full circle with a third story, so be on the lookout, maybe in about a month or so.
Thanks as always for the awesome feedback!
Timelord31, thanks!
killjoy, thank you! Your fb actually made me think a little more about Kyle and how he reacts in this part.
LovinGuerin2much, thanks for being such a faithful reader through both of these stories. I always love to read your fb.
FaithfulAngel24, I think you'll rest easier with this ending.
Now, on with the show...
Part Five
I’m not at all surprised when I open my eyes to the warm sunshine and the sound of the waves crashing to the shore, and automatically I look around for the face of the woman who has become the bane of my existence. There she is, smiling as usual, and there’s nothing I’d like more than to knock that smile right off her face.
“Hello, dear,” she greets me.
I simply scowl at her.
“I trust you’ve had some time to think about things I said,” she says.
“You’re doing something to me,” I say defiantly. “You’re making me feel things – making me do things.”
She laughs. “I’m not making you do anything, Ava. I simply allowed you to access a part of yourself that you’ve been trying to suppress. Why are you fighting it?”
“You can’t just go around controlling people’s minds!”
“Well, that’s like calling the kettle black, isn’t it?” she retorts, and her words cut through me like a knife. I shut my mouth, momentarily dumbfounded.
“I don’t do that anymore,” I finally say, though guilt consumes me because I know she’s right. What she’s doing to me is no different than what I did to Max when I first came to Roswell.
“Ava, why are you making this so difficult?” she asks. “Don’t you want to come home?”
She looks at me with such sad eyes that I almost feel sorry for her. All she wants is her children back, and she’s using the only means she knows how. Is this the way things work on Antar? If you don’t want to do something, they use Jedi-like mind powers to make you succumb? Why would anyone want to live like that?
“Home, Ava,” she repeats with conviction.
Home, I think to myself. Isn’t it what I always wanted? From the moment I came out of the pod, it was all I ever strived for – all I ever desired. Now, this is my chance…
Movement off in the distance catches my eye, and I turn my head to see what it is – or rather, who it is. It’s Kyle, barefoot and dressed in khaki pants and button-down light blue shirt that is untucked and billowing in the breeze. He cocks a half-smile at me, the adorable little dimple in his left cheek showing prominently.
How did he get here? I wonder, but can’t help smiling back at him. He makes no move to come any closer, but reaches a hand out towards me as if beckoning me to come to him. Instinctively, my heart swells with love for him, and I want nothing more than to run into his arms and never let go.
And suddenly, I know. I know what I want. I know what I need. And I can’t believe I ever even questioned it.
“No,” I say softly, turning back to the woman. “No,” I repeat, louder this time.
“What?” she asks.
“No, I don’t want to go back,” I say firmly. “Earth is my home now. And nothing you say or do can change that.”
“You’re being ridiculous, child,” she says. “You have responsibilities. Don’t you know how important it is for you to return to your people?”
“I’m sorry,” I say, and I do genuinely mean it. “That man,” I say, pointing in the direction of Kyle, “is more important to me than anything. He is my home. And his love for me is stronger than any mind control you think you have over me.”
“Ava…” she starts to protest, but I stop her.
“I’m sorry,” I say again. “I really am. But I love him. And I’m never going to leave him.”
I turn back to Kyle, only to see to see that he seems to be fading away, but there is no mistaking the smile that is spread across his face. “I love you,” he mouths to me.
“I love you too,” I whisper into the breeze.
And then, I’m alone. No Kyle, no alien mothers. Raising my face to the warm sunshine, I smile as a great weight lifts from my shoulders. I know she won’t be back. It’s over. And I won.
***
I wake up feeling more rested than I have in days, ready and willing to face the day. My whole body tingles in anticipation of seeing Kyle and professing my undying love to him. I almost giggle at how absurd that sounds, but it’s exactly what I want to do.
But there are a couple of things I need to do first. So I jump out of bed and get myself ready for a day full of thanks and apologies.
***
“I hope you’re not planning on making a habit out of this,” Michael grumbles good-naturedly as he opens to door to his apartment. “What’s wrong…”
His words stop dead on his lips when I wrap my arms around him in a hug. I can tell he doesn’t know how to react as he awkwardly and hesitantly returns the gesture.
“Sorry,” I say with a blush when I release him.
“What was that for?” he asks.
“To thank you,” I say. “For yesterday.”
“It was nothing,” he says, clearing his throat. “So I guess everything is okay, then?”
“I did it, Michael. You were right. I was stronger than her and I beat her.”
“Good,” he says, and I can see the relief in his eyes.
“Thank you, Michael. Thank you for listening…and thank you for being a friend.”
He gives me a half-smile – which I figure is pretty good coming from Michael. “So are things okay with you and Kyle?” he asks.
“They will be,” I say with a confident smile. “They will be.”
***
My next stop is the Roswell Sheriff’s Department. Jim comes out of his office looking harried after the secretary informs him that I’m here. “Tess, what is it? Is something wrong? Are you in trouble?”
“No, no, everything’s fine,” I assure him. “I just wanted to talk to you. Can we…?” I ask, gesturing to his office to indicate that I want privacy.
“Oh, sure,” he says, closing the door and following me inside. “What is it?”
“I owe you an apology for yesterday,” I tell him.
“Oh, that’s all right,” he says with a wave of his hand.
“No, it’s not,” I say. “I had no right to speak to you the way I did, and I certainly didn’t mean what I said.”
“Tess…”
“No, please. You’re more of a father to me than Nasedo ever was. I’ve never even thanked you for all you’ve done for me. I…I don’t even know where I’d be right now if it wasn’t for you and Kyle.”
“Well, Tess,” he says, giving my shoulder an affectionate squeeze, “I’m not sure where we’d be without you either.”
I smile and blush, looking down at the floor in embarrassment.
“You’ve brought a smile back to my son’s face, Tess,” Jim says. “And for that, I can’t thank you enough.”
On impulse, I wrap my arms around him in an awkward hug. “Thank you,” I say as I feel the now-familiar sting of tears forming in my eyes. “Just…thank you.”
***
“Thanks for helping me with this on such short notice, Liz.”
It’s after closing on Sunday evening, and Liz and I are setting up a quiet dinner for two in the empty Crashdown. I feel like I need to make a grand gesture to Kyle to show him how sorry I am. When I called Liz to ask her for use of the Crashdown for a romantic dinner, she readily agreed.
“It’s no problem,” Liz says with a smile. “I think it’s really sweet that you’re doing this. What’s the occasion anyway?”
“Just because,” I say evasively, the corners of my mouth lifting in a nervous smile. I’m excited and terrified all at once. A small part of me wonders, what if Kyle doesn’t accept my apology? What if he decides that being with me isn’t worth it? What if I’ve hurt him too much?
“Tess?” Liz’s voice breaks my train of thought.
“What?”
“I asked if you wanted me to turn the jukebox on.”
“Oh, yeah, that’d be good,” I say.
“Are you okay?” she asks with concern.
“Fine,” I say with a smile. “Are you sure Max is going to be able to get Kyle here?”
“Positive,” she responds. “In fact…” She turns her head to the back of the café. “I think I hear them coming in the back door now. You ready?”
“Ready,” I say, breathing a deep sigh to calm my nerves.
“Evans, how long is this going to take?” Kyle is saying as he and Max enter the café through the kitchen door. “The game’s…” His words die on his lips as he takes in the surroundings, his eyes finally falling on me.
“Hi,” I say softly.
“Hi,” he says back.
“Well, we’ll just leave you two alone,” Liz says, pulling Max by the arm and sending a wink in my direction. I smile at her as they exit into the back.
“What’s all this?” Kyle asks, taking a couple of steps closer to me.
“This is me saying I’m sorry,” I say.
“Sorry?”
No longer able to resist the urge, I launch myself at him, falling into his arms and holding him as tight as I possibly can. “I’m so sorry, Kyle. God, I’m so sorry,” I say with a soft sob.
“Hey, hey,” he says soothingly, pulling back so that he can look at my face. Gently brushing a tear from my cheek with his thumb, he asks, “What are you so sorry for?”
“I’m so sorry that I ever gave you reason to doubt me,” I say. “You asked me yesterday what I had to gain by staying here…and the answer is everything. You are everything to me, Kyle. I love you so much and I don’t ever want to be apart from you.”
Wrapping my arms around him again, I say into his ear, “I don’t care anything about that other life, Kyle, not anymore. All I care about is you.”
“I’m sorry too,” he says, and I pull back from him in surprise.
“What do you have to be sorry for?”
“I’m sorry that I didn’t fight harder for you. I thought I was being noble with my whole ‘I won’t ask you to stay’ speech, but I should have been more supportive. I know that this whole situation has been really hard for you, and I just left you to deal with it all on your own. I should have been there for you, and I wasn’t.”
“Oh, Kyle. You’ve already been there for me more than you’ll ever know.”
“I love you, Tess. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” And with that, he places a gentle kiss on my lips.
“Let’s make a promise to each other,” I say.
“Anything,” he says, leaning his forehead against mine.
“Let’s promise to always be honest with each other…to always be open about our feelings.”
“I promise,” he whispers, and captures my lips again in a sweet kiss, my lips parting slightly to allow his tongue to leisurely caress mine. He pulls my body tightly to his, and I allow myself to get lost in the sensations that only Kyle can make me feel. I know that no matter what comes our way, everything will be fine, because we have each other. Because I have Kyle. My partner. My lover. My everything.
The End
As I mentioned before, I'm thinking about a thrid story in this series, from Kyle's POV. I have some ideas rolling around in my head, and pretty much know how I want it to go, but we'll see. I sometimes lack the discipline that writing takes, as you can probably tell from my sporadic updates.
But I really do want to bring this thing full circle with a third story, so be on the lookout, maybe in about a month or so.Thanks as always for the awesome feedback!
Timelord31, thanks!
killjoy, thank you! Your fb actually made me think a little more about Kyle and how he reacts in this part.
LovinGuerin2much, thanks for being such a faithful reader through both of these stories. I always love to read your fb.
FaithfulAngel24, I think you'll rest easier with this ending.
Now, on with the show...
Part Five
I’m not at all surprised when I open my eyes to the warm sunshine and the sound of the waves crashing to the shore, and automatically I look around for the face of the woman who has become the bane of my existence. There she is, smiling as usual, and there’s nothing I’d like more than to knock that smile right off her face.
“Hello, dear,” she greets me.
I simply scowl at her.
“I trust you’ve had some time to think about things I said,” she says.
“You’re doing something to me,” I say defiantly. “You’re making me feel things – making me do things.”
She laughs. “I’m not making you do anything, Ava. I simply allowed you to access a part of yourself that you’ve been trying to suppress. Why are you fighting it?”
“You can’t just go around controlling people’s minds!”
“Well, that’s like calling the kettle black, isn’t it?” she retorts, and her words cut through me like a knife. I shut my mouth, momentarily dumbfounded.
“I don’t do that anymore,” I finally say, though guilt consumes me because I know she’s right. What she’s doing to me is no different than what I did to Max when I first came to Roswell.
“Ava, why are you making this so difficult?” she asks. “Don’t you want to come home?”
She looks at me with such sad eyes that I almost feel sorry for her. All she wants is her children back, and she’s using the only means she knows how. Is this the way things work on Antar? If you don’t want to do something, they use Jedi-like mind powers to make you succumb? Why would anyone want to live like that?
“Home, Ava,” she repeats with conviction.
Home, I think to myself. Isn’t it what I always wanted? From the moment I came out of the pod, it was all I ever strived for – all I ever desired. Now, this is my chance…
Movement off in the distance catches my eye, and I turn my head to see what it is – or rather, who it is. It’s Kyle, barefoot and dressed in khaki pants and button-down light blue shirt that is untucked and billowing in the breeze. He cocks a half-smile at me, the adorable little dimple in his left cheek showing prominently.
How did he get here? I wonder, but can’t help smiling back at him. He makes no move to come any closer, but reaches a hand out towards me as if beckoning me to come to him. Instinctively, my heart swells with love for him, and I want nothing more than to run into his arms and never let go.
And suddenly, I know. I know what I want. I know what I need. And I can’t believe I ever even questioned it.
“No,” I say softly, turning back to the woman. “No,” I repeat, louder this time.
“What?” she asks.
“No, I don’t want to go back,” I say firmly. “Earth is my home now. And nothing you say or do can change that.”
“You’re being ridiculous, child,” she says. “You have responsibilities. Don’t you know how important it is for you to return to your people?”
“I’m sorry,” I say, and I do genuinely mean it. “That man,” I say, pointing in the direction of Kyle, “is more important to me than anything. He is my home. And his love for me is stronger than any mind control you think you have over me.”
“Ava…” she starts to protest, but I stop her.
“I’m sorry,” I say again. “I really am. But I love him. And I’m never going to leave him.”
I turn back to Kyle, only to see to see that he seems to be fading away, but there is no mistaking the smile that is spread across his face. “I love you,” he mouths to me.
“I love you too,” I whisper into the breeze.
And then, I’m alone. No Kyle, no alien mothers. Raising my face to the warm sunshine, I smile as a great weight lifts from my shoulders. I know she won’t be back. It’s over. And I won.
***
I wake up feeling more rested than I have in days, ready and willing to face the day. My whole body tingles in anticipation of seeing Kyle and professing my undying love to him. I almost giggle at how absurd that sounds, but it’s exactly what I want to do.
But there are a couple of things I need to do first. So I jump out of bed and get myself ready for a day full of thanks and apologies.
***
“I hope you’re not planning on making a habit out of this,” Michael grumbles good-naturedly as he opens to door to his apartment. “What’s wrong…”
His words stop dead on his lips when I wrap my arms around him in a hug. I can tell he doesn’t know how to react as he awkwardly and hesitantly returns the gesture.
“Sorry,” I say with a blush when I release him.
“What was that for?” he asks.
“To thank you,” I say. “For yesterday.”
“It was nothing,” he says, clearing his throat. “So I guess everything is okay, then?”
“I did it, Michael. You were right. I was stronger than her and I beat her.”
“Good,” he says, and I can see the relief in his eyes.
“Thank you, Michael. Thank you for listening…and thank you for being a friend.”
He gives me a half-smile – which I figure is pretty good coming from Michael. “So are things okay with you and Kyle?” he asks.
“They will be,” I say with a confident smile. “They will be.”
***
My next stop is the Roswell Sheriff’s Department. Jim comes out of his office looking harried after the secretary informs him that I’m here. “Tess, what is it? Is something wrong? Are you in trouble?”
“No, no, everything’s fine,” I assure him. “I just wanted to talk to you. Can we…?” I ask, gesturing to his office to indicate that I want privacy.
“Oh, sure,” he says, closing the door and following me inside. “What is it?”
“I owe you an apology for yesterday,” I tell him.
“Oh, that’s all right,” he says with a wave of his hand.
“No, it’s not,” I say. “I had no right to speak to you the way I did, and I certainly didn’t mean what I said.”
“Tess…”
“No, please. You’re more of a father to me than Nasedo ever was. I’ve never even thanked you for all you’ve done for me. I…I don’t even know where I’d be right now if it wasn’t for you and Kyle.”
“Well, Tess,” he says, giving my shoulder an affectionate squeeze, “I’m not sure where we’d be without you either.”
I smile and blush, looking down at the floor in embarrassment.
“You’ve brought a smile back to my son’s face, Tess,” Jim says. “And for that, I can’t thank you enough.”
On impulse, I wrap my arms around him in an awkward hug. “Thank you,” I say as I feel the now-familiar sting of tears forming in my eyes. “Just…thank you.”
***
“Thanks for helping me with this on such short notice, Liz.”
It’s after closing on Sunday evening, and Liz and I are setting up a quiet dinner for two in the empty Crashdown. I feel like I need to make a grand gesture to Kyle to show him how sorry I am. When I called Liz to ask her for use of the Crashdown for a romantic dinner, she readily agreed.
“It’s no problem,” Liz says with a smile. “I think it’s really sweet that you’re doing this. What’s the occasion anyway?”
“Just because,” I say evasively, the corners of my mouth lifting in a nervous smile. I’m excited and terrified all at once. A small part of me wonders, what if Kyle doesn’t accept my apology? What if he decides that being with me isn’t worth it? What if I’ve hurt him too much?
“Tess?” Liz’s voice breaks my train of thought.
“What?”
“I asked if you wanted me to turn the jukebox on.”
“Oh, yeah, that’d be good,” I say.
“Are you okay?” she asks with concern.
“Fine,” I say with a smile. “Are you sure Max is going to be able to get Kyle here?”
“Positive,” she responds. “In fact…” She turns her head to the back of the café. “I think I hear them coming in the back door now. You ready?”
“Ready,” I say, breathing a deep sigh to calm my nerves.
“Evans, how long is this going to take?” Kyle is saying as he and Max enter the café through the kitchen door. “The game’s…” His words die on his lips as he takes in the surroundings, his eyes finally falling on me.
“Hi,” I say softly.
“Hi,” he says back.
“Well, we’ll just leave you two alone,” Liz says, pulling Max by the arm and sending a wink in my direction. I smile at her as they exit into the back.
“What’s all this?” Kyle asks, taking a couple of steps closer to me.
“This is me saying I’m sorry,” I say.
“Sorry?”
No longer able to resist the urge, I launch myself at him, falling into his arms and holding him as tight as I possibly can. “I’m so sorry, Kyle. God, I’m so sorry,” I say with a soft sob.
“Hey, hey,” he says soothingly, pulling back so that he can look at my face. Gently brushing a tear from my cheek with his thumb, he asks, “What are you so sorry for?”
“I’m so sorry that I ever gave you reason to doubt me,” I say. “You asked me yesterday what I had to gain by staying here…and the answer is everything. You are everything to me, Kyle. I love you so much and I don’t ever want to be apart from you.”
Wrapping my arms around him again, I say into his ear, “I don’t care anything about that other life, Kyle, not anymore. All I care about is you.”
“I’m sorry too,” he says, and I pull back from him in surprise.
“What do you have to be sorry for?”
“I’m sorry that I didn’t fight harder for you. I thought I was being noble with my whole ‘I won’t ask you to stay’ speech, but I should have been more supportive. I know that this whole situation has been really hard for you, and I just left you to deal with it all on your own. I should have been there for you, and I wasn’t.”
“Oh, Kyle. You’ve already been there for me more than you’ll ever know.”
“I love you, Tess. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” And with that, he places a gentle kiss on my lips.
“Let’s make a promise to each other,” I say.
“Anything,” he says, leaning his forehead against mine.
“Let’s promise to always be honest with each other…to always be open about our feelings.”
“I promise,” he whispers, and captures my lips again in a sweet kiss, my lips parting slightly to allow his tongue to leisurely caress mine. He pulls my body tightly to his, and I allow myself to get lost in the sensations that only Kyle can make me feel. I know that no matter what comes our way, everything will be fine, because we have each other. Because I have Kyle. My partner. My lover. My everything.
The End
“You know you’re right for someone when they force you to be the best version of yourself.”
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