Molly
3 Months Later
Sitting cross-legged on my bed, I continue to play with my new tablet, setting up all my favorite apps, books, and other things I can. Music blares from the speakers across the room under the window, and I hum along, a smile splitting my face. I love Christmas; it’s always been one of my favorite holidays. The family comes together, you get amazing gifts, and just get to enjoy time with those you love while eating tons of sugary goodness.
This year is extra special for us. We’ve always had Charlie home for Christmas, but with him being gone for the last year, this is different. He’s coming home. He’s also bringing his new girlfriend, and apparently Ethan is bringing someone too. It’s not a surprise to have Ethan over for Christmas, he and Charlie were always like brothers, it’s the newcomers I’m nervous about.
In my head, I can sometimes admit to myself that all this change is overwhelming. Part of me can easily understand why Charlie left, why things had to change. Part of me hates him for leaving, hates that things had to change. It’s silly of me to be upset considering his age, Charlie was close to moving out and going to college anyway, things would have changed soon no matter what. This feels so different somehow, though.
Him bringing home a girl, living outside the house, it’s like we’ve jumped ten years ahead, not two or three. I almost expect him to mention a wedding and kids next, and it’s taking a lot to keep myself from getting upset. I’m happy for him, yes, happy that he’s found a good life that he wanted. I’m just not ready for all this. It’s like we’re growing up so fast all of a sudden. Am I ready to grow up and face the adult world? I’m not sure I can handle it.
I’ll be in high school next year, and I just turned fourteen. High school is the time when you start really trying to figure out where your future is headed, what college you want to go to, all that stuff. Maybe it’s time for me to start growing up and thinking about my future.
With all that’s been going on in the last year, the development of Ethan’s railroad and us taking in or helping those we can, I've thought a little bit about what I'd like to do. I definitely like helping these kids, helping people in general, but I want to do more. Following in my parents’ footsteps and going into psychology isn’t it for me. I need more.
“Molly! Come down for dinner, Charlie’s here!” Mom’s voice calls up the stairs, and I lock my tablet, leaving it in the middle of my bed as I jump up and take a look in the mirror. Fluffing my curls and pulling them around my shoulders as I like, I make sure the bobby pins holding some back from my face are still secure before smoothing my dress and smiling like I mean it. My heart flutters in my chest, butterflies churning my stomach more than I’d like to admit.
Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, I step out of my room and walk to the stairs, finding Charlie standing at the bottom, his smile beaming up at me. Just seeing my big brother, my best friend, settles my nerves. I skip down the stairs and throw myself into his arms. Only here at home do I allow myself to show how much I truly love him. To the rest of the world, he’s my worst enemy, and I will puke before hugging him. Not because I hate him, or want others to think that, but because he’s my big brother, the annoying protector who’s in my business. It’s like an unspoken rule that siblings can’t get along in front of other people, so as far as others are concerned, we get along, but we don’t show affection. That’s gross.
“Nice dress, Molls. You look great,” he mumbles into my ear as he squeezes me a little harder before letting go.
My cheeks heat slightly, and I punch his arm for making me blush. “Thanks. You don’t look so bad yourself.” We both chuckle as I take in his jeans and dress shirt, his slicked over hair, and clean smell. He went all out to impress everyone, didn’t he? This girl must mean a lot to him. That thought has my nerves rising another level as I worry that we really are growing closer to a wedding announcement. Will Charlie growing up and moving on with life mean less time and love for me? Will he forget about me and leave me here? I don’t know if I could handle it if he moved on without me in his life.
Just as that thought enters my brain, someone steps up next to Charlie, wrapping an arm around his. He smiles, turning to her and kissing her cheek. “Arey, this is my sister, Molly. Molly, this is my girlfriend Areyvah.”
She extends her hand to me and smiles politely. “It’s so nice to finally meet you in person, Molly. I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things. You can call me Arey if you want, no need to be so formal, I feel like I know you already.” She giggles, and I smile awkwardly, shaking her gray hand.
Her black eyes and gray skin are going to be hard to get used to. She’s the first alien I’ve met, and although she’s nothing like I expected, it’s still off-putting. Her black hair is half down, elegant looking braids adorn her head in a crown, some sweeping down and around in fancy loops. She’s beautiful, her smile bright and cheerful. She exudes this easy going, sweet sort of aura, but I still feel unsettled despite that.
“It’s nice to meet you too.” It’s all I can manage to say as my hands twist in front of me awkwardly. Their palpable love and joy is almost too much, and I clear my throat, needing to force down my stomach before it comes up.
“Is that Rollie Polie over there!? Get in these arms, girl!” Ethan hollers around Charlie, shoving him aside as he holds his arms out to me.
Rolling my eyes and trying to hide the smile on my lips, I step into his embrace and lean into his comforting scent. Ethan hasn’t changed a bit, hasn’t gone over the top to impress anyone, and it’s the normalcy I need. I linger in his arms a little longer than I should, absorbing his homey feel and comfort before pulling back and giving him a glare. “No one calls me that anymore but you, you know.”
“Some things just can’t change, baby girl. You’ve been Rollie Polie since you were five, and it’s not gonna change just because you grew up. Deal.” He does that weird tongue click thing at me, minus the wink, and nudges me with an elbow.
Once again, I roll my eyes and add a scoff, crossing my arms over my chest. “Whatever, Mozzarella.”
He chuckles as he reaches a hand out for someone. I watch as he pulls a tall, lean girl to his side. She looks like she works out regularly, her body toned and strong but not overly so. Her hair is simply braided down the back, the braid swept forward over her shoulder. She has cute, pixie like features with her pointy nose and round face. It would be easy to mistake her for someone soft and weak.
She reaches a hand out for me, her voice soft as she speaks. “I’m Layanna. It’s nice to meet you, Molly.” Her smile is small but genuine, not overly excited like Areyvah’s. She gives my hand a firm shake before stepping out of my space, next to Ethan. Her eyes assess me, and I get the feeling she’s studying me like she would an opponent. It makes me unsure, but I keep a smile on my face and deal with it all the best I can.
More introductions are made as Mom and Dad step into the conversation, ushering us all to the table, which Mom has piled high with foods and desserts. Everyone makes plates and digs in while Mom and Dad catch Charlie up on all he’s missing in their lives. They brag about me and my school achievements, of course, which only serves to make me blush and want to hide.
The conversation flows easily as the boys chat with our parents. When they ask questions about Areyvah and Layanna, they answer quickly and gently. They have better manners than most of the people I’ve met in my life, and it’s almost annoying. They’re sweet, but almost too sweet, you know?
When we’ve all eaten as much as we can stand and learned all we need to about each other, we move into the living room to open presents. I choose to sit off to the side, by myself, to just observe. I’m feeling out of my element, which is odd for me, and I’m not entirely certain what it is that has me so on edge, but I am.
As Charlie begins to dig under the tree to pass out the presents, Areyvah scoots over by me, giving me a pleasant smile. I return it despite feeling irritated by her presence. More and more tonight I just want my own space.
“Hi, Molly. Is it okay if I sit over here by you? You look a little lonely over here.” Her voice is quiet, a whisper for me only. I nod reluctantly and turn to watch what’s happening instead.
“Molly, I know this is a lot of change for you, and it’s overwhelming to accept new people into your life, especially aliens. If it helps make you feel any better, this is only the second Christmas that Laya and I have ever attended. It’s not a holiday on our planet. This is just as awkward and overwhelming for us as it is for you.”
I turn and look into her eyes, seeing the honesty despite the dark color. Her eyes seem to sparkle somehow, and I notice her unease in the way she shifts her hands, as if she wishes to be holding something she doesn’t have.
“I’m sorry if I’m coming across as rude or shut down. It is a lot to take in.” I decide that if she can open up and be honest with me, I can do the same for her.
She reaches out and grabs my hand, squeezing it tight. “Do you want to know a secret?”
I grin at her excited smile and lean closer. “Of course!”
“Did Charlie tell you that Layanna and I have special gifts? That I can sense emotions and she can read minds?” She beams at me, biting her lip as if to contain her excitement.
My eyes must widen comically because she giggles, nodding her head rapidly. “It’s true! That’s why I wanted to talk to you. I can tell you aren’t feeling as happy as you should be, and I wanted to ease your discomfort. Don’t worry, we can block our powers, not prying into people, but your unease was palpable without my powers.”
I grimace, wishing I wasn’t so easy to read. “Again, I’m sorry. It’s just… I’m jealous, you know? You guys get to play around in space and see things I can only dream of.” I sigh, and her thumb rubs the back of my hand as she watches me with sympathetic eyes. “Will you tell me what it’s like? Where you live?”
Arey’s smile is bright as she nods. “Of course! I’ll tell you anything you’d like to know. We learn in school about lots of other living species, planets, foods, and more. Ask all you want.”
I can’t stop the overly wide smile and small squeal that escapes me as I clap my hands together. The room grows quiet as everyone stares, and I take in each wide eyed expression before scoffing. “What? We can’t bond?” My cheeks heat as they continue to stare.
It’s Ethan’s laugh that shakes everyone from their shock as they join in before returning to passing out gifts and opening them. Charlie and Ethan get some matching Marvel t-shirts and new video games. Layanna and Areyvah, being new and us being unsure what they wanted, open their boxes to find tumbler cups, notebooks, and identical dresses in different colors. I get a Barnes and Noble gift card for fifty dollars and some new notebooks with funny phrases on the front, just the way I like them.
As we all sit around enjoying our new gifts and snacking on desserts, I explain to Areyvah what Barnes and Noble is, which of course gets her in an excited frenzy for me. She asks if we can compare and share books sometime, which I squeal a yes to, thrilled to have a new book nerd around to share with.
As things settle down, we fall into easy conversation as we all enjoy our time together before everyone leaves. Eventually the conversation switches to the boys sharing all they’ve been doing with the railroad and its successes. I’m extremely proud of them for all they’ve done, but I’m a little jealous that I can’t help out the way they do.
“The main problem we’re having now is finding space for all these poor kids. The Varquettas built a huge mansion for these kids, but we’re filling up quickly, and if we don’t get another place to send them where they’ll be safe, it’s going to get really tough. We just need more help.” Ethan’s voice is sad as he looks at Layanna, her hand squeezing his arm. It’s like his dream is coming to an end, and he can’t do a thing about it. It’s heartbreaking.
“If there’s anything I can do to help, I want to. I know that doesn’t help with housing, but I love to help and I’d love to see where you live.” My eyes dart to Charlie, a spark of hope in my chest and an eager smile on my lips.
There’s a long pause as he stares at me, his eyes flicking to our parents and back to me. “Molly, I’m glad you want to help, but I’m not taking you to Ithosirah. It’s not happening.”
My eyes widen as my heart cracks in my chest. I should have expected such an answer, but I’ve never felt so incredibly crushed before in my life. “What? Why?”
He sighs, his jaw clenching before he answers. “The universe is a dangerous place, and I won’t take you there just to get you hurt. You’re not old enough. Until you’re eighteen or older, you’re staying on Earth. End of story.”
My head whips around to stare wide-eyed at my parents as they grimace. “We agree with him, honey. I’m sorry, but your safety is important.” Mom’s voice is soft, her shoulders shrugging slightly.
My mouth hangs open as I try to breathe. Part of me knew this would be the answer I would get, but I don’t have to like it. I clutch my gifts to my chest, standing as I refuse to look anyone in the eye. “Excuse me.” I rush up the stairs to my room and shut the door firmly behind me.
Dropping my gifts on the desk, I turn to the window, pressing the button to start my stereo as tears well and quickly fall down my face. As the music starts playing, covering up my cries, I collapse onto my bed.
I know, it’s ridiculous that I feel so crushed and upset over this, I shouldn’t, but I do. I may be young, but that doesn’t mean I’m not smart or careful! They don’t have to take me all over the universe, just to Charlie’s home, let me help there. There I would be safe, right?
Clearly, this matter isn’t up for discussion, and there’s nothing I can do about it. That thought fills me with despair, and my tears spill faster, my breaths hiccuping from me as I sob out my frustration. Maybe I’ll feel better and think a little clearer after a good cry to release all this emotion.
A knock on my door has me holding my breath, trying to stifle my tears. I don’t want to talk to anyone right now, and I definitely don’t want them to know that I’m crying.
“Molly?” Charlie’s voice calls through the closed door, and I hear it strain inward as if he’s leaning against it. “Molly, I’m sorry I upset you. I hope you know that I only want to protect you because I love you. You’re my sister, my responsibility to care for and protect as only a brother can. You mean the world to me, and losing you would break me. Please, try to understand?” There’s a pause as he sighs, and I hear a small thump against the door. “I have to go. Goodbye, Molly. I love you.”
The only sounds left are the creak of the floor as he walks away, then the music blaring as my breath finally huffs from me. Curling up on my bed, I hug my pillow to my chest as I sit against the wall, my brain quiet, my chest empty as the music fades to noise in my ears and I try to get myself together.
We hope you are enjoying the book so far. To continue reading...
Copyright © 2024 All Rights Reserved
Please log in to recommend or discuss...
