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Parent-Teacher Conference Ch. 04

By: NymphWriter



Chapter 4 -- The Ship

I woke up alone on a firm bed in a white room. I could hear a mechanical beeping sound all around me. I looked around, saw all kinds of machines, and thought I must be in a hospital, except there was nothing touching me. 'How did I get here?' I thought back, 'Agent Fleck and Wyman in my house, the verbal banter, the physical assault, my head hitting the island, my blindness, the near miss on the rape.' I shuddered at that last thought. Then I remember Oliver coming to my rescue. I looked down and realized I wasn't wearing my clothes, but I did have some form of a hospital gown on. 'Where are my clothes and what kind of hospital is this?'

I began to sit up and suddenly alarms all around me started buzzing, ringing, and clanging. I jumped out of the bed frightened, pushed what I was hoping were buttons to make the noise stop, when a creature with blue skin entered the room. It was tall, with four arms, three tentacle-like legs, and what looked like long black hair. It was wearing a white gown that stopped at what I would call its knees. I screamed and grabbed a rod looking item, held it like a sword, and stood my ground. It was then I saw the bandages around my hands. Another creature entered, this one was shorter than the blue one and had green skin, no hair, two arms, two legs, and was wearing what appeared to be pants and a jacket. I screamed again as I continued to back up until my back was flush against a wall. Tears fell from my eyes as I was sure that I had been abducted by aliens. 'Was I here to be experimented on?' I looked around for another weapon, besides the rod in my hands so I could escape when a third creature entered the room.

"ALEXIS!"

It took me a moment to stop screaming. "O-O-Oliver?" I asked.

"Hi," he said with a grimace. "I'll bet you've got a lot of questions right about now."

The blue creature touched the machines and the alarms ceased. "We will not hurt you Alexis Perry," it spoke in what sounded like a female voice.

"Please, let us make sure you are well," said green skin in a masculine voice.

I looked at the two of them. "Oliver?" I asked again as I looked at him.

"It's okay, Alexis," he said in a reassuring tone. "They won't hurt you. I promise."

I didn't know why, but I felt I could trust Oliver. Maybe it was because he had come to my rescue and saved me from a sexual assault and certain death. I lowered the rod as the blue female creature approached and took the rod from my hands. She gently took my arm and escorted me back to the bed. It was then I noticed that the floor below my bare feet was cool, but not cold. She made some strange clicking sound to Oliver, who nodded and left the room.

"Oliver!" I cried as he left.

"Fear not, Alexis Perry," said the blue creature as she gently placed her hand on my chest. As scared as I was, I found her voice soothing. "He will see you again soon. I am called Iman. I am what you would call a doctor in your world. This is Rashad, my aide. We will not hurt you. We are going to make sure you are well. We did not mean to frighten you, but I fear our appearance is so foreign to you that we did."

Rashad stepped up, took my hand gently, and seemed to smile at me as he and Iman helped me back onto the bed and said, "Alexis Perry, we had the alarms set to notify us if you were being moved or harmed in anyway."

"Moved?" I asked.

"All will be explained shortly by the one you called... 'Ol-lee-ver'," said Iman. "Now, please, Alexis Perry, do as we ask, lay back and let us make sure you are well."

"Why do you keep calling me Alexis Perry?" I asked.

"Is that not your name?" asked Rashad.

"Yes," I said.

"Then please, Alexis Perry, let us do our job," said Iman, her voice was very soothing.

I laid back on the bed and allowed Iman and Rashad to wave strange devices over my body. The rod I had grabbed seemed to be some kind of medical instrument. They clicked back and forth at each other and nodded. They seemed pleased with the results and Rashad left the room. Iman extended one of her hands to me to help me sit up as she said, "Rashad is bringing you fresh clothes. Once you are dressed, we will take you to see... 'Ol-lee-ver'."

"Thanks," I said. "May I ask you a quick question?"

"Yes, Alexis Perry, you may," she said.

"The man I called Oliver, is that not his real name?"

It seemed I asked a million dollar question by the look on her face and suddenly things started to make more sense. She smiled (well that's what it looked like to me) and said, "Alexis Perry, you have suffered a serious head injury that cracked your skull and caused damage to your optic nerve. You had broken blood vessels in your throat, your esophagus and windpipe were crushed, the bones and blood vessels of your face were broken and damaged, and you had foreign objects in your hands. We worked hard to repair your injuries, but your throat and face will have marks for some time. You are quite lucky to be alive and no, it is not his real name. Please do not ask me anything more about him. I really can only speak with you about your injuries."

"Would I have died if you hadn't helped me?" I asked, even though I was sure I already knew the answer.

Iman's gentle eyes looked at me as if she was thinking about my question. Then she said, "Yes, Alexis Perry, it is possible you would have expired without our help, or at least not fully recovered."

Rashad entered the room with clothing in his hands. I looked at them both and said, "Thank you for saving my life."

They looked at each other, then at me. It seemed my words confused them. "Alexis Perry, why are you thanking us?" asked Rashad.

"Because you saved my life," I said.

"That is our job, Alexis Perry," said Iman. "Would you not do the same for a creature in need?"

I thought for a moment at this odd statement, and then said, "Yes, I would."

Rashad smiled and left the room, leaving the clothes on my bed. Iman helped me dress, as my body was still quite stiff and sore. The cloth felt light and airy, it was silvery, and shimmered in the light as I moved. I slipped on what appeared to be a top, bra, underwear, and pants. Iman then took her fingers, or what looked like fingers to me, and ran them through my blonde hair, until it hung loosely over my shoulders, down my back, and over my breasts. She moved me to what seemed to be a mirror and I looked at myself for the first time since I woke. My hair seemed to shine and it looked brushed. I saw the lines on my throat from where Fleck's hand had been, and bruises on my cheeks from his brutal hits. I reached up and touched my throat as memories of Fleck's attack flashed in my memory. His striking my face, choking me, the pinning me down on the island, caused me to shudder.

Iman's words echoed in my mind, 'you have suffered a serious head injury that caused damage to your optic nerve. You had broken blood vessels in your throat, your esophagus and windpipe were crushed, the bones of your face were broken, and you had foreign objects in your hands. We worked hard to repair your injuries, but your throat and face will have marks for some time. You are quite lucky to be alive.' Yet, here I stood, alive, healed, with just the faint bruises from Fleck's hand still in my throat and on my cheeks. The real question was why. 'Why am I still alive and where am I? Well, time to go talk to Oliver, or whatever his name is, and get some answers.'

Iman and Rashad escorted me down a long white metallic looking hallway past many closed doors that all looked the same, until they stopped. How they could tell one door from another was beyond me. They made that same odd clicking sound and the door slid open. "This is where we leave you, Alexis Perry," said Iman. "I will come and check on you later to make sure you are healing."

"Thank you," I said.

They motioned that I enter the room, so I did. The door closed behind me and I looked around. The room seemed to be a bit sterile, white walls, no windows, and no one present. Then, I saw something glowing in the corner. I looked around and decided to investigate. As I got closer, the glowing object appeared to be a computer monitor. On the screen was a picture of me and some strange characters I'd never seen before. "I guess you're wondering what all that says about you," said a voice from behind me.

I quickly spun around and saw Oliver standing behind me. He was wearing the same silvery material shirt, but his pants were a darker color than mine were. "That not all I've been wondering about."

"I'm sure you're hungry, too," he said.

I hadn't even realized how hungry I was until this moment. With everything that had been going on, hunger was the last thing on my mind. "Yeah, I... um... I guess I am."

He smiled for the first time since his return and motioned for me to join him. I walked over to him and I noticed a small table with two chairs in the room. I paused, 'They weren't there a moment ago, I'm sure of it.'

"Please don't be alarmed Alexis," Oliver said. "There is so much to tell you that it may overwhelm you. I will try to answer all of your questions, but I must ask one thing of you?"

"What?" I asked.

"That you hear me out completely, even if it takes me a day or two."

I smiled and thought, 'There is no way he's got that much to tell me, but then again, I'm on summer break, I have no family to report to, and I'm probably safer here with him than I was in my apartment.' "Okay," I said, "I promise."

His smile grew brighter than before as he held out my chair for me to sit. I sat down and watched him move around the room, grabbing a tray from a shelf I was sure wasn't there when I came in and placed it on our table. There were two plates; each had a steak with a baked potato and corn, and two glasses of a clear liquid next to them. Oliver sat in the seat next to me and said, "I hope steak is all right with you."

"It's fine," I said.

He moved a plate in front of me, then a one in front of him. He then moved the glasses and set the tray on the floor, and handed me a fork and knife. "My people don't understand how you Earthlings use forks and knives without hurting yourselves. But I realized that it's not that difficult once you learn how."

"Wait... your... 'people'?" I asked.

"Right, your explanation, I guess it's long overdue."

"I've waited over three and a half years for you to return. And when you do, well, I don't want to think about that right now."

He shook his head seriously and said, "I can't even begin to apologize enough about what happened. But I also can't thank you enough for how you protected me, even when he did what he did to you, you kept my secret."

I paused. "How do you know what he did to me?"

Oliver sighed, "Eat Alexis, and I will try to explain."

I picked up my fork and knife and began to cut my steak. It was so tender and tasty. I couldn't remember when I had eaten a better steak. "Mmmm, this is good."

Oliver smiled, "I'm glad you like it. I hope white wine is acceptable as well."

"It is," I smiled and took a sip. 'White Zinfandel, my favorite. The same from that night in the restaurant.'

"Now, let me begin at the beginning. About six Earth years ago, I arrived on your planet."

I froze, a piece of steak on my fork hovered near my mouth. I blinked a few times and looked at Oliver. "I'm sorry, could you repeat that. Because I think you just said-"

"That I arrived on your planet six years ago," continued Oliver. "I did."

"But that would mean-"

"I'm not from your world. Yes Alexis, I'm not an Earthling like you."

I dropped my fork onto my plate and it clattered loudly. My head started to spin. "But we... we..."

"Yes, Alexis. We did. Now please eat."

I rested my head on my hands and breathed. "Give me a sec, will ya?"

When my head stopped spinning, I slowly grabbed my fork and began to eat. Oliver continued, "Six years ago, I came to your planet to explore your world. I wanted to know more about your planet and its creatures. I had to learn your languages, your customs, and how your world functioned. I took on the role of a business executive as I found this allowed me to move around easiest and people were willing to share information with me without too many questions.

"Then one day, I was walking by your school and I saw you talking to a smaller member of your kind. I believe you call it a child, a male child. He seemed upset, crying, I believe you call it, and you were so gentle to him. I watch as you eased his suffering with your gentle touch, your soft words, and your beautiful blue eyes. Soon the boy was smiling, no longer crying and ran off to be with other small people like him. I had been observing your world's schools and you were the first one of your kind I had seen act this way. Suddenly, I found myself drawn to you, wanting to know more about you. I observed you daily, learned your routines, heard others call you 'Ms. Perry,' and so much more.

"I gained access to your school by following what you called 'parents' in during the morning and found I could wander about without much interruption before school, and after. I was almost never stopped during these times, and if I was, I just asked about you, claiming that my child was either in your class, or going to be in your class. Your colleagues were more than eager to share what they knew and thought about you. So many spoke highly of you, and your love for your students, that was when I knew I needed to meet you. I had even entered your classroom when you went home and looked at the walls. I knew how you decorated it, and learned more about you. Sometimes I'd follow you home, watch you sit and read, watch television, and sleep.

"Then, my opportunity arose. I had gone into your school with some others for a parent meeting when I heard the phone call."

"Mrs. Stone," I whispered as I slowly ate and listened.

"Yes," he continued. "She had to fly away because her father had become quite ill and she felt bad about canceling your meeting. This was my opportunity to finally meet you. So, I stole the message that was in your mailbox, and waited. When I was sure no one else was coming to see you, I made my move. I must have watched you for several minutes, hanging those papers on the wall and singing softly. You have such a beautiful voice and I found myself entranced. Finally, I had to talk to you so I touched your back-"

"And scared the shit out of me," I said finishing my steak.

"That is a term I have heard often, someday you will have to explain it to me," he said.

"It just means you scared me pretty bad," I said.

"I see," he continued. "Anyway, I felt so bad about scaring you like that. But, you didn't question my presence. Soon we were sitting there, and I was finally talking to you, about a child I didn't even know. I could hear in your words and your voice, how much you cared. I knew I was right about you. I couldn't just let you leave, even though I knew where you lived. So when you agreed to have dinner with me, I knew this was my chance. Even though you didn't want me to know where you lived, you were willing to let me take you out."

"I thought you were a business man," I said.

"Yes, as I said before, that was the role I had assumed. I wanted to be alone with you but I didn't want to scare you away so I took you to dinner at that special restaurant."

"Was that really a restaurant?" I asked, not exactly sure why.

He looked at me for a moment then said, "No, it was a shuttle from my ship that we disguised to make you think it was a restaurant."

"'We'?" I asked.

"My people," he said. "Alexis, I don't wish to frighten you, especially after all you've been through, but I'm not from your world."

"You said that already," I snapped.

Oliver nodded. "Don't be angry with me, please. We are, to use a word from your world, 'aliens'. We are not looking to do horrid experiments on your people, or colonize your planet or anything your people fear from us. We just wanted to observe, and I... well I... broke the rules."

"How so?" I asked.

"I'd met you, and took you to the restaurant... where we-"

"Made love," I said finishing his sentence.

"Yes," he said. "I had seen such actions in your... in our research, but it was nothing like what I experienced with you."

I blushed, and then felt resentment. I finished my wine and said, "So what? I was just part of your research then, some kind of sick sexual science experiment that your people could document and record!"

"No! No, oh god no! Is that what you think Alexis?"

"I... I don't know what to think anymore," I said as I felt my eyes begin to well up with tears.

Oliver took my hand gently and sighed. "Oh Alexis, I am so sorry for all of this. It's all my fault."

I looked into Oliver's eyes, blinked back my tears. "I still don't understand."

Oliver took a deep breath and said, "Alexis, I'm what you might call a prince. Actually, I am a prince. My parents are the rulers of my world, my home planet if you will. I've wanted to explore outside of my world, beyond what we knew, since I was a small boy. My mother encouraged this and when I became of age, I joined the crew here and began exploring other worlds. I really don't know what I was looking for, but I knew I had to keep looking. Then, there you were, and I knew you were what I was looking for."

"Okay," I said trying to process all of this craziness. "Then why did you stop leaving me the notes and roses when I said I'd hear you out?"

Oliver sighed. "My father found out about you and he was furious. Like many of my world, he believes that people of your planet were dangerous, evil, war-loving beings that would destroy everything he believed in. He demanded you be killed so I had to leave. I hoped that by leaving your planet he'd stop searching for you until I could convince him that you were different, special. I wanted him to see you the way I had that day with the small one."

"So, fast forward three and a half years," I said.

"Yes," he continued, "of course. I found that no matter where I went, I couldn't get you off my mind. Your face would drift into my thoughts, I'd hear your voice when I was alone, and I longed for your touch. Then I got word that the situation had changed, therefore, I demanded we return. I found out you had changed schools and learned that my father's men had found out that you were the one I had met with before. That's when I sent you the e-mail warning."

"Yes, I remember," I said.

"But tell me, why did you print it?"

Suddenly, I was shocked. "How did you know I printed it?"

He reached down below the table and pulled up some papers. There was all of his hand written notes from after our first encounter as well as my e-mails.

"It was you who broke into my safe."

"I had to Alexis," he said. "I knew it was only a matter of time before my father's men figured out you were lying and would use this evidence against us."

"But how did you know?" I asked.

He sighed and said, "I've had my people monitoring you since we first met. I had broken into your apartment that morning while you were at work and stole the messages. I must admit, I was touched that you kept them, but I was afraid they'd be used to hurt you. I was hoping that my father's men would just leave you alone. However, while I was taking back my notes, I learned later that they were at your work once again. My people were frantically trying to find out what they knew and how they knew it. We found out they'd been spying on you just before I arrived at your apartment, though we're still trying to determine exactly how."

"That explains how they knew you had come to see me Wednesday," I said.

"Yes, they had also hacked into your e-mail account, and found the messages I sent, and the one you sent me."


Parent-Teacher Conference Ch. 04



"So, why were they asking about the floor safe?" I asked.

Oliver sighed and said, "My mother has given me something to give to the female I wish to share my life with and they thought you might have it."

"Why is this so important?" I asked.

Oliver sighed. "My people mate for life, or what your people call marriage. Now, we have... what is that term... oh yes... sexual relations with others until we find the one. It is not a taboo as it is in some of your Earth cultures to engage in sexual relations with numerous creatures in our quest to find our life-mate. My father considers your people inferior, war-like, not worthy of his son. He wanted the item back, to force me to marry the life-mate of his choice."

"What is this item?" I asked.

"I can't tell you unless I chose to give it to you, which I may do at some point, but not now."

"I understand," I lied.

"No you don't," he said smiling and took my hand, "but I appreciate you trying. Anyway, I didn't realize that my father had sent two such... monsters to find you."

"Who sent me the text message?" I asked.

"The what?" he said confused.

"When I returned to my apartment, I knew something was wrong. I could feel it. As I searched, I found someone had been in my floor safe, I was about to call the police when someone sent me a message on my phone warning me not to call the police as I wasn't alone. Shortly afterward, they appeared."

Oliver looked confused and asked, "Is the message still there?"

I thought for a moment then said, "I don't know, maybe. I don't remember deleting it."

Oliver jumped up and went to the computer monitor, reached into an opening and pulled out my phone. 'There was an opening by that monitor?' I thought. He walked over and handed it to me.

"I never mastered these things so could you check for me."

I took my phone and it was still there, the mysterious message. "Here it is."

I handed the phone back to him, he quickly goes back to the monitor and begins clicking like Iman and Rashad had done before. Suddenly, the door slid open and a creature with red skin and three arms came in. I screamed and jumped out of my chair.

Oliver stepped over to me, put his hand on my shoulder, and said, "It's all right Alexis. This is Gamaley. He works for me."

I blushed. I must have looked completely foolish. "Hi."

Gamaley looked at me and said, "Alexis Perry. You do not need to be embarrassed. I am sure I look strange to you, Earthling. I have seen others like you so you do not look as strange to me."

His voice sounded electronic. Oliver handed Gamaley my phone and said, "Find out who sent her this message."

"Yes sir," said Gamaley as he nodded and left.

"I'm sorry I'm so jumpy," I said.

"You've earned it," he said. "Now, where was I?"

I paused for a moment, then said, "You stole my notes and e-mails, but you found out your father send Fleck and Wyman."

He looked at me confused and asked, "Fleck... and... Wyman?"

"That's what they told me their names were when I met them that day in my classroom."

"Oh yes, them," he said. "We were under the impression they didn't know where you lived until we discovered otherwise. It was then I knew I had to go to your apartment and make sure you were all right. I saw your light on so I knocked. I became worried when I didn't hear you moving, so I knocked harder. Imagine my shock when I saw that creature standing in your doorway. I knew you were in danger. We struggled for a moment, and then I subdued him. When I walked into your kitchen and saw you there, helpless, that monster, leaning over you like you were his. I could tell you were barely breathing, and I saw the marks in your neck, on your face, and the blood in your hair. I knew this was my fault.

"Then, you shocked me by still fighting. There you were, blind, barely able to breathe, frightened, and still, you fought. Though, I didn't know you were blind until I watched you try to escape, and you didn't move with any of the grace like you normally do, but with confusion and fear. When I grabbed you, you tried to scream, and fought until I told you it was me. Then I felt you relax. Your mouth moved but no sound came out. I could hear you struggle to breathe, I knew you were hurt badly, and I knew you needed help. So I brought you here."

I stood there taking this all in. "Um... uh... wha... what was the hissing sound?"

"'Hissing sound'?" he asked.

"One of the last things I remember was hearing something hissing, feeling faint, my body being lifted, and you apologizing to me."

He looked at me for a moment then said, "Oh that, it's a weapon we use to escape without hurting our enemy. It makes them sleep for several minutes. In your case, once I brought you on board, my medical staff rushed you off and began working on you. It seems you were in more danger than I knew, and when I found out how close to death you were, well, I was so glad I brought you here, and so angry I had put you in such danger."

"Iman told me the alarms were set in case I was moved or harmed. Did she mean someone on your ship might want to harm me?"

"We're not sure if someone on the ship is working for my father. Iman and Rashad have been with me for years and I knew I could trust them."

"Iman also told me that Oliver isn't your real name," I said.

"She's right. However, I like the way it sounds when you call me Oliver. There is so much more I want to tell you, and more questions to ask you. I've given you a lot to process. I will make you a promise. I will tell you my name when you ask me, but I ask that you always call me Oliver. When you say it, it makes me happy, even if it isn't my name."

"Why?" I asked.

"Well... when I created the name three and a half years ago, it was because I needed a name to go with Stone, and for some reason I found that name easier to remember than the name I had created originally. The moment I heard you say it, it made me feel special. You make me feel special."

I blushed but began to feel lightheaded. I reached for the chair but Oliver grabbed my shoulders and said, "Are you feeling all right?"

"Just a bit lightheaded," I said.

"I think you need to rest. I want you to lay down. Let me call Iman and have her check and make sure you're all right."

I nodded in agreement and sat down. Oliver clicked and soon Iman appeared at the door. "She said she was feeling lightheaded. Is she still hurt?"

"It is possible. Alexis Perry underwent extreme trauma and I would like to know exactly what happened."

Oliver said, "Is that really necessary?"

I began to tremble and said, "It's nothing. I just got a bit dizzy, that's all."

"I fear that Alexis Perry is still injured in her head and only with knowledge can I heal her properly."

Oliver nodded and said, "Yes, I understand, but not now. Now she needs rest."

"I agree," said Iman. "We will learn more after a rest period."

I grabbed Oliver's hand; I was frightened and I didn't understand why. I looked up at him and said, "Please, don't leave me."

Oliver looked down at me, stroked my cheek, and smiled. "No Alexis. I will stay with you for as long as I can. Come; let's find you a place to rest."

Oliver and Iman led me down the hallway past several doors until we reached a room that they both liked. The door opened and there before me was a large white room with a large white bed and two white chairs. Oliver put his arm around me and led me into the room. Iman said she would come back to check me as I sat on the bed. Oliver sat next to me and said, "I know that you are not fully healed and thus, we cannot have sexual relations yet, but if you wish, I will rest with you."

I smiled at this thought and said, "I'd like that, thanks."

I started to remove my clothes and Oliver stopped me. "What are you doing?"

"I guess I didn't think I was to sleep in my clothes."

"You'll find they're rather comfortable to sleep in."

"I don't like sleeping in pants," I said.

"Then by all means take them off, but please keep your other clothing on. Otherwise I may want sexual relations with you if you're missing too many clothing items, and I don't wish to cause you any further injuries."

I nodded and slipped the pants off. Oliver picked them up and folded them neatly, placing them on one of the chairs. I lay back on the bed, and Oliver lay next to me. Iman came in and said my head injury was not as healed as she thought and that after my rest period she would work to fix the injury. I wondered if the injury had been aggravated by Oliver's story. Oliver gently wrapped his arms around me as I drifted off to sleep.



Parent-Teacher Conference Ch. 05



The Origin of Nightmares

Oliver led me into the small ship and it was the restaurant all over again. The heavy red curtains, the one lone table, and the waiters moving gracefully with trays of food. We walked to our old table, and slid into the booth, we just stared into each other eyes, blue eyes looking at light brown eyes, like creamy caramel. I had forgotten how delicious his eyes were. He leaned in kissed me so gently, as I felt my body light up. "Alexis," said Oliver, "I have something to ask you."

"Yes, Oliver," I whispered.

"Alexis," he said, "will you... ugh"

Suddenly, Oliver's face changed, drooped, a dark liquid began to pour out of his mouth. "Oliver?" I asked.

Oliver looked up at me in pain, and then fell on the table. I saw what appeared to be a large knife protruding from his back. Behind him was Wyman with an evil smile on his face. I tried to back away when I felt two strong hands on my shoulders.

"Going somewhere Ms. Perry," hissed Agent Fleck's voice in my ear.

Suddenly I found myself being lifted into the air, my clothes being ripped off, and suddenly I realized that Wyman isn't wearing his sunglasses. His eyes aren't normal, but more lizard like. I started to scream as Wyman said, "I like it when you scream." 

Wyman grabs his face and begins to peal his skin away, revealing a brown, scaly surface. I screamed again and felt Fleck's snake like tongue licked up my back. "We've got some unfinished business Ms. Perry."

He slams my body onto the table next to Oliver's lifeless body and I felt two more rough hands grab and lift my hips into the air so my ass is high and I'm on my knees. I feel pressure against my anus and sex as I hear Fleck say, "I'm going to enjoy this so much. And when I'm done, I think my partner will want to try as well."

Wyman stands in front of my face and hisses, "I may try this orifice instead."

I look up and staring back down at me was a lizard like face, but uglier, and scarier. He grabs my hair roughly and suddenly there's a large, scaly, penile looking object in my face, and I realized what's about to happen. I look at Oliver's dead body and screamed again and again, hoping someone will hear me, someone will rescue me. I feel the penetration as I just continue to scream and scream and scream...

"Alexis! Alexis wake-up! Wake-up!" screamed Oliver as he shook me.

My eyes fluttered open and I saw Oliver leaning over me. His face is ashen, his hands are on my shoulders, and I sat up in the bed. My body was covered in sweat and trembling. Suddenly, I vomited all over Oliver's lap and chest and felt his hands pull away. 'So much for a great steak dinner,' I thought as I sat up, wiped my mouth with the back of my hand and looked at Oliver. The look of horror and shock on his face was more than I could handle and I burst into tears. I tried to turn away from him, but instead, he wrapped his arms around me, and held me above my vomit. "It's all right Alexis. It's all right."

His soothing voice just made me cry even harder. "I'm sorry," I sobbed.

Suddenly, the door slid open and Iman walked in. "Forgive the interruption. My sensors indicated there was a problem with Alexis Perry."

"She's sick. She was screaming in her sleep, then this," said Oliver as he motioned to the vomit on the bed and his chest and all I could do was cry harder.

"I'm sorry," I sobbed.

"Shhhh," said Oliver as he stroked my hair. "You have nothing to be sorry for. What's wrong with her?"

I could hear the concern in his voice as Iman shook her head and said, "I do not know. We need to bring Alexis Perry back to medical bay so I may examine her."

Oliver nodded and pushed the vomit-filled sheet away from us and started to rise. I tried to stop crying, but I just couldn't. I felt disgusting and dirty. Rashad entered the room, Iman clicked something to him, and he gathered up the vomit covered sheets, and then cleaned the vomit off Oliver and me until the evidence of my sickness was gone, then left. My clothes were still wet from my sweat. I wanted so badly to take a shower and brush my teeth.

"I need to bathe," I sobbed.

"Soon Alexis Perry," said Iman, "It is important I examine you now."

Oliver and Iman helped me to my feet. My legs felt weak as I slipped on my pants and they escorted me down another long hallway back to the room I first woke up in, or at least, I thought it was. Only, now, instead of the bed I found myself on before, there were different machines, and what looked like a dentist chair where the bed was. Rashad was there, waiting for us.

"Alexis Perry. It is good to see you again," he said.

"Hi," I whispered, still feeling sick.

"Alexis Perry," said Iman, "we need you to sit in the chair and relax. I promise we will not bring harm to you. We must find what disease or injury you still carry."

It was only now that I realized I was still holding Oliver's body, my arms wrapped around his waist and his arms around my shoulders. For me to sit in the chair meant I had to let him go. I looked deeply up into his brown eyes, and they still reminded me of creamy caramel, my favorite candy. It was then I realized why for the six months after his notes had stopped that I ate nothing but caramel candy, thus putting on ten pounds before I stopped feeling sorry for myself and started working out. Thus was why I was able to take on Agent Fleck the way I had before.

"Alexis," said Oliver, snapping me out of my memories.

I shook my head and said, "Right, the chair."

I sat in the chair and instantly a wide metallic band wrapped around my waist. I began to panic and screamed. Maybe it was because of my nightmare, but I was clawing at the band, trying to escape, and crying hysterically when Iman said, "Please Alexis Perry, this will not hurt. It is part of what we must do."

I looked at Iman as tears fell down my cheeks, then at Oliver, who took my hand gently and said, "It's ok. I won't let them hurt you. I promise."

His words were soothing to hear so I relaxed and he released my hand. He wiped my tears away as Rashad placed my arms so that two metal bands wrapped around my wrists, and then moved my legs to where two more metal bands wrapped around my ankles. I began to feel myself panic and tremble again, but Oliver gently touched my hand again and said, "It'll be all right, Alexis. I know you're scared but Iman is the best medical... ugh... doctor my world has. She won't hurt you, I promise. I wouldn't let her do this if I didn't fully trust her. I'll be back soon so I need you to trust her. Please, for me."

I smiled at Oliver and said, "Okay, I'll try to relax."

"Good," he said and kissed me softly on the cheek. "I'll be back soon." He looked at Iman and said firmly, "I want a full report."

"Of course," said Iman.

Oliver left as Rashad placed the final piece, a metal cap on my head. He smiled down at me and said, "I know you are scared Alexis Perry, but know, we mean you no harm. We only want to understand why you are in pain. Why you scream when you are in rest period."

"I had a nightmare," I said. "No big deal."

"What is a nightmare?" asked Iman.

"You know, a bad dream," I said. They both looked at me as if I had started speaking a foreign language. "Don't you dream?"

"Alexis Perry," Iman began, "we need to probe your memories. It will take a great deal of time, and it will go faster and be much easier on you if you allow us to put you in a rest period."

"You think it will help?" I asked.

"Yes, Alexis Perry, I do," said Iman.

I knew that whatever was wrong with me was trapped in my mind so I agreed without question. They stepped away from me, soon the chair began to stretch out like a bed, a narrow tube from a machine came toward me, pushed my arm, and suddenly everything went black.



Parent-Teacher Conference Ch. 06



Chapter 6 -- The Forgotten Memories

I saw myself as a small girl, playing with my friend Mandy at the beach. It was like I was watching my life on a television screen or a movie. I suddenly remembered this event. I was five and it was my first trip to the beach. The scene changed and I was in elementary school, playing hopscotch with some other kids, when a girl comes up and knocks me down causing me to skin my knee. I start crying and holding my knee. Then it was the summer I learned to swim and I saw Mandy, by my side and encouraging me to try. Now I start to wonder why we aren't friends any more. I can see how close we were.

The scene morphs again and I was in middle school now. Mandy and I are walking to class when suddenly there are three large girls standing in front of us. Why did they hate us so much? I never understood this. Another change and I'm crying. Why don't I recognize this scene from my life, and why am I crying. I'm sitting on a sofa, in a house that isn't mine. My mom walks up and hands me a glass of juice and a tissue. All around me people are wearing black and crying. A funeral, this is a funeral. But who's funeral? And where's Mandy? Why wouldn't she be here for this... unless... suddenly I see the picture of Mandy with the wreath around it. 'What? How? MANDY?!?'

There was another change, but this is before the funeral, because I see Mandy. We're fighting. I have no idea why but it seems stupid. She drove away in the car and I was yelling at her, calling her mean names. 'Why? Why am I so angry?'

The light turns green; she enters the intersection and WHAM! The truck comes out of nowhere and slams into her car. The truck driver who was too cheap to fix his brakes so he could buy a bottle vodka. He was driving too fast because he wanted to drink that open bottle at home. Instead, he slammed into the driver's side of Mandy's car. I ran to her. Her mangled body was covered in blood. She gasped for air. I put my arms around her the best that I could.

"Mandy! Oh God! Mandy! NO!" I screamed.

"Alexis," she gasped.

"Shhhh!" I said, "Help is coming. Save your strength."

"Alexis," she gasped. "I... I... I'm... s-s-s-sorry."

"No Mandy," I sobbed, trying to be strong. "I'm sorry. Please Mandy, please forgive me. I don't even like Jimmy that much. Oh Mandy!"

"A-lex-sis," she whispered, and then died in my arms.

Suddenly, I remembered this moment. We had just gotten our licenses a few weeks before, and we were fighting about... about... Jimmy... yes... Jimmy Peterson. We both had a crush on him but he liked Mandy more than me, and my stupid, teenage girl feelings were hurt. I stood there, on the curb, watching in horror. I was supposed to be in that car with her. She was giving me a ride home when she told me Jimmy kissed her, and asked her to be his girlfriend. I was furious with her and we started fighting. She pulled over and we continued arguing until I got out of her car, slamming the door and I told her... oh god... I told her that I wished she were dead.

"Fuck-off Alexis!" Mandy screamed at me. "I thought you were my friend!"

"Me?!?" I yelled back. "You knew I liked Jimmy and you took him from me!"

"Alexis! I'm sorry!" yelled Mandy with tears in her eyes. "Please forgive me!"

"We are finished Mandy!" I screamed.

"FINE!" she screamed back and drove off.

'Oh god! It was my fault! Mandy's death... it's my fault.' I began to weep.

Now, it's my graduation day. There are my parents, and Mandy's parents. They all hug me and Mandy's parents don't hate me? No. Wait, oh now I remember I told them what happened and they still forgave me. They forgave me so I'd stop hating myself and live. It was Mandy who wanted to be a teacher, not me, but I promised to be the teacher she couldn't be.

Yet another change, college, my college boyfriend, Rodger, we were in his dorm room, kissing, touching, 'Oh my God,' and I realize, it's the night, that night, the night he took a scared 19 year old girl and made her a woman. He started off slowly kissing and touching. I knew I wasn't his first, but after almost a year of dating, it was time for me to give him what no man before had had, my virginity. I was so scared and he was so gentle. I remembered how he planned the whole night, a nice dinner at our favorite place, a long walk across campus, then his room, candles, soft music, and roses. Yeah, it was pretty cliché, but it was so romantic. He had been so patient with me, never made me feel bad for saying no when I did. I knew tonight was all about me.

His kisses were so soft, gentle, passionate, loving. I was sure we were going to get married after graduation. He unbuttoned my blouse so slowly, kissing my lips, my face, down my neck as my blouse fell to the floor. I was so scared, but he was so gentle, patient, and slow. Soon, my bra was gone and he was suckling my breasts, caressing them, loving them and me. I pulled off his shirt and rubbed his back. Over the year, prior to this moment, we had touched and kissed, but never anything below the belt, and tonight, I would finally see him naked. It was silly how curious I was about how his penis would look. The only ones I had seen before were either in biology books, or the "Playgirl" Mandy had stolen from her mother with Harrison Ford on the cover. Rodger never forced himself on me, never rushed, and this night was planned carefully. His roommate was visiting his folks for the weekend, and no one cared if a guy brought a girl to his room.

My pants came off slowly. He could feel my nervousness, but he didn't stop. He kissed my hips, the outside of my panties, and my thighs. I was so wet and I knew he was the cause. Slowly, he removed my soaked panties and looked at me, lying there naked on his bed. The lust in his eyes told me he liked what he saw, as did the wicked smile that grew on his face. His first kiss to my sex sent electricity through my body and I nearly climaxed right there. I gasped and moaned as he licked me, probed the inside of my sex with his tongue, and sucked my clit. It didn't take long for my first orgasm of the night to strike with a force that I had never experienced before. My body convulsed and shook violently while he worked me.

"Are you ready?" he asked. 

"Yes!" I yelled without fear or hesitation.

Rodger sat up and slipped the condom on his penis. It looked so big, the veins budging out, and I was sure he was going to split me in half with that thing. The sound of the foil packet tearing open added to both my excitement and nervousness. 'How is that tiny thing going to fit over his huge erection?' I thought. Somehow, that tiny condom rolled over him with ease, and he crawled up my body and slowly entered me. I felt the latex of the condom and how perfectly it fit around his penis, and he gave me time to adjust to him, before pushing in further. Then, came the tearing of my hymen. Damn that hurt. I cried out in pain.

Rodger kissed me. "I promise it will only hurt for a moment, baby, but I will feel better when you climax with me in you."

"All right," I sobbed, still reacting to the incredible pain I had just felt.

Oh how right he was though. He moved so slowly, so carefully, filling me, giving me time to stretch and adjust. I don't remember how long that first session lasted, but I do remember the magic. When my second orgasm hit, it was bigger and strong than the first and Rodger climaxed with me.

We made love three times that night and I was sore and achy the next day. Rodger and I dated for another six months, but then, like so many college relationships, we realized that we were not in love, and even though the sex was great, it wasn't enough to sustain a lasting relationship. We parted as friends, and the last time I saw him, he was engaged to a woman and moved to New York.

Everything blurs again, I saw... another funeral? I was sitting alone, but I was in a room with people I'd never met. A plane crash. My parents and Mandy's parents were flying back when their plane crashed, leaving no survivors. These were friends of my parents and Mandy's parents. I'm alone. I'm an orphan now. Everyone I have ever loved has died.

Another change and I was teaching my first class. I remembered those kids. We were reading "Dogzilla" that week. It was the class favorite and I was so happy. Then I started reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the kids were watching me read to them. This is why Mandy wanted to be a teacher, and I was glad I chose to follow her path. Music. I hear Journey's "Faithfully" as someone touched my back. I jumped and I see a pair of light brown eyes, like creamy caramel, looking up at me and lips that mouth, "Sorry."

I took the ear buds from my ears and asked, "Are you Mr. Stone?"

'The day I met Oliver! Oh yes!' He hands me the paper and the stapler I dropped, helps me down from the stepladder. Then we were in the parking lot talking. Then we were in the restaurant, talking, eating, laughing, kissing, and making love. It wasn't just sex, it was so much more. The scene changes again and we were walking together through town. This was the real memory, I was sure of it. Another change, and I was talking to the real Mrs. Stone about her son, and sitting next to my left hand is the note and the rose from Oliver.

Another change and I was at the middle school, and I was sitting at my desk by the window I hear the "PING" and I see the message. Suddenly I know what was going to happen. I wanted to warn myself, but I know it's just a memory so I watch. Just as I hide the print out and fix my shirt, Fleck and Wyman step into my room. After a few moments of verbal banter, I see Wyman grab me, and Fleck sit in my chair. Only, this time, I noticed something I didn't remember. Wyman had something on the tip of his right index finger and when he grabbed me, it pierced my skin. Why didn't I remember that? I remembered my arms hurting after he left. I guess I was struggling too much to have noticed before. Fleck gets in my face when he can't find anything and they leave. Two more e-mails and a change.

I was at my apartment talking with Oliver about what had happened earlier. Then I was back in the restaurant... why? The last time I went back in time with my memories was Mandy's' death. But this scene is wrong. Oliver didn't bend me over the table, I sat... oh wait... this is my nightmare. Oh god! There's Fleck... grabbing me... choking me... he's going to rape me... NO! I woke up and was scared. Back to my classroom and my punching Fleck after he slapped me. Dean Wilson did save my life at that moment, she fades away and I'm standing in my apartment. I looked around to see what was wrong. There was the floor safe and the text message. I made coffee. There was Wyman, and right on cue, Fleck steps out... he hit me... choked me... pinned me to the island... this time it's not a dream... not a nightmare... it's real. He began to unbutton the top button of my jeans. I lift my head. WHAM! I was blind, but I heard voices. Oliver, Fleck. Fleck held me up, making me stand. I'd had it! This bastard could rape a corpse for all I care, but I was done! I felt my head smash his nose, I bit what I thought was his hand, my knees made contact. Only, what I felt... wasn't normal. It was almost like, he had two penises... maybe it was just the fabric of his pants. Escape. I felt must escape. I must breathe. Another kick. I was blind and I followed the hard top of the island. I put my arms out to find the wall. Hands grab my shoulder. Panic. Fight. Escape.

"ALEXIS IT'S ME!"

Oliver! I can't talk! I can't breathe! I was going to die! 'Oh Oliver! I'm sorry I let you down!' I touched his hands. I knew that with him, I was safe. At least I will die in his arms. Then he asked about trust, and I heard the hissing, and his apology. I woke to find myself in a strange white room. Yes, I knew where I was at now. The alarms start to ring, the blue creature. Screaming. The green creature. Screaming. Oliver. OLIVER! Back on the bed, then down the hall. The room. The screen with my picture. Oliver's story. Then, I was back in the restaurant. 'Why am I here?' Yes, Oliver is showing me the magic of his ship. Oliver is sitting next to me, holding my hand. He was going ask me a question when, he looked sick, hurt. 'What is that pouring from his mouth? WYMAN?!? NO!!!' Fleck grabs me and they both tear off my clothes. 'NO!!!' I was pinned to the table. 'NO!!! I wasn't waking up, why? Where's Oliver? Dead? NO!!! Oliver help me! OLIVER!!! HELP ME!!! OLIVER!!!'

Oliver was holding me softly. I'd just vomited all over him and he was still holding me. The way a parent holds a child, the way a man holds his lover. His words were soothing. I am calm. I am safe. I am... in love. Yes, I am in love. I am in love with Oliver. I am in love with a prince. I am in love with Prince Oliver. Why doesn't he have me call him Prince Oliver? Oh wait, he said it was like a prince. He's not like me, and yet he is. I'm confused and haunted by these nightmares and Iman wants to run some tests to find out what else was wrong with me. I'm in the room, the white room that I first woke up in. The metal bands, they frighten me. I panicked. Oliver and Iman asked me to trust them. Oliver says he would return when this was finished. I hope it would finish soon, I missed him. I cannot reveal my feeling to him, not until I know if he feels the same way about me. 'Oh Oliver, pick me, choose me, love me.' Wait a minute, I've hear that before, that show, that show I love watching with the doctors and the title that sounds like a medical book. Wait, I'm being monitored. 'SHIT! Oliver will know. DAMN!! Why did I let that information become known? Everyone observing me will know.'

I heard a woman's voice calling my name. At first I thought it was my mom, but then I know it wasn't, it was Mandy. "Alexis, my old friend."

"Mandy? Am I dead?"

"No Alexis," said Mandy. "I'm here to let you know, you need to stop being angry with yourself."

"But if we hadn't fought-"

"You would have been in that car with me and you never would have met Oliver. It was my time to go, to die, but not yours. Oliver is your destiny, your soul mate. Just follow your heart Alexis. I forgave you in the car. That was what I was trying to tell you. You held me in those final seconds and never left my side. I know the paramedics had to pull you away screaming because you didn't want to leave me. Please know I never left your side either. And I never will."

As Mandy faded away, I heard another woman's voice calling my name. It was a soothing sound, reminding me of my mother. 'Mom, oh how I miss you.' Then, there she is, my mother. "Mom?"

"Alexis," she said, her voice sounded so ethereal. "Alexis my child. Don't be afraid any more. You're safe. You've done so much and you've made me so proud. Your father and I are always here with you, as is Mandy, and her parents. You are never alone, you never have been. Know that we are always here for you, that we love you, and you must trust your instincts."

"Alexis Perry." A familiar female voice from outside was calling me.

I reached for my mom but she was just out of my reach. "Mom! Don't leave me!"

"I never have Alexis, but our time is up," my mom said. "Just remember, I love you."

"Alexis Perry," says Iman.

My eyes popped open and I was back in the white room. "Doc?" I asked fighting tears.

"Rashad, please get... Ol-lee-ver for Alexis Perry," Iman commanded.

Rashad nodded and left the room. Iman turned to me and said, "I know this was traumatic on you, and we now know how they tracked you and why you are having those... those..."

"Nightmares," I said weakly.

"Yes," she continued. "We will need to schedule your surgery right away to remove the implant. And do not worry, I know how keep a secret," she winked, "and Rashad saw nothing as he was monitoring you physical responses to the memories."

Oliver entered the room, breathing hard as if he ran here. Rashad ran in behind him. "How is she?" he asked.

"Alexis Perry will be fine," began Iman. "It seems when she first encountered the one known as Wyman, he put an implant in the arm of Alexis Perry to monitor her. This also seems to be the cause of the... the..."

"Nightmares," I said.

"Yes, the night... mares," said Iman.

"Why did she vomit this morning?" asked Oliver as he walked over and held my hand.

"Trauma," said Iman. "In her... night... mare" I nodded, "she saw you killed by the one called Wyman. Then she sees the one called Fleck grab her and before long, she see herself attacked by these creatures in a brutal manner. It was rather frightening to witness. A lesser woman would have been driven mad by these images."

I shudder as she so coldly describes the nightmare, as if she were describing a piece of furniture. "You can help her can't you?" Oliver asked.

"I hope to," said Iman. "I can say if I had to see such images as she has seen, I would scream, cry, and vomit too. If I could, that is."

For the first time, Iman touches my cheek the way my mother would do when I was a child. Now she knew all my deep dark secrets, and yet, she wasn't sharing them to Oliver, I was starting to understand my mother's message. "Why did I see only some of my memories?" I asked.

"I am not sure Alexis Perry," said, Iman. "What I can tell is I know that there is something in your body I feel is causing your night... mares. Something I hope to remove if you will allow me."

"Yes, please," I said without hesitation.

Suddenly, Oliver started clicking at Iman, and she clicked back. The two of them began clicking back and forth to each other and from what I could tell, Oliver was not happy with her answers. Finally I got frustrated and yelled, "WHY THE HELL ARE YOU TWO TALKING WITHOUT INCLUDING ME?!?"

They both stopped and Oliver looked down at me. "Alexis, I'm sorry. I just wanted to know something but the good doctor here won't answer my questions."

"The memories of Alexis Perry are not for me to share. Some were quite personal and it is not my place to repeat them. I saw more than I needed to in the interest of finding out the cause of her illness. I believe I have. If she wishes for you to share them, that is for her to decide, not me."

I was so impressed. "Thanks Doc," I said smiling weakly.

I could see the pain in Oliver's face as he said, "Fine."

"Oliver," I said. "Please know that some of what I saw were... well... rather personal and traumatic. Others were, well..." I could feel myself blushing. "Let's just say, those were one's I'd like to relive again."

Oliver looked at me confused for a moment, then smiled big and asked, "Like what?"

"Alexis Perry needs to have this surgery immediately and the longer we wait the greater the risk to her heath, I fear," commanded Iman.

I had to give her credit; Iman knew how to take control of a situation when necessary.

"Yes," said Oliver, "I understand. Alexis, please know I wouldn't trust anyone else with your health."

Oliver's words helped soothe me, even though the thought of surgery wasn't something I was thrilled with. "Okay Oliver," I whispered, "and red curtained restaurants to answer your question." I looked at Iman and said, "Let's get this over with Doc."

Oliver smiled really big, then squeezed my hand and quietly left the room. Iman turned to me and said, "I will do my best Alexis Perry. I think he has found..." her voice trailed off.

"Found what?"

"It is not for me to say Alexis Perry. However, I have never seen him like this before. Now, I have a job to do. Are you ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," I lied, I wasn't ready.

"Good Alexis Perry," she said. "Now, please relax."

I laid my head back on the bed and shut my eyes. I felt a pinch in my arm, and then everything went black.

I was standing alone in a dark room. I looked around but no one was here. "Hello?" I called out.




Parent-Teacher Conference Ch. 06



Nothing. I started to walk around the room. I began to see shapes, a chair, a table, a glass. 'Where am I?' I think. There was something familiar with this room, and yet foreign. I decided to move around the room more. There were strange objects all around the room that I didn't recognize or remember. 'Is this a prison? No.' I continued to search and I found a door. It was dark, and heavy. I pushed on it and it doesn't move. I pulled, and slowly, it began to move until it was open enough for me to pass through. Now I was in a dark hallway. I began to walk down it, but all I see was bare walls, and all I could hear was the sound of my bare feet on the floor. 'Bare feet? Why don't I have any shoes on?' I continued to walk. The hallway seemed endless. Then suddenly, I saw something, a shape. 'Is it a person?' I kept walking forward. The shape began to form into something familiar. 'Faster, I must go faster.' I began to run. Then I stop. I recognized the shape. It's Fleck! I screamed! But, it's not Fleck. It's Wyman. Then, it changes. The shape was dying. I walked closer and I realized it's both of them, they were dying. No, not dying, disappearing. Suddenly, the walls began to melt. I knew I should have been scared, but yet, I'm not. Now everything is white, clean, and pure. I knew I was safe. I heard my name called. I started walking toward the voice, no voices, calling me, calling me back, and calling me home.



Parent-Teacher Conference Ch. 07



The Bathing Room

My eyes fluttered open. I was in the white room again. The metal bands were gone. I looked around and saw Iman walking toward me. "Hi Doc," I whispered.

"Welcome back Alexis Perry," she said.

"Did it work?" I asked.

"Yes Alexis Perry," she said, "I do believe it worked. How do you feel?"

"Better," I said, and I knew that I did. "What was that thing in my arm?"

"To use phrases your Earth-brain will understand; it was a microscopic robot that worked its way from your arm, into your brain. It seemed to work with memories, distorting them, feeding on your emotions. The memories that were tied to strong emotions seemed to feed it. This is why you saw those images of your friend, and the other people in your life who have died, that man you had sexual relations with, but also, the images of your teaching. Things you truly love. Things you truly fear. Things that were tied to your emotions. I know all of your secrets Alexis Perry. I know of your loves and losses. Unfortunately, I do not think that I am the only one. I assure you, though; your secrets are not for me to share."

I smiled and said, "I had forgotten about Mandy. I know now it was because her death hurt me so badly I blocked all of my memories of her out. Thank you for bringing her back to me."

"Focus on the good Alexis Perry. Focus on the good."

Oliver stepped into the room and smiled at me. "How are you feeling?"

"Better," I said smiling.

"Alexis Perry is quite well," said Iman. "She has endured much. I know of few beings that could experience so much and come out so well. Alexis Perry is very strong."

"Thanks Doc," I said. "Now, what's a girl gotta do to get a shower around here?"

Oliver smiled and said, "I know just where to take you."

Oliver and I bid Iman farewell, and he led me down the long white hallway, or maybe it was a different one, I just didn't know. We arrived at a door as Oliver said, "This is our female bathing quarters. I hope you don't mine that other members of my crew may be in there."

"No, as long as I can clean myself up," I said.

"Yes," said Oliver, "that you will be able to do. I will have clean clothes sent up for you. I cannot join you, though. We have strict rules about this and even I must follow them."

"I understand," I said. "I won't be long."

"No," said Oliver, "take as long as you wish. You may find our way of bathing is quite relaxing and enjoyable. Do not hurry for me. When you do finish, give this to anyone who will be leaving with you and they will bring you to where ever I am. Please Alexis, enjoy your bathing time."

Oliver handed me what looked like a business card. "I will," I said.

I smiled, as I took the card, kissed his cheek, and entered the room. This was the first room I had entered that wasn't all white, but rich with bright colors, sweet smells, but was rather dark. There was just so much to take in. There were small chairs and benches all around what looked like vanity tables with mirrors. 'A mirror!' I walked over, looked at myself in the mirror, and gasped. My hair was a greasy, frizzy, curly mess. My face was oily, and I looked as nasty as I felt. The marks on my neck and face were fading, but not yet gone. Then I saw movement behind me and I quickly turned around. I saw what looked like a human woman standing behind me. Her hair was long and lime green; her skin appeared to be a dark shade of forest green. Other than the differences in color, she looked human. The woman tilted her head sideways and asked, "Are you the one they call Alexis Perry?"

I jumped up and smiled nervously. "Yeah, I'm Alexis."

The woman, who wasn't much taller than I was, smiled big and said, "I'm Valente. Welcome."

"Thanks, and please, call me Alexis."

She tilts her head again and asked, "Alexis?"

"Yes," I said. "I really am tired of everyone using my first and last name."

"'First and last name?'" she asked.

"You know what, never mind," I said. 'I guess they could be calling me worse things.' "I really need to bathe. Could you help me?"

Valente smiled big. "Yes Alexis Perry, I can."

I smiled and said, "Thanks."

Valente was really nice. She showed me how I could clean my teeth. Even though, it wasn't quite what I expected, my mouth had never felt cleaner. She showed me where I could put my dirty, sweaty clothes, and once we had both disrobed, I couldn't help but notice that other than skin and hair color, and she looked like a human female. Her slender build and large breasts would be desirable by most Earthmen. I also noticed she had very little pubic hair and it made me wonder how I compared to other females here on the ship, especially since I never shave that region. She escorted me to another large room with several large tubs. The tubs had what looked like several holes in the sides and the bottom and looked to be about five feet deep, and ten feet long. She explained that when we step into the tub, it would fill with liquid upon sensing our presence, and even though the tubs were big, only one creature was allowed to enter the tub. She chose the tub next to mine and we entered at the same time. Just as she said, the tub began to fill with a warm, sweet smelling liquid that foamed all around me. When the tub had filled to about four feet and the liquid stopped. I stretched out and enjoyed the feeling of the warm liquid on my skin.

"So Valente," I said. "What do you do on the ship?"

"I am in communications," she replied. "I listen to what your people would call radio waves, as well as other types of communications to know if other ships are in the area, or if we are in an area, like your world that does not know about us, then I monitor to ensure our safety and that we are well hidden."

"How so?"

"We are extra careful. For example, we hid the ship on the dark side of your Earth's moon and only performed minimal transports. If a ship is necessary, we disguise it as a building."

"Like a restaurant?" I asked already knowing the answer.

"Yes, we did that, once," she said. "Though, it was some time ago. I remember it was a rather, unique place. We actually kept it on your planet for quite some time, until we learned of the trackers."

"Trackers?" I asked.

"Yes," she said. "Our king isn't too pleased with his son so he sent the galaxies two best trackers to find him, and bring him back."

'Fleck and Wyman,' I thought. "Did they?"

Valente smiled at me and said, "They got pretty close. They found you."

I swallowed hard. It seemed that everyone knew who I was and why I was here. "What would have happened if I hadn't led them to him?"

Valente's face didn't look so pleasant, but more like she'd just bit into a lemon. "They are two of the most ruthless trackers known. Had he not come to your rescue, you would not be alive. They would have tortured you to death, even if you told them what they wanted to know. They enjoy inflicting pain. Actually, that's why we left your planet when we did. He didn't want them to find you."

Suddenly I understood what Oliver had meant when he said he couldn't stay and that he didn't want me to get hurt. "But they did."

"Yes," she replied. "It seems they figured out the best way to get him, was to go after you."

"How did he know they found me?"

Valente smiled and said, "Do you really think he left you alone and unprotected? Oh Alexis Perry, what a foolish Earthling you are. He's had you watched since he met you."

I dipped my head into the warm liquid then sat up and began to wash my hair. "So how then did these trackers find me?"

Valente sighed and said, "They found one of your secret guardians and tortured them until they found out about you."

A news story about a man found murdered in the alleyway behind my apartment flashed in my mind. I remember feeling a bit unnerved about a murder happening so close to my home. Then I realized that happened just a day before Fleck and Wyman had found me. "You said 'guardians.' What happened to the others?" I asked.

"There was one other that I know of. He must have been stronger, as far as we know, his death occurred about one Earth moon cycle before the other one."

I tried to think if I even heard about this, but I couldn't. Perhaps his death didn't occur near my work or home. If Valente is right, he kept my secret. Being that I've been a witness to Fleck's brutality, I can only imagine what they must have endured. I dipped my hair into the liquid again and sat up. "Do you know what happened to the trackers?"

"No," she said. "Most of us have been tracking your progress since your arrival. I understand you were near death when you arrived. Iman and Rashad sure had their work cut out for them. Good thing they were able to learn Earthling anatomy when we were here the first time."

"Yeah, lucky me."

"So, what do you think of our ship so far?"

"I haven't seen much of it."

"Really?" she said sounding surprised. "Maybe you were more injured than we were lead to believe."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"You've been here for quite a period of time. Many of us were wondering if you were just a legend, or if you had died."

I knew that their sense of time and mine were quite different. I thought I'd been here two or three days, but then, I don't know how long it took them to repair all the damage Fleck inflicted on me. Between the hits, the choking, my lost vision, and everything else, all I had left were the lines from Fleck's fingers on my throat and the bruises on my face. 'No, work like that must have taken time.' "Iman said I am lucky to have lived."

"So, it is true they tortured you nearly to death," she said.

"Yes," I shuddered. "You've confirmed that I made the right choice to tell them nothing."

I heard a rustling from the other room and two more female creatures enter. I could tell this was one place were the females weren't very modest. One reminded me of a centaur, horse base, with a human torso, except the base wasn't like any horse I'd ever seen before. Her skin was bronze, she has what appeared to be four breasts, four arms, and short, spiky dark brown hair. The other woman looked like a dark-skinned African-American Earth woman with curly black hair. Like Valente, neither have much pubic hair and I began to think maybe that's just the way women of this world were. They were clicking in what sounded like an excited manner when they saw us and stopped, and I thought, 'It's me, my presence, that's why they stopped.'

Valente smiled big and said proudly, "Sharma! Lara! I'd like you both to meet the legendary Alexis Perry."

I instantly began to blush as the centaur looked down at me and said, "I am aware of Alexis Perry. Many have whispered about you."

"Don't mind Sharma," said the human looking woman as she squated down next to me. I got a closer look at her body and I was sure she'd blend in nicely on Earth. Men would line up for days to see her naked, let alone the chance to fuck her. She was nothing short of beautiful. "I'm Lara. It's nice to finally meet you."

Lara stepped into the tub next to mine and Sharma took the tub next to her. The liquid filled their tubs as it had mine and soon they too are soaking in the liquid. Lara turned to me and asked, "So what do you think of our ship?"

"What little I've seen, it's nice," I replied. 'Oh boy, I'm going to have the same conversation over and over again.'

"Leave the human alone Lara," said Sharma. "Don't you know she's been in medical since she got here?"

I sat up and looked over at Sharma. "How did you know that?"

Sharma lazily looked at me. "I work with Iman and Rashad. In fact, I checked in on you many times during your recovery to ensure you lived."

"Are you a nurse?" I asked.

Lara and Valente started to laugh and Sharma said, "No, I am, what is your Earth word for it, ah yes, a doctor? Yes, I believe that is your word."

"So then why weren't you in charge of my care?"

"He requested Iman," she said. It was like she was upset with Oliver for not requesting her instead. "I would care for you during Iman's rest periods. In a way, I am glad. Had she failed in keeping you alive, there would have been hell to pay."

"Thank you," I said.

Sharma looked at me with confused expression. "Iman told me you an interesting species."

"Sharma!" snapped Lara. "Don't be so rude."

Sharma pushed a button and lowered herself into the liquid. "What I say is true. Not rude."

Lara looked at me and said, "So, you're an Earthling. What's it like?"

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Earth. What's it like?" Lara asked. "I didn't get to see it last time we were there, but then, we didn't exactly stay very long."

"Oh," I said, glad it wasn't a question about Oliver. "It's my home so I really don't have much to compare it to yet. To be honest, you'd probably fit right in. There are many Earthlings who look like you. Sharma and Valente might have more trouble."

"You'll find we have all kinds of creatures here," said Valente.

"Yeah," said Lara. "Everyone works where their skills can best be used. Sharma is a healer so she works with Iman. Valente has a gift with language so she is in communications. And me, I'm a guardian. I protect those who need protection. It is my job to die for the creature in my charge."

"Then you must resent me," I said.

Lara looked confused then asked, "No Alexis Perry, why would I?"

"Because of me, two of your guardians are dead," I said.

"No Alexis Perry," said Lara. "I don't blame you. That was because of the trackers being completely ruthless. I'm only disappointed in the one who revealed your location and identity. A true guardian will die first before betraying the being under their charge."

A humming noise rose out of Sharma's tub. I looked over and all I could see was her face, as the water seemed to be churning all around. "What is that she is doing?" I asked.

"Oh, yes" said Valente. "We were talking and I forgot you don't know how to use the tubs. See these colored stones?"

On the edge of the tub were several different colored stones. "Yeah."

"Each one does something different. But don't touch this one until you're finished or the liquid will empty out." Valente points to a black, onyx looking stone.

"Okay," I said.

I decided on a blue stone, to match my eyes and the water begins to cool in temperature. I tried the red one, and water warmed nicely. The green turned on jets from the floor. The yellow does the same from the walls. The brown dropped the floor and I found myself needing to tread water after my head fell under the liquid. I thought I saw Lara giggle when I touched it again and the floor rose back up. I laid back and felt the jets push water and air against my body. It reminded me of the Jacuzzi I would sit in back at my apartment. After a while, I washed my face, my hair, my body, until I felt clean again.

Valente pushed her black stone and stood up. Above her I saw what looked like a showerhead come down. A clear liquid rained down, and soon her skin was shiny and wet. When the liquid stopped, she was dry. She climbed out of her tub; bid us all farewell, saying she had to get back to her station and left. I relaxed and soaked in the tub a bit longer until I was ready to leave. I pushed the black stone and stood up. Just as I had seen happen with Valente, the showerhead came down and rinsed me off. I was amazed that I was dry when it finished. I climbed out of the tub, bid Lara and Sharma farewell, and entered the first room.

There, waiting for me on the shelf where my soiled clothes had been, were neatly folded clean clothes like what I had on before, and the small card Oliver had given me. I dressed quickly and sat at one of the vanity tables. I felt better, cleaner, refreshed. I looked at my reflection and saw I looked so much better too. My hair hung loose around my still bruised face, with soft curls, almost as if I had styled it myself. My face was clean and my skin felt soft. I still looked like I'd gone a few rounds with Mike Tyson, but that would fade with time. I looked down at the card Oliver had given me. The characters were so foreign to me, and I was curious what it said. I was thinking about to go out and find someone to help me when Lara emerged from the tub room.

"Hey, I thought you left already."

"No," I said. "I'm supposed to leave with someone and give them this so I get where I need to be."

I handed Lara the card. She looked at it and said, "I can help you if you're willing to wait for me to get dressed. In fact, I'll give you a tour of our ship if you'd like."

I smiled and said, "I like that a lot. Thanks."

"My pleasure," she said.

Lara slipped on a golden dress that stopped at her knees, with black leggings, and black, flat-heeled boots. It was then I realize that I was still bare foot. I looked on the shelf where my clothes were, but there were not shoes of any form. I looked around the room, hoping to find some kind of footwear but I didn't see anything. Lara walked up to me, handed me a pair of what I would classify as slip on shoes.

"I think this is what you are looking for."

I smiled and said, "Thanks."

I slipped on the shoes and stand up. It's only now that I realize that Lara is a taller than me, probably close to 5'10" and in that dress, she was simply beautiful. I was now sure if this creature were to ever go to Earth, men would be throwing themselves at her feet. I followed Lara out of the room, and she began walking down the hallway. She pointed at different doors and explained what was behind each one. Unfortunately, each one looked like the all the others I had seen.

After a while I asked, "Lara, how can you tell them apart?"

Lara stopped and looked at me. "What do you mean Alexis Perry?"

"They all look the same to me. Metallically white."

Lara frowned and asked, "You do not see the colors?"

"Only on the creatures. Oh, and in the bath, I saw colors there."

"Come with me," she said as she grabbed my hand and began to lead me down another hallway I think hadn't seen before.

We came to another white room and the creature there reminded me a lot of Dr. Iman. He had blue skin, black hair, four arms, three tentacle-like legs, and was rather tall. He seemed to be wearing what looked like a lab coat and pants. He stood as we walked in and I was sure he was close to seven feet tall.

Lara said, "Byer, this is Alexis Perry. I think her optic receptors are malfunctioning."

"Yes," said Byer. "I have met Alexis Perry when she first arrived."

I looked at him confused and asked, "I don't remember meeting you."

"As I would expect Alexis Perry," he said. "You were badly damaged when you arrived. Near death as I recall. I was the one to repair your optic nerves. Lara seems to feel I may not have fully repaired them. Though I am curious why Lara seems to think they are not working properly."

"She can't see colors," said Lara.

Byer looked at me confused and asked, "What color is my skin?"

"Blue."

"What color is Lara's skin?" he asks.

"Dark brown."

"What color is the room?" Lara asks.

"White," I said. 'Really? Are we going to play twenty questions now?'

Byer looked at me, then at Lara. "Alexis Perry, tell me what you see in this room."

I thought this was an odd request, but I figured this would help solve the mystery I'd do what he asked. I look around the room and said, "You, Lara, um...the door... um... the floor."

Lara and Byer exchanged looks and Byer asked, "Do you see a table?"

I looked all over but I saw nothing. "No."

"A bed?"

"No," I said starting to wonder if this was a joke, or if I really was having vision issues. "What's going on?"

Byer reaches over and then I saw a table with different objects on it. 'Why didn't I see that before?' I think. "Whoa! Where did that come from?"

"Alexis Perry," he said, "I need you to sit on the bed and let me look at your optic receptors."




Parent-Teacher Conference Ch. 07



"What bed?" I asked.

"This one," Lara says as she moved toward the table and set her hand on the bed that I know I didn't see a moment before.

Now I was scared and confused. I moved toward Lara and she helped me onto the bed. Byer took an object from the table and held it to my eyes for a few moments then pulled it away and said, "You are correct Lara, the optic receptors of Alexis Perry are not functioning properly. Alexis Perry, has there been any time you have seen a room with color in it?"

"The room I met Lara in. The tub and changing area was rich with color and the smells were so pleasant. Come to think of it, that was the first room I remember smelling anything and it was darker than any other room I'd see before. But then, I've been in about 5 rooms including this one so I don't have much to compare it to."

"I see," said Byer. "Your optic receptors were damaged from your last encounter with the trackers."

"I know that, I was there after all."

"I have not seen you since I did my repairs so I did not know if what I had done had worked or not. I was only told of your reaction when you awoke and trusted you were well. I see now I should have checked on you myself. I can help you though."

"How?" I asked.

"An easy repair. Your optic receptors need help to heal." He grabbed what looked like a pair of dark sunglasses. "These filters will help. You cannot process color due to the amount of light you are being exposed to and the damage you sustained from your attack. As your optic receptors heal and become stronger, the dark lenses will lighten and fade until they are clear. Once they are clear, I will remove them and you will be well."

They reminded me of the dark sunglasses Fleck and Wyman always wore. I sighed and asked, "What if I chose not to wear these?"

"You risk permanent damage to optic receptors and you may return to the level of damage that you came here with," he said.

I know now I have to explain my hesitation, as much as I don't want to. "These... things... they remind me of Fleck and Wyman, I-I-I mean the trackers who attacked me, they wore something like this."

Just speaking their names made me feel nauseous and nervous. Byer looked at me with what I thought was a blank expression. Lara asked, "They wore optic filters?"

"I guess, we call them sunglasses," I said.

Byer puts his hand on my shoulder and said, "I do not wish to cause you pain Alexis Perry. I only wish to help. You need these filters or your vision may revert back to your pre-injury levels."

"Well," I said. "Do these filters come in a more flattering style?"

"I do not understand Alexis Perry," said Byer.

"Something, oh say, smaller maybe," I said.

Lara smiled and said, "I'm sure Byer could come up with something."



Parent-Teacher Conference Ch. 08



The Guardian

I sat on the bed for an unknown period of time while Byer worked in another room. Lara and I continued to talk. She seemed pretty interested in Earth and what it was like so I shared stories about the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, the Pacific Ocean, the beach, skiing in the local mountains, and other activities I'd done over my lifetime. I knew she was keeping me occupied so that Byer could work and not be pressured to hurry. I liked that I didn't need to sleep as I had no idea how much time had already elapsed since my arrival. I explained to Byer I wanted something that looked more like a hybrid of John Lennon's and Harry Potter's glasses, and actually drew out a rough diagram of what it was I wanted. He warned they might not be as effective as the other ones, but if I wore them faithfully, over time, they would eventually work. When Byer returned, he carried a smaller, less bulky pair of sunglasses, or filters as I should probably use their terms. They had small panels on the outer sides but the frames were smaller, more attractive, and definitely more me.

Byer said, "I wish to put this on you Alexis Perry, and make sure they will work. Would you please close your optic receptors?"

"Sure," I said, "and we call them eyes."

I closed my eyes and I felt Byer put the filters on my face. Only, it wasn't quite the same feeling as glasses. The filters seemed to attach to my face, but not in a painful way, and nothing rested on my ears.

Byer said, "You may open your optic receptors now Alexis Perry."

I opened my eyes and gasped. There before me was a pale green wall with all kinds of strange equipment sitting on what appeared to be wooden shelves. I looked around and I saw a table, a chair, a window. I slid off the bed and walked to the window. I touched the widow frame and looked out. Though it I saw the blackness of space, the whiteness of stars and distant planets. 'I really am in a space ship.'

"Oh Toto," I whispered. "We are definitely not in Kansas anymore."

I turned around and looked at Byer and Lara. They seemed pleased with my response to the filters. Byer said, "The filters appear to be working properly. How do they feel?"

"Fine," I said.

"Good," he said. "As your optic receptors heal the filters will lighten until they are clear. Once they have gone clear, I will remove them."

"How long will that take?" I asked.

"There is no way in knowing," he said. I felt this was the first honest response I'd gotten in some time. "I wish to check on you and see how they are working after a few rest periods. Monitor your progress. Ensure they are functioning properly. Will this be acceptable for you, Alexis Perry?"

"Yes. Wait, will I have to sleep in these?" I asked.

"It is best if they stay on over your optic receptors until they fully heal, so yes, you will keep them on during bathing and rest periods," he said.

"Will I hurt my face if I sleep on them?" I asked.

"They will cause no harm to you," he said as he gently pushed on them. "They are designed to protect you and help your optic receptors heal more quickly."

I noticed that I didn't feel anything when he pushed, no pain, no discomfort, not even the pressure of his fingers pushing on the frames. "Oh, okay, then I guess I can live with this." 

"Good," said Byer.

"In that case, can she leave now?" Lara asked sounding a bit excited.

"Will you be escorting her?" asked Byer.

"Yes," she said.

"Then Alexis Perry," said Byer, "I bid you farewell. Until next we meet."

"Bye Doc, and thanks for the specs," I said tapping the side of my filters.

We entered the hallway and for the first time since I arrived, I could see the doors, the pathways, the strange characters by each one, and the colors, all the beautiful colors. It was almost overwhelming. I was paralyzed for a moment, and I just stood there just taking it all in. Lara seemed to understand and just stood and watched me as I looked at everything. I reached up and touched the strange characters, feeling the ridges and lines under my fingers.

"Is this your language?" I asked.

"Yes, it is," said Lara. "I come from the same world as, he does."

I turned and looked at her "You mean Oliver?"

She smiled and said, "Is that what you call him?"

"Yeah," I said looking back at the characters. "When we first met, that's what he told me his name was. I know that isn't what your people call him, but he said he likes it when I call him that."

"Does 'Oliver' have any meaning in your world?" she asked.

I smiled. "Only to me, I guess. It's a fairly common man's name in my world." I turned and faced Lara. "So, are you still willing to show me this incredible ship?"

Lara's face spoke volumes. She led me down the hallways showing me the barracks where the crew slept. Each member had his or her room. Lara showed me her room with its simple decorations. She explained she would collect things from the different worlds they had visited. Her bed was simple, clean, and comfortable. It could handle two people if necessary, but she admitted she didn't engage in sexual relations with the crew members as it often created problems for her, so when she could, she'd try to meet males of the different worlds she'd visit.

I followed her like a lost puppy, and she took me to where the crew went for recreation time. Here I saw a lot more different creatures, but their features were more defined than before. Some seemed to be reading from what I could call an eReader or tablet computer, some were playing a game that looked a bit like chess, while others were dancing, I think. A few looked up at me and then I noticed the clicking. I began to feel self-conscious at wearing these damn filters and I looked at Lara.

"Is it me or the filters they're talking about?"

"You," she whispered. "We've all heard about you. You're kind of a legend."

"I feel like a side-show freak," I said.

"A what?" Lara asked.

"Never mind. Can we go please?"

"Sure," said Lara and led me out.

We continued walking and as we encountered more creatures, I felt more awkward. I didn't want to be here anymore. They would click and point at me and I was suddenly back in middle school with Mandy, being picked on by the older girls because we were different. We were both blondes with blue eyes, from two-parent families, and best friends. Then for the first time in my life, I understood. I wasn't a freak. I was just different. Something these creatures have never seen before. I was to them, what they were to me.

Lara stopped at a door and said, "This is where our tour ends Alexis Perry. Beyond this door is where I was to bring you according to the card you had given me when we were in the bathing room. I will enter with you as I have disobeyed orders and will accept any punishment that comes my way."

"How did you disobey orders?" I asked.

"This said to bring you here and I didn't."

"But you took me to get my eyes fixed," I said.

"Yes, but I also took you all over the ship. I'm sure by now my disobedience is quite well known."

I reached out, took her hand, and smiled. "I've got your back."

"My back?"

'Right, why would she know any English Earth idioms?' "I just mean, I won't let Oliver punish you for doing me a favor."

She opened the door and led me in. It appeared to be a small elevator. She made that familiar clicking sound and the elevator moved upward. When the door opened, I saw before me a large room with lots of creatures. I saw Valente working at what looked like a computer monitor. Her skin was even greener than I remembered. Other creatures moved about clicking, but didn't seem to pay us much attention. Valente glanced over at us and smiled.

"Alexis Perry!" She stepped away from her station and walked over to me. "What brings you here?"

"This was where she was to come after bathing," said Lara in a firm tone.

"Oh," said Valente, then whispered and pointed at another door. "He's in there, and he's in a meeting."

Lara sighed, "We'll wait."

Valente smiled and asked, "Have you had a chance to see the ship?"

"Yes," I said. "Lara was nice enough to show me around."

"At least now I know why it took you so long," said Oliver.

We looked over and saw Oliver standing in the doorway that Valente had pointed at a moment before. His black hair was styled neatly, but his brown eyes showed his displeasure in my tardiness. Lara and Valente seem to stiffen and stand rather straight.

"Hi," I said nervously.

"What is that on your eyes?" he asked.

"Sir," said Lara, "Alexis Perry's optic receptors were malfunctioning so I took her to Byer and he put these filters on her."

"Malfunctioning how?" he asked seriously.

"She could not see the colors of our ship, sir," said Lara. Her tone was no longer as friendly as it had been before, but sharp and almost militaristic.

He looked at me and asked, "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't know. I mean, realize your ship wasn't all white," I said.

"Byer says-" began Lara but Oliver put his hand up and she stopped.

"I will speak with Byer myself Lara. Were you with Alexis the entire time?"

"Yes sir," she replied.

"Then you have accepted the assignment?" he asked.

'Assignment? What assignment?' I wondered. "Yes sir," she replied.

"Good," said Oliver and smiled. "I know she is in good hands."

"Thank you sir," she said.

"Valente, don't you have work to do?"

"Yes sir," said Valente and quickly returned to her station.

"Alexis, would you join me please," he said extending his hand to me.

"Thanks again Lara," I said. "I hope to see you again soon."

"You will Alexis Perry," she said in that same unfriendly tone. "I am now your guardian."

I was confused. "My what?"

"Alexis," said Oliver in the same firm tone he used with Lara and Valente. "I will explain shortly, but not out here. Please join me."

I felt like Oliver was reprimanding me, so I quietly walked toward him and took his hand. He led me into the room he had just come from. As the door closed behind me, I saw Lara standing outside the door, as if she were standing guard. For the first time, I feared I would be the one punished for my tardiness and I didn't know what to expect. The room held a large, wooden looking table with several chairs around it. There was another door on the opposite side were I guess the meeting attendees had just exited through. A large window looked out at the vastness that was outer space. Oliver had released my hand and I wandered to the window, just staring out at the stars.

"Were you not able to see the windows in the rooms before?" he asked.

"There were windows?" I asked.

"Why didn't you tell me you couldn't see?" he asked, his voice sounded strained.

"I didn't know I couldn't," I said. "I saw you, Rashad, Iman. But I didn't know your ship wasn't an ethereal white color with no windows."

"How did you figure this out?" he asked.

"Lara met me in the bath and offered to show me the ship before she brought me here and I thought it would be a nice opportunity to see it. When I asked her how you could tell what the rooms were as they all looked alike to me, she knew something was wrong so she took me to Byer who put this... this... thing on my face."

"I was starting to worry about you," he said. I could hear the concern in his voice.

"I didn't mean to make you worry," I said. "It's just... once I could see things; I wanted to see... well... EVERYTHING! I mean... your ship... is incredible! Like nothing I've ever seen before. Please don't punish Lara for not bringing me straight here. She was only doing what I had asked, after Byer fixed my eyes that is. And she was by my side the entire time, even when Byer put these on me."

Oliver smiled and said, "I won't punish her, she knew when she met you she was to be your guardian and it seems she has done a fine job so far."

"Wait... what... she knew?" I asked.

"I sent her with the clothes, and told her if you weren't with a female guardian, that she was to become your guardian. Many of my guardians wanted to protect you, especially after..."

"The last one you assigned me gave me up?" I interrupted.

"How do you know about that?" he asked.

"Women gossip," I said. "I guess no one knew they weren't supposed to tell me."

"That guardian was new," Oliver said in a very morbid tone. "He was deceived by the trackers to reveal your location. Only as he died did he understand the gravity of his mistake."

"I heard they tortured another one," I said looking out at the stars.

"They did," said Oliver. "As guardians go, he was very brave. We had been sent a message; I guess you would call it a video, demonstrating what they did to him. How he survived so long I'll never understand."

I turned to Oliver. I could see the pain in his face. "You knew him, didn't you?"

"He was my first guardian," said Oliver. "I asked him to watch you for me. He felt honored to do it. The younger one was his son. Maybe that was my mistake. He was so eager to help and wanted to prove he was a good guardian like his father. Perhaps that's how he was so easily deceived. Lara, his daughter, is one of my best guardians, and since I don't have many female guardians on this ship, I knew she'd be the right one for you."

"May I ask you some questions?" I asked.

"Alexis," he said as he took my hand and led me to a chair. "You may ask me anything."

As I sat down, I asked, "When I saw you at my apartment complex, the first time. You seemed to disappear. How did you do that?"

Oliver snickered, "That was a simple illusion. I saw you run after me and look. You have no idea how much I wanted to run back to you, but I feared for your safety, so I stayed hidden."

"How did you know what Fleck and Wyman were doing to me?"

"I didn't at first," he said. "I only knew they'd found you and were going to question you. I didn't know who they were at first, not until we got the videos of the two guardians. It seems their sunglasses as you call them also act as, what you would call cameras. My crew began working on what else they were recording. I saw them talking to you that day I e-mailed you in the classroom, followed by their pushing you around and checking your e-mail. I also saw the later visit when Fleck hit you and you hit him back. Which by the way, nice hit."

"Thanks," I said smiling.

"Then, that night in your apartment, they had cameras set all over to record what they were going to do to you, and it was sent to me, as it was happening, you would call it a live feed. The reason it took me so long was I wanted to see what they were going to do. I saw you talk Wyman, then Fleck came out of the shadows. I was hoping they'd give up and leave, but when I saw Fleck strike you, I was furious. I knew I had to do something but I was miles away. I got to you as fast as I could and my guardians were watching the video and informing me about what was happening. My own guardians were impressed with your courage and strength. He hit you, choked you, tried to force you to have sexual relations, and still you defied him. I could hear them say things like, 'She could be a great guardian,' or 'How can she still fight like that?' When I arrived, and saw Wyman, so many thoughts ran through my mind. Lucky for me, he's not the brains of that operation and he was easy to subdue. Fleck on the other hand, not so much. He knew I'd come for you. That's why he attacked you and sent me the live feed. What he didn't know was just how strong you were. You were near death and still you fought. I fear he will not make such a mistake if he is to encounter you again."

"Did you watch the whole video?"

"Yes," he said mournfully. "It's hard to watch though. I watched it when Iman was working to repair your injuries. I was horrified at the violence. Especially when he slammed your head into the thing he had you on and was trying to remove your pants. At least I understood why my best guardians were so impressed with you."

"I was there, and I wish I could forget."

"Alexis," he said as he stroked the back of my hand. "I had no idea the lengths those... creatures would go to just to find me."

"And now you do," I said.

"Yes," he whispered. "Which creates a dilemma. I know I should take you back to Earth, which now can't happen until your eyes fully heal and these filters can come off. But, I'm afraid if I do, well, you'll be killed. However, if I take you with me, then I run the risk of other problems. Like my father."

"How long have I been on this ship?" I asked.

"Just over a week," he said.

"You seem to understand Earth time," I said smiling.

"It was easy for me to understand," he said smiling.

"So, I'm not due back to school for a while, in fact, I've got about 9 to 10 weeks. How long will it take to get to your planet?"

"About two more Earth weeks," he said. "Maybe less."

"Okay, that gives me up to an eight week break including two weeks to decide if I want to stay or not. Seems reasonable and I haven't had a nice break in a while. Granted it didn't start the way I would have liked, but how many teachers get the opportunity to explore space in such a wonderful vessel, which such a handsome guide."

With that last word, I touched his cheek with my hand, leaned in and kissed him softly on the lips. That is when I heard the sound of hands clapping. We turned and saw Agent Fleck on a monitor screen behind us. I gasped.

"How romantic," said Fleck sarcastically.

"What do you want?" snapped Oliver.

"Oh now, is that any way to speak to an old friend," he sneered.

"We have never been friends." I could hear the rage in Oliver's voice.

"And Ms. Perry," said Fleck, turning his attention to me. "How have you been? Getting enough sleep?"

I shuddered at the memories of my nightmares. "What the hell do you want?" snapped Oliver.

"Two things," hissed Fleck. "The object your father wants me to procure and Ms. Perry's ass. We have some unfinished business that we started in her kitchen."

I began to tremble at the thought of Fleck's hands on my body. Oliver slowly stood up and set his hands on the table. "You tell my father for me that he will not force me to mate with a female I do not love just so he can have an alliance with a race we have been at war with since before I was born. And if you ever come near Alexis again I swear I will kill you myself."

The doors of our room opened and several creatures ran in, including Lara, and stood by us, creating a wall of bodies. "Oh how cute, you've got your guardians here to fight your battles. Just know this Stone; I never fail. I will get the two things I'm after. In fact, I will make sure you have a front row seat when I do. I've heard that our Ms. Perry is quite the freak... especially in restaurants."

I felt my face flush as the screen went black. Oliver clicked for a few minutes and everyone left. I just sat quietly while Oliver stared at the screen. Then he stormed to the door I came in through, and left. I didn't know what to do, so I turned, walked to the window, and stared out looking at the stars. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I trembled reflecting on Fleck's words. I heard the door slide open. Footsteps approached me from behind. I wasn't going to look, I'd been here before.

A hand touched my shoulder as Oliver said, "Oh Alexis, I'm so sorry."

"You left me," I whispered.

He turned me around and said, "No! Oh no. Is that what you thought? I had... I had to inform my crew of our destination. Then I realized you didn't follow me out. I forgot you don't understand my language."

"It sounds like clicking to me," I sobbed not stopping my falling tears.

"Really," he said. "English sounded like gibberish when I first arrived."

I laughed. "What did you say?"

"I told the guardians they must protect you with their lives the same way they would protect me, and I wanted to know how the hell he got access to my ship. There is a tracker on my ship and I want him found."




Parent-Teacher Conference Ch. 08



"How can you be so sure?" I asked.

"While you were bathing, Iman told me the device they put in your arm was sending them messages about you, but that it was a short range device. On Earth, they could use any computer to transmit the signal. For it to leave the ship, it needed a long-range device that was not in your body. Someone on this ship must be working that device."

"That explains why he asked about my sleeping," I said.

"Yes," said Oliver. "That reminds me. What happened that caused you to wake from rest period screaming like you did?"

"It was a nightmare," I said.

"But, what is a nightmare?" he asked.

I paused and looked at him. "Don't you dream?"

"What is a dream?"

'Wow. I hadn't expected that.' "Well," I began as I walked back to the chair with Oliver following. "When we sleep, or go into rest period, our minds process events of the day. During this, we dream. These dreams can be from events in our lives, or our wishes, fantasies, or memories. When I met you, I had dreams about you almost nightly. Many were reliving the restaurant, with minor changes."

"Like what?" he asked.

"Sometimes we'd just talk. Sometimes when we made love, we'd be in a bed, or in a pool, or if we were in the restaurant, you'd bend me over the table."

He smiled a wicked smile and said, "I like that table idea."

I swallowed hard and sat down. "Yeah, I did too until the first nightmare hit."

"What do you mean?" he asked, his face becoming more serious as he sat next to me.

"Well, when they put that thing in my body, that night I had the table dream, but it went dark and scary."

"Please Alexis," he pleaded. "Tell me."

I swallowed hard and began to tremble. Tears began really flowing from my eyes. I relayed the horrid memory of my first nightmare to him in the graphic detail I knew Iman saw. Then I relayed the story of the nightmare I had in his bed, and how watching Wyman kill him was worse than the morphing that Fleck and Wyman underwent or the gang-rape. Oliver sat stone-faced as he listened. I agree to let him watch all of the nightmares that Iman has seen but I ask that he not watch anything else, at least, not yet. Some of it I was still dealing with. When I finished, I was crying hysterically, I couldn't stop the tears as they flowed and I wasn't really sure if I wanted to. At first, I thought Oliver was going to leave me again, but then, slowly, he wrapped his around me, pulled me into his chest and onto his lap. He held me, stroked my hair, kissed my head, and rocked me. I have no idea how long we sat like that before I straightened up and wiped my cheeks with my hand.

Oliver looked at me and said, "Oh Alexis, I am so sorry."

"Why?"

"This is my fault."

"What?"

"If I hadn't defied my father none of this would have happened."

"But would you be happy?"

He smiled and looked at me. "No Alexis. I would not be happy. But now, I need to see Iman about some nightmares, and you need some food."

"Iman won't show them to you unless I tell her to," I said.

"Iman!" called Oliver.

On the same screen Fleck's face had been now had Iman's. "Yes."

Oliver looked at me and said, "Alexis."

"Hi Doc," I said.

"Greetings Alexis Perry. I was told by Byer your optic receptors are not healed."

"He said these filter things should do the trick," I said taping the frames on my face.

"What can I do for you Alexis Perry?" she asked.

"I need you to show him the nightmares. Just the nightmares. Not the memories."

"As you wish Alexis Perry," she said and the screen went black.

Oliver looked at me and said, "Why were you so specific?"

"I want to share the rest of my memories with you over time," I said smiling.

"Fair enough Alexis," he said smiling back at me. "Now, can I get you to eat please?"

"Sure, but may I ask you two more questions?" I asked.

"You may ask anything," he said.

"First, what was on the computer screen that I saw in the room we ate in when I first woke up?"

"Mostly the information I had gathered about you over the past four years, so I probably already know about many of the memories you wish to share with me," he said.

"Okay, and second, can Lara join me for a bite to eat?" I asked.

He smiled and said, "She is your guardian. The only time she won't be with you is when you are with me, and we are sharing some alone time."

The wicked smile he gave me and the sensual tone of his voice told me she would not be joining us for any love making sessions that we might enjoy at some time, either that or he doesn't like people watching him sleep. He stood up and took my hand. As we walked to the door, I asked, "What do your people call you?"

He stopped, looked at me, and made some strange clicking sounds. "Normally, they don't address me as informally as you do though."

"Oh," I said. "I can stop, if you wish."

"No!" he said looking into my eyes. "Never stop calling me Oliver, please."

I smiled. "All right, Oliver."

He kissed me softly, and I felt the electricity of the kiss fly through my body warming my loins. 'Wow! Three and half years later and his kiss still lights my soul on fire. I wonder if the feeling is mutual.' Then he escorted me out of the room where Lara was waiting, and the creatures in the room I first entered were working. I saw Valente working as we walked to the elevator and Lara followed us. As we entered, Oliver said, "Lara, I need you to take Alexis to get something to eat. She has not eaten all day and her last meal... was some time ago. I will be with Iman for a while. I will find you two later."

"Yes sir," she said, still in that militaristic tone.

The three of us boarded the elevator, it took us to a lower level and Oliver stepped out to leave. I started to follow him but Lara put her hand on my shoulder and said in that harsh tone, "We're going to a different place. There is still more ship to show you."

Oliver kissed my cheek and whispered in my ear, "Until next we meet."

I blushed and giggled as he stepped out and the doors closed. The elevator moved down again and when they opened, Lara grabbed my hand and said in a much friendlier tone, "Follow me!"

We walked down a long hallway for a few minutes not saying anything. Lara's mood seemed to be up despite Fleck's threat and took me to a room full of creatures. It appeared to be a bar, or a restaurant, but not like anything I had ever seen before. I assumed by all the clicking sounds I heard that Lara was instantly greeted by many of the creatures in the room and she returned their greetings. She led me to a small table and we sat down. A short orange creature with white hair, three arms, two legs, wearing a black dress and flat shoes walked over and sat with us. It clicked at Lara for a moment and Lara responded with some clicking. I sat quietly and said nothing as it mostly sounded the same to me. The orange creature then turned and clicked at me, but all I could do was smile nervously.

Lara looked at the orange creature, then at me and asked, "Alexis Perry, do not you understand our language?"

"The clicking thing you've been doing," I said. "No, I don't."

"Oh!" said the orange creature in what sounds like a female voice. "That explains so much!"

Lara looked almost embarrassed and said, "Alexis Perry, I'm sorry. This is Oddo. Oddo, meet Alexis Perry. Oddo's father and my father were guardians together."

"Oh," I said, "Are you a guardian too?"

"No," said Oddo. "I don't have the strength that Lara has. I failed the first test."

"It's not like you wanted to be a guardian," said Lara laughing. "And by failing the test you were able to do what you wanted to do without upsetting your father."

"What was that?" I asked.

"I teach the youth of our world," she said. "I took some time off to learn about other worlds so I can teach my students about them. In fact, I was on the first mission that came to Earth so I learned your language."

"It was a teacher like Oddo that made me want to work on a ship and not just be a planetary guardian," said Lara.

"And the fact your father was a great guardian didn't hurt either," said Oddo.

"True," said Lara in a mournful tone.

I knew the reason for the tone of her voice but choose to stay silent. "So Alexis Perry," said Oddo, "What brings you to our ship?"

"It's a long story," I said.

"We've got all night," said Oddo stretching out her arms.

"And we came here to eat, not talk," said Lara.

"Who says we cannot do both?" exclaimed Oddo.



Parent-Teacher Conference Ch. 09



Chapter 9 -- The Debriefing of Dreams & Nightmares

The three of us sat and talked for what felt like hours. I told them how I was a teacher back on Earth and they shared stories of the all the worlds they had visited. The food we ate was like nothing I'd ever tasted before. They ordered different items, almost like several sampler platters and I tried everything. Some of it I really liked, some, not so much. Other creatures joined us and they too would share stories about space travel and the different worlds they had seen. It seemed I was somewhat of a celebrity here. Everyone wanted to know about Earth, me, and how I came to be on the ship. Among those who joined us included Valente and Sharma, plus several others from different sections of the ship. We were laughing and just having fun when suddenly, everyone got rather quiet. At first, I didn't know why, then I saw Oliver and Iman walking over. The creature sitting closest to me quickly stood up and moved away and Oliver smiled, took his seat, and clicked something to him.

"No using our native language," said Oddo, "Alexis Perry doesn't understand... oh, sorry sir. I didn't realize it was you."

"No need to apologize Oddo," said Oliver smiling. "You were right, it was rude of me."

"Alexis Perry," said Iman. "How are you feeling?"

"Better now that I know what things are supposed to look like," I said smiling.

"I am sorry I did not realize your optic receptors were malfunctioning," said Iman. "I fear we did not ensure you were as well as we hoped."

"Considering all that was wrong with me," I said. "I didn't know there was something wrong with my eyes until Lara said something."

"And as much as you've all enjoyed getting to meet and get acquainted with Alexis, I'm going to steal her away for the night," said Oliver as he took my hand and kissed the back.

The group moaned their disappointment and Oliver said, "Don't worry, she's going to be with us for a while so you can all get to know her better while she is with us."

I stood up, as did Lara and most of the group, bid my new friends goodbye, and followed Oliver and Iman out of the room, with Lara behind me. We quietly walked down the different hallways until we entered a room with a table and chairs around it. It had a sense of familiarity to it, but I shook it off as Oliver said, "Lara, would you wait outside, please."

"Yes sir," she said and left room. I noticed the friendly Lara was once again replaced with the more militaristic one.

We sat down at the table as Iman said, "Ol-lee-ver has asked me to speak with you about what he and I have witnessed."

"You mean the nightmares?" I asked.

"Yes Alexis Perry," she said. "It seems that we do not experience these dreams or night-mares as you call them, we had some difficulty understanding them at first. However, we did some research and found a correlation that we do experience to help us better understand."

"So what does that mean?" I asked.

"It means we now understand how they work, and why you were so upset by them," said Oliver.

"I would think the 'why' was kinda obvious," I said.

"Yes," said Iman, "and now we understand how the tracker was able to use them against you. The tracker saw these as a weakness and thus, tried to use them to torture you during your rest period. On some level, it did work. However, there were more than the two you were aware of."

"How many were there?" I asked nervously.

"I am not sure Alexis Perry," said Iman, "But we only just finished watching them. I believe they occurred during your time of unconsciousness during the time your injuries were being repaired."

Oliver's face was ashen as he shook his head and said, "I knew those trackers were monsters, but I had no idea the depravity they were capable of reaching. I know now you will not be safe until they are captured and put to death."

I wanted to be sick. I mean, I've never really thought much about capital punishment before as it was such a hot topic issue. But here I was, listening to Oliver talking about killing two creatures... no, monsters. I knew he was right, but there was still a part of me that was appalled at the thought of killing unless it was necessary. Then I thought of Lara's father and brother, and how they were killed because of me. Then Fleck's words flashed in my memory, 'I never fail... I will make sure you have a front row seat when I do. I'm sure Ms. Perry is quite the freak... especially in restaurants.'

A tear fell from my eye as I said, "This is a lot to process."

"I agree Alexis Perry," said Iman.

Oliver took my hand and asked, "Alexis are you all right?"

"I'm not sure," I said.

"I think Alexis Perry needs to rest without the fear of the nightmares," said Iman.

"There's no guarantee of that," I said.

"What do you mean?" asked Oliver.

"Sometimes I have nightmares for no real good reason," I said.

"Is this normal Alexis Perry?" Iman asked.

"Yeah," I said. "But sometimes I have good dreams as well."

"Yeah," said Oliver. "We saw some of those as well."

I blushed as I got the feeling they involved him. Iman said, "I know you said only nightmares, but I did not realize that a few of the good dreams slipped in. So many of these nightmares started the same way as the dreams did that it was an easy mistake to make, until we realized what was happening, and that you were not in fear or at risk of harm."

I blushed harder as Oliver took my hand into his. "Alexis, I now understand what you go through and what you are most frightened of. I will do what I can to keep you safe."

I smiled, "Just knowing that makes me feel better."

We rose from the table and left the room. Iman left us and we walked back to another room with Lara right behind us. Oliver told Lara she was to be in the room across from us and he would let her know when he was leaving me in the morning so she knew when she had to be with me. She was also to keep something on and listen for sounds of me in danger. Then he clicked something and she nodded. Lara bid us both farewell and entered her room. We entered our room and even though I was sure this was the same room I has slept in, and got sick in before, it looked so different to me now. I looked at Oliver and asked, "Is this the same room we were in before?"

"Yes Alexis," he said smiling. "Tell me what you see."

The room was beautiful. Now I understood why he had brought me here the first time. The bed was large with what appeared to be a purple comforter. I smiled as purple is my favorite color. The chairs that I thought were white, were black and appeared to be quite plush. The walls were a soft yellow color that enhanced the comforter. A large window was across from me, I could see more space, and more stars. I began describing these things to Oliver, including the wall colors, the window's view, and the things I didn't see before like the small table by the chairs, the shelves on the wall, and a picture. At first I didn't recognize it, but as I got a closer look, I realized it was the picture that was taken of us that first night we were together over three years ago.

I smiled as I remembered. We had been walking through the city after dinner in that fateful restaurant, and there was a street fair wrapping up. A young photographer was trying to earn some money but wasn't getting much business. He couldn't have been more than 20 years old, and I don't know why but we decided to let him take our picture. We sat next to each other on the small bench, holding hands. The photographer took a few pictures of us and I remembered that this was the best of the bunch. I wanted to buy this one, but I didn't have any cash and Oliver said all he had was plastic. Yet, here it is, on his shelf. I reached up and held the picture in my hands, looking down at it, and touched the edge of the frame.

"You know, it took me a week to find that young man again and buy that from him," said Oliver.

I looked up at him and smiled. "Was this here all the time?"

"Yes," he said. "I thought you didn't notice it because you were tired and you had complained of being lightheaded. Then we woke, you were so ill that it was pushed from my mind."

"What about the other pictures?" I asked.

"They weren't as nice as this one so I had them destroyed for our protection. But not before I sent several other couples to have him take their pictures, using this to show what a remarkable young photographer he was."

"Did you know about the trackers then?" I asked.

"Yes and no," he said. "I knew my father would send trackers for me eventually, but I had no idea he'd send two such ruthless monsters. That's why I asked him to destroy the other pictures and not use this one. Actually, I paid him handsomely for his silence, explaining that you had a jealous ex-lover who might try to bring you harm. Since I brought him so much extra business, he was happy to keep our secret."

I set the picture back on the shelf and sat on one of the chairs. "Has anyone else seen this picture?" I asked.

"No one on this ship," said Oliver shaking his head sitting in the other chair. "These are my private quarters and no one is allowed in here without my permission."

"But you said there is a tracker on the ship," I said. "If you have a spy on your ship, isn't it possible that he snuck in here and saw the picture?"

Oliver sat back in the chair and seemed to be thinking about my words. He rested his elbows on the arms of the chair, and slipped his fingers within themselves, keeping his index fingers pointed up and touching. He pressed his fingers against his lips and sighed. "I had never considered anyone on my ship until now, but you may have a point. If the tracker on the ship found this picture, then that could explain how they found you so easily. My guardians had kept their distance for your protection, and they blended in the crowd."

"Is there any way you could track who has been in your quarters?" I asked.

"I'm not sure," he said. "But after we've had a good rest period I will find out. Come, I wish to hold you again and rest with you in my arms. I have never shared a rest period with a female companion before, but I wish I had done it much sooner. I seem to enjoy the rest period more when I am holding you."

I smiled as I rose from the chair. "I won't lie, I have but I've never had some hold me like you did after I vomited. Except maybe my mother, that is." The memory of my mom flashed through my mind.

"I was worried. I had never seen anyone do that before like you did."

"You did see what triggered that didn't you?" I asked.

"Yes," he said. "I must admit watching myself be murdered was quite horrid."

"Yeah," I said. "It's the part that I hate the most, I think."

"I would have thought what happened after would have been what you hated," he said.

"I won't lie, it's not my favorite part either," I said and touched Oliver's face. "But I can live through that. Losing you again though, I think that would kill me."

Oliver took my hands and looked deep into my eyes, or filters as I was pretty sure they were still pretty dark. "Come, let us rest."

Oliver pulled back the blankets while I slipped off my shoes and set them just under the chair. I removed my pants, folded them, and put them in the chair just as Oliver had done the night before, then climbed into the bed. This time, Oliver climbed into the bed next to me, and kissed my hair.

"I can see you enjoyed bathing today."

"I did," I said. "You were right; it is a rather enjoyable experience."

"I wish you didn't have to wear these filters on your eyes," he said touching the small frames. "Though I must admit I've never seen them so small."

"The ones Byer wanted me to wear looked too much like the ones Fleck and Wyman always wore and I just couldn't wear them, so he made these for me."

"I'm glad," said Oliver, "These are so much nicer and don't cover up so much of your beautiful face."

I smiled and felt my cheeks burn. "Thanks."

"Did you mention this to Byer?" he asked.

"You mean the sunglasses? Yeah, I told him."

He stroked my hair and looked into my filters. "I wish I could see your eyes, but if this works, I'll see them soon enough."

We laid back on the bed and soon the room was dark. The filters must only work with light as I was now blind like I was before. I gasped and felt panic start to rise in my chest again as I sat up. I felt Oliver's arms pull me down and tighten around me as he said, "Don't be scared Alexis, I'm here and I'm not going anywhere."

I lay against his bare chest, and just as I began to wonder where his shirt went, I drifted off to sleep.



Parent-Teacher Conference Ch. 10



The Evening Alone

For the next week, our journey seemed to go rather uneventful. Lara was my constant companion while Oliver ran the ship. I hadn't realized that not only was he their prince, but also the ship's captain. I never heard anyone call him by any formal title, unless that was the clicking sound I heard, but it all sounded the same to me. Everyday Lara showed me different parts of the ship so that by the end of my second technical week on board, I'd seen the entire ship and met most of the crew members. Everyone I'd met were so friendly and as curious about me as I was about them. I learned how the ship's engines work, where they exercise, rest, bathe, and more. I made regular visits to Iman and Byer so they could check my health and ensure that I was not suffering from other symptoms that might have been leftover from the original injuries.

My filters faded quickly and finally, the day came when Byer said he thought I was ready to have them removed. Oliver had wanted to come with me when this day arrived, but he had a ship to run so it fell to Lara to be there. The removal didn't take as long as I feared, but finally being able to touch my eye lids again felt wonderful. We celebrated by enjoying a long hot bath before my private dinner with Oliver.

Valente was already there when we arrived and she talked to us about what has been going on with the investigation on the tracker, which as far as I could tell, hadn't seen much progress. It turned out that I was right about the tracker finding the picture Oliver had in his quarters, but the tracker was able to keep his identity hidden. Sadly, since the device was removed from my body, any chance they had to figure out who was sending messages to Fleck and Wyman were also lost. Even though this opportunity was lost, I wasn't sorry. The nightmares had stopped and even though Oliver and I hadn't made love since my arrival, I'd never felt more loved.

I enjoyed being able to wash my face and hair as we chatted about how we were days from their home world. Lara helped me pick out a nice sexy gown and styled my hair as we prepared for my private dinner with Oliver. This was the first time since I had my filters put on that we'd had such a private meal, and I would also like to end our evening doing more than just cuddling. I mean, it wasn't that I'm a sex fiend, it's just, since the nightmares had stopped, I'd wanted to enjoy some quiet intimate time with Oliver that we hadn't been able to have due to all the work he must do to run the ship. The dinners were set on the small table and Lara stood guard outside of our room. She knocked once so I knew when he was close and I stood by the window with my back to the door. I heard the door slide open as I looked out at the universe.

I felt Oliver's hand on my shoulder as he said, "Good evening Alexis."

I turned around and said, "Good evening Oliver."

He gasped, "You're eyes. They're beautiful."

I smiled and said, "Thank you. Byer was surprised how fast they healed."

"As am I," said Oliver, touching my face. Then smelt the air. "What smells so good?"

"Dinner," I smiled. "I thought we could have a quiet night in."

Okay, maybe not quiet, but a night in, just the two of us was what I really want. Oliver smiled a wicked smile at me. "Why Ms. Perry, I do not think you're being fully truthful with me."

I tried to fain ignorance. "I have no idea what you mean Mr. Stone. Shall we eat?"

We sat in the plush black chairs and enjoyed a romantic dinner of foods that are of his world. I don't know what they were called, but thanks to Lara, I was able to find what he liked best and have them prepared. Lara and I worked hard to keep this evening private so she stood guard at our door which usually meant I was alone in the room and Oliver was working somewhere on the ship. Except tonight, she was there to ensure our privacy. The meal was quite enjoyable and soon, the electricity between is unmistakable. Oliver leaned over and kissed me the way he did that night in the restaurant, only this time, he doesn't apologize and we're not behind a red curtain.

"Oh Alexis," he said breathlessly. "We don't need to be quiet this time."

"I know," I giggled.

With that, he scooped me up into his arms and kissed me as he carried me the short distance to the bed. He slipped the gown over my head and it fell onto the floor in a heap. I, in turn, removed his shirt. There I sat in bra and panties, and he in his pants. I kissed down his neck and ran my fingers over his chest. My fingers ran softly over his hair as he pushed me back and kissed my forehead, then pulled me up and kissed me deeply. Our tongues danced in an erotic coupling and I felt my heart race.

His touch was gentle as he rubbed my arms, then reached behind me and unhooked my bra as my fingers gently went up and down his back. I felt the straps slide down my arms as my breasts sprung free. I brought my arms around and soon my bra was off and I heard it hit the floor as his hands began to caress me. My nipples became erect under his fingertips as he gently tugged on them. I gasped at the sensation and began pushing off his pants, freeing his erection. He pushed me down onto the bed and began kissing down my neck, nibbling his way down to my breasts. I moaned softly as he kissed his way to my left nipple, then suckled it gently. My hand grabbed fistfuls of his hair as he kissed my chest and moved across to my right breast and nipple. He came back up my neck and kissed me again.

I pushed his pants off the rest of the way and he kicked them to the floor. My hands slid down his back, I grabbed his firm ass, then reached under him and began stroking his penis. It felt so thick and hard in my fingers and I couldn't decide if I wanted it deep inside me, or in my mouth. I pushed him onto his back and began kissing down his chest, down his stomach, and along the hair trail to my destination. I heard Oliver moan and gasp as I took his cock and slid it into my mouth. He seemed surprised at first, but then laid back and seemed to enjoy what I was doing. I licked the tip, enjoying the salty taste of what I would call that the leaky semen fluid that men expel. I took him in as far as I could, while avoiding my natural gag reflex, occasionally letting my teeth drag along the sides.

His hands grabbed my hair, as he seemed to guide my head. I felt his penis thicken in my mouth and soon he pulled me off, flipped me over, and was on top of me. He kissed my mouth and placed his legs between mine. There was the familiar sound of a foil packet, then I felt the pressure against my sex, I reached down and guided him into me. He slowly entered, filling me, expanding me, until he was fully in. Feeling him inside me, I moaned. We kissed and he began to move, slowly, in and out. He pulled his chest up, putting his weight on his arms, and looked down at me. His eyes were burning with desire as our bodies began to perform our erotic dance. I wrapped my legs around his hips as he began to speed up. He kissed me again as I felt my climax building. I moaned louder and he smiled. I felt his pace increase and soon, I was at the brink of my climax. I looked up at him and he seemed to know what my words could not express.

He leaned into me and whispered in my ear, "Don't hold back this time, let it out."

His words were enough for me and my body exploded around him. I screamed his name in ecstasy as my body violently shook. I felt him join me in a climax for the ages. I was sure we had shaken the entire ship, but neither of us cared.

He was resting on my body, panting; my legs slid down and fell onto the bed. We were spent, and sexually satisfied. I was holding him, but I had no strength in my arms. He raised his head and kissed me softly. "Oh Alexis," he whispered, "that was amazing. You're amazing."

I smiled, I doubted I could talk while he was on my chest, but I decided to try. "Thanks," I said breathlessly.

He slid off and his penis fell out of me. He lay next to me, and smiled. "In all my years, I have never had sexual relations with a female that makes me feel the way you do."

I smiled and blushed. "I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing."

"Oh my dear Alexis Perry," he whispered as he pulled me into his chest and the room went dark. "It's a good thing. A very good thing."

That night, we made love three more times before he had to leave to run the ship the next morning. Our room smelled heavy with sex, and I blushed when Lara came in to escort me to breakfast and a bath. She didn't say anything, but we both knew what had occurred, and she seemed to smile her understanding.

Oh yeah, I knew I was definitely in love.



Parent-Teacher Conference Ch. 11



The Betrayal

We were due to arrive on his world in two days, and because of this Oliver and I have seen very little of each other. We hadn't made love since then night I got my filters off because he rarely returned to our quarters and if he did, he came just to sleep, and hold me. However, the nights he was not with me seemed to trigger the nightmares again. I chose not to tell him because he had so much on his plate that I don't wish to worry him. Lara and I have become friends and she was the one person, other than Oliver, I could talk to about anything, except the nightmares. I didn't tell her because I knew she would tell Oliver and he'd be angry with me for not telling him first, though I suspected she knew.

I learned that Lara wanted to follow her father's example and be the first female guardian in her family. Her mother on the other hand, didn't want her only daughter to do so because guardians usually had shorter than normal lifespans and the number of guardian widows was rather high. I finally revealed that I knew her father died protecting me, and that I didn't blame her brother for the mistake he made. Valente also seemed to want to talk to me a lot, but seemed to get annoyed that Lara was always around. Maybe it was jealousy, though I wasn't really sure.

Like so many nights before, Oliver told me he would not be joining me in our quarters (he now calls it 'our quarters,' not 'his') during his normal rest period, as he must stay near the helm. There had been sabotage on some of the ship's equipment since the search for the tracker had intensified after Fleck's message to us, but to no avail. Oliver was afraid that Fleck will follow through with his threat and has insisted I not explore the ship any more until the tracker was captured. I was disappointed as I was learning so much about his ship and how it worked, but I understood his concern so I did as he asked. I was allowed to visit Iman and Byer to ensure my health was still good, and the rest quarters of a few others I had become friends with so I took full advantage of this. Being that I was able to visit with my new friends helped me to not feel quite like I was under house arrest, and made my separation from him a bit more bearable. Since Oliver was working all night, I decided to give Oddo and Valente some one-on-one time that they seemed to both be craving from me so badly. These visits are the only time I didn't have to have Lara in tow. Even though I really enjoyed her company, I like spending time with other creatures and hearing their stories.

My visit with Oddo went well and I had sent Lara away so she can get some much-needed rest. When Lara came to collect me for dinner, Oddo decided to join us. The three of us enjoyed a pleasant meal together but the tension that everyone on the ship was under could be felt. We arrived at Valente's room and Lara offered to stand watch but I told her to get some rest as she was on duty all night, per Oliver's orders and this was my last visit for the night. Lara thanked me, headed to her quarters and said she will return for me, so I knew I had about two hours at most. Just as Lara reached the end of the hallway where she boarded the elevator, Valente's door opened and she squealed, "Alexis Perry! I'm so happy to see you!"

"Hi Valente," I said.

She moved aside to let me into her room. Her room, like Oddo's room, reminded me of Oliver's with the bed, two chairs, and table, but smaller. I heard soft music playing and I saw a bottle with two glasses sitting on her small table. "What is that?" I asked.

"Flinchwick I think," she said. "It's music from our world. Have you not heard it before?"

"No," I said. "But then again, since Oliver's been trying to find the tracker, he's been pretty side-tracked."

Valente poured an amber liquid into each glass as she sat in one of the chairs and handed me a glass. "How so?"

"He hardly sleeps during rest period, we haven't talked much, and now my movements are restricted," I explained as I sat in the other chair.

"Really?"

"Yeah," I said taking a drink. "Thanks. In fact, you're one of the few creatures I'm allowed to see without Lara."

"Yes," she said with an odd tone to her voice. "Where is Lara at anyway?"

"I sent her to her quarters. She's got an all-night guard duty session tonight, so I told her to rest." I was wondering why Valente even cared so much. "Besides, I thought you didn't like Lara that much."

"What?" asked Valente as her voice raised a few octaves. "Whatever gave you that idea?"

"You seem to tense up when she's around," I said taking another drink.

"Lara and I have not always been the best of friends," she said. "And maybe I just want to spend a little quality time with you and not you and her."

I smiled and finished my drink. "That's so sweet of you."

"More?" she asked.

"Sure," I said. "Aren't you thirsty?"

Valente took her glass and said, "Let's have a toast, like you Earth creatures do. To new friends and new adventures."

"Cheers!" I said as we clink glasses.

I began drinking this second glass, but I was not feeling so well. I started to wonder why it seemed that Valente wasn't drinking from her glass. I started to think something was wrong. Valente stood up and moved around the room while my head started to feel a bit fuzzy, like I'd been drinking several straight shots of tequila. My restricted access had limited my ability to learn about what they drink and what was considered an 'alcoholic' drink and what wasn't. I start to think that maybe this was like whiskey, but better tasting.

"So, are you excited about seeing our world soon?" she asked.

"Yeah," I slurred. "I'm... really... looking... forward... to... it."

The glass fell from my hand and my head was really spinning. "What's wrong Alexis Perry? You don't look well?" Her voice was distant, like I was in a long tunnel.

"Call..." I felt my body fall to the floor hard as everything went black. 




Parent-Teacher Conference Ch. 12



The Message

I was in the dark, my brain was still cloudy, I tried to move my arms but they seemed to be above my head. My eyes fluttered open and I saw I was in a dark room and I felt some metal bands around my wrists. I pulled and I heard what sounded like chains rattling.

'Think Alexis, think! I remember I was on a space ship, with Oliver. He brought me here because... I was... attacked, nearly killed. We were nearing his world. Lara, my guardian, she... I sent her away... to rest... and I was... having drinks with Valente. VALENTE?!? Oh god, SHE'S THE TRACKER!!! She's the spy!'

A large metal door opened and light poured in. I had to blink several times to get my eyes to adjust, and there enters my worst nightmare, Agent Fleck. Only now, he was no longer wearing his sunglasses, and I saw why. His eyes were more like dark slits and it confirmed what I feared, he was more lizard than man.

"Well, well, well. Look who's finally awake."

"Fleck," I growled. "Always an unpleasant surprise."

"I told you Ms. Perry," Fleck hissed. "I never fail."

"It would seem that way," I said.

"Once I have secured the item from Stone, I will complete what I started with you in your apartment."

Fleck seemed to be enjoying himself a bit too much, so I said, "But how will Oliver even know you have me? I'm sure by now he's figured out Valente was your mole."

Fleck smiled at me. "Hmm, I don't think so Ms. Perry."

"Why?" I asked.

"Because once you were in our possession, she drank the liquid so they would think she was poisoned too," he said laughing.

'DAMN!' "So you think Oliver's just going to hand over the object without being sure I'm alive?"

"Good point Ms. Perry," said Fleck considering my words. "Perhaps a video is in order. Hope you're ready for your close-up."

With that, he turned and left me alone in this dungeon. 'Oh god, how could I have been so trusting? Oh Lara, I hope you're not going to be punished beyond words when Oliver finds out you weren't with me. But then again, he did say I could visit Valente without you. OH VALENTE! If I ever see you again, I will kill you.' Now I understood why Oliver wanted to kill Fleck. Suddenly, capital punishment made sense, and I was with Oliver. 'Oh, Oliver! Why didn't I tell you how much I love you?' I shook my head in disgust, angry with myself for being so foolish and guarded with my feelings.

Then a plan started to form in my mind. Fleck said he would use me on the video. Perhaps he would even let me talk. I didn't think he would try to rape me on the video, as he wanted Oliver here to watch it live so I was hopeful this would work. Oliver was pretty smart so it might just work. Now, I just had to be careful as Fleck was no idiot either and if he figured out what I was up to, it may cost me more than my ass. I sat back and tried to make myself as comfortable as possible. I looked around but the room was too so dark to see much of anything. My eyes were still trying to adjust to the darkness again when the door opened and Agent Fleck, with Agent Wyman at his heels entered carrying what looked like video equipment. "Oh look," I said as I squinted. "You brought your bitch. Oh wait, my mistake, it's just Agent Wyman."

Fleck's hand moved so fast I didn't see it coming, but I felt it as it struck my face hard causing me to cry out. "Oh Ms. Perry, I see your mouth still does not know when to stop."

I smiled though the pain and said, "Got a problem with the truth now?"

SMACK! 'I'm really getting tired of him thinking I'm a fucking piñata at a kid's party.'

"Now Ms. Perry," he hissed. "You're going to relay a message to Mr. Stone for us. Any funny business and I won't wait for him to join us. Understand?"

"Yeah," I said, "I understand."

Wyman came over and positioned me the way Fleck seemed to want me. This included tearing my shirt so my left breast and bra could be seen. "Welcome back Ms. Perry," sneered Wyman.

"Agent Wyman," I said coolly.

It was now that I saw his eyes were like Flecks, snake-like slits. This just confirmed what I saw in my nightmares and I shivered. Wyman stepped away as Fleck spoke.

"Now Ms. Perry, this is going to be short and sweet. You're going to tell Stone that he is to bring me the object himself, alone in one Earth hour. No guardians, no tricks, or I'll be sending him your heart in a box. Do you understand?"

I swallowed knowing he was completely serious and he would be taking his revenge on me before he ripped my heart out. Flashes of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom ran though my memory.

"Yeah," I whispered. "I think I've got it."

"Okay Ms. Perry," Fleck smiled "It's show-time."

Wyman moved by the door and suddenly I realized I didn't have all the details I needed. "WAIT!" I cried.

"What?" snapped Fleck.

"Does he know where 'here' is?" I asked.

Fleck drew his hand back, then paused. "Good point Ms. Perry. I really thought you were just being cheeky but I see the logic of your question."

SMACK! I cried, "WHAT THE HELL?"

"Why waste the momentum," said Fleck. "I'll take care of the 'here' as you call it. You tell him to take the small shuttle and I'll take care of the rest."

"Got it," I said.

Fleck turned to Wyman, then paused and looked back at me. "Anything else I missed Ms. Perry?"

I shook my head and said, "No, I think you've covered it. Unless you want me to remind him not to communicate with any other guardians."

Now Fleck and Wyman both look confused. Wyman asked, "What do you mean?"

Yeah, Oliver was right, Wyman was defiantly not the brains of this group. "Well, when I was with Valente last, we were less than two days from his planet. Now, I have no idea how long I've been here as I've been unconscious, but I'm sure he's close enough now that he could easily communicate with some new guardians."

Fleck glared at me and asked, "What are you up to Ms. Perry?"

"Nothing," I said hoping he believed me. "I just know if it were me, I'd be wanting some guardian back up."

Fleck seemed to consider my words carefully and said, "Ms. Perry, I must say, you are not as stupid as I once thought. Perhaps when this is all over I shall keep you as my concubine."

I swallow at the unpleasant thought and asked, "Perhaps. But then whose heart will you send Oliver?"

SMACK! I cried out from the pain. 'Damn that hurts!'

"Don't push me Ms. Perry," he warned.

"Fine," I said stretching my jaw. "I'm ready when you are."

Fleck turned to Wyman. "Let's get this over with."

Wyman positioned what I believed was the camera, pushed some buttons, and pointed to Fleck. Fleck smiled into the camera and started. "Hello Stone. I have someone here who'd like to say something to you."

Fleck stepped aside and Wyman focused the camera on me, and then pointed. That was my cue. "Greetings Oliver Stone," I said, keeping my voice as flat and unemotional as possible. "Agent Fleck and Agent Wyman have captured me and are holding me prisoner. If you wish to keep me alive, you must follow these communications correctly. You are to bring the item the Queen gave you to Agent Fleck and Agent Wyman. Take the small shuttle and Agent Fleck will give you further instructions once you leave the ship. Do not communicate with any guardians from your planet or bring any guardians with you. Failure to comply with these communications will result in a box being delivered," I swallowed hard before I said, "with my heart in it. You have one Earth hour to comply with these communications."

Fleck stepped back in front of the camera and slapped me hard causing me to cry out in pain again. Then he turned to Wyman and said, "As you can see Stone, I have no problem hurting her. You have one hour."

Fleck nodded his head and Wyman pushed some buttons and nodded. Wyman gathered the equipment and Fleck turned and said, "Well done Ms. Perry. We'll see you in an hour."

Fleck turned on his heels and left, slamming the door behind him. I sighed and leaned back against the wall. 'Oh Oliver,' I prayed, 'please, please, catch my clues and rescue me. Please.' I felt my tears roll down my cheeks.



Parent-Teacher Conference Ch. 13



The Rescue

It was the longest hour of my life. Every sound I heard made me jump. I couldn't sleep, I couldn't relax. I could barely think. The metal cuffs cut deeper into my skin and blood dripped down my arms. I knew my hour was up when the door opened and Wyman came in.

"Show-time Ms. Perry," he said with joy.

He grabbed the chains and lifted me to my feet. It felt like my arms were being ripped out at my shoulders, and it made me cry out in pain. He smiled and kissed me hard. "Maybe I'll get my turn before he rips your heart out."

"You never know," I said and sent my knee forcefully into his groin.

He buckled and I kicked him again, forgetting he was holding my chains so when he went down, he took me with him and I cried out in pain.

"BITCH!" he roared. "I'll kill you myself!"

Wyman pulled my chains and I slid on the ground screaming in pain when we heard, "WYMAN!"

Fleck was standing at the door. Wyman quickly stood up and pulled me off the floor again. It seemed Fleck wasn't too happy with his partner in crime. He said nothing, just quietly led us from my dungeon, down a long dark hall, to what looked like a small arena. It took my eyes a few moments to adjust to the light after being in darkness for so long but when I saw it, I shuddered. It looked like the island from my apartment, but it wasn't. I saw large metal hooks on the side and the countertop didn't look as smooth as mine.

"Like it Ms. Perry," said Fleck. "I had it made just for you."

"You shouldn't have," I snap.

Fleck sneered, "Chain her up!"

Wyman dragged me to the island and hooked each one of my chains to the metal hooks so my arms were stretched across the island's rough surface and my chest rested against it, forcing me to stand on my toes. My head hung just over the island so I couldn't rest it, but had to hold it up. Wyman smiled down at me, grabbed my head and thrust his groin into my face.

"Oh yeah," he hissed, "I'm going to enjoy this Ms. Perry."

He walked away and I saw Fleck smiling at me. He walked up and said, "You look so good like this Ms. Perry."

"I'd like to see you like this," I said.

"Now, now Ms. Perry," Fleck sneered. "Is that any way to talk with our guest arriving?"

"Guest?" I asked.

"Why yes," said Fleck. "Observe."

Fleck stepped aside and I saw two lizard-like creatures bring a in a man locked in a metal cage. As they come further in, I realized it was Oliver, and there are two more creatures behind him. The creatures set the cage down onto the ground.

"OLIVER!" I cried out and pulled on my restraints causing them to cut deeper into my wrists.

Oliver looked at me but didn't smile. 'No! He didn't figure out my clues.' He looked angry and I wasn't sure who his anger was aimed at. Fleck seemed pleased at this as he said, "Ah, Stone. So nice of you to join us."

Oliver just glared at Fleck, but said nothing. 'Something's not right, but what is it?' I wasn't sure what was wrong or why so I just watched. Fleck continued, "I believe you have something for me Stone."

Oliver nodded and that was when I caught it. 'It's not Oliver!' I wasn't sure who it was but I was sure it wasn't 'my' Oliver. I resisted the urge to smile which was pretty easy as the metal cuffs were digging deeper into my wrists, my toes were cramping from the way I'm forced to stand, and the rough surface of the island dug into my stomach and breasts. The faux-Oliver pulled a small box out, reached between the bars, and handed it to Fleck. Fleck opened the box and smiled. Whatever was in that box was what he expected to find.

"I must admit Stone, I didn't think you'd come, nor did I think you'd bring the ring. Guess you care for this human more than I realized. Now, I wonder why. Why do you care so much for this inferior creature? I mean, she's not all that attractive, but I've heard she's quite the freak. Perhaps it's time for me to find out for myself."

Now that had my attention. 'Where the hell is Oliver?' Wyman grabbed something and I realized it was the same camera from earlier. 'Oh no! They're going to film this?' I started tugging on my restraints as I linked my ankles.

"Oh yes Ms. Perry," hissed Fleck. "Please struggle. I like it when my female prey fights."

"Like I'm doing this for you, you monster," I growled.

Fleck walked behind me and I felt his hands on my hips, but they weren't normal, they felt rather scaly. I looked over my shoulder and I realized that the images I'd been seeing in my nightmares were a preview of what to expect. Only now, it was real. I heard the fabric of my shirt tear and felt a split tongue licked my back. I shuddered under the feeling, and wanted to vomit. I looked up at the caged faux-Oliver, but he seemed to not be watching. Fleck noticed as well.

"Oh no, no, no. This will not do, Stone. Where's the fun if you're not watching?"

The faux-Oliver didn't seem to respond. Fleck stood up. "Something's not right. WYMAN!"

Wyman walked over to the faux-Oliver, and just as he touched the cage, his body convulsed and he fell to the ground. "What the-"

Fleck was interrupted by screams and battle cries that came from all over and the room was filled with guardians wielding all kinds of unique weapons. The lizard guards ran from the cage and began fighting the invading guardians. Then I saw Lara and Oliver running in.

"OLIVER!" I scream.

Oliver saw me and started to run toward me when Fleck moved with lightning speed and blocked him. "Oh no you don't Stone!"

They started to fight and Lara ran up to me. She dodged and hit lizard-like creatures, and released the chains from the hooks. I fell to the floor, feeling the island cut and scrape my clothes and skin as Oliver and Fleck continued to fight. Lara hugged me first, and removed the cuffs from my bloody and raw wrists.

"Thanks," I said.

"I swore to protect you," she said. "I'm just sorry I let you down."

Rocks fell around our heads as a lizard guard's body hit the island. "Let's talk about this later, shall we."

Lara grabbed my hand and we ran to what I would call a cabinet with a table. "Stay here!" said Lara.

I nodded my head and watched as she ran into the fight. Then I saw a guardian thrown into the cabinet, falling dead at my feet. The cabinet popped open, and inside I saw the suits that Fleck and Wyman wore when I first met them. But that wasn't what caught my eye. 'A revolver?' I didn't remember either of them carrying a gun, but then again, I didn't get that close to either one of them. Carefully, I reached over the dead guardian whose name I never knew, grabbed the gun and checked. I saw it was loaded. I guess my learning how to handle a gun during college was finally going to be an asset. I looked around and I saw Oliver and Fleck slugging it out, while more lizard-like creatures came into the arena and fought with the guardians. Lara had moved so that they came toward her and away from me. I understood why she was doing what she was doing. By being where she was at, the creatures would think I was near her and thus, she was keeping me safe.

The fighting continued, the guardians seemed to be winning, though I'd seen a few fall to the ground and not get up, like the one by my feet, and there are more lizard-like creatures falling and staying down. My focus turned to Fleck and Oliver. Chunks of Fleck's skin were lying on the ground and I saw the scaly skin that has haunted my nightmares. Oliver's face was bloody and cut. I wasn't sure if he was winning or not. I watched him hit Fleck over and over again and I think I saw Fleck's skin break. Then Oliver was knocked to the ground.

I screamed, "OLIVER!"

That got the attention of the lizard-like creatures and they started coming toward me. The guardians started to create a wall in front of me and the fighting continued. Lara ran over to me, moved me away from the fighting line, and hid me again, screaming, "Stay here and for Loquitia's sake STAY QUIET!"

I nodded and she took off for where the fighting was. The lizard-like creatures didn't seem to notice her moving me. Once again, I watched Oliver fighting with Fleck. Oliver hadn't given up and now it looked like Fleck was wearing down. Then Fleck grabbed something and rammed it into Oliver's stomach. I gasped and covered my mouth with my hand to keep from screaming. Oliver fell to his knees onto the floor and I heard Fleck laughing.

"Oh Stone, I told you before. I never fail."

Oliver, wounded on the floor, looked up at Fleck and said, "But you already have."

Fleck stood up straight and asked, "What are you talking about Stone?"

"Did you think for one moment I'd give up my mother's gift so easily?" teased Oliver.

Fleck's lizard-like face was hard to read but I was sure he was confused. "What are you talking about Stone?"

"My mother didn't give me a ring," said Oliver with a smile and a slight cough.

I smiled big as I realized Oliver has gotten the best of Fleck. Fleck screamed out in rage. Oliver grabbed what I would call a spear and threw it into Flecks chest. Fleck stopped screaming almost instantly, made a gagging sound, grabbed the spear, and fell face forward jamming the spear deeper into his body. Oliver fell back onto the ground for a moment, smiling, then started to stand, struggling. I wanted so badly to run to him, but I knew that it would draw the attention of the lizard-like creatures, so I stayed where I was. I looked over and most of the creatures were defeated. I looked back at Oliver and I saw him stand. He looked at me and smiled. Then I saw his face change and contort as he fell and Wyman was standing behind him smiling an evil smile.

"NOOOOO!" I screamed.

I looked down at Oliver with what seemed to be a knife in his back and I snapped. There was a series of explosions followed by some clicks. It was only when Lara touched my arm that I realized I had fired the gun in my hands that I had found in the metal cabinet. I realized that had emptied the gun and Wyman was lying by Oliver, dead. Suddenly, the arena began to spin around me, the gun fell from my hands, and everything went black.



Parent-Teacher Conference Ch. 14



My Wounded Hero

I was lying on a firm bed. I'd been here before, I knew it. My eyes fluttered open and I realized I was in the same bed I first woken up in, only now the room wasn't white, but pale green. I looked around the room while I tried to remember what had happened. In my mind, I saw flashes of the dungeon, Fleck and Wyman, the video, the arena, the fighting.

"OLIVER!"

I climbed out of the bed and of course, the alarms started going off, and I didn't care. My shoulders screamed in pain, and my hands are barely working, but I didn't care. I had to find Oliver. Iman and Rashad came running in and turn off the alarms.

"Alexis Perry," snapped Iman. "What do you think you are doing?"

"Where is he?" I asked.

"Alexis Perry," said Iman, "you need to get back in bed and allow us to examine you."

"Where IS he?" I demanded.

Rashad looked at me and said, "Alexis Perry, you-"

"WHERE THE HELL IS HE?" I yelled.

Rashad and Iman looked at each other than at me. Iman said, "If we take you to him, will you then let me examine you, Alexis Perry?"

"Yes," I said quietly.

"Follow me," said Iman.

Iman and Rashad led me out of the room, across the hall, and into another room. There was Oliver, unconscious, hooked up to different machines. He looked so small, so helpless. I knew Iman wanted me back in my room, but I walked over to Oliver, and gently took his hand. His hand was warm, but it did not respond to my touch.

"Oh Oliver," I said as my tears began to fall. "There is so much I want to tell you. So much I want to say that I haven't. Please don't die." I leaned down and kissed his forehead, then his lips. My tears fell on his face. "Come back to me," I sobbed. "My life is nothing without you. I love you."

I stood up straight as I felt Iman's hand touch my back, turned, and walked out. As I returned to my room, I climbed onto the bed and realized my wrists were bandaged up. Iman and Rashad ran their checks as they had done before. Both of my shoulders were seriously damaged and it will be hard for me to move my arms for several days, possibly weeks. My wrists had been cut to the bones from the cuffs and it would take some time to heal. My face was only slight bruised and not nearly as damaged as the first time I was here and Iman feels it heal in a few days. My chest and stomach took the least amount of damage and had already healed. Iman ordered me to stay in bed. I told them both I won't unless I can be in Oliver's room. After some arguing, we compromised, I was allowed to spend one hour with Oliver, if I spent two hours in bed to let my shoulders rest, and my body heal. As they left, Lara entered, looking a bit sheepish.

"Greetings Alexis Perry," she said.

"Hi Lara," I replied.

"I'm happy to see you are awake," she said.

"Thanks," I said.

"Have you seen him?" she asked.

"Yeah," I said coldly. "I get one hour with him if I stay in this damn bed for two."

Her eyes twinkled. "Have you had your hour yet?"

I looked into her face and smiled. "No, I haven't."

"Well then, I believe you need to have your hour. May I escort you?"

"Yeah, please."

Lara helped me out of the bed and escorted me back into Oliver's room. She grabbed a chair, and sat it by his bed, then stepped out of the room. I knew she was guarding the door for me to ensure I would have my time. I knew she could hear me and I didn't care. I took Oliver's hand and squeezed with what little strength I had. Nothing. No response.

I took a deep breath, and spoke. "So, it seems that I've had both of my shoulders damaged, probably dislocated them both and tore the ligaments and tendons in them. My wrists were cut up pretty badly from the cuffs and I might suffering from extreme exhaustion. My chest isn't too badly damaged as I wasn't on the island too long. Also, they're not sure if the drug Valente gave me has any other lasting effects. I managed to convince them to give me an hour with you as long as I stay in bed for at least two. I wanted to have my bed moved into your room but Iman just wouldn't go for that no matter how hard I fought. I mean, the arrangement sucks but it's better than nothing.... I saw you kill Fleck... you were so brave."

My voice cracked as I sobbed, "Then... I saw Wyman... and... it was my nightmare all over again.... I had found a gun... they must have brought it back from Earth... and I had it to protect myself. But... when I saw you... fall... I don't know... one minute I'm looking at Wyman's evil smiling face, laughing at me, and the next, I'm firing an empty gun and he's lying on the ground dead.... Now you're here... and if you don't wake up soon... I'll have to go back to Earth alone. But know this, Oliver Stone... I'm taking that picture of us with me."

I chuckled. "I don't know if you figured out my message or not, I'm just glad you came to my rescue. I just wish I could have rescued you too.... Oh Oliver, there is so much I wish I had told you. So much I wish I had said. My stupid insecurities kept you from knowing how much I love you, how deeply in love I am with you. Now, you're lying here, and I can only hope... and pray, that you'll wake up soon. Please Oliver, wake up."

Oliver didn't move. He just laid there. I held his hand, prayed he would wake up soon, and told him stories of my life before him. I even started to share the memories that came back to me when Iman did the memory scan to find the device in my body. When Iman was finally able to come in, and told me my hour was up (even though I was sure I had more than an hour thanks to Lara), I went back to my room. Lara and I talked. She told me that she was suspicious of Valente when she learned I had gone missing. They searched the ship until the video message confirmed their worst fears. Oliver had caught my clues in the message and ordered Valente taken prisoner immediately. She refused to admit any involvement, but after a check of her station, they discovered the device she used to transmit information to Fleck, and how he was able to send that video message and spy on us.

Then she told me about how Oliver had a plan in case I was captured, and it only took a moment to put into action. Valente was smart, but didn't know any attempt to cloak an outgoing message had been blocked so it was intercepted by the guardians of the planet and they were in route to our ship when the shuttle was sent out. Oliver had it set to transmit all communications to our ship, and theirs. Fleck had overstepped by attacking Oliver, and the King was furious. The rumor was that the Queen was outraged, but no one was sure who she was angry with more, the King, Oliver, Fleck, or me. When Lara finished her story, she asked me to forgive her.

"Forgive you for what?" I asked.

"I put you in a situation of great danger," she said. "I am a guardian who has sworn to protect the creature with who I was asked to protect. I am your guardian, I have sworn to protect you, and I failed."

"Valente had all of us fooled," I said. "It wasn't until I woke in the dungeon that I realized she wasn't really my friend."

"Yes," said Lara. "Many were shocked when she was imprisoned. She was a good liar."

"And you didn't let me down," I said as I held her hand, or rather, let it rest in mine. "When I saw you running in with Oliver, I knew I was saved. But I do have one question."

"What?"

"Who's Loquita?"

Lara started to laugh. "Loquitia is what you would call a goddess. And I needed you to not yell anymore."

"Yeah... sorry about that," I giggled.

"It's okay," she said. "I doubt I could have done much better if I had been in you place."

I grimaced and asked, "What will happen to me if he dies?"

"I do not know," said Lara honestly. "It will depend on what the King and Queen decide."

I nodded my head and closed my eyes. There was so much to process. I felt tears welling up in my eyes. I told myself not to cry, but soon, I couldn't stop the flow of tears. I felt Lara's arms wrap around me and I heard her soothing words, almost song-like, assuring me everything will be all right, assuring me Oliver will be fine, just assuring me.



Parent-Teacher Conference Ch. 15



Meeting His Parents

I woke with a start. Something was wrong and I knew it. I had been in this "hospital" room now for about three days. I visited Oliver about five times a day, for my one-hour period with Lara guarding my door to ensure I got every minute of my hour. Yet, for some reason, I knew that deep in my gut, something was wrong. The alarms no longer ring when I get up so I slipped carefully out of my bed and walked over to Oliver's room. The door slid open and I screamed. Oliver was gone. I began searching Oliver's room for clues as to where he was at as Iman entered the room and touched my back.

"He is gone Alexis Perry," said Iman.

Tears fell from my eyes as I sobbed, "Why didn't you wake me? Why did you let me hold his hand so he wouldn't die alone?"

Rashad looked at me with a confused expression and said, "He is not dead Alexis Perry."

"What?" I asked confused.

"The Queen ordered he be taken home," said Iman. "It all happened rather quickly."

"He... he's home?" I asked.

"Yes Alexis Perry," said Iman, "and the King and Queen wish to see you."

"You're not going without me," said Lara as she stood by the doorway.

I smiled to see the only creature who I felt was on my side. "I want my clothes."

"I knew you would," said Lara.

Lara helped me dress as I could still barely move my arms. It felt nice to wear my jeans and t-shirt again and soon we were in a small shuttlecraft, flying to the planet's surface. My shoulders ached from my getting dressed and my frantic search for Oliver. Now was the first time I was glad I was wearing a short sleeved t-shirt so it didn't bother my wrists. Iman wanted my arms secured so I wouldn't cause more damage to my shoulders, but I refused. As the shuttle flew to the planet's surface, I looked around and saw a beautiful world with colorful plants and trees, well; they looked like trees, and large buildings. Creatures of all kinds seem to walk around freely, and pay little attention to our craft as we flew over.

We landed at what I presumed was the castle, or the home of the King and Queen. Lara and I were escorted from the craft and down a long hallway with unique carving and designs on the walls. I wondered if this was a history of their people or just artwork, but chose not to dwell on it. Soon, we entered a large room, what I would call a throne room, where I saw a large crowd had gathered. Our escorts led us through the crowd and stopped at the edge. Before us were two people, a man and a woman. They were dressed in bright colors, and wore what appeared to be fine jewels on their hands and around their necks. I heard the clicking sounds I had become familiar with and Lara leaned down and whispered, "We're being announced."

I nodded my head but said nothing. The King clicked back and the escorts stepped away. I started to follow but Lara grabbed my arm to stop me and I quickly understood. The King began to click at us and Lara put her hand up as to stop him. I heard what sounded like a gasp from the crowd behind us as Lara said in English, "My Lord, Alexis Perry does not understand our language and she will not be able to answer any of your questions."

The King looks furious and the Queen said, "So you are the one they call Alexis Perry from Earth."

"Yes Your Highness," I said with a quick curtsy. I heard a gasp from the crowd around us as everyone looked at me with a confused expression. I was like I'd just insulted the Queen. I looked at Lara and she had the confused expression on her face so I said quickly, "Forgive me. In my world, this is how we greet royalty."

The Queen smiled and said, "I see. Here that is seen as an act of disrespect and war."

"Oh," I said. 'Great! I'm getting off to a fantastic start with his parents.'

"My Queen," said Lara, "I am Lara. I am the sworn guardian of Alexis Perry."

The Queen raised her hand and said, "I know who you are Lara. Your father was a fine guardian. His loss was profound."

"Thank you my Queen," said Lara.

"So," I said, "you wanted to see me. What's this all about?"

Maybe it was because my body still ached from the pain, or the fact she'd stolen the man I love from me without warning, but I wasn't in the mood for the formal hullabaloo. The crowd gasped again and Lara nudged me, as if to tell me to be quiet. I raised my hand at her and ignored her. The King snapped, "Watch your tongue Earth creature."

"Hey!" I snapped. "You're not the first bully I've dealt with! I mean, just because you weren't willing to get your royal hands dirty doesn't mean I'm going to cow down to you now!"

"You need to show respect you inferior Earth creature or I will—"

"You'll what?" I barked. My temper was at its max and I just wasn't in the mood. "What more can you do to me that your psychotic nut-job trackers didn't already do? I've been tortured with nightmares from hell, beaten, kidnapped, choked to the brink of death, nearly raped multiple times, and I watched the only man I've ever truly loved beaten senseless and nearly killed before my eyes. SERIOUSLY! What the hell more can you do to me? Honestly, King, death would be a blessing at this point."

Before the King could respond, the Queen raised her hand to stop us and said, "What do you mean?"

"Oliver told me-"

"Who?" asked the Queen.

'Shit!' I didn't know his name and I only heard the clicking sound once that I recall. "Oliver, your son. That was the only name I have ever known him by," I said truthfully.

"She is speaking the truth my Queen," said Lara. "She has always called him Oliver."

"Continue please," said the Queen as she nodded her head.

I swallowed and spoke in a calmer voice. I realized my shoulders were starting to really hurt. "Oliver told me that he always wanted to explore space, and you encouraged him to do so. You even gave him a gift to give to the one he wanted for his life-mate. He also told me that the King hired these trackers to find me and to retrieve the item. What Oliver didn't know was who the trackers were, I knew as Fleck and Wyman, or just how ruthless they could be."

"Continue," said the Queen.

"Well," I said. I felt a bit braver, a bit calmer, but more achy and sore. "About three and a half Earth years ago, I met your son. He took me out for a magical night and then disappeared. He said to me later that he left because he feared the trackers would bring me harm, but he left some guardians behind to protect me, just in case."

"Wait," snapped the King. "What guardians?"

"My father and my brother, My Lord" said Lara coldly.

"When Oliver learned they had been killed he came back, only the trackers had already found me. One of them put this thing in my arm and used it to not only follow my movements, but torture me with these horrid nightmares. It was only when the trackers nearly killed me in my apartment that Oliver took me to his ship and had his medical staff heal me. They saved my life. It was then we learned there was a tracker on his ship and neither of us was safe."

"How did he find the tracker?" asked the Queen. I could tell I had her attention.

"When the trackers kidnapped Alexis Perry, she sent a coded message that told us who among us was the traitorous tracker," said Lara.

"Who was this traitor?" the Queen asked.

"Valente," Lara and I said together.

The Queen gasped and looked at the King. He seemed to shrink back into his chair but said nothing. "Continue," the Queen said.

"It was during the rescue attempt that Oliver got injured. He and Fleck fought hard while other guardians fought the creatures."

"Why was my son fighting?" snapped the Queen.

"We were under orders to fight all but the one called Fleck my Queen," said Lara.

"Continue," said the Queen.

"Oliver fought valiantly, and you would have been proud of him. He finally killed Fleck after he told him that the ring he sent wasn't the item you gave him. In Fleck's rage, Oliver was able to throw something into his chest, like a spear, thus killing him. After Fleck was dead, he stood up, and was looking at me, smiling, when Wyman stabbed him in the back."

"Continue," said the Queen.

Suddenly, I couldn't remember what happened next. 'Why? I could see Oliver rise from the floor, looking at me, smiling, his face changes, he falls, Wyman, then... DAMN!' My mind went blank. I looked up at Lara and mouthed, "Help."

"Alexis Perry used a weapon from her world and killed the one called Wyman," said Lara finishing my story.

"Wait... What? I shot Wyman?" I remembered finding the gun, then SNAP! I remembered everything. "I remember," I whispered.

"What was that?" asked the King.

I swallowed and said loudly, "I remember! Lara had hidden me by a cabinet. A dead guardian was thrown into the cabinet, and it popped open. I looked inside and found the gun with the suits that Fleck and Wyman had worn when I first met them. I grabbed the gun, checked it, and discovered it was loaded, so I took it to protect myself. I watched Oliver & Fleck, then Fleck stabbed Oliver with something and Oliver went down. That was when Oliver told Fleck he hadn't sent the actual gift. Shortly after, Oliver killed Fleck.

"When I saw Oliver kill Fleck, I thought it was over. I remember how he looked at me and smiled so sweetly one moment, and how horrid it looked when that smile disappeared and his face contorted. Then he fell forward and Wyman was standing behind him, laughing. Laughing at him. Laughing at me. Oliver was lying on the ground with what looked like a knife in his back and Wyman was laughing. I wasn't thinking, I just raised the gun, but it was so heavy, I had to grab it both hands, then I fired. Only, he didn't... he didn't fall, he just kept laughing and taunting me. So, I kept firing, again, and again until Lara touched me."

"When we heard the sounds of the weapon, we all stopped and watched," said Lara. "Then the sound of the weapon changed. I only stopped her because I could see her face becoming pale. I didn't know the weapon was no longer dangerous until I touched her arm, and she dropped it, and then collapsed into my arms. The remaining guardians captured the rest of the trackers' fighters, who put up little fight once they witnessed what had just occurred. We took our injured back to the ship for treatment, gathered our dead, and sent the prisoners to the incarceration quarters.

"Considering the injuries Alexis Perry sustained to her arms, it is amazing she was able to operate the weapon," said a voice from behind us.

The crowd gasped and parted as Iman and Rashad stepped forward and stood by us. "Iman? Rashad?" questioned the King. He did not look too happy to see them.

"My King. My Queen," said, Iman. "Alexis Perry is a brave Earth woman. Her only concern has been your son. She sustained great injury to her body and underwent traumas that would break a weaker creature, and her only concern has been your son, and his happiness."

The Queen nodded and said, "Thank you for that Iman. Alexis Perry, I have only one question for you."

"Okay," I said.

"Did my son give you the gift?" she asked.

My heart sunk. "No ma'am, he didn't."

The King seemed to perk up at this.

"Do you know what the gift is?" she asked.

"No ma'am," I said, feeling rather sick all of the sudden. "Oliver told me he couldn't tell me what it was unless he decided to give it to me."

Now the King was smiling, beaming even. He said, "Then you have to leave."

"What?" Lara and I exclaimed.

"He is correct," said the Queen. "I told my son he was to give the gift to the one he wished to share his life with. This was to be done before he came home, and she had to know what the gift was. I am sorry Alexis Perry, you must return to your home."

I wanted to protest, scream, argue, but I knew she was right. Oliver hadn't given me the item. I wasn't the one he wanted to share his life with. I was just an inter-galactic fling like all the others. I was his Earthling fuck. I was just like so many female creatures before me. I stood up straight and said, "I understand. How soon may I leave?"

The Queen's reaction surprised me, as if she expected me to fight, to argue, but the King quickly said, "We have a smaller ship that moves much faster and can have you back in half the time the ship that brought you here took."

I swallowed hard, hoping I could maintain my stoic front a little bit longer, "That will be fine, thank you."

"I wish to join Alexis Perry," said Lara quickly.

The audience gasped at this and the Queen asked, "May I ask why?"

Lara sighed and said, "I swore an oath to be the guardian of Alexis Perry. I fully intend to uphold this vow."

I smiled and hugged her. Lara stiffly patted me on the back. I didn't care what anyone thought. "Thank you," I whispered.

"No!" screamed the King as I jumped back.

The Queen raised her hand and said, "If you made an oath Lara, then you must honor it, as that is part of the guardian code. Now, I wish you a safe journey Alexis Perry."

"Wait!" I cried.

"What?" asked the Queen.

"I want to say goodbye to Oliver," I said.

"I'm sorry," said the Queen, "but that is not possible. Safe journey Alexis Perry."

It felt like I had just been kicked in the stomach. I knew no matter what, I wouldn't get to say goodbye to Oliver. I stood straight and nodded my acknowledgement. "Please take care of him, and tell him thank you for everything."

"I shall," said the Queen.

I turned around and started to leave, when I stopped. I turned back and faced the King and Queen one last time. "For what it's worth, your majesties, I do love your son. He is the only man I have ever loved, and the only man I ever will love."

The Queen smiled and said, "That Alexis Perry, I do not doubt."

Lara and I turned around and left. We were led from the room to a large bay with several ships. We were escorted to a small ship, told to board, and led to a room, with two beds. We were informed that this was where we'd be for the entire journey, and to not attempt to leave or explore the ship. Once Lara and I were alone, I saw a small package on the bed. I opened it and found my iPod, my cell phone, and the picture of Oliver and me he had in our rest quarters. I didn't even think to question how this was already here and waiting for me. As the ship began to move, and take flight, I took the picture from the box, wrapped it in my arms, threw myself onto the bed, and cried myself to sleep. 



Parent-Teacher Conference Ch. 16



Life Back on Earth

The trip took even less time that I had expected. Soon Lara and I were on Earth, and back at my old apartment. It looked just as it did before I left, before my attack. My floor safe was closed and undisturbed, but I knew the letters and notes were gone. I discovered that we had only been gone four weeks, not five weeks as I had thought. I introduced Lara to Earth culture including food, clothes, and I even taught her how to drive my car. The marks on my wrists were fading fast and I was sure by the start of school, no one could tell I had ever been hurt, physically. I got my land-lord to let me move a two bedroom apartment telling him that Lara was a long lost half-sister from my father, when he was in high school. We claimed she tracked me down wanting a relationship with me, as my father and her mother were dead. This was why I had been gone for the last four weeks without giving anyone any notice. Maybe it was because I was such a good tenant, or he was just taken by Lara's natural beauty, but he let me move, without increasing my rent or asking too many questions. My new apartment didn't have a kitchen island which I was grateful for.

Next was to get Lara the necessary paperwork so she could get a job. She wanted to work as near me as possible and I knew we needed a new campus security person so it would be a perfect fit. Now, I wasn't always an honest person, but for the most part, I am a good person, and I know the value of friendship. During college, I had started typing essays for a bit of side cash and in doing so met up with some shady characters who, when necessary, were willing to help me out from time to time. I wasn't someone who took advantage of this service often, as I rarely needed it, but now I had a serious need. With a few phone calls, and a small amount of cash (less that it might cost someone else), we had all the necessary paperwork to prove that Lara, now Lara Stone, was a citizen, a resident, and legally eligible to work. I won't lie, her choice of a last name stung, but since she couldn't use mine without it looking too suspicious, I accepted her choice. She said she chose Stone as her last name because of how much Oliver meant to both of us. My next step was to use what little influence I had to get her a job. As it turned out, my principal loved her and was more than willing to make her the newest member of the school's campus security team.

For the next year, Lara and I would carpool to and from work together. She became the students' favorite on the security team, especially when she had to break up a fight between two very large boys by picking them up and carrying them to the office. A picture of this somehow found its way into the yearbook. My principal was a man of his word. I got to keep the literature elective and the advanced English class. I was busier than I had ever been before. I taught creative writing, poetry, classic literature, Shakespeare, and so much more. I couldn't remember when I had worked harder or loved it more. Keeping so busy helped me ignore the pain deep inside my heart. It was only during those occasional down times that I had when I would dwell on the loss of Oliver. I even got permission to have my students perform two plays, 'A Christmas Carol' in the winter and 'The Diary of Anne Frank' for the end of the year.

However, there were challenges for me that I had neither expected nor anticipated. It seemed everywhere Lara and I went, I was seeing Oliver, or men who I thought were Oliver. I even chased one poor man for several blocks convinced it was Oliver, until Lara pulled me off and I realized it wasn't him. We started referring to these events as 'sightings' and it got to where if I had one, I'd tell Lara right away and she'd tell me why it wasn't Oliver. Usually it was the eyes, but occasionally it was other features, like skin tone or hair color. Sightings would trigger nightmares and it was rare that I didn't cry myself to sleep.

My self-imposed isolation also fed the rumors that Lara and I were lovers. The rumors circulated around the school, but I just ignored them. I knew the truth, I knew who had my heart, and whom I loved. Lara finally dispelled this rumor when she was seen kissing a man she'd met one night at a local bar we went to for a drink. It was nice to see her smile and pay attention to someone else, besides me and I didn't object when she asked to go on a date one night. I had research reports to grade and the idea of a quiet evening at home sounded good to me. Finals were in a week and the papers were the culmination of a year's work my students had done, and not having Lara here would allow me to finish much faster. I was wearing my yoga pants and an old t-shirt that I had cut the sleeves and collar off when the phone rang.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Alexis Perry," said a scratchy mechanical voice. It had a familiar tone to it.

"Yes?" I said.

Click. I looked at the phone and checked. Dead. 'Damn!' I grabbed my cell phone and called the phone company. A pre-recorded voiced said that they were aware of problems in my area and they were working on it. I wished I knew who called. I checked the caller ID but it said nothing. I figured it was part of the glitch with the phone so I went back to my papers. Lara returned from her date just after midnight and was just glowing. She quickly told me that her date went well and she tried to call but the phone wasn't working. I told her about my mysterious phone call, how when I contacted the phone company I got the message that said they were aware of the problem, and trying to fix it. We both concluded that the caller was probably just trying to sell me something and we headed off to bed.

I finished grading my papers, administered my finals, and watched my students perform a play I taught them. This school year was everything I had hoped it was and more, and yet, I still wasn't happy, and I knew why. I had everything I had ever wanted in my career, but not someone to share it with. I mean, Lara's a great friend, and she's been every bit a loyal guardian, but she wasn't Oliver.

The last day of school was much different for me as an eighth grade teacher. Instead of being in the classroom keeping kids entertained, I was on the field with the kids at their promotion ceremony. Lara was nearby escorting parents to their chairs and I escorted my literature students to the field. I had been asked by the student body to give a brief speech at the ceremony, and I couldn't say no. Normally, this meant I was to sit on the stage, but I wanted to escort my students to the field, so I when they called me up, I walked the same way my kids would when it was their time. I smiled at the audience, took out my speech, and began.

"Today we are here, to celebrate the accomplishments of our students, as they end one chapter of their lives, and begin their next adventure, high school. For the last three years, we have worked together, learning and growing. Teachers have spent countless number of hours preparing lessons, and in return, our students have learned about the world though literature, history, scientific experiments, and mathematical equations. You came here as young eager children, and you leave us, teenagers on the brink of adulthood. Some of you have dreams of colleges and universities, some wish to join our armed forces, some haven't decided yet, and that's okay. Just remember to do what you love the most, and that love will echo in your work. You will meet people who will influence you and the decisions you make. Some will use that influence for good, while others for evil. Understanding this difference and making the right choices is sometimes difficult, but when you know deep in your heart and soul what is the right choice for you, you must stand by it, no matter what anyone says.

"Today is your day to enjoy your accomplishments. Celebrate with your family and friends. Today is your day and no one can take that away from you. Take this feeling with you everywhere you go. Remember how good it feels, and how this is just a sample of what you'll experience when you graduate high school, graduate college, or complete whatever goal you have set for yourself. Nothing or no one can stop you, if you truly believe. Believe in your dreams, and don't let the occasional nightmare get in your way. We all have trials and tribulations, and they help strengthen us, and shape us to be the person we are meant to be. In closing, let me remind you all of a quote from the great philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche, 'That which does not kill us, makes us stronger.' Thank you."

The applause was thunderous as the students gave me a standing ovation. I took a few quick bows then stepped back and took my place on the stage to pass out the certificates for the students. One by one, student had their names called, came up, collected their certificates, and returned to their seats. Many would give me a hug before returning to their seats and it was all I could do to keep from crying. When the last student came up, the last certificate was given, the last hug exchanged, the principal thanked the parents and guests for their time, and concluded the ceremony. As I was stepping down from the stage, a man caught my eye, briefly. He had black hair, light brown eyes, like creamy caramel, and I gasped. Then some people moved in front of him, and try as I might, I couldn't see this man again. When they finally moved, he was gone. I shook my head and scolded myself for being so foolish, walked down to the field and was greeted my students and their families.

When I returned to my classroom, I found a box on my desk. Inside were a dozen long stemmed red roses, but no note. Lara walked in, smiled and asked. "What that?"

I held up the box to show her. "It was here when I came in."

"Ooooh. Who are they from?" she asked. I could hear the excitement in her voice.

We were thinking the same thing. "I don't know. There was no note."

"Do you think it's from-"

My door flew open and the students who had performed the Anne Frank play came in and cheered, "SURPRISE!"

I smiled and said, "Hi gang!"

"You got our roses," said the girl who had been Anne in the play.

"Yeah," said the boy who played Peter. "We all chipped in and got you these."

My heart sunk. It was such a wonderful gesture from my students, and as much as I loved these flowers, I knew why they didn't make me as happy as I had hoped. I smiled as big as I could so I wouldn't hurt their feelings.

"They're lovely. But there was no card."

"Check again," said the boy who played Otto Frank.

I looked into the box and there, under the roses, was the missing card. I pulled it out and read it aloud, "Thank you for teaching us the true meaning of freedom. Love, The Cast and Crew of 'Anne Frank'." Tears began to well up in my eyes. "Thank you kids,"

I hugged each one and thanked them all. They left and Lara said, "That was nice."

"Yeah," I said. "But it was weird how the card was under the flowers."

"How so?" she asked.

"Usually these cards are on the box or near the top."

"Maybe it got knocked around," she said

My door opened and Mrs. MacLauchlan stepped in and said, "I thought I heard you got flowers."

"Hi Mrs. MacLauchlan," I said. "They're from my 'Anne Frank' kids."

"Oh," she said.

"You sound disappointed," said Lara.

Mrs. MacLauchlan turned and saw Lara. "Oh Miss Stone, I didn't see you there."

"Ms. Perry had asked me to help her load her car," said Lara.

"Oh yes, the annual classroom shut-down," said Mrs. MacLauchlan.

"Yeah," I said wishing she'd leave. "My kids did a wonderful job cleaning my room, as always."

Mrs. MacLauchlan sneered then said, "Loved your speech Alexis."

"Thanks," I said smiling weakly.

"So, see you at the party tomorrow?" asked Mrs. MacLauchlan.

"Yeah," I said, "We'll be there."

"Wonderful," said Mrs. MacLauchlan and left the room.

I sat at my desk and admired my roses. "They are very beautiful," Lara said.

"Yeah," I said, then sighed. "I had another sighting today."

Lara frowned and said, "Alexis Perry, when are you going to-"

"I shook it off," I said raising my hand. "I didn't try to chase this one. I told myself I was being silly."

"You know as well as I do if he was here, he would have found you by now," said Lara as she walked over, grabbed a chair, and sat next to me.

I blew out a breath of air and said, "Yeah, I know Lara."

She reached over and took my hand. "I miss him too."

With that, we both held each and cried.



Parent-Teacher Conference Ch. 17



The Dance

Our end-of-the-year party was better than last year. Lara had found out shortly after we arrived that she didn't much care for Earth alcohol so she agreed to be the designated driver for us. This meant I could enjoy all the margaritas and tequila shooters I wanted and not have to worry about driving. As usual, there was food, karaoke singing, dancing, and stories shared, overall, just a good time had by all. At one point, a handsome young man asked me to dance. I decided one dance wouldn't hurt so I decided to give it a try. He led me out onto the dance floor and try as I might, I just didn't enjoy the dance. When the song ended, I excused myself and went to the restroom. Lara slipped and said, "You okay Alexis?"

I looked up at her and smiled. "Yeah, I'm okay."

"Bad dancer?" she asked.

"Wrong partner," I said.

Lara smiled as I washed my hands and we went back to the party. The young man was talking with another teacher so I didn't feel so bad about my reaction. I walked to the bar and ordered another drink. Lara and I were watching Mr. Jarvis, the science teacher, begin to sing, "When You Love a Woman," from Journey. As I took a sip from my drink, a man walked up, extended his hand, and asked, "May I have this dance?"

I looked, and looking back at me were light brown eyes, like creamy caramel, black hair, a million watt smile, and the answer to my prayers. I coughed as I choked on my drink and I think I went into a state of shock. I reached over and tapped Lara's arm. 

"Lara... Lara, I think I'm having another sighting."

Lara laughed, then turned and looked. She gasped and said, "If you are, then so am I."

I smiled and took his hand, setting my drink on the bar. He led me out on the dance floor, put his hand on the small of my back, and held me close. My heart began to pound in my chest. 'Don't let this be a dream. Please, don't let this be a dream.' I had one hand on his shoulder, and the other holding his hand. I glanced up at Lara and she smiled really big and gave me a thumbs up. I couldn't speak. I was afraid to incase it was dream.

Finally, he whispered, "That was a lovely speech you gave today."

I pulled back and gasped, "You were there!"

He smiled and nodded. "Yes. I wanted to talk to you then but it was too crazy."

"Promotion gets that way," I said smiling.

"Those were lovely roses on your desk," he said.

"You saw those?" I asked.

"I was afraid you'd moved on, and another man held your heart," he said.

"So that's why the card was miss-placed," I said.

"Yeah, sorry about that," he said smiling sheepishly. "I saw some people coming back and I didn't want to get caught so I hid."

"How did you find me tonight?" I asked.

"You had your end-of-year party at the same place last year," he said. "I took a chance that you'd be here again."

"I'm glad you did," I said.

"Me too, but when I saw you dance with that other man, I was crushed. Then I saw you run into the ladies room, and Lara followed you."

"He wasn't who I wanted to dance with," I said smiling.

"Really?" he asked with a wicked grin on his face. "Who did you want to dance with?

"You."

"I've missed you so Alexis."

"I've missed you too, Oliver."

"Oh how I've missed that name, and the how beautiful it sounds on your lips."

We continued to dance until the song finished. Two more slow songs followed, we danced in silence, and it felt as if we were the only two people in the world. Once the music changed to something faster, he escorted me back to the bar. Lara's smile was so big as she said, "Welcome back sir."

'How? When? Why?' I had questions flying though my head but I couldn't seem to get my thoughts straight. I felt myself smiling, sure I was dreaming and hoping I wasn't, when Oliver said, "Maybe we should take this conservation someplace else, more private."

"I know just the place," said Lara gathering our things and leading the way to my car. "Follow me."

Lara drove my car, and I sat in the back seat with Oliver, just staring at him. 'Don't be a dream. Please don't be a dream.' We arrived at the apartment, went inside, and sat on the couch in the living room. My mind was exploding with questions and I couldn't seem to form any of them.

"I'm sure you have a lot of questions," he said.

I nodded my head but I had lost the power of speech. Try as I might, I just couldn't form any words. My mind was racing faster than an Indy car at the 500. Here was Oliver, sitting on my couch, in my new living room, holding my hand. I was sure I wasn't asleep, but it seemed that I lost the power of basic speech. 'Oh God, don't let me be too drunk.'

"How about some coffee?" Lara asked.

'Coffee? What's coffee?' Oliver smiled and said, "That sounds like a wonderful idea Lara."

Lara walked to the kitchen as Oliver leaned over, took my face into his hands, and softly kissed me on the lips. Suddenly my brain was back in gear and I could talk. "What are you doing here?"

Oliver smiled and said, "Just like the Earth stories you tell your children, a kiss from a prince gets the princess to come out of her trance. And to answer your question, I'm here to see you."

"Me?" I asked unable to hide the surprise in my voice. 'Please don't be a dream. Please don't be a dream!'

"Yes Alexis, you," said Oliver as he kissed me again.

I reached up and touched his face. "I... I-I don't understand why you are here. Your mother said I had to come back because you didn't give me the item she had given you."

Oliver smiled, touched my cheek. "My mother was quite impressed with you. Especially with your strength and courage."

"She was?" I asked.

Lara entered the room and handed each of us a cup of coffee then sat in the chair nearby and asked, "Who was what?"

"I was just telling Alexis that my mother was impressed with her," said Oliver as he took a sip of coffee.

"As she should be," said Lara. "I wish you could have seen her standing there, speaking to your parents with no fear. The way she told your father off. You would have been proud."

"Yes," he said, "I've been told by many about that. Many creatures were impressed with your bravery. No one had ever spoken to my father like that, other than my mother that is."

"I was kinda mad," I said sipping my coffee.

"Mad?" questioned Lara. "I was sure you were going to kill the King."

"Do you know what I had to do just to visit you on the ship?" I asked. "Then I woke up to go for my visit and you were gone. I came unglued!"

"She's not kidding," said Lara sipping her coffee. "I thought she was being murdered."

"I thought you had died," I said quietly.

"Well as you can see, I'm alive and well," he said with a smile extending his arms.

"Yes, I see. You mother told me I wasn't able to see you before I had to leave, not even to tell you goodbye," I said as a tear rolled down my cheek.

"There was a reason for that," said Oliver as he wiped the tear from my cheek.

"And that was?"

"Something we'll discuss later."

"How long did it take you to recover?" I asked.

"I think you'd been gone for about three or four Earth months when I began to wake," he began. "I remember asking for you and for a while, I was being told you were injured too badly to see me. Then I was told you didn't want to see me anymore. I knew that wasn't true, but no one would tell me anything different. It wasn't until I realized Lara wasn't around that I got suspicious. Well, that, and I wasn't being treated by Iman or Rashad. I began do demand answers. Iman had to sneak into my room one night and she told me about how she defended you to my parents, and how you stood there with no fear, and tried to tell them what had happened. It was then I demanded a meeting with my parents. I wanted some answers. My father still insisted that I carry out the mating he wanted me too, but my mother reminded him that it wasn't his call any more."

"Why was that?" I asked. "I was under the impression that since you hadn't given me the gift, and I didn't know what it was, you didn't want me anymore. I mean, I figured I was just an inter-galactic fling. Your Earthling fuck."

"Is that what you thought?" he asked.

"Yeah," I sighed. "I mean, first there was the restaurant. Then you mentioned the fact that you'd had 'sexual relations' with other female creatures. You mentioned the gift once, and then never again. So, when you started to pull away from me when we got close to your world, I figured it was the easiest way for you to end things."

"Well, Alexis," he took my hand and held it gently in his and looked deep into my eyes. "Let me try to explain as best as I can. First off, you were never a, what were your words again?"

"Inter-galactic fling or Earthling fuck," I said.

"You were neither, and I'm sorry you ever felt that way," said Oliver.

"Call it my silly human insecurities."

"Let me clue you into a little secret. I had given you the gift my mother had sent me with, the problem was you didn't know it. When you told my parents I hadn't given you the gift, and that you didn't know what it was, my father thought for sure he got his way and was going to win. Then you did something he didn't expect, something that enraged him worse than your being an Earthling or your standing up to him. You took the gift with you when you came back to Earth."

Now I was confused. "But Oliver, the only things I took with me were what I brought with me... and the picture of us from that night four and a half years ago. I'm sure your mother didn't give you that, unless it was the frame the picture was sitting in, but that looked like it was from Earth."

Oliver shook his head and said, "Haven't you forgotten something?"

I looked at Lara who was smiling so big she was practically beaming, "You mean, Lara?"

Oliver smiled and said, "I know it's weird, but I wanted to make sure you were fully protected at all times. Lara's father was one of my best guardians, and I'm sure my father had a hand in his death. My mother knew of my father's plans, so she suggested that I take Lara with me, and if I had found the female I wanted to share my life with, and make my life partner, I had to keep her protected at all times. She made Lara swear an oath to protect the female that I wanted to share my life with, but not tell her. So, you see, I had given you my gift when you were well enough to bathe. I sent her to you with the sole purpose of protecting you."

"I don't understand."

"Lara was the gift," said Oliver. "Or should I say, her services as your personal guardian."

"I really did volunteer for the job," said Lara smiling.

"I gave her to you to keep you safe. In fact, I was going to tell you before we arrived, but then you were kidnapped and well, you know what happened next. And, by the way, great job on the message. I can't believe Fleck didn't catch that."

"Yeah, me neither," I said.

"It just shows how wonderfully smart to you are too," he said.

"Alexis," Lara said. "When Oliver called me in that day, while you were being treating by Iman and Rashad for the item in your body, he gave a chance to back out and break my oath without punishment. But I had never seen him so happy before, and I knew then, he'd found his life-mate."

Iman's words flashed in my memory. 'I think he has found...' but she wouldn't explain any further. "And when you accepted her services, you accepted my gift," said Oliver.

"But that means..."

My brain froze. Lara was the gift. He'd given me the gift of her services. She had been my guardian, but she also became my friend. Oliver slipped of the couch, knelt before me on one knee, taking my left hand in his.

"That means, Alexis Perry, I wish to share my life with you, and you alone. To use the words of your world, Alexis Perry, will you become my princess and agree to marry me?"

My eyes welled with tears. Oliver reached into the pocket of his pants, and produced a small black box. Inside was a beautiful ring. It was silver looking with a beautiful white stone in the center. I heard Lara gasp, as I said, "Yes."

Oliver slipped the ring on my finger and I threw my arms around him weeping. He picked me up and spun me around. Then he kissed me gently on the mouth, looked deep in my eyes, and said, "I love you, Alexis Perry."

"I love you too, Oliver Stone," I said.

He released me and I showed Lara the ring. "It's beautiful."

"It's platinum and diamond," said Oliver. "The jeweler said it was the best, and I wanted nothing less for my princess."

I was overwhelmed and sat back on the couch. Oliver sat next to me and took my hand. "What's wrong?"

I shook my head and said, "Nothing. Except, why did it take you so long? I left your world 11 months ago."

Oliver sighed and said, "Two reasons. The first was I had to fully recover from all my injuries, which took longer than it should have because they didn't have Iman in charge of my care and recovery."

"That makes sense," I said.

"The other reason was a bit more tragic. My father died."

"What?" questioned Lara.

"Oh Oliver!" I cried. "How did it happen?"

"I promise I'll explain on our way back. Just know that I had to stay and help my mother. Which leads me to my next question Alexis. I must return soon and prepare to be King, are you willing to come back to my world and become our queen?"

"Yes," I said without hesitation. "Oliver, I may have had the best year of teaching any teacher could ask for. I had great students, got to teach material I had only dreamed of teaching, and even got asked to speak at their promotion ceremony. The only problem was, I didn't have you to share it with. If I had to choose between years of teaching the subjects I wanted or you, you'd win every time."

Oliver hugged me tightly and said, "Oh Alexis, I knew you were the one. We must prepare to leave immediately."

"Wait," I said. "I can't just resign from my job. Oliver, what are the odds we'll ever come back here?"

"We'll never be able to return here my love unless Earth joins the galactic federation, and I don't see that happening anytime soon," explained Oliver.

"Lara, do you want to stay here?" I asked.

"I am your sworn guardian Alexis Perry, I go where you go," she said.

I smiled and asked, "What about that guy you went out with?"

"Him?" she said laughing. "He was just for sex."

We all laughed and I said, "Then I need to contact my friends for one last favor."



Parent-Teacher Conference Ch. 18



Answers

The article in the local paper read, "Teacher and Roommate Killed in Freak Car Accident." I smiled as I read my own obituary. It was more detailed than Lara's but then again, Lara Stone only really lived on Earth for a year, where I had been here my whole life. The paper reported that we were on our way to visit friends in the local mountains, when we swerved to miss some animal life, and drove off the cliff, killing us both instantly. The funeral was so sad. I felt bad deceiving my students like I had, but it was the only way I could keep anyone from trying to find me, and possibly uncovering the secret of what really happened to me. Besides, those students whose lives I did touch will never forget me.

The only people who know I faked my death were the ones who helped set it up for me. They didn't know why I wanted this, or where I was going, only that I would never contact them ever again once the job was done. I thought their idea of providing me with a death where no one would be blamed was wonderful. Lara and I spend our last few days on Earth buying my wedding dress. This is not easy when most shops only carry samples and want to "custom design" a dress for you. However, Oliver knew how important this was to me so we extend our stay a bit longer than we probably should have so I could have the perfect wedding dress. I did make good use of our extended stay by taking Oliver to see a James Bond movie. Actually, I took him to see three. A local theater was showing some older movies for a buck in an effort to bring in some adults. Every day, we all saw a different film. One week as a James Bond reflective so we saw "Goldfinger," "A View to A Kill," and "Die Another Day." Oliver decided that he liked Pierce Brosnan best as James Bond because he thought Sean Connery was too violent toward women and Rodger Moore wasn't very handsome. Lara like Connery's accent and forcefulness, where I agreed with Oliver.

When my dress was ready, Lara and I picked it up without Oliver, not an easy task as he rarely let me out of his sight. It was hidden in Lara's quarters along with the dress she has agreed to wear as my maid of honor. I'd told Oliver that one of my customs included him not seeing me in the dress until the day we were to be wed. He wasn't happy that Lara has seen me in it, but agreed as I will have to take on many more of his world's customs, so he agreed to work with a few of mine.

As we returned to his world, I sat in our rest quarters thinking of how different things were with this trip. I knew I was never coming back to Earth. I made sure I took my iPod, the items that were still in my floor safe, the picture of Oliver and me, which sat on the shelf in our room, and some Earth clothes so I have something to wear, and possibly have for a reference for clothes when we get to his world. I thought about how in such a short time, I went from depressed, hardworking teacher to happy fiancé and future queen. I was reading when I heard the alert that someone was at the door. Oliver taught me the click pattern for opening the door, but it still took me a couple of tries. The door opened and Lara entered.

She bowed deeply and said, "Greetings your majesty."

I laughed at her as she entered the room and sat in the chair next to me. "Hello Lara."

"Is something wrong?"

"I was just thinking about how different this trip is."

"How so?"

"Well," I said. "I know this time I'm never going back to Earth. I'm not worried about a couple of psychotic trackers trying to kill me. But I do have a question that maybe you can answer for me."

"If I can, you know I will."

"Remember the day I first met you, in the bathing room?"

"Yes."

"I gave you a card that Oliver told me to give to the person who would escort me to him. What did it say?" I asked.

She smiled and pulled the card out of a pocket. "You mean this one? It told me that you were the one. My taking the card meant I agreed to be your guardian, and thus, if you accepted my services, you were accepting his gift, and agreeing to be his..."

"Wife."

"Is that what you call it. Huh, odd word. So are his wife and he is yours."

I laughed at the mistake I just caused. "Wife is a term for a woman married to a man. Husband is a man married to a woman. I will be Oliver's wife, and he will be my husband."

Lara looked at me with a strange look. "Well, you were also agreeing to be his princess."

I smile at this thought. I remembered Princess Diana was the only real princess I'd ever really known. She was a beautiful woman, inside and out. I remember how she was loved, even after her divorce, and even after her sudden death. Then I remembered that Lara was here, and she only comes for a reason, as is her nature, so I asked, "What brings you here?"

"Oh yeah," she said. "Oliver has asked you join him."

I smile and said, "Lead the way."

I followed Lara down the hallway to the elevator. I probably could find it on my own, but one wrong turn and I could be lost for hours. Plus, I enjoyed her company and since she's my sworn guardian we'd both in trouble with Oliver if I wander around without her. We arrived on the ship's bridge, everyone rose, and said "Greeting Alexis Perry."

"Greetings," I said in return. I learned that if I don't, they stand there until I do and Oliver gets annoyed.

Oliver walked up and took my hand. "Thank you Lara, I'll take it from here."

He led me into the same room he took me into the last time, only now we have a lavish meal waiting for us. "Oh Oliver, it's lovely."

We sat at the table, and the servants dished up our food and poured drinks. The food was delicious and satisfying. Oliver seemed to be enjoying himself more than I'd ever seen him before. He reached out and held my left hand, touching my ring with his thumb, and said, "I am looking forward to our wedding."

"As am I," I said.

"And you're sure I can't see the dress any sooner?"

"It's bad luck, and we've had enough bad luck for a lifetime. I'm not taking any chances."

"Are there any other customs I should know about?" he asked.

"Nothing that I can't live without," I said. "We bought the rings before we left, and you're willing to wear the ring we bought. I have my dress and accessories. Now I'm looking forward to learning your customs."

He smiled. "Oh you will my princess."

I blush and was reminded of something I've needed to talk to him about. "Oliver, is it possible to talk in private?" I asked.

Oliver looked at me confused, then seemed to realize what I wanted to talk about so he politely dismissed the servants, telling them we wish to plan our wedding night. I heard giggling as they left. Once we were alone he said, "We are alone, and I assure you that this time, we won't have any video interruptions."

I smiled and said, "Good, because you promised to tell me about what happened to your father."

Oliver's smile faded quickly, and his expression became quite serious. "I was hoping to avoid this conservation. But as you are going to be my wife, my princess, and one day, our queen, you need to know the facts."

I leaned back in my chair with my drink and took a sip. It tasted sweet and very pleasant. "I'm all ears."

"First, you need to understand how my society works. We are what you would call a matrilineal society."

"So, your mom has all the power?" I asked.

"Yes, and no," Oliver said. "She can be queen without my father, but he could not be king without her. The same is with me. I must be with my life-mate before I can become king. Which is why I came looking for... well... you. My father, however, never liked how he was only in power because of my mother. Like you will soon be, he was royalty by marriage, not by birth. He wanted to force me to marry a woman I did not love, so he could control everything. As I stated before, we mate for life. We engage in sexual relations with others while we are seeking out that ONE, but once we make that choice, we make it for life.

"When you revealed to my mother that my father was responsible for my injuries, she was furious. I am her only child. She suffered complications with my birth that prevented her from having any more children. I think this was why she encouraged me the way she did and always supported my dreams. I had met most of the eligible females of my world, and several others, but I couldn't find the one I couldn't live without. Our people had a discussion in leaning about your planet, which my father was against as he saw your people as monsters. My mother saw the opportunity for learning and encouraged me to go. When I first saw you, I was so taken by your beauty, both inside and out, and I knew I had to meet you. You know what occurred next."

I nodded and he continued. "What I didn't tell you was I returned home for two reasons. The first was to hopefully get the trackers off my tail and keep you safe, and the second was to tell my mother I had found my life-mate. I showed her the picture of us and told my mother about you and how I wanted to make you my life-mate. That's why when you asked about if anyone had seen the picture of us, I said 'no one on this ship.' My mother wasn't on the ship. My father, on the other hand, had other plans. I had left Lara's father and brother behind to watch you and report to me. If during my absence, you had found another mate, I would seek another mate. Happily, you didn't."

"I couldn't get you off my mind," I said. "Even though I did have a date here and there, they weren't what I was looking for. They weren't you."

"Yes," said Oliver. "I had the same problem with you. In over three Earth years, I hadn't forgotten about you either. But I must confess, I did engage in sexual relations with others during that time. Yet, I no longer enjoyed it like I had before, and I kept seeing your face on theirs. Their bodies would not react like yours did, I even called a couple 'Alexis' by mistake. Finally, I just stopped trying to be with them, and I had to admit to myself, you were the one."

Knowing he had been with others after me wasn't exactly news I wanted to hear, but I was glad he was honest with me. "How long after... um... us did you stop?"

"Um, maybe six Earth months at most after I left. No matter how hard they tried, they couldn't bring me the joy you did in that one night. So when word came that Lara's father was dead. I knew something was terribly wrong and I had to return to Earth. My mother made sure I had Lara with me this time, and it was while we were in route that I learned about the trackers. I mean, I knew they were still looking for you, but still didn't know just how much danger you were in until I arrived and we learned about Lara's brother. Ironically, it was Valente who sent you the e-mails and the text message you got. Remember when I gave your phone to Gamaley?"

It took me a moment to remember this, it was our first meal on the ship. "Red creature I screamed at when I first met him?"

"Yes," he said.

"Yeah... him I remember."

"Well, he said the message traced back to Valente. When I confronted her, she said she had learned how to work those items during our first visit. Now, I knew about the e-mails, but not the text. She swore she did it to protect you, knowing your local police could cause more life loss, and thus she thought she was doing the right thing. I believed her then, but I now know she was just pretending to be a loyal subject."

"Why didn't you tell me about this?" I asked.

"To be fully honest," he said as he blushed, "I was so distracted with Fleck's threat to hurt you that I forgot. You two seemed to be getting along so well, and you had so few friends on the ship that it didn't occur to me she was being nice to you just so she could be close and use that against us."

"Did everyone on the ship know about my encounter with Fleck and Wyman?"

Oliver's face took on a confused expression, as he said, "No. The only ones who knew were the medical staff, Lara, and me of course. My crew knew you were on board and that they might see you at some point, but I strived to keep you condition a secret as much as possible. I knew there were a few rumors about you being ill, but not near death. In fact, when you said 'women gossip' about how you knew what you knew, I thought it was Lara who told you. In fact, I didn't reveal who the main two trackers were until after the video message that we got when we were here the last time. Why are you asking me this?"

I sighed and said, "When I met Valente in the bathing area the first time, we were alone for a while before Lara and Sharma had joined us. She seemed to know about everything, the restaurant, the two psychotic trackers, the two killed guardians, my attack; she said the crew had been tracking my progress. But by 'crew' I think she meant her and them."

Oliver hung his head, and then said, "I am shamed for trusting her. I never thought she was a traitor. Now I know why my father insisted on her being on my crew when I first left. I thought it because she was one of the best in her field, but now I see that it was to be a spy for my father and his trackers."

"That explains the look your mother gave your father when Lara and I told them. Has she admitted her involvement?" I asked.

"No," he said, "and that's what bothers me the most."

"Why?" I asked.

He sighed and said looking at me, "Fleck and Wyman enjoyed teasing me about their 'secret knowledge' and how they knew so much. That video he sent was so horrific that I nearly went mad."

Now I was confused. "What are you not telling me?"

He sighed, and said, "It was more than just your speaking portion."

I was surprised. Now I wanted to know what was on that video. I couldn't believe I was about to ask this, so close to our pending wedding, but I had to know. "Oliver, I want to see the video."

"NO!" he snapped. "No, no, no. You are still crying in your sleep now. I am not going to be responsible for putting those images into your beautiful mind."

"Oliver," I said touching his arm, "I know it will be hard to watch, but I need to. I can't explain why, not now anyway, but, I think if I watch it, I'll finally understand why Valente did what she did. And if not, then I'd like a chance to confront her."

"But she's imprisoned on my planet."

"Aren't we going there?"

Oliver started to answer, then stopped and smiled, "This is why I love you so Alexis, you're beautiful, brave, and oh so smart."

"So, can I watch the video, please?"

The pain that flashed across his face was intense. "I cannot be with you if you do. I cannot watch it again. I watched it enough when you had been taken."

"Lara told your parents you ordered them to leave Fleck to you. Your mother was so mad, not that I blame her. I was upset with you on that as well. But I understood why you did it."

"Yeah," smiled Oliver. "My mother yelled at me for some time about that. But she also told me that I must be truly in love to want to kill him with my bare hands. She also said she could see from your face how much you loved me. The pain in your face when you accepted your fate spoke volumes. She wanted so badly to let you see me before you left, but she didn't because she feared my father would imprison you, or kill you, and she knew sending you home was the only way to keep you alive."

"That's why she wouldn't let me say goodbye to you."

"Yes."

"She's such an incredible woman."

"Which is why I wasn't going to settle for anything less," he said and kissed me softly.

I felt that familiar burning within my body, and had to shake it off quickly. Except for the night he put the ring on my finger, we hadn't made love since before Valente betrayed me. It turned out that once a couple has agreed to be 'life-mates,' they were not to engage in any sexual relations until after the ceremony. However, we broke the rules that night, and have fought to behave since. That night was so magical, and so passionate. I remembered how we were standing in my living room, when he scooped me up into his arms, and carried me into my bedroom, closing the door with his foot. I heard Lara giggle as the door closed but I just didn't care. I was in his arms and he'd just asked me to be his wife, his life-mate.

He laid me on my bed and kissed me. His hands begin to caress my face, and my arms. "Oh Alexis," he whispered. "I shouldn't be doing this, but I want to show you how much I love you."

"What do you mean you shouldn't be doing this?" I asked.

He sighed and said, "Once a life-mate is chosen, we are not to engage in sexual relations until after we've committed to each other in a formal ceremony as proof of our love for each other."

I smiled and said, "I won't tell if you won't. We can share this one night together. I'm sure Lara can keep this a secret."

"Oh Alexis," he said kissing me. "You are an incredible woman."

I pulled up on his shirt and quickly unbuttoned it. I threw it to the floor and ran my hands up and down his back. I felt the scar from Wyman's attack. I felt him pull my t-shirt up and over my head. It flew across the room and disappeared. His hands caressed my skin and he began to kiss down my neck. I moaned softly.

Oliver asked, "Are you worried that Lara might hear us?"

"I don't care," I said, "and I'm sure she can keep a secret."

He smiled wickedly. "I may put that to the test."

He began tickling my sides and I began to laugh. "Stop it!" I squealed.

He looked into my eyes and asked, "Stop what?"

"The tickling," I said. "It's neither romantic nor sexy."

"Oh," he said. "Is this?" He softly kissed my shoulder.

"A little," I said.

"How about this?" he asked and kissed my neck.

"Yeah," I whispered.

"And what about this?" he asked and kissed my mouth. Our tongues dance in an erotic mixture of passion and heat.

"Oh yes," I said breathlessly.

His hands slid under my back and unhooked my bra. He slid the straps down my arms and soon I felt my breast spring free and I heard the bra hit the wall. Oliver's hands began to caress my breasts, as he kissed down my chest. Soon, he was suckling my left nipple while his fingers massaged my right one. I felt my groin warm and my sex become wet. I moaned softly and my fingers ran through his hair. He switched nipples and my hips flexed into his chest. He looked up at me and said, "I want to do try something with you I've never done before with any other female. Something I think you'll enjoy."

"Okay," I said a bit confused.

He smiled really big and kissed my mouth. I felt him unbutton and unzip my pants. He sat up and slid them off my legs, tossing my shoes aside, removing my socks, so I was just lying there in my panties. His hands slowly slid up my legs and the sensation was driving me crazy. He smiled, as he seemed to understand how this torture was affecting me. Slowly he slid my panties off, dropping them to the floor. I start to sit up to take off his pants, but he gently pushed me back down and shook his head. He began kissing up my legs, switching from my left to the right, gently kissing my skin, working his way up to my sex. 'OH! He's never done this before? Really?' I thought.

His lips touched the outer skin of my sex, and I gasped. His tongue licked the outer edge at first, then slowly it began to penetrate. He licked up to my clitoris and down to the base of my sex. Soon I felt his fingers touch my outer lips and entered my sex. The sensation was almost overwhelming as I gasped and moaned. I could tell my climax wouldn't wait much longer. I felt my body tighten as he put his weight on my legs and against my hips. He must know how close I was as he worked harder kissing and touching. My breathing became erratic and soon, I felt my body reach that point of no return. I tried to fight it but soon, the sensation took over and my body shook and convulsed as my climax took over. I screamed in ecstasy and he didn't stop, making me climax a second and maybe a third time this way. I clawed at my bed sheets as my climaxes passed and I felt him climb up my body. It was only as he was hovering above me that I realized he was naked.




Parent-Teacher Conference Ch. 18



"I want to feel you, all of you."

It took my orgasmic brain a moment to realize what he had said. "You have all of me, mind, body, heart, and soul."

His smiled like a man who'd been told he'd just won the lottery. He slowly entered me, filling me, until I felt all of him. I moaned and then he began to move. With every thrust, it felt as if he has becoming even larger within me. Then he wrapped his arms around me, we rolled over, and I was on top of him. He sat up and I cried out as he entered even deeper than the first time we made love. It was like nothing I'd ever felt before.

He held me tight and whispered, "I know it's a lot. If it hurts I'll stop."

"No," I gasped. "It was just a surprise. Don't stop, just be careful please."

"Is there anything you don't like?" he asked. "Sex wise I mean."

I shifted my weight on him and moaned from the sensation. "Never hit me."

"Never, my love," he said stroking my cheek.

"And never, ever, in my... my... ugh," I couldn't bring myself to say it.

"I've seen your nightmares my love, I know what you don't want," he whispered and gently thrust into me again.

I moaned loudly. "I didn't used to mind a little stimulation back there, but since the nightmares-"

He kissed me forcefully and thrust himself into me again. "Fear not, maybe one day, but not now. I will never hurt you my princess, I will only love you. And yes, the condom you remember did prevent me from fully entering you."

I gasped. "Is there more... or are we... at maximum?"

"No more," he said. "You have all of me."

He began to thrust deeper into me and the sensation was like nothing I'd ever experienced before. With each thrust, he kissed me deeply and held me tightly. I felt my body start to tighten up and I knew that I was going to climax again. I moaned into his mouth and my body began to shake.

"Yes Alexis," he whispered.

I was screaming his name and climaxing for a fourth and fifth time. As my climaxes began to pass, Oliver pushed me back down onto the bed and began to move even faster than before. It didn't take long for this to bring on the same sensations as before. My body tightened up and then another orgasm, this one harder and bigger than any I'd ever experienced before, and it brought him to his. I screamed out his name and he called out mine as our bodies exploded with passion and love. When it ended, he was lying on my chest, panting. We were exhausted and spent. I held him in my arms with what little strength I had left, and smiled. I kissed his head and sighed. Oliver slid off my body and lied next to me, wrapping his arms around me, pulling me in so my head rested on his firm chest.

"Oh Alexis, my love, my princess, my life-mate. You make me feel so alive. Oh Alexis, words can't even begin to describe how much I love you."

I nestled into his chest and said, "I love you too."

"Promise me you'll never leave again," he said.

"I promise, I'll never leave," I said. "And for the record, I wasn't given a choice the last time."

"Yes, I know. And you're okay with waiting to do this again?" he asked.

"Yes," I said. "I know that good things come to those who wait, and you are, and always have been, well worth the wait."

That night we slept wrapped in each other's arms. It was the safest I've ever felt in my life. We made love again that morning, knowing it would be our last time for a while. It has been hard for me, as I enjoyed making love with him, but I want so much to honor his culture's traditions and rules, I haven't pushed. Besides, he has agreed not to sneak into Lara's room and peek at my dress so I must be fair. I have so much to learn about his world, his culture, and about being a queen. I will be the person in charge, not him. 'It's all so weird,' I thought. I looked at him, as we sat in this conference room and I realized I needed to get my mind back the issue at hand. I felt my cheeks burning and hoped he didn't realize what I had just been thinking about.

"So, I'm sent back to Earth, you recover from your injuries, what happened with your parents?" I resumed the conservation.

"Right," said Oliver, not questioning my moment of remembrance. "As I mentioned before, my recovery was delayed due to the medical treatment I was getting. I was kept in what you would call a medical coma until an error with the medication they were using allowed me to finally awake. I mentioned to you before about asking to see you, how Iman had to sneak into my room to see me. When I demanded Iman and Rashad, things starting to improve rather quickly and my mother realized my father was sabotaging my recovery as they both knew that once I was healed, I was going back to Earth to find you and either bring you back with me, or stay on Earth for the remainder of my life."

I choked on my drink and coughed. "You were willing to give all of this up... for me?"

"In a heartbeat," he said without hesitation. "You are the missing piece that makes me whole. I think my mother feared that if I didn't return to become king, that our people would suffer, so, she forced my hand."

"How so?" I asked.

"It was a few days before my departure; I was gathering a crew I knew I could trust to return to Earth with me as I wasn't going to have any more incidents like last time. Meanwhile, my mother acquired some poison, and one night, over a quiet diner, she put the poison in his food and drink. With every bite, every sip, he consumed the toxic substance. That night, as he lay dying, she told him what she had done, and that this was his punishment for doing what he did to me, and you. It took my father three Earth days to die. My mother wouldn't let anyone see him until she was sure he was dead, not even me. When the announcement came, I instantly postponed my departure.

"After my father's body was taken care of, my mother revealed to me what she had done, and why. I now had to make a decision, do I stay and give up the love of my life, or do I take a chance, go back to Earth, and see if you'll come back with me. My mother told me I had to find out how much you really loved me, and she said 'if she truly loves you as much as I think she does, she won't hesitate to come back and be your princess, your queen, your mate.'"

"She was right," I said.

"I'm so glad I listened to her."

"As am I," I said smiling, kissing him softly.

After we finish eating, he brought me what looked like a tablet computer and explained how to turn the video on. He asked me one last time not to watch it, and I assured him that I would be fine. I knew he could tell I was totally lying, but he just kissed me and said when it was finished, to push a button and he'd come back and we'd talk more. He hesitated before he left; it seemed he was torn between trusting me to watch the video, and taking the tablet back. He smiled weakly and left the room. I waited until the door had closed, made myself as comfortable as I could, then I turn it on.

The screen flashed for a moment then Fleck appeared on the screen. "Greetings Stone," said Fleck. "I'm sure by now you've noticed that you've lost a passenger from your ship. Oh don't worry, we're keeping her quite entertained."

The scene changed and there was my unconscious body, lying naked on a table, my legs wide open, and assorted lizard-like hands were fondling me. I gasped as I watch. My breasts were squeezed, my nipples pulled, and occasionally I saw a creature lick a part of my naked body. I wanted to turn away but I didn't, I forced myself to finish watching. Then I saw more hands begin to touch my sex, pulling on the outer lips, then, 'OH GOD!' I saw fingers enter me. At first it's just one, but soon it's two. Then the camera angle changed and I saw my sex, and my anus. Now another hand is coming up my ass, and, 'OH GOD!' My anus was penetrated with another finger. I was used and assaulted by these animals even though my body did not react. How long this assault continued I have no idea, or if it was even real. Finally, the scene changed again, and I was dressed, chained up, and limp. It must be before I woke up. 'How long was I there? How long was I unconscious?'

Fleck came back on the screen. "I hope you liked my little preview show, Stone. I know I did."

Then Fleck's position changed as does the background. "Hello Stone. I have someone here who'd like to say something to you."

I recognized this part as I appeared on the screen with my shirt just torn by Wyman. "Greetings Oliver Stone. Agent Fleck and Agent Wyman... one Earth hour to comply with these communications."

Fleck steps back in front of the camera, slapped me hard causing me to cry out in pain again, and said, "As you can see Stone, I have no problem hurting her. You have one hour."

The screen went black. Tears flowed from my eyes. I set the tablet down. I want to throw it, but it won't change what I'd just seen. I searched my memory, but nothing. I didn't remember my breasts, my sex, or my anus hurting, but that doesn't mean much. How many Earth women had been raped thanks to drugs and they remembered little to nothing. My question about Valente had not been answered. Now, new questions surface. Was I raped? Did Fleck get his revenge after all? Yet, something about the footage of my body didn't quite sit right with me. As I replayed the scene in my mind, something just didn't seem to fit, but I wasn't sure what. I decided I needed to look one more time. I dried my tears, grabbed the tablet, and replayed the video.

This time, when I see the image of my naked body, I take a closer look. Something didn't look right. I began fooling with the tablet and I discovered I could zoom in on the images by just touching the screen. I advanced the scene as slowly as I possibly could. This made the images a bit more graphic and harder to take, at first, but then I saw it. My nipples were the wrong color. To be sure, I took a quick peak at mine, which are a rosy pink that darkens at the nipple. This person's nipples were... darker? I advanced the seen a bit further and where the creature had been pulling on them, revealed they were not pink... but green? VALENTE! I advanced the video a bit further, to where I saw the sex of the person who I no longer think was me anymore and with the screen zoomed in, I saw it. The inside layers of the sex, were not pink like mine should be, but were shades of green.

I smiled and said, "Gotcha bitch!"

I went to the door Oliver exited out of and once it opened, I stepped out and asked, "Oliver, may I have a moment please?"

Oliver was sitting in his chair, and quickly got up and came into the room. As the door closed behind us he asked, "What is it my love?"

"I have proof you've been tricked," I said.

Oliver looked at me confused and said, "I don't understand."

"Let me explain," I began. "First off, how many have seen the full video?"

"Just me, oh and Lara of course," he said.

"Good," I said. "Because I can prove that you and Lara were tricked. When I saw that full video the first time, I was horrified. I sat here crying for some time when something in my head started telling me to take a closer look. So, I started to replay the video, not that I really wanted to, but I did. And look at this."

I grabbed the tablet began playing the video. Oliver stood and said, "I can't watch that again Alexis."

"No wait," I begged. "I really need you to see this."

When the scene of my nipples being pulled comes on, I pause it, and zoom it in. "What color is that nipple?" I asked.

Oliver shut his eyes tight and shook his head. "No. I won't look at this again."

"Oliver, please, for me. If I'm right, you'll see what I saw."

He slowly opened his eyes and tilted his head. After a moment he said, "Wait a minute, that doesn't look right."

"That's what I thought, so I went a bit further and look at what I discovered," I said.

I advanced the video to the dreaded scene where the lips of the sex can be clearly seen, and once again I paused and zoomed in the scene. I watched Oliver's face as he began to see what I saw. "Alexis, I've only seen one woman with a... a..."

"We call it a vagina," I said.

"Right," he said, "a vagina that color and it was... Valente."

His response was not exactly what I expected. "I'm sorry, are you saying you've seen Valente naked?"

Suddenly Oliver's face dropped and he hung his head. "Yes," he whispered.

I set the tablet on the table and asked, "Oliver, did you have 'sexual relations' with Valente?"

"Yes," he whispered.

"Was it before or after you met me?" I asked fearing the answer.

Oliver looked up at me and said, "Before. Long before."

Oliver sat in a chair, and I sat next to him. "Tell me, please"

Oliver took a deep breath and said, "It was when I was in school learning how to operate the ship. I was a young, eager prince and I liked having 'sexual relations' with females, and I used my being a prince to my advantage. I'm not proud of what I've done, but it's in my past. When I met you, I didn't tell you I was a prince because I wanted you to like me for me. Plus, I didn't think you'd believe me. I didn't tell you about Valente because; well, because she's not the only one."

"You had told me before you had 'sexual relations' with other females," I said. "Hell, Oliver, I had sex with other men before met you. That night in the restaurant wasn't my first time having sex. But I don't care about your past. I care about our future."

Oliver smiled and said, "I like the sound of that. But more importantly, I'm glad that wasn't you in the video."

"Oh it is," I said, "just not the part you were upset about. I really did give the coded message. Which reminds me, when I was in that arena, or whatever it was, when I was chained to the table, who was in the cage? I knew it wasn't you before you ran in with Lara."

"Once again, you demonstrate just how smart you are," said Oliver. "I guess you would call it a robot. I had it programed with basic actions, as I wanted it to fool the trackers. How did you figure it out?"

"At first it was the way it didn't smile or react to the situation I was in. Then when it nodded at Fleck, I realized the movements were wrong. It was all I could do not to say anything. Fleck caught on when it wasn't looking him and he told Wyman to make you look. That's when Wyman touched the bars and all hell broke loose."

"It was designed to electrify the bars so whoever touched them would be rendered unconscious. Unfortunately for me, Wyman came out of it soon than anyone anticipated."

"Yeah, well, I'll bet he didn't anticipate my blowing his head off him either, but you know, life's a bitch when you try to screw with true love," I said.

Oliver gave me a big hug and a deep kiss. Our arms wrapped around each other, bodies pressing, heat rising. We pulled away panting and I said, "I'd better go before we break another rule."

Oliver gave me a wicked smile, took my hand. "I like breaking rules with you my princess."

"As I do, my prince," I said smiling. "As do I."



Parent-Teacher Conference Ch. 19



My Second Meeting with the Queen

Our journey was so much more uneventful than the last time I made this trip, and on so many levels, I was grateful. I was both nervous and excited as we got closer, and would spend my spare time listening to stories of growing up, their schools and educational system, different celebrations, and much more. The crew seemed to enjoy sharing these stories with me, and in exchange, I shared with them about growing up on Earth, the places I lived, visited, and anything else they were interested in hearing about. Lara would even join in and share about her working at my school, learning how to drive, and being accepted by most Earthlings.

When we arrived on his planet, I looked out the window in our room, and saw a large group of creatures standing by where we were to land. It looked a bit like someone had poured a bag a skittles with all of the beautiful colors I saw from the different skin and hair colors of the creatures. At first, I was so taken by the sight that I don't consider why they were there. Then, I realized they were there to greet us, or me. I started to think I had made a huge mistake about coming here. I had chosen to wear my best jeans, and a plain pink blouse because I thought it looked nice on me, but I started to think I should have worn clothes of their world instead. I felt myself begin to panic when Oliver came in and took my hands into his gently.

He said, "My love, we are home. What's wrong?"

I pointed out the window and said, "Are they all here... for me?"

"No," said Oliver. "They're here for us."

"Are you sure I'm the right woman to be Queen?" I asked. 'Cause right now, I've got my doubts.'

"Alexis, if I didn't think you were the right woman for me, I wouldn't have asked you to be my life-mate. Don't worry about being queen right now. My people will grow to love you as much as I do."

He leaned down and kissed me softly on the lips. I felt that familiar flame rise up though my body when I heard the sound of someone clearing their throat. We turned and saw Lara smiling at us. "I really hate interrupting such a romantic scene, but it's time to greet your people."

I hate to admit it, but I was glad she stopped us when she did. No telling how much more might have happened had she not. Lara led us to the outside door, and stood aside as we walked out and were met with the loudest sound I'd ever heard. Thousands of different colored creatures were there, cheering and waving. It was as if we were some kind of celebrities. 'Was this was it was like for the Beatles when they came to America in 1964 the first time?' I thought. I stood there stunned for a moment, then I noticed Oliver smiling and waving. He glanced at me and I smiled, first at him, then at the crowd. I began to wave, and the crowd began to cheer even louder and it made me smile even bigger. Oliver took my hand, together we walked down as Lara and a couple of other guardians followed us into the castle.

Once we were out of sight of the crowd, and my eyes had adjusted to the darker room, I saw a group coming toward us. It took me a moment to realize it was Oliver's mother, my future mother, the Queen leading the group. She seemed to be smiling at us and I was more than a little nervous to see her again, especially since our last meeting wasn't as pleasant as I would have liked.

"Welcome home my son," said the Queen as she came toward Oliver with open arms.

"Mother," said Oliver.

He released my hand and embraced his mother in a big hug. Then they separated and she looked at me smiling. "We meet again Alexis Perry."

"Your majesty," I said, but didn't curtsey like I had done before.

"Mother," said Oliver smiling, "I'd like you to meet my fiancé, Alexis Perry. Alexis, this is my mother, Queen Helena."

Suddenly she grabbed me and hugged me so tight I almost couldn't breathe. Then she whispered in my ear, "Thank you for taking care of my son."

"Um... you're welcome?" I whispered back.

She released me, held me at arm's length, and said, "I can't wait to get to know you better. When is the big day?"

'Big day? Oh no!' We never talked about when we'd get married. I was so focused on the trip that I'd forgotten all about the wedding. Oliver smiled and said, "Soon Mother, very soon."

He winked at me and I said, "Oh, yeah. Very soon."

"But right now Mother," Oliver said, "we have some business we need to take care of."

"Well, your rooms are ready," said Queen Helena. "Should I have the guardians get your things?"

"My Queen," said Lara as we all turned and looked at her. "If I can be spared for a moment, I will go and retrieve their things. May I take Pham with me?"

"I don't mind," said Oliver.

"Thank you Lara," I said. "That would be wonderful."

Lara gave me a quick wink and her and another guardian left. We watched them walk back to the ship, and we continued walking with Queen Helena. "My son, you were gone so long. I hope you had a nice time on Earth."

"I did," said Oliver. "I was given a unique opportunity to hear Alexis speak to a class of students at a ceremony dedicated to them. She spoke so eloquently and I could tell how much she loved being a teacher, and how much her students loved her."

"It must have been so hard for you to leave them behind," she said to me.

"It was," I said. "But it was harder to leave Oliver behind when you sent me home."

"I hope you aren't still angry with me about that?" she asked.

"No," I said. "Oliver explained it all to me on our trip back. Actually, I'm grateful."

"It was so hard to send you away and not let you see him one last time, but I feared for your safety. I must say though, you are quite a forceful woman."

"So I've been told," I said looking up at Oliver.

"It's part of what made me fall in love with her," said Oliver.

I blushed as Queen Helena said, "I can see that."

"Mother," said Oliver, "if you don't mind, Alexis and I have some things we need to take care, and the sooner we take care of it, the better."

I just smiled as she said, "Well then, I'll see you two at dinner. We're having a few guests over to meet our future princess and queen."

"We are?" I asked and I was sure the nervousness could be heard in my voice.

"My dear girl, word of our last meeting has been shared by many and they all want to meet the one who captured my son's heart, and stood up to his parents," she said winking as she stopped and faced me. "You know, I was sure the King was going to have a fit after the way you spoke to him. It was quite clear how angry you were, and yet, you never showed any fear. Now off with you two."

She kissed Oliver on the cheek, hugged me, and left. Oliver took my hand and said, "We have a meeting with someone my love."

I looked at him confused and asked, "We do?"

"Yes," said Oliver, "and I want this one over with as soon as possible. Oh, and it's not a 'we' as it's much as it's a you."

Suddenly, I realized what he was referring to, my meeting with Valente. "But what about Lara?"

"Don't worry," he said, "she'll meet us there."



Parent-Teacher Conference Ch. 20



The Confrontation with Valente

Oliver led me to where Valente was being held prisoner. We arrived to see Lara and Pham waiting for us with another man. As we walked in, they all stood up straight and Lara said, "Greetings sir. Greetings ma'am."

I was confused by her formality but Oliver just took it in stride and said, "Greetings Lara. Dawson. Is she ready?"

Dawson looked us and said, "Yes she is sir."

"Good. Oh and Dawson, this is Alexis Perry, my fiancé," said Oliver. "She will be speaking to her, alone."

"Are you sure sir?" asked Dawson.

"Yes we are," said Oliver in a forceful tone. "Not to worry, we will all be near."

Dawson walked over to the door and Oliver motioned to me to follow him. Lara handed me a tablet and winked at me. I nodded as he opened the door and I walked though. As I heard him shut the door behind me, I saw Valente lying on a bed. She looked up at me, sat up and said, "I was wondering if I'd ever see you again."

"Why do you say that?" I asked.

"I hadn't heard if you lived or not," she said, her tone was cold.

"I lived, no thanks to you."

She exhaled through her teeth and said, "What do you want?"

"I want to know why you betrayed me," I said.

"Betrayed you?" she asked.

"Yeah, when I met you, I thought you wanted to be friends."

She smiled and said, "You were so easy to manipulate."

"Why did you do it?"

She frowned. "Does it really matter?"

"It does to me."

"Huh, too bad you don't matter to me anymore."

"Then at least tell me why you let them video you violating your body so they could make you look like me."

She looked at me confused. "What are you talking about?"

"The video Fleck sent had a scene where several lizard-like creatures violating a woman who at first looked like me, but after a closer look, I realized that her vagina was the wrong color. Mine is pink and the woman in the video, well, her's was green." 

She laughed. "You're not going to fool me Alexis Perry. I know you're a terrible liar."

"I can prove it," I said.

"Okay," she snapped, "let's see."

With the tablet Lara had handed me, I cued up the video and showed her the violation at normal size. "Looks just like you," she said.

"At first, I thought so too," I said. "But something about this bothered me so I zoomed in here you'll see the issue."

I zoom in on the nipple and she looked a bit confused. "It's just a shadow."

"Yeah," I said. "I thought so too, at first. But then I saw this."

I waited for the scene of the lizard-like fingers pulling and the lips of the sex and zoomed it in to show her. She looked at it for a moment, then jumped up, took the tablet from my hand and threw it at me. I ducked, just barley in time as it smashed against the cell wall.

She screamed, "THAT BASTARD!"

"Who?" I asked.

She began clicking at me for a minute, then said, "Oh right, you don't speak our language do you? Why would you? You're not from our world! Who am I upset with you ask? The one you call Oliver. Did he tell you how he promised to make ME his queen! He seduces me with promises of becoming his princess, his queen, and then before I know what's happening, he's fucking my roommate and has the nerve to act like it's no big deal! I'm one of his people! I'm from this world! I'm one of his kind! Hell, I even loved the bastard for a time! And then one day, he comes back and announces that he's chosen his life-mate! And it's you! YOU?!? I mean, you... you're an Earthling! What do you have that I don't? What makes you so special that he turns his back on his own kind? You don't speak our language! You don't know our customs! You have pale skin, light hair, blue eyes, and hair down there."

She pointed toward my crotch then continued. "Tell me, is it because you're willing to fuck a total stranger in a public place? You want to know why I did what I did? BECAUSE HE CHOSE YOU INSTEAD OF ME! I was there in the ship you thought was a restaurant! I saw how easily you let him FUCK YOU! Did you really think we didn't know what you two were doing? Just like in those Earth movies! You're nothing but an Earth whore! Tell me, did you fuck him in your classroom too? Did you fuck him on the street? Did you take him to your apartment and fuck him there? Or do you only fuck men in restaurants under the guise of privacy? Tell me Earth whore, how many men did you fuck before you met him? Better yet, tell us both how many you fucked after he left?"

I turned around, saw Oliver standing in the doorway and from the look on his face, I could tell he was furious. "How dare you call my fiancé an 'Earth whore' you traitor!" he roared.

"'Fiancé'? FIANCÉ! You've chosen the Earth whore over one of your own?" she asked.

"I chose the female I loved," he said.

"Then make her answer my questions!" she screamed. "If she loves you so much, make her say how many men did she fuck after you left?"

"None," I said coldly.

"LIAR!" Valente screamed.

"After he left, and the notes promising me an explanation stopped," I continued. "I couldn't get him off my mind, and I couldn't seem to bring myself to even consider dating anyone else. I spend a year crying and wondering if I had pushed too hard for answers. It was only under the pressure of some friends did I even attempt to try dating again. I went out a few times with some really nice gentlemen, but it never felt right. I'll admit I kissed some of them, but there wasn't that same chemistry I had felt with Oliver, so it never went any further. So to answer your question truthfully, Valente, none."

Valente screamed and lunged at me so fast I didn't realize she was moving until she was on top of me. I hit the floor with force and had the wind knocked out of me. She hit me two or three times before Pham and Lara rushed in and pulled her off me. Dawson rushed in and put something on Valente's arm. Soon she stopped screaming and her body went limp. They laid her on the bed, then Oliver stepped over and helped me to stand back up. We all walked out and Dawson locked the door. Oliver, Pham, and Lara clicked at him, then we all left. The walk back was quiet and tension filled. I felt foolish for thinking she would tell me anything, and even more so when I realized she was just using me to extract her revenge on Oliver for something he did when he was younger. I didn't know if Oliver believed me or not about what I said, but at least we knew why she did what she did.

Oliver, Pham, and Lara let me into a small room and shut the door. "Are you hurt?" Oliver asked taking my hand.

"Shaken, not stirred," I said.

"Alexis," said Oliver, "I had no idea she was so upset with me."

I shrugged my shoulders and said, "As long as you believe me, I really don't care."

"About what?" he asked.

"About what I said that made her go into such a rage," I said.

"Of course I do," he said, "I had regular reports on your movements until about a month before I returned."

I smiled and remembered that he had me followed by Lara's father and brother. "Oh yeah, I forgot," I said.

"Besides," said Oliver, "you've never lied to me about your past. Why would you start now?"

I smiled and hugged him. "Thank you for believing in me."

"Thank you for loving me," he whispered in my ear.

Lara cleared her throat and said, "Sir, as much as I hate to disturb you, I need to help Alexis Perry prepare for your dinner with the Queen."

"You're quite right Lara," said Oliver as he released me. "I will have you escort her to her room. I will see you again at dinner, my love."

Oliver kissed me on the cheek, and opened the door. Lara led me from the small room and back to the castle.



Parent-Teacher Conference Ch. 21



The Dinner Party

My room was like nothing I ever expected. The walls were a pale yellow, with painting of creatures, or what I looked like landscapes on them. There was a small table with two chairs, a large, mirror that I could see all of myself in, and large bed with golden bedding and a large headboard. Lara told me this will be my room until Oliver and I are married, or joined, or whatever his people call the union I was going to be entering into. Lara explained that I can't know what room was Oliver's as it was to prevent me from sneaking into it, and in return, he won't know what room I was in either. I figured that was fair, as we'd been trying to be good, but it got harder when we got closer to his world, knowing that our forced separation was pending. Lara said she had our dresses hidden in the closet behind the large mirror in her room as it was there for such a purpose. There was a closet full of beautiful clothes for me and while I was looking them that two young women entered the room. They stood at the doorway, bowed, and said together, "Good day my lady."

"Hello," I said.

"My Lady," said Lara in her firm, militaristic tone, "This is Ibarra and this is Lilja and they are here to help you and attend to your needs. They will help you dress and bring you anything you desire or need."

Ibarra was tall with black hair and brown skin. She reminded me a bit of Lara but with different facial features. Her eyes were green and her features weren't as fine and narrow as Lara's, but more blunt and wide. Lilja had blue hair, and light blue skin with wide black eyes, a flat nose, and thin lips. They both bowed again and Ibarra said, "What are your wishes my lady?"

I looked at Lara and asked, "What's this about?"

"My Lady," said Lara, "as the betrothed to our Prince, you will be provided with certain services. These two are here to be your servants. They will help you when you need to dress for specific events, like your dinner tonight with the Queen."

Now I understood the clothes in the closet, and the purpose of these two women now standing in my room. "I see," I said, "What should I wear tonight?"

Ibarra and Lilja smiled and Lilja said, "May we select something for our Lady?"

"Please," I said.

Lara smiled and winked at me as the two entered the doorway of new closet. They emerged with a beautiful lavender gown, which was simple, but elegant. 'Damn! A dress!' I hadn't thought about the fact I'd be wearing dresses. I walked up and took a closer look. I realized it's not a dress, but it's not a pantsuit either. I also realized I wouldn't know how to wear this without some help, and I was relieved that I've got these two here to help me. "Does this please you, my Lady?" asked Lilja.

I smiled and said, "Yes, I think this will work. How long will it take to get me dressed?"

"Not long, and you've got time to rest from your journey if you'd like," said Ibarra.

"That sounds good," I said. "Come back later so we have enough time for me to get dressed and ready, and I think I'll rest for a bit. Thank you."

"Yes my Lady," they both said as they set the dress on a chair and left the room.

Once the door closed, I looked at Lara and said, "Why are you being so formal with me?"

"It would seem inappropriate if I wasn't," she said in the familiar friendly tone she had used with me when we were alone, or only with Oliver. "I am your personal guardian, and I can't risk too casual of a relationship with you in public. It's for your position and your safety. I'm sorry I didn't warn you sooner."

"It's fine," I said. "I don't think of you as my 'personal guardian' as much as my friend."

Lara smiled and said, "Your friend?"

"Yeah," I said. "You returned to Earth with me when you could have easily stayed behind. You were there for me when I would cry over Oliver. You were there for me when I ran that poor man down. You were there to confirm my final sighting wasn't my imagination. Let's face it; you're the only person I can talk to about Oliver."

Lara hugged me and said, "I'm proud to be your friend."

Lara left the room and I decided to sit on my bed. I debated if I wanted to sleep or not when a knock came from the door. Lara stepped in and said, "My Lady, Gamaley requests a moment of your time."

I remembered Gamaley as the creature with the electronic sounding voice who decoded my phone and tracked the message back to Valente. "Send him in."

This being a princess was going to a challenge with all this formality. Lara opened the door as Gamaley entered and said with a bow, "Greetings Alexis Perry."

"Greetings," I said as Lara stood by the door. Suddenly, the mysterious phone call flashed through my memory. "It was you!"

"Excuse me My Lady?" asked Gamaley.

"I was home alone grading papers one night when I got a strange call. A familiar voice said my name and then the phone went dead. It was you wasn't it?"

Gamaley seemed to smile as he said, "Yes Alexis Perry, it was I."

"Why did you call?"

"We were searching for you. Unfortunately, your primitive technology malfunctioned so just as I heard you reply, the connection was lost."

I smiled. That call was just days before Oliver found me. Now I knew he was having his people searching for me even before he arrived. "So, you wanted to see me?"

"I am of the understanding that you still are struggling with understanding of our language," he said.

"Boy, I am," I said.

"Then I am here to assist with that," he said. "I would like your permission to put a device into your ears to aid you in understanding our language."

"Sure," I said, "at this point, anything would be helpful."

"It will require me to put you into a brief rest period," he said.

"Do you mind if Lara is in here with you?" I ask.

"I would expect nothing less than your guardian to observe," he said.

"Then if you think this is best, let's do it," I said.

I climbed onto my bed as Lara approached and said, "You requested my presence My Lady?"

"Please," I said lying down.

"Of course," she said and stood next to Gamaley.

I won't lie, I was a bit nervous, but if these implants would stop these creatures from talking ill about me in their language thinking I didn't understand them, it would be worth it. I knew Lara has been cleaning up the translations to keep my feelings from being hurt, and I appreciated it, but I really want to know what they said about me. Gamaley showed me two tiny devices that reminded me of small hearing aids.

"My Lady," he began, "I designed them to be small so no one would know you are wearing them. I was asked to design them for you."

I smiled as I knew who made such a request. "I appreciate this. I hope it works."

"As do I, now please relax," said Gamaley.

He placed a small mask over my mouth and nose. I took a deep breath and the room quickly faded to black.

I woke to Gamaley and Lara hovering over me. I didn't feel any different so I wasn't sure if it worked or not. Lara helped me sit up and asked, "How do you feel?"

"Fine," I said.

She smiled and said, "You understood me. They're working."

This time I watched her lips and I saw that they didn't match the sounds I was hearing. I realized she was helping Gamaley to test if they worked. I walked to the mirror and looked, but I couldn't see them, even after Gamaley showed me where they were. I thanked Gamaley for his help and as he left, Ibarra and Lilja come in and inform me I need to start getting me ready for the dinner tonight. What I didn't realize was this included them bathing me. I'll admit, having these two bathe me was an experience I won't soon forget. I was cleaned and scrubbed from head to toe. A cream was applied to my legs and underarms that removed the hair from my body. I was fine with this, but when they tried to apply the cream to my sex, I protested and we started to fight. They insisted this was what required and that I had no choice. I proved that I had a choice by calling Lara who of course, backed me up. In the end, I compromised to a minor trim that poor Lara had to supervise. The things she must endure being my guardian. 

After the bath, the real challenge of getting me dressed began. I was really grateful they were there to help me as I would not have been able to get this on without their help. Once dressed, they styled my hair and painted my face until I looked like a princess of their world. I looked like nothing I'd ever seen before, but it wasn't a bad thing. My eyes were golden, my cheeks were pink, my lips were red, and there were decorative lines that really enhanced my natural features. I had to touch my ear (they wouldn't let me touch my face) to be sure the reflection I was seeing was really mine.

Lara escorted me to the room the dinner was being held. It was a large room and there were all kinds of creatures there talking among themselves. I gasped as I realized these were the guests the Queen was talking about when Lara whispered, "Fear not My Lady. I will be in the room the whole time and even if you do not see me, you will never leave my sight."

I nodded my understanding, as I feared that if I looked at her it might be seen as my being too friendly and informal with her. I stepped up to the door where a green creature that reminded me of a giant praying mantis stood holding a long wooden staff. It stopped me in the doorway, struck the ground twice with the staff, and said, "Presenting, Lady Alexis Perry. Betrothed to Prince Oliver."

The room fell silent and I felt all eyes on me. I wasn't sure what's got my head spinning more, the creatures in the room, or the one at the door who knew who I was. As I was standing there trying to decide if I should enter the room or run, Queen Helena walked up to me and said, "Alexis, my dear, welcome." She embraced me with a firm hug and whispered in my ear, "You look beautiful. I'm so glad you found the clothes I had made for you."

I smiled and whispered, "Yes, thank you."

She quickly took my hand and began to introduce me to the guests. Lara disappeared but I knew she was near. The room resumed the chatter of before and it doesn't take me long to know who was speaking English, and who was using the alien language by the inconsistency of their mouths. It was then I heard what Lara had been hiding from me. Different voices from those who didn't know I could now understand them, gossiping about me.

"Look at her pale skin."

"She'll lead us to war."

"The planet she hails from is completely barbaric."

"Why did he pick her?"

"She's not one of us."

"She will make a horrid queen."

These cruel words made me further question my presence. Queen Helena just squeezed my hand and smiled at me, but said nothing. Soon, I was talking with Ambassador Quez, who was from a neighboring planet, had known the family for years, and spoke English to me. He was telling me a story about his sons when we heard the staff striking the floor again. The room instantly fell silent.

"Presenting Prince Oliver, heir to the kingdom."

Oliver entered the room, with Pham behind him. He was wearing a lavender suit with silver trim and I realized his suit matched my dress. Pham disappeared into the crowd as the Queen walked up to him as she did with me. Oliver seemed to be searching the room, but soon was walking with his mother, and away from me. I resumed my conservation with the ambassador. I noticed the rude gossip had stopped and I was angry that they would say such cruel things around the Queen, but not Oliver. I chose not to dwell on this as I was finding Ambassador Quez's stories quite interesting, especially about his family and his planet.

When we were called to dinner, I saw Oliver escort his mother to the table. Ambassador Quez asked if he could escort me to my seat, as it seemed we were seated next to each other. I agreed and wondered where Oliver was sitting in relation to where I was going to sit. Oliver seated his mother at the head of the table, then took the seat to her right. Ambassador Quez escorted me to the seat on the left of the Queen, directly across from Oliver, taking the seat next to me. As Oliver looked at me, I saw the confusion on his face as he tried to figure out who I was, then, he mouthed, "Alexis?"

I just nodded and smiled as we were told to take our seats. Queen Helena looked at Oliver and said, "Doesn't Alexis look beautiful in a traditional gown?"

"She always looks beautiful to me," he said. "But I must admit I didn't recognize her at first as I've always seen her in Earth clothes, so to see her in attire of our world was a pleasant surprise."

"I had several made up for her during your absence," said Queen Helena.

"I see," said Oliver. "I'm curious how you knew how to wear this."

"I had help," I said quietly.

"Really?" he said surprised. "Who did my mother send to aid you?"

"Um... Ibarra... and... um... Lilja," I said.

Oliver smiled. "I should have known my mother would provide you with her two best."

"Our future queen deserves nothing but the best," she said.

I smiled at the compliment as plates of delicious smelling food were placed before us. It was only now that I realized how hungry I was as I didn't eat after the Valente incident. Since I didn't know their customs, and I didn't want to offend the queen or her guests, and give them more to gossip about, I waited until Oliver started to eat and nodded toward me to do the same. Of course, the food tasted even better that is smelled and soon, I'd enjoyed several delicious courses and drinks. Once the meal has concluded, we rose and resumed our mingling.

Oliver stepped over to me and whispered in my ear, "If we weren't required to be separated, I'd take you up to our room, rip that outfit off you, and make passionate love to you all night long."

I smiled and whisper back, "Patience my love. Good things come to those who wait."

Okay, I didn't believe my words either, but I had to say something that wouldn't get me dragged out of here and ravished in the nearest empty room we could find. He gently kissed my cheek and we continue talking to the guests, and answered the questions the best we could. Soon, the guests began leaving until the only people left were Oliver, Queen Helena, our three guardians, and me.

Queen Helena took my hand and said, "I hope this evening wasn't too much for you Alexis."

"Not at all," I said. "I enjoyed the chance to meet so many different creatures."

"Ambassador Quez seems quite impressed with you," she said.

"He's a valuable ally," said Oliver. "I'm glad you two got along so well."

"He was quite interesting and shared stories of his family and his people," I said. "He was very nice to me."

"I must have been busy talking but I didn't hear you get announced," said Oliver.

"She arrived before you did," said Queen Helena.

"Oh," he said.

"I was just following orders," I said smiling.

"Speaking of orders," said Queen Helena, "I want you both to get some rest. Alexis has much to do before your wedding. And we need to set a date and make plans very soon."

"Yes Mother," said Oliver kissing her cheek.

"Yes ma'am," I said.

We start to leave together when Queen Helena called out, "Oh Oliver, may I have a word with you please?"

The look of defeat hits Oliver's face as he kissed my cheek and whispered, "Good night my love."

"Good night," I said.

I giggled and left. I hear him said, "Yes Mother, what can I do for you?"

Lara escorted me back to my room and asked, "Why do you giggle my Lady?"

"I was impressed how Queen Helena kept Oliver from following us back to my room," I said.

"Yeah," said Lara, "that was pretty slick on her part."

"Lara, why didn't you tell me what they were really saying about me?"

Lara didn't answer right away. I knew she heard the whispers that were said before Oliver's arrival, as I had. "I didn't want to hurt your feelings."

"Do they all think I'm from a barbaric planet?"

"No," said Lara. "But unfortunately, many do."

I nodded my head as we entered my room, Ibarra and Lilja greeted us and quickly helped me disrobe, clean the make-up off my face, and after some arguing, allowed me to wear the tank-top and shorts I brought with me to sleep in. They left, and Lara retired to her room, next to mine. This is the first time I'd been truly alone all day, even though I knew Lara was near. I had no idea where Ibarra and Lilja sleep, but I decided not to focus on this as I climbed into my bed, and reflected on how I didn't embarrass myself, Oliver, or the Queen, but I knew it was only my first of many occasions for me to make a mess of things. Then the cruel words I heard tonight echoed through my mind. 'Was I the wrong woman to be their queen? Would I bring them to war? Was my skin to pale?' Even Valente's cruel words echoed in my mind. I touched the light on the table by my bed and my room went dark. I laid down and drifted off to a restless night sleep. 



Parent-Teacher Conference Ch. 22



The Compromise

Over the next week, I was with Queen Helena at one function after another. She was working with me to help me know what would be expected of me when I became the new queen. I still heard the cruel gossip when Oliver wasn't around, yet the Queen said nothing, as if she didn't hear them. Her training was valuable and I was very grateful for it, but it restricted the amount of time I got to see Oliver so we haven't had any time to plan our own wedding, even though I kept getting asked about the when and what about it. The whole schedule was beginning to wear me down, and my nightmares returned, so I was not sleeping well either. Then Oliver sent me a message to meet him in the garden after the next dinner party so we could plan our wedding. This was the first highlight I've had since we had arrived. Lara and I planned how she would get me there without raising suspicion, and my excitement almost gave our plan away.

Lara led me to the garden entrance and I quietly walked in. I saw Oliver standing by what looked like a fountain with colored water, and his back to me. He must have heard me walking as he turned around and said, "You look so beautiful tonight."

"Thanks," I said. "It's so wonderful to finally see you without a crowd of people in the room."

"I know," he said taking my hand and led me deeper into the garden. "I see Gamaley's visit was successful."

"Yes, thank you," I said. I wanted to tell him how this gift allowed me to hear the cruel things his people were saying about me, but I chose to keep quiet.

"You're welcome," he said. "But tonight is about planning our wedding, not your beautiful ears."

"I've wanted to do that since we arrived," I said.

"If we don't plan something soon, my mother will do it for us," he said.

"Do you think she'll be okay with the dresses I brought back from Earth for Lara and me?"

"I don't see why she wouldn't," he said. "But she has been so pleased that you've been wearing clothes of our world she may want you to wear her wedding clothes."

"It's a nice thought, but I'll wear my dress," I said.

"Then it's settled my love," he said kissing my hand, "you and Lara will wear the Earth dresses you've brought back with you."

I smiled. 'That was easy,' I thought. 'Too easy.' "What aren't you telling me Oliver?"

Oliver stopped and looked deep into my eyes. "Part of me wishes we had gotten married on Earth so we wouldn't still be separated. I mean, I know the marriage wouldn't be totally recognized here, but at least I'd be able to see you on a daily basis, and not just in a public forum. My mother is pushing for a huge ceremony where you're crowned queen immediately after. I'm not ready to take my father's position yet, and I'm sure you'd like some more time not being queen. I like the idea of having you as my people's princess. You're already my princess."

I smiled at this thought. "So how are we going to do this?"

"I'll see if I can get her to compromise, tell me about Earth weddings," he said.

I describe the ceremonies and receptions as best as I remember. I've only attended a few weddings, and was never actually a part of one until now so my experience was limited. He seemed to be more interested in the reception than the ceremony, so we spent more time talking about it than anything else, as we continued our walk in the garden. Soon we found ourselves back at the garden entrance with some plans in the works. I knew the bulk of this ceremony will be more of his culture than mine, but my only regret was my father couldn't give me away. However, this would have been the case if we'd gotten married on Earth so I don't dwell on it too much. We kissed goodnight and Lara escorted me back to my room. The entire way back, I kicked myself mentally for not telling him about the gossip, but I didn't wish to anger him so I just stayed quiet.

We walked in and I was ready for my nightly ritual of scrubbing, stripping, and bed when I realized that Lara had become quite rigid. It took me a moment to realize why, we weren't alone.

"My Queen," Lara said.

I looked up and there was Queen Helena sitting in a chair waiting. "Good evening Lara. Good evening Alexis. Did you have a nice visit with my son?"

At this point, I wasn't sure if I was in serious trouble, or what. Knowing I was busted, I sighed, "Yes My Queen, I did."

She smiled big and said, "Lara, could you take Ibarra and Lilja and give me a few minutes alone with Alexis?"

"Yes My Queen," she said.

Ibarra and Lilja quickly walked out of the room and Lara closed the door as she left. I knew she was standing just outside, but now I was standing here alone with my future mother and I didn't know if she was angry with me or what. "To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit My Queen?"

She smiled big and said, "Please, call me Helena, and sit down."

I sat in the other chair facing her and said, "Helena, if I've done something to offend you or broke a rule, I didn't mean to-"

She raised her hand and I stopped talking. "I'm surprised you and Oliver haven't tried to see each other more since your arrival. It just proves how much you love each other and how much you're trying to respect our ways. As far as how I knew, that's my little secret. I do know that you two need to be wed soon or my people will start to wonder if he's serious about you. I've heard the gossip, and the cruel things my people have said about you. I also know that you're not ready to be queen yet."

"But how-"

"Actions speak louder than words," she said. "I can see how hard you are trying, and maybe I've been pushing you too much. I'm sure the gossip and the whispers have fed your doubts about being our new Queen. It's just, I was just so excited to see my son so happy, and I knew you were the one when you were willing to kill for him."

I swallowed hard, "It wasn't something I really thought about as a symbol of love."

"But if you think about it, it was," she said. "He came to rescue you at risk of his own life, and then when his life was in jeopardy, you rescued him."

"By killing Wyman?" I asked.

"Lara told me that shortly after you operated your weapon, you collapsed into her arms. She said it was as if you were a woman possessed by an unseen force the way you operated that weapon. Iman told me the damage to your arms was so great, you shouldn't have been able to work that weapon successfully, and yet you did. I was also told of your bravery at how you resisted the trackers attack on you, including how the one you called Fleck tried to kill you then have unwelcome sexual relations."

"We call that rape where I come from," I said. "I wasn't going to give that monster what he wanted, especially after the way he treated me the first time we met."

"Have you ever protected another male like you did for my son before?" she asked.

At first, I found this to be an odd question, but then I thought for a moment and said, "No, ma'am."

"As I thought," she said.

"So is this what you wanted to know, if I truly love your son?" I asked.

"No, I know you love my son. You have demonstrated that over and over again. Just like I know you haven't told him about the hurtful words his people say about you. You don't wish to bring him any pain. Only a woman who truly loved a man would keep such a painful secret. I'll bet you didn't even tell him tonight, did you?

"No, I didn't."

"As I thought. What I'd like to discuss with you is when you are going to marry my son."

"Soon," I said. "Time was the only thing we didn't discuss."

"In a week, it will be our annual Harvest Celebration. Even though the harvest isn't as critical as it was when the celebration was established, it is a tradition we kept. It's a common time for young couples to wed as it's seen as a blessing to wed on such a day. It's believed that if a couple that can wed on the day of harvest celebration, will bear strong, healthy children."

'CHILDREN! Oh no!' I hadn't even thought about if Oliver and I can even have children. "Um, Helena, I'm not-"

"Alexis," she interrupted, "we have medical knowledge that your people haven't even thought of yet and trust me, if you can't bear his children now, you will be able too soon. I'm willing to wait a while before you give him daughters."

'Daughters? Oh right.' "What if all I can give him is sons?" I asked.

"Then they will be fine young men and you will be a great mother, and an even better queen."

I smiled and said, "Thank you Helena."

"Now, tell me about what a wedding on Earth is like," she said.

Just as I did with Oliver, I explained what I could remember from the few weddings I had attended. I explained the ceremony, including: the roles of the best man, the maid of honor, and how the bride's father escorts her down the aisle and presents her to the groom. I explained about the tradition of 'something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.' Lara was going to cover my borrowed item, my grandmother's bracelet is my old, and my dress is new. I joked that my blue eyes should cover the 'something blue' item. Then I talk about the reception, including the food, dancing, throwing the bouquet, the garter toss, and everything else I could remember from what I'd seen in person, and on television. When I told her about the dresses I brought with me from Earth for Lara and me to wear, she asked if she could see them, and I agreed. It required my getting Lara, as she had them hidden so Oliver wouldn't see them before the wedding.

Lara escorted us to her room and showed us the hidden small closet where our dresses had been stored since my arrival. My dress was a full-length strapless white gown, with silver trim around the pattern in the skirt and bodice, and a short train. I had a sheer veil and a jeweled comb that would decorate the veil and my hair. The shoes were white wedge heels and I had a garter belt that Oliver could throw if we were to include that. Lara's gown was silver and strapless, with a small white jacket to cover her shoulders, and silver wedge heels. Lara rested her hand on my shoulder as Helena looked carefully at our dresses. I feared she won't like the dresses and would make us wear something else. When Helena looked at us, I felt Lara's hand slide down to my back, and out of sight.

"These are magnificent. Many women of our world would be honored to wear such fine gowns for such a special occasion. Don't be surprised if others try to duplicate your dresses after your ceremony. Do you have clothes for Oliver as well?"

I looked at Lara and we realized the same thing, she didn't hate our dresses and we didn't think of his attire. "No, I don't. I just assumed he'd be required to wear the clothes of his world for this."

Helena smiled big and said, "And you would be accurate. Now that I know what your gown looks like, I can have his clothes made to match, somewhat. We will plan your wedding, and then after you and Oliver have had your time together, we will resume your training. When the time is right, you will become our new queen. You will silence the naysayers and prove to them you are the perfect choice, and the right women to lead us all."

I smiled big and hugged Helena without thinking about if it was proper or not. She hesitated for a moment then put her arms around me and hugged me back. "I always wanted a daughter," she whispered in my ear. "My son could not have chosen a better woman than you."

I fought back my tears as Lara escorted us back to my room then started to leave when Helena said, "I think this will be a ceremony that will be remember for eons. I'm sure you're rather tired and I have much work to do. That is, if you don't mind my setting this all in motion."

"I don't," I said. "As long as Oliver is happy with everything as well."

"You are like no one I've ever met before Alexis," said Helena. "You are still concerned with my son's happiness when all he needs to make him happy is you. Good night my dear. We have a lot of work to do to get this ceremony ready by Harvest Celebration, and I need to see my son."

Queen Helena left and Lara quickly returned smiling and said, "She likes our dresses."

"She's willing to work with me on the wedding," I said shocked.

"You're getting married at Harvest Celebration in a week," she said.

I collapsed into a chair and said, "I'm really getting married, to Oliver."

"Yes, and soon you will be Princess Alexis," she said.

'Whoa, Princess Alexis, am I really ready for this?' I thought. Ibarra and Lilja returned and helped me get ready for bed. That night, I was unable to sleep as I was so excited at the thought of the wedding, and so scared that I was about to become a princess.



Parent-Teacher Conference Ch. 23



The Wedding

The next week was pure chaos. Gone were the banquets and meetings of dignitaries, instead, there were wedding preparations, rehearsals, and learning the customs of the ceremony of Oliver's world. The only comfort I could find was Oliver was working as hard as I was. Helena was having us do a hybrid wedding with the traditions from Earth blending with the traditions of their world. My nights were no better as my shock and excitement had been replace with fear and doubt. Lara slept next to my bed as I couldn't sleep without at least two or more nightmares causing me to scream in my sleep. After the second time of her running into my room ready to kill, she slept next to me as to help wake me, and calm me down.

My nightmares were worse than ever. I saw Oliver leaving me at the alter for another woman, never coming, not being there, leaving me, sending me back to Earth alone, without Lara by my side. A few I witness him killed before our wedding and thus I was sent back to Earth heartbroken and alone. Exhaustion was getting the better of me, but I refused to let anyone know, as I was sure my nightmares were triggered by the stress of the wedding. However, Lara did go behind my back and had Iman give me something to help me sleep the night before the wedding that blocked the nightmares. I won't lie, it might the one time I wasn't angry with her for not listening to me.

The day of the wedding was even more stressful and chaotic than I could have ever imagined. It started with a fight with Ibarra and Lilja about my dress and Lara's dress, which I won. Then it was a fight with the bathing. Why they want me to shave my sex I'll never understand as I insisted on keeping my pubic hair. 'I must remember to ask Oliver about this, or perhaps Helena one day.' Once I was dressed, I let them apply my make-up, then I had them apply Lara's make-up. Soon, we are dressed, painted, and as Ibarra was putting my veil and comb into my hair. Queen Helena walked in wearing a beautiful silver gown. I felt she had worn it to match my dress

"Oh Alexis, you look so beautiful."

"Thanks," I said smiling.

"And Lara," said Helena, "your father would be so proud of you. I wish he were here to see you."

"As do I my Queen," said Lara.

"Ladies, may I have a few minutes alone with Alexis," Helena asked.

"Of course My Queen," said Lara escorting Ibarra and Lilja out of the room and closing the door.

Helena touched my veil and said, "Such a strange tradition to cover your face as if they are trying to hide you."

"Kind of is," I said. "Part of it has to do with forcing the man to commit to his bride in the case of an arranged marriage, and part was because when a man wanted a bride, he'd kidnap her from a neighboring tribe and cover her head with a blanket so she couldn't see where she was being taken. It's also a symbol of modesty and purity. Oliver said to wear what would make me happy, and I chose this because it reminded me of the pictures of my mother when she married my father."

"Then that's what really matters," she said. "But I have a gift for you. I remember you told me about the gifts new couples receive from family and friends and I wanted to give you something that was given to me when I married Oliver's father."

She handed me a small box that felt like crushed velvet. Inside was a necklace with a large blue stone in the center, it looked like a 10 carrot sapphire. "Oh Helena," I gasped. "It's beautiful!"

"All I ask is you wear it today," she said.

"I can't take this," I said.

"You must," she said. "The mother of the male child gives his life-mate a gift to show her support. It must be something that was once hers. Besides, you told me you lacked something blue and this will meet that requirement. This was mine, and I want you to have it."

"Thank you," I said smiling. "Can you help me put it on?"

"Of course," she said and quickly stood up, grabbed the necklace, and put it around my neck.

The necklace was heavy. I felt it pulling on my neck and pressing on my chest. Helena kissed my cheek and pulled my veil over my face. "My son is so lucky to have someone like you, and now, to have you to become his wife, it's a dream come true. Our people will be very lucky to have you as their Princess, and one day, as their Queen."

"Thank you," I said. "I hope I don't disappoint everyone."

"Nonsense, I've seen joy from so many just by you entering a room. Now come, it's time for you to become a real princess," she said and led me out of my room.

We walked down the hallways, Lara right behind us. Ibarra and Lilja had already gone to the ceremony. Soon, we were in our staging area, and Helena said, "I need to take my seat, but I've asked someone to stand in for your father and escort you down to Oliver. I know your own father could do it, Oliver shared with me about your family. I hope you don't mind, but when I mentioned to him about your traditions, he wanted to be there for you. I hope it's all right."

I smiled and said, "Thank you, who is it?"

"Me," said a deep voice that was vaguely familiar.

I turned to see Ambassador Quez smiling at me. "Ambassador Quez?"

"I know I am not your father, nor am I from your world, but we do not get to be in our daughter's ceremonies as they often do not have such formal ceremonies. Since I only have sons, three fine sons, and you have no father, maybe I could step in for him in on just this one occasion. That is, if you do not mind."

"I do not mind at all," I said fighting the urge to cry. "Thank you."

"It is my honor," said Ambassador Quez.

Queen Helena left and I took one of Ambassador Quez's arms as we wait. Soon, Lara left us and we wait, alone. Maybe it was his presence but my levels of fear and panic were much lower than I anticipated.

"Prince Oliver is very lucky to have such a strong and beautiful creature to be his life-mate. Don't let those who wish to bring you down, make you doubt yourself. Prince Oliver chose you above all others. One day, they will see what he sees."

I smiled and said, "Thank you."

The doors opened and the most beautiful music filled the air. Ambassador Quez and I slowly walked down the aisle. The room was filled with all kinds of creatures, some I'd met and some I hadn't. I saw Lara smiling at me and then I saw Oliver. Even though my veil I could see his clothes. He was wearing what looked like a white tuxedo with silver trim. I was sure it was more of what he'd wear from his world, and yet it reminded me of what he would have worn in mine. His brown eyes shined at me and soon, we were standing in front of the guests. Ambassador Quez shook his hand, then placed my hand into his, and stepped away. Oliver raised my veil and gasped. I'm not exactly sure why, but I didn't care. He led me forward and the ceremony began.

Our first kiss as husband and wife, Prince and Princess, was soft and gentle. Cheers echo from the room and I knew it was not a dream and I was now his wife. Just an hour ago, I was just plain old Alexis Perry, a schoolteacher from Earth. I stood here now as Princess Alexis, wife of Prince Oliver, and future queen of a world I didn't even know existed two short years ago. We left the ceremony and entered another large room. I saw tables, plates of food, and what I would call a dance floor. After we ate a fine meal, Oliver led me to the dance floor. Soon, music filled the air, and I recognized it from my iPod. It was Journey's "When You Love a Woman." It was the same song that Mr. Jarvis sang the night Oliver came back and proposed to me. Oliver's smile told me he wanted it clearly known this was how he felt about me. We moved across the floor gracefully. I felt his ring press against my fingers as he held my hand and we glided across the floor. The best part was when Oliver surprised everyone, especially me, by singing the last line of the song, "You see your world inside her eyes."

I gasped and hugged him tightly as the room filled with cheers and applause. Later, Oliver was dancing with the Queen and I was dancing with Ambassador Quez. This was followed by more dancing and celebrations. It felt like the night would never end. I was sure this wasn't part of their traditions, but mine. Yet here they were, Oliver's family, Oliver's friends, Oliver's people, dancing and making me feel special, important, and loved. It was a feeling I'd only felt at the end of the school year when my students were leaving to move on to another grade, or another school, and I knew I wouldn't see them again anytime soon, but they made sure I know how much they loved me. The difference was now I knew, they weren't leaving, they were entering. Helena's words about quieting those who gossiped about me echoed through my mind.

Suddenly, I knew, that this was what the vision of my mother and Mandy were trying to tell me. I was destined to be a wife, a mother, and one day, a queen. I knew my future with Oliver would be bright, and when the time comes, we will become King Oliver and Queen Alexis. Perhaps one day, Earth can join the federation that we are a part of, maybe not during my reign, but during the reign of our children, or grandchildren. I had finally found true happiness, with a man who traveled across the galaxy in search of that one, his life-mate, his true love, his soul mate, and found all of those in me. I wasn't sure what I did to deserve such a wonderful man, but I really didn't care, what I cared about his making him happy, and being the queen he believed I could be, one day. I knew with him by my side, I could be.

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I wish to thank all of you for sticking with me until the end. I know that in the future I won't post such short chapters on this site. I hope you liked the tale of Alexis & Oliver. I may one day come back and post more including what happens with their children.

~NymphWriter