SMOKE AND MIRRORS

BY ALI MAC

Smoke and Mirrors 2010 by Ali Mac All Rights Reserved. This document may not be re-distributed.

ONE
Eliza:
So students, that brings us back to our topic: Is there extraterrestrial life on other planets? Professor Levitz asked the class. Mankinds desire to know the answer to this question has stretched back to almost the beginning of human history. It could even be called an obsession. We will be studying this and many other questions about our galaxy throughout the course of this class. He sauntered back to his podium, and began to sift through a mountain of papers. I can admit that Ive never really wondered about life on other planets, or whats in our galaxy. My thoughts mostly revolved around the happenings of my family, friends and occasionally the celeb gossip I caught on the internet. I guess it would be cool if there was life somewhere other than earth.

I hadnt even put any thought into my own life. I guess you could say that I was bad about making decisionsnot that I made bad decisions, but that I had a hard time making ANY decisions. Collegethe perfect example. I couldnt decide what I wanted to do so I decided to take an astronomy class. Id never really had any great desire to study astronomy. It just seemed like an okay class, so I signed up for it. Thinking on it now, Im not really sure how itll come in handy in my future. Oh well. Throughout the beginning of class I stared blankly at the many charts and maps of solar systems that the professor was describing in exasperating detail. Okay, so maybe astronomy wasnt the best choice. OHHH! Cameron there you are! Professor Levitz squealed. Class this is my assistant Cameron, hes extremely knowledgeable about anything in this class that you might need to know. So feel free to ask him any questions you might have. Cameron will also cover for me if I am not available. I hadnt turned my head towards the door to see what this Cameron looked like. I was busy looking at a sort of fuzzy red cloud with little purple starbursts surrounding it. The Speciosus Magus. Its beautiful isnt it? a mans voice asked me. Is that what its called? At that moment I turned my head to see who had spoken. It was Cameron. GULP!

In his introduction, why hadnt Mr. Levitz mentioned that Cameron was HOT?!!! Yep. Two years ago it was too far for earths telescopes to pick it up, but thanks to new technology we can now see it in beautiful definition. I got lost listening to the way his smooth voice sounded and less about what he was saying. How fortunate for us. How fortunate for me!! He was staring at me with his eyebrows tugged together, as if trying to solve a riddle. He almost looked as if he was going to ask me a question. Instead, he returned a polite yet ridiculously stunning smile, and moved to the front of the room. WHOA! Astronomy is the BEST class I have ever taken! At the end of class, Professor Levitz went over our assignments and promptly dismissed us. Cameron stood at the door handing out flyers to the students leaving the room. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, it was my turn to get a flyer. Hope to see you there, Miss.? he asked with that same amazing smile. His eyes were looking right into mine. My mind went completely blank. Hang on I know this one, uhhh . CRAP! Im like a deer stuck in a pair of headlights. UhHart. My last name finally came to me. But you can call me Eliza. Phew, that was close!

His eyes were still focused on mine. Nice to meet you, Eliza. I liked the way my name sounded when he said it, making my pulse race and my head feel a little dizzy. Our eyes were still locked, and it was like he was looking right into my soul. At first glance, I thought his eyes were the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen. They were a beautiful blue-green, like wild seawater. After looking a little longer, there was something there. Something that, I dont knowdisturbed me a little. I didnt have time to think about it much longer because the girl behind me practically shoved me out the door. She must have wanted to meet Cameron as much as I did.

Cameron:
My shoulder stung like hell as I climbed back through the hole in the chain link fence that I had created earlier. I looked down to see blood running across my fingers as I held my hand over the bullet hole. I'd have to wait and heal it when I was further away. I ran as fast as I could across an empty lot, not that any human eyes would even be able to see me, injured or not. My mission hadnt gone according to plan. I had been tracking them so closely...I didnt know how they managed to clear out the information before I could get my hands on it. Them being ALKALI, a secret yet dangerous wing of the U.S. governmentdangerous to aliens that is. One thing that the general public was vastly unaware of
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was exactly how advanced the governments knowledge of things so called extraterrestrial actually was. My job was to make sure that the American government didnt ever learn too much. Normally that would just involve sneaking into some nondescript secure base, cracking my way through their technology, and removing anything that might be of use to them. But this time it was different. It was almost like they were expecting something. Id have to do some investigating into how they could have possibly suspected a breach. But right now, I needed to heal and get to my other job, assisting in an astronomy class at the local college. Its kind of ironican alien whose job it is to hide and eliminate all human knowledge of aliensyet teaches astronomy to humans in his spare time. It wasnt really a challenge when compared to what I normally do, but I actually enjoyed it. My watch read ten minutes past ten. Damn. I was late. Sometimes trying to juggle both jobs could be a real pain. I had run about four miles when I decided that I was far enough away to heal my shoulder, and I ripped what was left of my sleeve off. The blood made the wound look much worse than it really was. I had been lucky. The bullet had missed anything that was vital. Closing my eyes, I let my entire focus shift to my wound. The world around me disappeared, and I could feel my body heat rising. The tissue around the bullet began to heal itself and force the bullet out of my shoulder. I felt the skin tingle

as the nerves reattached themselves. When I opened my eyes, there was no longer a gaping bloody hole on my shoulder. Any other person, or alien, would have had to get this treated by a professional, probably resulting in a few stitches for humans or therapy for aliens, but not me. My DNA, the DNA of a super being, a.k.a. alien, allowed me to shapeshift into any human form. I could easily use this ability to heal myself. All the aliens from my planet, Alphaeon, had common abilities that we all shared. And special abilities which were unique. The common abilities were allure, atomic manipulation, teleportation, super speed and strength, and heightened senses. Allure simply meant that our presence was alluring to a human. Theyd find themselves drawn to us. Most of the time its a positive reaction, but sometimes it was the opposite. Atomic manipulation is the ability to alter and manipulate atoms at their basic level, or as molecules. Teleportation was the hardest ability to master. When used, it drains its user to a point of dire fatigue. We only used it to travel from planet to planet--thats how we can come and go from Earth without the humans knowing. As for super speed and strength, theyre kinda self-explanatory. Two-thousand milesper-hour is my personal best, although running that fast makes me nauseous. With my super senses I can see down to the atomic level or several miles away, but it takes a lot of concentration. I can also smell several distinct scents at a time and from very far away. And last but not least, super hearing. It comes in handy when spying on the humans in ALKALI.

I pulled my ripped sleeve back onto my arm and reattached it. Glancing down to my watch, it read: 10:17a.m. I was really gonna have to hurry to make the morning class, especially since this was the first class of the semester. OHHH! Cameron there you are! Barty exclaimed as I swept through the door to Introductory Astronomy. So much for a quiet entrance. I could see relief flooding his face as he explained to the students who I was. Barty and I had been working together for a few years now, and I knew that he didnt like to have things out of order. My being late had probably caused him acute pain. I wonder how he would react if he knew exactly what I was. It would probably cause him to have cerebral hemorrhaging. As I paced the room, everyones eyes were trained on me, something I was accustomed to by now. Something Id learned over the years was that alien DNA was like catnip to humans. All Id have to do is be in a room and they couldnt help but notice me. Most were attracted to me, not in the romantic sense, although that wasnt uncommon. And for some, my DNA triggered hostility, but that was very rare. Id never met a human who hadnt had a reaction from my presence. It was a gift and a curse. When it came to wheedling information out of people, it was greatbut when Im on a mission and I have to be inconspicuous, it could be a real pain in the ass. Thats odd. Most, if not all, of the humans in this room cant peel their eyes off of me, and shes not even looking at me.

There was a girl sitting in the back row who was completely oblivious to me. No, thats not odd, that just plain unnatural. The laws of human nature say that my DNA should be at least demanding some attention from every person in this room. How is it that she doesnt even notice me? I wasnt in control of my feet as I walked towards her. Instead of me attracting her, it was like she was attracting me. It was like she was a magnet and I couldnt resist her pull. I approached her cautiouslyI had never felt this way before and I wasnt sure what to expect. I didnt like not feeling in control of myself. She was looking at one of the telescope stills that I had hung up over the weekend. It also happened to be my favorite one. Weird. The Speciosus Magus. Its quite beautiful isnt it? I asked. She turned around to face me, and her eyes were the first thing that caught my attention. They were a remarkable shade of green, like a pair of matching emeralds. Her face was framed with deep chestnut hair with red hues. It hung just below her shoulders, and made for a striking combination wither her green eyes. Something about me startled her a little because her eyes gaped after she had turned around to see me. I really hoped she wasnt having a bad reaction to my allure. For some reason, I didnt know why, but I actually wanted her to like me. Trying to impress her, I told her how the constellation she

was looking at was only recently able to be seen from earth. She genuinely looked delighted by that news. Realizing that Id better go and help Barty, I gave her a pleasant smile and excused myself. But trying to break away from whatever connection pulled me to her was harder than I thought it would be. Damn. After managing to walk away, I realized that I hadnt asked her for her name. I would be sure to get it when class was over. I didnt want to risk walking back to her because I wasnt sure I would be able to walk away a second time. I assisted Barty in projecting images of the constellations we would be studying, and I passed out papers and assignments. I couldnt stop myself from continually glancing over towards the girl with green eyes. She looked like she was genuinely enjoying the class. I really wish I knew her name. Get a grip Cameron, I chided myself for even indulging in the desire to get to know this human. But still, I couldnt completely snap myself back to sanity. At the end of class Barty informed the students of their assignments and I grabbed a stack of handouts to give out. I stood by the door so that she couldnt leave without giving me her name. I was so eager for the people in the front of the line to leave, that I felt like throwing the flyers out the door and telling the students in front of her to go fetch. Instead, I impatiently jabbed a flyer into each of their hands. Finally she

was standing in front of me. I held out a flyer to her but she didnt take it right away. Hope to see you there, Miss? I tried to be as suave as I knew how to be. Her sparkling eyes bore into mine as she reached for the flyer. I started to worry that maybe she wouldnt answer, but then she finally spoke. Hart, but you can call me Eliza Her voice sounded a little unsure. Again, I worried that my stupid genes were having a bad effect on her. I hoped that it wasnt true, and that she was just nervous. Nice to meet you, Eliza. I couldnt take my eyes of off her, it was like time had stopped, and in that moment she was the only thing that existed. I was abruptly wrenched back to reality when the mousylooking girl behind Eliza had bumped into her. As she passed through the doorway she smiled back over her shoulder, and I could feel the magnetism pulling me, the force of it was almost undeniable. Part of me wanted to follow her and the other part, the logical alien part, knew that I couldnt. That part of me knew that even wanting to be involved with a human was wrong, but that didnt make what I was feeling any easier. As she got further away, I felt the magnetism fading, but only slightly.

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TWO
Eliza
I dont know Patty. Theres something different about him. I cant put my finger on it, I said into the receiver of my cell. Patty had been my best friend since we were babies. She was two years older than me though. She has always been there for me when I needed advice or a shoulder to cry on. Look, you know how I feel about these kinds of things, if you like him you should just go for it. Besides, the way you describe him, he sounds like a real catch. After she finished talking, I heard weird popping sounds coming through the receiver.

I wouldnt even know where to begin, and you know Im not good with competitionPatty what are you doing over there? I had heard the noise again. What do you mean competitionOh, Jaime and I are making popcorn while Ricky is at work. Ricky was Pattys boyfriend-slash-fianc-slash-soul-mate, and Jaime was his son from a previous relationship. Oh, Patty, you should see it, the way every female within a ten mile radius looks at him like hes a tall glass of lemonade on a hot summer day. Besides, Patty, any guy like that is bound to have a girlfriend or worsea wife, I crooned into the phone while in the process of ripping open mail, mostly junk. I took some of my frustration out on a YOURE PREAPPROVED OPEN IMMEDIATELY credit card advertisement. It was during the course of tearing apart the little cardboard credit card when Damn! I squealed. What? Patty asked through the momentarily forgotten cell phone in my hand. Oh, nothing. I just gave myself a paper cut the size of Texas. I was just about to stick my mutilated finger in my mouth when Patty interrupted me. Almost as if she was in the room with me, she said, Dont lick it. Go wash it. Do you know how many germs you have in your mouth? Patty, being a nurse-in-training and germ-o-phobe, was always giving me little tidbits like that. She could always be

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counted on to have sanitizing wipes and antiseptic gel with her at all times. What would I do without you Patty? I asked halfmocking and half-thankful. So, are we still on for Harleys, Friday at 7 oclock? she asked. As if she even needed to. Of course. Say hi to Ricky and Jaime for me. Kay, love ya babes. See you there. Love ya, bye, I chirped as I clicked the phone shut. It was getting harder to get together with Patty now that she was in nursing school and she and Ricky were getting serious. I remember in high school we would sometimes skip out on Fridays sixth period and go to Harleys to get Shirley Temples. It was what got us through high school. Now its what helps keep us together. I set the phone on a stack of already opened mail when I noticed a familiar looking, yellow piece of paper. I snatched it up so fast that other papers around it went flying in the air and floated back down towards the floor. I had been in such a hurry to get home and talk to Patty about Camuh class that I forgot to look at the paper that he handed me. It read with big boxy futuristic looking letters:

ANNUAL ASTRONOMY ADVENTURE

HeldattheHarringtonObservatoryComeand seeSpacefirsthand! Freetoallastronomystudents!

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Startingat10:00pm,September20th

I remembered what Cameron said to me as I was leaving, Hope to see you there... That meant that he would be there. I felt my heart do a flip flop. September 20th, that was two weeks away, it felt more like an eternity.

Cameron:
Pound, pound, pound, pound, pound. The rhythm of my own feet hitting the pavement was almost a lullaby to my ears. I could feel my body taking over like I was on autopilot. Scenery was flashing by. Trees faded into rolling hills with animals spread out here and there. Alien running was much faster than human running. It was a lot like one of the humans favorite fictional super heroes, Clark Kent, who could run so fast he disappeared completely. I wonder if it was coincidence or influence that he, himself an alien, received such traits. Again, letting the rhythm take control, I blazed through the countryside. I felt like I could run forever when my brain felt like it was being seared. I had no choice but to stop. The pain eased slightly and I saw it. As clearly as if it were a physical sign being held out in front me, the Viceroys Sign. Asher was summoning me. As quickly as it appeared, the sign was gone, and the pain with it, replaced by the image of a pasture with cows lazily
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grazing. I must be somewhere near Kansas, somewhat ironic considering the topic I was thinking of earlier. As it turned out I was in Kansas, barely. I knew that Asher would summon me again if I made him wait too longnot something I want to experience anytime too soon. I turned a one-eighty and blasted back toward civilization and the Viceroy. Asher was newly appointed to the position of Viceroy about two months ago. His father, who holds a chair on the Council of Alphaeon, the Alien version of the United Nations, was rumored to have secured the position for his son. A Viceroys job was to receive orders from Alphaeon, my home planet/galaxy, then distribute these orders among the agents. The Viceroy also acted as judge, interpreting the actions and determining consequences of agents who slip up. My guess is that I was being summoned to complete a task. I lived for this. There was nothing quite like the feel of being on a mission. Perhaps it was that at any moment, the jig could be up. Or maybe it was knowing that my planet depended on my actions and the skill with which I completed them. I didnt use autopilot to get back to headquarters, using all my focus to push myself faster. I was back in Boston in a matter of minutes. I think I even beat my record. I raced through the busy downtown streets weaving my way around pedestrians and motorists. Thanks to my super alien speed, I was invisible to all around me.

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Making my way out of city center and into South Boston, I skidded to a halt just outside of a rundown looking factory. Graffiti and grime covered the outside walls. On the side there was a fire escape that looked more like a deathtrap. The entirety of the building was enclosed by a tall wire fence, all except for a small structure resembling a cage. As I had done many times before, I pushed the small door of the cage open. It screeched on its hinges, and rusty metal flakes fell away where the metal rubbed together. After closing the cage door behind me, I trotted down a set of narrow steps leading about twenty feet into the ground. At the bottom was the entrance to the factory, a set of boarded up double doors. An exposed light bulb hung over the doors emitting an eerie orange light and it made and equally annoying buzzing sound. Just to the right of the door was a small mark, something that could easily be mistaken for graffiti by human eyes, but not to me. I put my right hand on it. Underneath my palm, where the mark touched my skin, I felt a slight tingle something that would only happen to an a alien. After three seconds, the door began to shimmer, making it look like a mirage that you see when youre driving on a hot day and the heat from the sun affects the road. Without a moments hesitation I stepped through the wood that barred the door, and the door itself and into Bostons Alphaeon Headquarters. Coming through, I ended up in a hallway that opened out into the Headquarters plaza. Looking up were the ceiling should have been, I saw a bright light, almost blinding, but this light wasnt powered by human electricity.

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Concentrating closer I could see a sphere where the light was emanating from. Celion. Something my kind needed to thrive. Its what powers the HQ as well as Alphaeon. This particular sphere of celion could power all of Earths electrical needs for the next hundred years, but Alphaean technology required much more power than human technology and because of this, the sphere was only strong enough to power HQ. The celion spheres that powered Alphaeon were the size of small planets. Its also a boon for alien-kind, because celionic power couldnt be measured by human technology. It came in handy when trying to hide right under the humans noses or rathertheir satellites and power grids. I wasnt standing there long when my thoughts were interrupted. Agent? a blonde woman with tawny brown eyes asked. Viceroy Asher is awaiting your presence. She gestured towards an activated elevator. Of course, shall we? I flashed a polite smile before hoping blithely into the elevator platform. As like many things alien, this elevator put human elevators to shame. I wasnt really sure why it was called an elevator because it didnt really elevate it occupants, it more or less teleported them to their selected destination within HQ. After we were both on the platform, the Viceroys assistant placed her hand on the destination panel and informed it of our desired destination. In other words, she used her mind to tell it to go to the Viceroys office, a destination only the Viceroy and his assistants could access.

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The elevator made a noise similar to that of a jet engine warming up. I hate this part, I grumbled, balling my hands into fists as I prepared to be elevated. In an instant, it felt like every molecule of my body was being pulled in opposite directions, but my feet stayed firmly planted on the platform as if they had been weighed down. It was over in under a second, but if felt much longer. We were standing on the landing dock of a room not much bigger than the inside of a normal elevator, except the walls formed a circle around uslike we were inside of a tube. Phewww. Glad thats over. The doors of the elevator, which were curved just like the walls, opened seamlessly, releasing us into the lobby of the Viceroys office. Please wait here while I inform the Viceroy that you are here. She excused herself and disappeared through a set of doors off to the left. I had done this so many times that it felt like mega dose of dj vu. I had even memorized the way the lobby looked. It was much like a human waiting roomsmall, the walls framed with chairs, and quite dull. My trips here were always the same, except for one thing: the missions. This way, agent, the assistant beckoned from the set of doors she had used earlier. Not wanting to be in the lobby longer than I had to, I quickly shuffled behind her. Where my steps were quick and impatient, hers were long and steady, as if she had done this

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so many times she no longer had to think about where she was going. We passed down a wide hallway with doors flanking each sideoffices of the Viceroys staff. At the end of the hallway were two doors made of a metal not known to earth with panes of sea green colored glass. The metal was almost clear, yet, not see througha conundrum for the eyes. The doors shimmered just as the door at the entrance of the factory had when I activated it. The assistant brushed her palm quickly along a symbol on the wall and the glass on the door faded from sea green to sky blue. Not wasting a moment she quickly stepped through the doors, as one might imagine a ghost floating through a wall. Following her lead, I took one long step and passed through the doors. Sir, the assistant announced. The agent you requested is here. Asher, the Viceroy of Boston, looked up from reading a stack of newspapers, this mornings by the look of it. He looked to be about twenty-five in human years, and had sandy blonde hair that fell just below his ears. His blue eyes were almost the same color as the glass in the door. He looked as though he had been enjoying what he was reading, because a faint smile still showed in his expression. Almost as if he had heard my thoughts, the smile disappeared and the look of lets get down to business took its place.

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Thank you, Kaiya. He nodded towards the assistant. That is all for now. Kaiya promptly took her leave, and the doors turned back to sea green following her exit. Thank you for coming, I appreciate your promptness, he said while shuffling the papers off of his desk. Please, have a seat. He gestured his hand toward the chairs in front of his desk. I slid into the chair on the left and laced my fingers together, letting my hands rest in my lap. And patiently, I waited for the Viceroy to inform me of the task Id have to complete. His office, like the waiting room, was somewhat bland. The usual otherworldly, blue-gray glow emanated from the walls. The room appeared to be lit by daylight, but there were no windows to the outside. On the massive wall to our left there were windows that framed a view of the Headquarters main plaza below. This is weird, because from the plaza, if you look up, you cant see windows anywhere. Those arent real, he said, gesturing towards the windows I had been staring at. Ive wondered about them myself sometimes. He started to pull a file from his desk as he said, Now, about the reason I summoned you. There are reports of developments within ALKALI that lead us to believe that there is a new base outside of Palisade, Coloradonear Twin Peak Mountain.

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It wont be easy to access, because it only has one reachable entrance. You need to enter the base and retrieve information containing about the locations of other ALKALI bases. The location to the base is inside the file along with a collector. He handed me the file but didnt let go when I grabbed it. There have been rumors that this new base is being guarded by new technology. What this technology is, we dont know. Youll have to acquire this information once you are inside and have found the main hard drive. When youve located the hard drive, connect it to the collector. Learn what you can and be careful not to draw attention. We cant risk raising awareness that the bases location is no longer secret. His hand still held tightly to the file. I will, sir. He stared fixedly at me as if thinking about something and then released his grip on the file. I was turning to leave when he said, One thing, agent. I turned back to face him. Based on your background, he paused, adding an inflection to the word background, I deemed you to be the best agent for this mission. I do hope I was correct in my assumption. His eyes were blazing like an ocean during a storm. I started to ask what he meant by my background but he interrupted me. That is all. Kaiya will show you out. He had already begun to sift through the newspapers he was reading earlier, but out of the corner of my eye, I saw his hand slide across a symbol on his desk.

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Almost as if she had been waiting outside the doors for him to summon her, Kaiya appeared through the doors. The glass was back to blue. She escorted me back to the lobby and then disappeared back through the double doors. Not wanting to waste any time, I flopped into one of the lobbys chairs and opened the mission file. Inside was a single piece of paper with only a single line of text. It was a set of coordinatesprobably the location of the entrance to the base. Also in the file, was a glossy black rectangle that fit neatly into my palm. The collector. On the top of it, etched neatly into the glossy surface, were four symbols. I memorized the coordinates, and with a flick of my consciousness, I dissolved the molecules of the page, watching it go from a bright white to invisible nothingness, and along with it, the evidence of the plan to invade the new base. I wonder what he meant about my background. I knew that I was different from other Alphaeans because I was able to change my original body, a body that would not have been able to survive on earth, into a human body. That was my unique ability I guess. All Alphaeans had a special ability. Some could read minds, some could alter time, and others could project themselves. So far, Id only ever been able to change my human form, that is, I can change the way I look as a human. But I havent ever been able to shift into anything else. Once I tried to shift into a dog, instead, I ended up with really hairy arms and two inch fingernails.

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Even with all these advanced abilities, Id still need a few questions answered about the missionand maybe some were personal. There was only one alien I knew of that could answer my questions. Eddie the Rat. Man I hate that guy!

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THREE
Eliza
Friday, September 7th I had spent the better half of the week trying to occupy my time with things like cleaning my apartment, helping my neighbor paint her living room, weeding my mothers flower gardendoing anything that would make the time pass faster. But why? What is it that I want to get to faster? Part of me already knew the answer to that question, the other part of me still couldnt figure out what it is about a certain teachers aide with raven colored hair, aquamarine eyes, and flawlessly good looks that attracted me so much.

Besides the fact that hes gorgeous, I dont really know that much about him. I plopped down on my favorite chair and tucked a knee under my chin. I still had a few hours to kill till I had to meet Patty at Harleys and Id already done the laundry, washed the dishes, vacuumed, and dusted. Even Patty would have a hard time finding a germ in my apartment. I looked out of my living room windowliving in a third story apartment on a hill has its perksand I could see that it was a good day to be at the beach. So, I tugged on my favorite worn out shoes and flung on my windbreaker and was on my way. A walk would do me good. Fresh air always helped to clear out the cobwebs, and make things clearer. I was approaching the boardwalk when I felt my cell vibrate. I had gotten a text. It read:
Dont 4get Harleys @ 7 C U there - P@ty

I texted her back reassuring her that there was no way I would forget. On the boardwalk I saw a mom pushing her toddler in a stroller, a little girl on a scooter weaving in and out between people walking on the boardwalk, and couples with their arms around each other. There was one in particular that caught my eye. They were giving each other ooey-gooey looks and the girl kissed her companion on the cheek. Part of me

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hoped that the little girl on the scooter would run over their feet. Realizing that observing other people was doing no good for my attitude, I decided to focus on the natural scenery. It was actually nice out, and the sun was coating everything in a blanket of golden warmth. I found the steps leading off of the boardwalk and made my way towards the water. Deciding that since it was exceptionally warm, it would be nice to take my shoes off and walk barefoot. I always liked how smooth my feet felt after walking barefoot on the beach. Seagulls were flying from their perches on the boardwalk and landing gently in the calm water. I stood close enough so it could wash over my toes. It was cold but refreshing. The water wasnt quite blue but not quite greenmore bluish green. Not unlike aquamarine. I was no longer seeing the water but a uniquely colored pair of eyes framed with curly black hair and lips that Oh no! Now Im seeing him everywhere I go! I was barely aware that I had nearly run an elderly man over when I raced back up the stairs to the boardwalk. I didnt even remember telling my legs to run. All I knew was that I had to get away from the water, and the visions it brought with it. I had just stepped off the wooden boardwalk and onto the pavement when OWWWW! Damn it! I had forgotten that I wasnt wearing shoes.

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I lifted my bare foot up so that I could inspect the underside where a sharp pain was shooting through my foot all the way up my leg. Glass. A very gnarly looking shard of glass was protruding from the inside arch of my foot. Remembering something Patty once said, I resisted the urge to yank the shard out. I hopped my way over to the curb, trying to avoid any other pieces of glass. After lowering myself down, I whipped my cell out of my pocket and sent Patty a quick S.O.S. I wasnt waiting long when and old pick up came thundering down the road and pulled off to the side. Ricky hopped out of the drivers seat while Jaime waived from the passenger seat. What have you done to yourself now? Ricky called with a mocking smile. He was wearing a green flannel shirt with the sleeves ripped off and a pair of faded jeans with a whole in the right knee, he must have been working on his and Pattys house. Ricky was no newcomer to the Eliza-is-extremelyclumsy- and-accident-prone circus. Oh, havent you heard? Walking barefoot on glass ridden streets is all the rage. Everybody is doing it, I joked. I started to stand up but trying to stand up using one leg was much more complicated than I thought it would be. I started to wobble so, without thinking, I put my injured foot down to balance myself. BIG MISTAKE!

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AHHHH! The pain was more than anything I had ever felt. I expected to find myself laying belly up along the sidewalk, but instead, Ricky had caught me before I could hit the pavement. Jaime, get the door! he yelled to his son, who sitting in the truck. In a flash, Jaime was out and had the door flung open. He was avoiding looking at my feet and instead was trying to give me a reassuring smile. Hey, kid, I breathed out as Ricky set me in the truck. Hey, Aunt Eliza. Are you alright? His eyes were full of concern. Oh, me? Im great, I lied. Just breathe, I reminded myself. Freaking out in front of Jaime is the worst thing you can do. Really? Because you dont look that great, and youre bleeding. He was looking at my foot only the way a kid could look at it, with morbid curiosity. Ricky had gathered my stuff from the curb and flung it in the back of the cab before throwing himself up into the drivers seat. Jaime! Get in the truck will ya! He was trying to keep the panic out of his voice but I could still hear it. Oh, yeah! Sorry, Dad. He squeezed in next to me and, had to slam the truck door twice before it would stick. I was beginning to get a little nervous because I was starting to lose feeling in my foot, and every time the truck would

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go over a bump it felt like the veins in my leg were being set on fire. So, Jaime? I kept my voice low so that Ricky didnt hear it. Is it bad? I accentuated the word bad so Jaime would catch my meaning. At this point I was refusing to look at my foot. He didnt answer. Instead, he reached out and held my hand. Sweet kid. I didnt let go until we were in the drive-up of Harrington Community Hospital. Jaime, stay here with Eliza. Ill be right back, Ricky bellowed over his shoulder as he jogged to the entrance of the hospital. He was back in seconds with a nurse behind him. No, not a nurse, but a very familiar women wearing purple scrubs Hey, Patty. Thanks for sending the cavalry. I gave her the best smile I could muster, but I think it looked more like a wince. I would have come and got you myself but I couldnt get away. Training has been crazy.At that moment her eyes found my foot. Oh. Ouch. Good, you didnt pull the glass out. Ricky picked me out of the truck and settled me into the wheelchair before I had any time to get my nerves up about being moved. Thanks, Ric. Youre a lifesaver.

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No problem, kid. He patted my shoulder and turned to see Patty. Thanks, baby, she said, and then gave him a short but sweet kiss on the lips. EWWWWW! Do you guys have to do that? Jaime was leaning out of the truck cringing in their direction. Patty started to push me towards the entrance and I yelled back over my shoulder to Jaime, Thanks, little man. Next time I see youice cream, my treat. I wasnt completely sure, but I thought I heard him say something like Awe-some! Like it was two words. Look, I know that we havent seen much of each other lately, Patty chirped. But hurting yourself just so that you can come and visit metsk, tsk, tsk. She was shaking her head in a disapproving manner. Dont flatter yourself, Patty. I chided. I did it so I could get the new, hot doctors phone number, I joked, suggestively wiggling my eyebrows. Ah. I see. She flashed and all-knowing smile. Okay, so what really happened? Her voice was serious now. Not really wanting to explain that I was running from a steamy vision of my teachers aide, I liedlike a rug. Oh, you know me. I was enjoying the sun and I didnt want to put shoes back on and welllook at me now. I did a quick hand gesture motioning to myself. She raised her eyebrow, filled with skepticism. Sometimes I wonder about you Eliza Hart.

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All cleaned and stitched up, I had been sitting in Harrington Community Hospitals E.R. for about half an hour waiting for a doctor to sign off on my chart. I was just about to hobble away and find Patty so we could leave when he finally got there. Hello.Eliza, he said after looking down at his chart to read my name. So this was the new doc in town. He was tall, with chocolate brown hair that had flecks of gold and toffee weaved throughout. He looked like the athletic sort of person who drives a Subaru, eats veggie burgers, and hikes. I had to admit, that on him, it looked good. Hello.Dr. Reed, I mimicked, pointedly taking time to read his name off of the badge on his coat. He chuckled. Call me Grant. He looked down to examine the chart and then looked back up at me. So, it looks like everything is in good shape, you managed to miss all the important stuff. You should be back to normal in about a week. A playful smile weaved across his face and he said, Next time you feel like going for a stroll, maybe think about wearing some kind of foot protection. Do hospital booties count? I asked, gesturing to my injured foot which happened to have one of the aforesaid booties on. Better than nothing, he conceded. The fluorescent lighting above us was accentuating the amber in his brown eyes.

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I caught myself staring at him and decided to find my nails suddenly interesting. Out of the corner of my eye, I watched him peruse the chart one last time before scribbling his signature at the bottom. All set. Youre free to go, Miss Hart. He said as he offered me a hand down from the hospital bed. Eliza, I said with a smile. I took his hand, it was warm and rough. He must like to work with his hands I was just starting to admire how golden his skin was when he said, Eliza it is then. Can I give you a hand till we can find you some crutches? My hand was still resting in his. I whipped it back. No! Absolutely not. No. Crutches. They reminded me of the time I broke my ankle in the seventh grade and had to use crutches for two months. Trying to prove that I would be just fine without crutches I started hopping on one foot towards the door, and then picturing how silly I must have looked, I stopped, and grabbed a hold of the end bed for balance. Though I absolutely refuse the use of crutches, I dont have anything against a hand till I find Patty. Okay. Youre the boss, he said with an amused grin. He offered me his arm and I looped mine around his. His arm felt strong and steady, probably a good thing in case I started to topple over. Shall we? he offered. Yep. Patty said she would be waiting at the front entrance. I said starting to hop, with his help, towards the hall.

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After a minute of stumbling, tripping, and cursing, all on my part, Grant stopped and let go of me. Im sorry Im not making this easy on you am I? I said apologetically. I started to lose my balance and he quickly reached out and steadied my shoulders. I was just about to say the same thing to you. His hands were still resting on my shoulders. Do you mind? he asked. Not quite sure what he was asking, I agreed. Before I knew it, he had swept me up off me off the ground and I was cradled in his arms. Wow. It was all I could manage. He started walking. So, Grant, are you liking Harrington? I asked trying to make conversation during this somewhat awkward situation. Every time he would take a stride I would bounce a little in his arms. I was used to this thoughId lost count of the number of times I had to be carried by someone because I had broke, twisted, or sprained something. But in his arms, it didnt feel quite the same. Its great. I love the difference between here and the city. He didnt even seem to be winded from carrying me. I would much rather be surrounded by nature than skyscrapers and cars. Yeah, I know what you mean. I couldnt have agreed more with him. There is something so peaceful and comforting about being able to walk right out my door and be surrounded by the beach, the trees, and people Ive known since I was a kid. Its nothing like living in the city.

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Oh. Did you live in the city? He leaned forward to press the down button of the ancient hospital elevator. In the process he leaned his head so close to mine that I could smell his aftershave. It smelled fresh, like ocean mist. Yeah, for about six months. I had gotten it into my head that when I graduated high school I wanted to live in the citythought it would be bercool. Instead, it was just berexpensive and I had to get a second job to afford my coat closet of an apartment. Not the greatest experience of my life. Hmm, he said, as we stepped in to the newly arrived elevator. Youll have to tell me about that sometime. Say over a cup of coffee. We were looking right into each others eyes, and because of the close proximity I could make out a light sprinkling of freckles over his cheekbones, probably from spending lots of time in the sun. I suddenly became very aware of his arms, which were wrapped around me. Uh, okay. I was a little caught off guard, but oh well. He seemed like a nice guy. Its not like I have a boyfriend or anything. A mental flash of a familiar, attractive man with black hair and mesmerizing eyes passed over me and I felt a little guilty. What the hell, Eliza! I shouted in my mind. You dont even know the guy. You saw him once and now your acting like youve fallen head over heels. Not to mention how you caused yourself bodily harm trying to run from the thought of him. Ugggh! This makes no sense. Great. Ill give you my number when we get to the front. He had a happy grin on his face from the time we

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stepped out of the elevator and walked around the corner and down the long narrow hallway to the front desk. I saw Patty leaning against the front of the desk talking to an older woman wearing scrubs who was sitting behind the desk. Grant paced up to the desk and before he set me down, he asked the woman, Hey, Stacie, do you happen to have one of my cards up here? He then set my legs carefully down on the ground while keeping a firm hand on my back so I didnt fall over. I could feel the warmth of his hand through the fabric of my shirt. It wasunsettling but nice. Sure thing, Dr. Reed. She started rummaging around in the drawers around her. We just got them in. I saw them the other day More rummaging. Oh, here they are. Take some extras while youre at it. She handed him a small stack of white, paper rectangles. Thanks. He admired the cards before he flipped the top one over and, taking a pen from a cup on the desk, he scribbled something down and started to hand it back, but then stopped and pulled it back. Hey, wait here a sec, Ill be right back. Without another word he took off around the corner. I looked at Patty to see if she knew where he was going. I dont know, she said while giving the self-same gesture with her hands. He was back in a flash with a bulging envelope, my name was written hastily on the top.

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Here, the card is on the inside. He was smiling as he handed it to me, like he just heard something funny. Thanks for the ride, I said. I could get used to it. I added the rest without really thinking about what it could imply. My cheeks went warm and I quickly looked down at the floor. Sensing my embarrassment Patty spoke up. Yeah, but youre probably already used to it, thinking back on how many times we have had to carry your butt in here. Grant just smiled. Ready to go? I asked Patty. I was ready to leave before I said anything else embarrassing. Yep. How exactly are you getting out to the car? She was standing with her hands on her hips. Uh. I looked around the room trying to avoid looking at Grant so he wouldnt feel obligated to be my chauffer again. Ah. I spotted it in the far corner of the entry. The wheelchair. A smug grin crossed my face. Fine. She looked like she had just lost an argument, and she had. Patty thought it was ridiculous that I refused to use crutches, especially since I seemed to need thema lot. But Im not pushing you all the way out there and then pushing it all the way back. Now it was her with a smug smile. Oh come on, Patty, please. I was trying to give her the best puppy eyes I could muster. No way! I can push you, Grant said.

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I mentally winced when he offered, not because I didnt want him to help me, but because he had already gone out of his way to make me comfortable. No, I couldnt ask you to do that. Youve already been much too kind. I took a deep breath, trying not to pout, and looked at Patty. Okay. Give me the damn crutches. Great. She left to find them before I had any time to take it back. She came back with two wooden crutches, they looked ancient. Here ya go, babes, she said, handing them to me. Just as I had done when I broke my ankle in the seventh grade, I slung the crutches underneath my arms and put my weight on them. It felt good to get some of the stress off of my good leg. Slowly, I started to trek my way towards the exit, Patty was right behind me. When I got to the doors I turned to see Grant still standing at the desk. His eyes had followed me to the door, and a pleased smile was resting on his lips. Bye, Grant. Ill call you so we can get that coffee. I gave him a friendly smile, and to my left, I saw Pattys eyes flash when she heard of the plans for a coffee date. I look forward to it. Take it easy on those. He motioned to the crutches and then waved. After we had gotten far enough away from the door, Patty finally spoke up. So you really did come here to get the new, hot doctors phone number! Wow. Im impressed, she said with a teasing smile.

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First of all, I dont think Ricky would like hearing you call another man hot. Secondly, never underestimate my determination and ability to charm. I was chuckling when I remembered what she made me do. Oh. Wait, Im mad at you. A serious expression crossed my face. Why? She said with an innocent voice What did I do to you? Oh, Ill tell you what you did. You forced me use these awful things, I squawked, looking down at the crutches. Oh, get over it. I did you a favor. You had to get over your phobia of crutches sometime. Especially with your accident rate. Something sounding like a Harrumph escaped my lips, expressing my disapproval and disbelief. Dont be a brat. Tonights supposed to be our girls night out. Or have you changed your mind? she asked. I shook my head. Yeah, okay. Im sorry. Its just been a long day. It really had been, and I knew that Patty was only trying to make it betterno point in taking it out on her. Hey, Patty? Yeah? How are we gonna fit these crutches in your Geo? Thats a really good question, she replied as we approached her two door, 98 Geo Metro. After a little finagling we managed to fit the very awkward crutches into the very little car, and then finally, we were on our way to Harleys.

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Cameron:
Exiting the lobby of the Viceroys office, I stepped into the elevator and told it to take me to the thirtieth floor, sector 12. Otherwise known as the X-CHANGE, a place where Alphaeans go to relax and meet people, or, in my case, get information. The HQ may look like a five story abandoned factory on the outside, but on the inside, its a vast, highly advanced hub for alien life. Its shape very much resembles that of an ice berg, with a very unassuming exposed surface that no one would ever possibly imagine hides incredible secrets beneath. Below the surface, HQ burrows deep in to the earth for an incredible 45 levels, each one expanding out to cover enough square footage to boggle even the brightest mind. Just in Massachusetts alone there was close to forty-thousand Alphaeans at any given time, most of which resided in the HQ. There are about seventy-five HQs across the United States, each state having at least one. The surface levels of the HQ look exactly like an abandoned factory in case the humans ever get curious. But beneath the surface, the upper levels were for housing, the lower levels are for recreation and training. Even still, nobody knows exactly where the Viceroys office was located, not even the Viceroy. Not all Alphaeans choose to live in the HQ. I am one of those. I prefer to live above the surface, in a little town south of Boston called Harrington. It also happened to be where my
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human job was located. But I still kept a little apartment in HQ in case I ever need it. After having been transported to my desired location, I was standing on a platform lined with other elevators. People were disappearing while new people appeared. Elevators were the primary mode of travel in the HQ. Even though we could run with incredible speed, we didnt use it inside the HQit was too disrupting. While humans couldnt see an Alphaean that was running at super speed, other Alphaeans could. Ahem. An older lady standing behind me was waiting for me to step off the platform so she could use it. Oh, sorry. I quickly stepped off and started to make my way towards the bar. The light in this sector was coming from energy balls hovering about twelve feet above the ground. They were emitting a deep purple and red light, giving the room a moody atmosphere. It was also good for getting some privacy. At the bar, there was a man huddled over his drink like he had been through a very trying day, and a young man leaning over a slinky blonde who was giving him steamy looks. Behind the bar, was a large man with tribal tattoos covering both of his forearms. I walked up to an open seat and plopped into it. Hey, Sully. I see you finally got around to getting youre other sleeve done. I gestured to the tattoo encompassing his left forearm. Yeah, stung like hell, but it was worth it. Can I get you somethin? I suggest a Fighting Gypsy.

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Maybe later, I replied. Trying to keep my voice low, I leaned in towards the towering bartender and asked, You seen him around? An uncomfortable look crossed his face, Come on Cam, you know he doesnt like me telling people where he is. When has that ever stopped you before? I watched as his eyes darted to the floor and he started wiping the counter with vehemence. Oh, I see. Hes got something on you doesnt he? Look, you tell me where he is, and Ill make sure whatever it is that hes got on you stays hidden. Eddie the Rat may have a lot of dirt on people but Ive got plenty on him. After ruminating over what I said, Sully finally told me that Eddie was on this level in the ninth sector. Bleccchhhthe pleasure sector. I should have figured. Eddie was the worst kind of personthe kind that feeds off of the weaknesses of others. It was those weaknesses that allowed Eddie to remain on Earth this long. He used to be an Agent back on Alphaeon, but was deemed by the Clerics to not have what it took to become an off-planet Agent. So, he was posted to a small settlement in Corpra, the fourth state of Alphaeon. This pissed Eddie off so much that he decided to use his Agent training to find enough dirt on the Councilor of the Fourth so that he could get a ticket off the planet. Guess he showed them. He uses the same skeezy methods to make his living. Gleaning enough dirt off of his superiors so that he lives a gluttonous life, paid for by the indiscretions of others. I won-

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der how hell react to having his own technique used on himself. I decided to walk to the ninth sector, taking my own sweet time. The ninth sector was where the dregs of our civilization dwelled, preying on the unsuspecting. It catered to every kind of perverse pleasure a being could desire. Since it was a frequent destination for higher ranking officers of the HQ, its existence has been allowed, and under few restrictions. It was a world all its own, something separate from the HQ, but still belonging to the HQ. Being seen in the 9th wasnt something I wanted getting around. So, in an attempt to partly conceal myself, I shifted my hair to be longer, letting it hang around my face and over my eyebrows. Maybe this would be enough to keep from drawing to much notice, although, people in the 9th tended not to look too closely at others. Another reason I needed to be inconspicuous was because if Eddie, or one of his men, saw me before I saw them, hed slither away before I could get the information I came for. The doors to the 9th didnt really look like doors, but instead, it was an enormous opening with long continual bolts of black lightning coursing from the top to the bottom. Even though the lighting didnt fill up all of the opening, I still couldnt see through to the other side. People were disappearing into the lightning, others, looking a little worse for the wear, were stumbling out of it. I drew in a deep breath and slid through the entrance. The lightning left little tingles along the top of my head and

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shoulders. On the other side, I was greeted by pulsing blue energy balls and the heat made from too many warm bodies in one area. Along the sides of the massive club were balconies and niches. In the middle was a dance floor that was filled with a crowd of people dancing and rubbing together, all moving to the beat of the music that seemed to come from everywhere. There were corridors spread out sporadically that lead to private areassome of which were roped off with velvet ties, indicating they were in use. If I knew Eddie, he would want to be somewhere where he could see everything. I looked up to the balconies each one glowing with neon lighting. Along the southwest wall there there was a balcony that seemed higher than the rest, sitting about sixty feet in the air, and giving it the perfect vantage point of the club. That had to be Eddies balcony. Trying to blend in with the crowd, I decided to walk as close to the dance floor as I could. Arms and legs were flinging in and out, and I had to twist away quickly before a rather deadly looking, red, strappy stiletto gouged my right thigh. Just at that moment, I saw one of Eddies henchmen staring at me, more like squinting actually. Normally this particular henchman wore glasses, but he was missing them. He started to walk towards me, when a curly haired blonde had pulled me into the crowd.

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Her hands were bunched into fists around my shirt pulling me closer to her. She leaned up to talk into my ear over the music, and smelled of alcohol and heavy perfume. My name is Tabitha. I havent seen you here before. Is this your first time?She had to yell to be heard over the music, and she was in the process of wrapping her hands around my neck. I grabbed her arms and untwined them from my neck, No, if youll excuse me I didnt get to finish my sentence. She had lunged at me and her bright red lips crashed into mine and her hands started tugging at my hair. So, this is what being mauled feels like. She was pulling my hair so hard I thought she was going to rip it out. Forcefully, I put my hands on her shoulders and pushed her off of me. She was looking at me like I had just done something completely unfathomable. I guess most guys dont have an issue with half-drunk women throwing themselves at them. I was still holding her away from me when I saw the henchman still watching me, damn hes persistent. Not wanting to stand out, I spun Tabitha around so that my back was facing the henchman. She was now giving me a look as if Id lost my mind. Uh, sorry, I said. Im actually here to meet someone. Oh, heeheehee. her laugh was winey and high pitched, My bad. That happens a lot here. She jerked head back a little, gesturing to the club. So, whats her name, maybe I

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can help ya find her? She put a hand suggestively on my chest. I took a step back and said, Thanks but Ill be fine. She shrugged her shoulders and said, Okey-dokey, but dont say I didnt try to help you. She had a smirk on, and there was a glint in her eye that looked almostmischievous. With that she swiveled back into the crowd and disappeared. When I turned to look back at the henchman, he was gone. Thats odd, I was sure that he had recognized me. Id better find Eddie, and quick. This time, I avoided the crowd on the dance floor and went straight for the steps that wove their way up into the balconies. I was pretty sure Eddie would be at the very top, but just to be careful, I inspected each balcony as climbed. For this, several of the balconies inhabitants volleyed lewd comments at me. One woman even threw her drink at me, but apparently she had indulged in a little too much of it first, because her aim was terrible. I hate clubsespecially this one. I was now standing on the fourth level of balconies, two left. What seemed a little weird was that while I was climbing I didnt run into any of Eddies men, normally they were all over the place. There were barely any people on the fifth level, only a narrow set of steps to the lone sixth balcony. I looked around one last time and started to climb.

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I had no sooner reached to top of the stairs when I heard his weasely voice.Cameron, long time no see. He was seated behind a glowing table, and his slicked back hair mirrored the glow. How are the humans treating you? Eddie. Where are my manners? Please. Have a seat He snapped his skinny fingers and one of his men brought another chair to the table. In his hands, Eddie was holding a black square in his hands. It looked like a walletmy wallet. Oh, yes. He held the wallet up. Tabitha is very good at her job. I bet you didnt even feel a thing. I started to reach for the wallet but he pulled it away. You can have it backafter this meeting is adjourned. He snapped his fingers again, this time a man brought him a drink. He took the drink and set it down in front of him. So, what is that you went through all the trouble of coming to 9th to find me for? I leaned forward on to the table. I have a few questions I need answered. Anybody whos anybody knows that I dont answer questions for free. What have you brought in return?His eyes were full of devious anticipationobviously thought I had brought him something in return for his answering my questions. Oh, come on, Eddie. What about all that time we spent together in trainingand Corpra? I let a friendly smile roll across my face. Maybe this tactic would work and I wont have to blackmail Eddie the Rat.

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Sorry, he said flatly. Im running a business here. What did you expect? Maybe not. Eddie, do you remember our time on Corpra? I let a wicked smile cross my face. I do. In incredible detail. Especially that day we were stationed together at Martaegas. I leaned onto my elbows and laced my fingers together. I knew I had him. His complexion went from pasty white to ghostly pale. You wouldnt. This is business. What did you expect? He stared directly into my eyes, trying to figure out if I would really follow through on my threat. I must have convinced him, because he asked, What do you want to know? Well, I know you have a lot of contacts among the surface, and I need to know all there is to know about a new base in Coloradoentrances, exits, work detailall of it. Also, I need you to do some digging and find out all you can about my background. Cameron, you should know by now that I already do know all there is about your background. Youre squeaky clean. Why do you think I havent tried to cash anything in on you? he said, sounding somewhat annoyed by the truth of his statement. Thats good to know, but thats not what I meant. I need you to look into why I was left at The Ministry. See if

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you can find anything out about my parents and who they were. Awe, isnt that precious? The little orphan wants to find his mommy and daddy. His face was wrinkled together giving me the look a person gives when they are doting on a baby. Are you gonna do it or do I need I was cut off before I could finish my sentence. Of course I can do it. Who do you think youre dealing with? Now he looked insulted. Its gonna take a day or two to get info on the base, and a little longer for the other thing. Ill find you when Ive got everything. He grabbed the drink and took a long swig, slamming it back down when he was done. Anything else, sire? Yes. When I was on an ALKALI mission earlier this week, something odd happened. I think they were expecting an infiltration. I need you to look into that as well. I live to serve. His nostrils were flaring, a sign that he was really put out. Is that all? Yes, but find me as soon as you have word on the base. Of course. He gave a sarcastic bow and the snapped his fingers. Now, if that is all, you have quite ruined my evening. Just then a familiar blonde entered the balcony. Tabitha. Tabby, please escort our guest, he added as much disgust to the word as he could, out. Once you have done so, you may give this back to him. He handed her my wallet

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and disappeared down the stairs, his posse of henchmen followed him. Wow. You really pissed him off. She didnt sound intoxicated now that her cover had been revealed. Thats not a very smart thing to do. No, not smart is working for Eddie the Rat, I said, reaching for my wallet. She yanked it away. I can take care of myself, she said with a haughty air. I believe you. Come on, follow me, she said over her shoulder as she started to descend the stairs. We wound our way through the balconies and crossed the dance floor to the exit. Holding out my wallet, she said, Look, if I were you I wouldnt come back. Id wait for him to find you, if you know what I mean. `Cause Ive seen Eddie when he gets this upset, and welljust think about it. I took the wallet. Ill do that. Maybe you could think about finding a better employer. She smiled. Sure. We both knew she didnt mean it.

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FOUR
Eliza
Im starting to see why you hate these things so much, Patty grumbled while trying to dislodge a crutch from between the dash and the passenger seat. Patty, hurry up my leg is falling asleep. I was standing on my good leg and leaning against the car for balance. The parking lot at Harleys was filled, as was usual on Friday nights. We were parked all the way at the back where there werent any lamp posts. It was just a little creepy. Almostgotit. THWACK! The crutch was free. Here. She pushed both crutches at me.

Thanks. I started towards the big, red door to Harleys. It was old and full of nicks and scratchesprobably original to the structure. Limping, it felt like it took and eternity just to get to the there. Patty, who had beat me to it, stood holding it open, and I could hear music and laughter pouring through the threshold. I would have thought that with all that practice in junior high, that you would be a pro with those. She had her arms crossed and was smiling ruefully at me. Please, dont rub it in, I said, ducking around her. Hey! Its my two favorite customers! called a tall, bearded man from behind the bar. Hey Charlie. I smiled at him, trying to maneuver around a man carrying two pitchers back to his table. Patty and I had known Charlie since we were in junior high. He was the owner of Harleys. It was kind of funny that his name rhymed with the name of the restaurant. Weve asked him about it, but he said it was a long story involving a man, two chickens, and a hearing aid. He knit his eyebrows together in a worried look when he saw me with my two newest accessories. Oh, these are nothing, I said in reply to his look. Cut my foot is all, nothing serious. Well, in that case let me buy ya a drink. He was now smiling, and back to his normal jovial self. Charlie you know Im not twenty-one yet. Yeah, but I wont tell if you dont. He wiggled his left eyebrow at me.

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Charlie, a mans voice said. You do know I can hear you dont you? It was Deputy Luke sitting two stools away. Sure I do. Youre off duty though, so you dont count. That dont make no difference. Luke, who was used to Charlies flagrant ignorance, looked like a bird with his feathers all puffed out. Charlie shrugged. Sorry kid, maybe another time. Charlie! boomed Luke. Or not. But as soon as he said it he looked at me and gave me an overly accentuated wink. Hey, Patty, Charlie said. Taking care of her as normal I see. He was jabbing a thumb in my direction. Somebody has to do it, she replied. How about you, can I get you anything? Nah, Im driving. She grabbed two menus out of the stand and looked back at him. Hey were gonna go get a booth `kay. Alright. Enjoy. He gave us one of his goofy smiles and was quickly distracted when he started yelling curses at a guy with his feet propped on the bar. After heading towards the back of the crowded restaurant, we settled into a booth with a window view of the full parking lot. We really didnt need menus, because we always seemed to get the same thing. I would order the chili-cheese fries with a cherry coke, and Patty would order the Caesar salad with grilled chicken and an iced tea. So, how was training? I asked, lazily flipping the menu over and admiring the little pictures next to their descriptions.

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Oh, same old same old. Do you remember Harrietta? Shes also in training. Well, she just got engaged asked if I would be one of her bridesmaids. Wow. Are you gonna do it? I think so. Maybe it will get me into to the wedding spirit. Does she know that youre also engaged? I asked. Yeah. Thats part of the reason why she asked is because she thought I might know some helpful tips about planning a wedding, but I told her that Ricky and I havent even thought about planning one yet. You know how Ricky is. He would be happy just living together, forever, without getting married. Well, how do you feel about the whole getting-marriedthing? I was now organizing the little sugar packets in order by color. I dont know. I know that I love being with Ricky and Jaime. So I guess for now, Im happy. I was just about to say something when a petite girl with curly orange-gold hair popped up in front of our table. Hey guys! she said. Hey Kelli, hows it going? Kelli was Charlies daughtergraduated from our high school a year after me. She also worked as a waitress at Harleys. What can I get for you ladies this evening? Her curls bounced when she spoke. The regular for me, I answered Me too, Patty added.

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`Kay, sthat all? She scribbled down our order on her sketchpad, all the while she was smiling. Kelli was one of those people that was perpetually happy. Sometimes I envied her that. Yep. Thanks, Kelli. I looked back to Patty to continue our conversation, but stopped when I realized that Kelli was still standing in front of our table. Um, Eliza, can I ask you for a favor? She wasnt smiling her usual cheerful smileshe looked anxious and unsure about something. Sure, Kelli. Anything, I replied. She looked nervously around and the slid into the booth next to Patty so she was looking across at me. Do you remember me telling you about that guy that I met while I was visiting my aunt in Springfield? Her eyes looked urgent. Yeah. Well, um, Im moving in with him. Youre what! I nearly shouted. You only met the guy a month ago. How can you even be thinking about moving in with him? Shhhhh! She quickly grabbed my arm across the table. Please, you cant say anything. I really care about Hugh, and we both want to be together. Patty was anxiously looking from me to Kelli and back again.

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Stifling the urge to get up and shake her until she came to her senses, I took a deep breath. So, what exactly is this favor that you need me to do? I need you to give me a ride to the bus station. I didnt reply. I just stared at her. Please, Eliza. I wanted you to take me, but if you wont then Ill just find some other way. But I think of you as a friend, and I thought that maybe you would do this for me. Her head was hung low and she was looking down at the napkin in front of her. If that was her idea of a way to making me feel guiltyit was working. Of course Ill take you. But why me, why dont you have Charlie take you. Im sure hes goingWait a minute. You havent told Charlie, have you? I could feel my anger rising back up. No. I know that if I tell him, hell just say no and throw a fit. But Im not a child anymore, and I dont have to ask his permission. Im going to leave him a note, and then Ill call him when I get there. She had folded her arms across her chest and had a resigned look on her face. It almost looked like she was pouting. Youre right, youre not a child. So stop acting like one, I said firmly. And as your friend Im telling you that if you dont tell your father where youre going, youre gonna hurt him so much more than if you were upfront with him. You are all he has, and you owe him the decency of telling him, and I think you know that. So what if he throws a fit. Its be-

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cause he cares about you. Now, I said taking a deep breath, I will give you a ride to the bus station, after you have talked to your father. If you decide not to talk to him well, then I think you will have to find another way. As much as I care about you, I care about your father too. She looked down at the table, and I could tell that she knew what I said was right. So do we have a deal? I asked. She looked back up at me, thinking about it. Finally, she said, Deal. She slid out of the booth and said over her shoulder, Ill get your order going. Hey, Kelli wait. Before she could walk away, I hauled myself out of the booth which was very hard to do on one foot. She turned back around, and I grabbed her into a comforting hug. When I was done, I then held her out by her shoulders, partly for balance. Im really happy that you found somebody you care about. Truly. I followed it up with a genuinely happy smile. She gave me one in return. Thanks, she said, squeezing my arm to show me that she meant it, and then went to place the orders. Patty and I chatted about anything and everything while we waited for our food, but we werent waiting long. That was the great part about being friends with the owner of a restaurantyour food got put in the front of the line. We ate leisurely and enjoyed being able to have girl time together. And slowly, the restaurant emptied out until we were the last ones there. We had been done with dinner for a

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while, but we were just enjoying being able to not have to worry about life for the moment. Finally, Charlie walked over and hung the Closed" sign on the door. Turning to face us, he said, Free cherry pie to any lovely lady sitting at the bar. Ooh, count me in! I called. With that, we made our way up to the bar and each grabbed a stool. Kelli came out of the back carrying four plates and four forks. She dished everyone a piece and then took her own seat at the bar. So, Patty? Charlie said, while poking at a cherry that had rolled free. You still with that guy, uh, what was his name, Rudy, Rover, Ronald Ricky, she corrected. And yes. Were engaged. Bah, he grunted. Youre too young. You should take timeexplore your options. See the world. Thats what I keep telling Kelli. He looked proudly at his daughter. At this, Kelli, shoved a huge bite of pie in her mouth, and her cheeks went flush. I gave her a sympathetic look. Well, I said, after we had finished our pie. I guess well get out of your way so you can go home. I gathered my crutches and turned to look at Charlie. Thanks for the pie, old man. He chuckled. Anytime, but you should really thank Kelli, shes the one who made it. He patted his daughter on the back.

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I loved to see the way that Charlie doted on Kelli. It reminded me of my dad. He had died two years agocancer. I realized that that was why I had gotten so angry at Kelli earlier. She has a dad, a good one, and she didnt realize how special that was. But like me, she only had one parent. Her mom had left her and Charlie when she was three. She hasnt seen her since. I hobbled over to Charlie and gave him a hug. Then I gave one to Kelli. As I was hugging her, I whispered, Be strong, and be kind. Remember he loves you more than anything. Let me know how it goes. `Kay, I will. She was smiling, but her eyes had a slight look of panic. Patty came over and patted her shoulder, Itll work out, sweetie. These things always do. Charlie was looking at us questioningly, but he didnt say anything. Maybe he already knew that something was up.

Cameron:
Instead of waiting around for Eddie to contact me, I decided to spend the next day planning my strategy to get to Colorado. At my top speed, I could get from Boston to Palisade in a little over an hour, but that would leave me just a little winded and Id include some time to rest, maybe half an hour or so. To test this plan I decided to do a dry run.

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I blasted from the front door of my house in Harrington, and was in Cincinnati half an hour later. It took only twenty more minutes to reach Palisade. I could travel faster along the open highways than I could in crowded cities. Is thatburning rubber? Oh man! Looking down at my shoes, I saw that practically all of the rubber was gone. That was one of the major downsides to running 2,000 miles flat out. I concentrated my thoughts on the soles of the shoes and with my mind I added more rubber to them. To the eyes of a human it would like I just did magic. But I didnt. I simply used my alien abilities to alter and bind atoms. Satisfied with my footwear, I strolled into the main street of Palisade, Colorado. It was filled with people and there were tents lined up on both sides of the street. A large sign greeted me, saying: Palisade Sunday Market. Around me, there were an abnormal amount of pictures of peaches. Must be the state fruit or something. I wandered through the crowds and admired the crafts for sale. Eventually I found something that I wanted a peach smoothie. Its interesting how a simple human concoction could be so enticing to an alien. Nothing in Alphaeon could quite compare to a smoothie. It is probably because we didnt have much of a need for ice in Alphaeon. Everything was artificially cooled or frozen.

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After sucking down the rest of the smoothie, I decided that I should get back to Boston and finish planning. I was getting ready to jet when a view caught my eye. To the north stood a tall mesa, carved out of red and orange rock. Instead of running in the general direction of Boston, I found myself moving towards the mesa. It took very little effort to scale the side of the plateau, and t the top there were splotches of green foliage freckling the ground. Though the sun was out, there was an equal amount of clouds, but not all of the sky was covered. In the areas where the clouds were broken apart, the sun shone through creating a spotlight effect on certain parts of the city. Altogether, it was quite beautiful. I admired it a bit longer, and decided that I liked it out here. Instead of tall buildings, there were towering mesas and the skies looked so beautiful it was like they were painted on. A semi-conscious thought rolled through my mind, Maybe Ill move here one day. Although it was beautiful, it felt like it was missing something, but I wasnt sure of what. When I got back to Harrington it was dark already. Sunday evenings were always quiet here. People were either at home getting ready for the new week, or they were at church. As I walked through the park I enjoyed the comforting glow created by the lamps placed here and there, and in the distance, I could hear the organ playing from Saint Olivers. At the end of the park I took a left and walked a ways further and the sounds of the organ faded into the background. I

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was close to the coast now, and I could hear the constant thrum of the waves beating the sand. On the right side of the street, houses formed out of the darkness. They sat on top of the small cliff that overlooked the beach. Reaching the end of the street, I looked outward. From this level there didnt appear to be anything but the rocks forming the cliff and the shore beyond them. But little lights illuminated a path in the ground leading to a set of wooden stairs. My stairs. I followed the path and descended the stairs, which lead down two flights, finally ending at a deck that was attached to a tall rectangle shaped house that appeared to be clinging to the wall of the cliff. My house beat an apartment in the HQ any day. I never carried a key to my house. I found that they got lost far too easy. Instead, I use my abilities. I just concentrate on turning the lock to the door andvoila, its unlocked. I strode through the big glass doorway, kicked my shoes off onto the mat, and made my way to the kitchen. All that running worked up an appetite. I was in the process of piling turkey on my soon to be sandwich, when I got the distinct impression that I wasnt alone. I contemplated grabbing the knife from the counter, but when you can shred an intruder apart with your mind, you dont really need a knife.

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With one precise leap, I was over the island in the kitchen and in the living room. I ducked with plenty of time to avoid the fist flying towards the back of my head. In a flash of speed, I turned toward the owner of the fist and pinned them to the wall by their neck. A little to my surprise, it was the henchman from the clubhe still didnt have his glasses. Roland, called a familiar, greasy voice. You have got to be the worst agent that ever passed through the Ministrys doors. Eddies wiry frame crept out of a shadow and into view. Do forgive him. Hes as blind as a bat. His preparation for earth didnt go according to plan. He sounded a little exasperated. Under my iron hold, I could hear Roland sputtering for air. Releasing him, he slumped to the ground and grabbed at his throat. Nice place. Maybe Ill think of joining the neighborhood. Eddie was fumbling with some seashells on a side table. Let me make this clear, Eddie.I took three steps towards him so that I could see his pupils. After today, I dont ever want to hear that you, or any of your men, put a toe in Harrington. Its off limits. Oh, come on, Cam. Arent we friends? he replied sarcastically, holding out his arms as if to give me a hug. A low snarl formed at the back of my throat, and he dropped his arms.

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Right. Onto business then. He walked over and plopped into an overstuffed chair in my living room. So, that base you said you ran into a bit of trouble at, Alkalon 58, well it turns out that there was an anonymous tip sent to the base, saying that it would be breached on that specific day. I havent had any luck figuring out who this anonymous soothsayer is, yet. Unless there is anyone you can think of? He was playing with the ruffle on a throw pillow. No. The only other person, on Earth, that knew about it was the Viceroy, and I highly doubt that he called up the base to tell them about mission. I checked to make sure Roland was where I left him, on the floor obsessing over his throat, and satisfied that he was, I walked over to join Eddie in the living room. What can you tell me about the base in Colorado? The base is a bitch! Thats what I can tell ya! He tossed the pillow into the chair next to him with more force than necessary, sending it toppling to the floor. Im not sure what theyre thinking, sending a rookie agent in alone to a base like this! Look, kid, Ill tell ya what ya need to know, but you should think seriously before you go any further. He stood up and took a small pyramid object from his pocket, I recognized it. It was the alien version of a projector. He placed it on the coffee table in front of him and sat back down. This is all the data I was able to collect. Theres blue prints, work detail, elevations, water tables, etcetera. Im not sure how much good it will do ya though.

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What do you mean? I inquired as I leaned forward. There are seven freakin sets of blueprints for just this one base! And each one is different from the others. The one thing they have in common is that theres only one entrance. Other than that, therell be no way for you to know which set is the real one until you are in the base. Same thing with the work detail, some plans say there will be few workers, others say the whole damn thingll be flooded with humans. He let his head fall back against the back of the chair and he let out a deep sigh. So, in other words, Im on my own. With this realization, I mimicked his previous action. I was now staring up at my tall ceiling where a rustic iron lamp hung from the rafters. It wasnt like I couldnt handle this on my own, but it sure made things a lot more difficult. With one entrance, it meant that if any alarms were to go off, Id be sealed inside. Not something I care to go through. Oh, and another thing, he said. There was something on each of the blueprints. I dont know what it was. Ive never seen it on any of the other Alkali blueprints before. His eyes went out of focus as he sifted through his own memories. Eddie! I barked. He snapped out of his reverie with a jolt. Yeah, right, sorry. On each of the blueprints it looks like theres a web covering all of the rooms and corridors. Its really weird looking. The web doesnt cover the under-works or the pipes though. With that he stood up and shook out his clothes, but I wasnt

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paying him much attention, my mind was still turning about what the web could be. I hope that helps. He stretched a little and looked back to me. And now that our deal is complete, Ill be getting out of your hair. He started to head for the door. I was almost too lost in thought to catch the last little bit of what he had said, probably what he was hoping for. Unfortunately for him I did catch it. Wait. I didnt turn to face him. I heard the shuffling of his feet stop. Our business is not completeyet. There is still the matter of my parents. If you have decided that you no longer wish to fulfill our agreement then, well Oh, shut up, Cameron. Ill finish the deal. His voice was reverberating with rage. Find me in a couple of daysif you live that long. Roland. GetUP! His footsteps sounded like he was stomping his way out the door. Roland rolled himself off the ground and scampered after his angry boss, only pausing to throw a scowl at me. And then I was alone. Suddenly my turkey sandwich in the other room seemed less than appetizing. How am I going to get on to a base that I know absolutely nothing about? My attention was brought back to the glowing object sitting on my coffee table. The projector. Leaning forward, I passed my hand over the pyramid, which activated it. The light it was emitting brightened to a

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blazing blue, and the energy coming from it caused it to hover several inches off the table. Then it spoke, What would you like to view? The voice didnt sound male or female, and the light pulsated every time it said a new word. Blueprints. The light around the pyramid expanded and shaped into a large orb. The walls of the orb were made of seven rectangles. Each rectangle was a set of blueprints. I reached up, and with my hand I spun the orb, like one might spin a globe. The pictures of the rectangles all blurred together as the orb spun. When it stopped, I tapped the blueprint that was facing me. The orb disappeared and the blueprint I selected grew to the size of a small chalkboard. It still wasnt big enough. Expand. I commanded. It grew till it was just the right size. I stood up so that I could get a better view of the floor plan. In this particular plan, the lone entrance to the base opened into a hangar, which then had about ten corridors feeding from it. Then there was a jumble of different labs, offices, testing areas, and unidentified rooms. Around each of these was a thin outlinethe web. I wonder what it is Like Eddie had said, the web wasnt drawn around the plumbing and under-works.

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I spent the rest of the night evaluating all the blueprints, each had the web drawn around every accessible area. When I finally took a break to look down at my watch, it read: 9:08 A.M. Damn. I have class. If only I had a few more hours But I didnt. I knew that if I left Barty on his own hed never let me forget it. Then an image of a girl with almond colored hair and alluring green eyes clouded my vision. Eliza. With all this stuff about the mission going on, I had nearly forgot that she would be in my class today. It gave me the motivation to close the projector and start getting ready. I went to the kitchen to start the coffee machine and was greeted by a stale half-made turkey sandwich lying on the counter. I quickly scooped it up and dumped it in the trash bin, and then I hit the Brew button on the coffee machine. If there was one earthly thing Im not sure I could live without, it would definitely have to be coffee. I had just enough time to get a quick shower, throw on some clean clothes, and grab a cup of much needed coffee before I had to leave for work. Walking at a brisk pace through the park, I could see that overnight it had rained and the grass was now glistening. I loved the smell that hung in the air after it rainedthere was nothing like it on my planet. I walked for another ten minutes before I was climbing the steps to Harrington Community College, a faded brick building that was in major need of rejuvenation.

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Inside, some students were lounging in the lobby as others hastily steered their ways through the halls. The fluorescent lights did nothing to improve the dull white walls that contrasted the dingy olive colored carpet that was probably installed circa 1974. I climbed the ancient stairs to the second floor and rounded the corner. I was in Beeker hall, the science hall. I paced down the narrow hallway and stopped at the fourth door on the right. Astronomy 101, read the sign on the door. A few students had gathered in the hall and were waiting to be allowed in. That was one thing that Barty was very picky aboutclass started promptly at ten and ended promptly at eleven-thirty, not a second before, not a second later. Currently it was 9:52. Looking around at the students waiting, I didnt see the face that I was hoping for. She must not be here yet, I told myself. I wasnt sure if I was relieved by that thought or not. Putting my mind back on the task at hand, I unlocked the door and entered to find Barty behind his desk with papers scattered everywhere. You, young man, are late, he groused from over a piece of paper. Were not making this a habit are we? Good morning to you to, Barty. How was your weekend? Mine was splendid, I replied completely skipping over his pointed question.

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Hmm, he mumbled, the paper he was holding trembled a little. Are you looking for something? I asked as I bent over to pick up the papers lying on the floor. Yes. The notes about the lecture on orbits. I seemed to have lost them since last semester. His plump hands started sifting through more papers on his desk, causing more damage than good. Do you mean these notes on orbits? I said, holding up a set of paper-clipped pages with the word ORBITS written in all caps at the top. I didnt understand the grumble he let out, but I think if it could have been translated into English, it might have been something like Damn smart-alec teachers assistant grrrrhrrrarrrr! He stood up and swiped the pages away with such swiftness, one might have expected it from only a rare jungle cat. Remind me to never get caught in a dark alley with Barty Levitz. Here, he said, jabbing some papers into my hands. Thirty-five copies of each. He then sat back down and started sifting through the newly found notes. Happy to be dismissed, I strutted out of the room and back towards the stairs, which I then took two at a time. When I reached the bottom, I went straight across the lobby and entered the office door. I quickly found the copier, slid the papers in the chute, jabbed 35 into the keypad, and hit Copy. The ancient

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machine wined and screeched and chugged as the newly inked pages came out at the side. When the pages stopped coming out, the copier made a choking noise, which to any seasoned staffer meant Job Done. I scooped up the copies as well as the originals, and made my way back out to the lobby, only to be stopped by the sight of a girl with shiny, almond colored hair moving towards the stairs. There was something very different about hershe hadcrutches?

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FIVE
Eliza
I had spent much of Saturday and Sunday lying around the apartment because of my stupid injury. Patty stopped by once or twice to bring me much needed ice cream and to reassure me that it wasnt the end of the world, although I very much doubted her. It felt like an eternity as I sat in my apartment and watched from the window while other people were at the beach walking and having funall things that werent physically possible for me in my current state. Finallyit was Monday. Owoooch! I was trying to pull a sock on around my marred foot.

I reached over and grabbed the other sock that was lying next to me on the bed when I saw the envelope from Grant, still unopened, sitting on top of my alarm clock, which currently read a quarter past nine. I debated on whether I should open it or wait until after class. Figuring that I had a few minutes to spare, I leaned over and snatched the bulging envelope. I paused a minute to admire my name scribbled in messy cursive on the front, then stuck my finger under the flap and tore it open. Something blue and soft fell out onto my lapa hospital bootie. I chuckled to myself and looked for the card with his number on the backit was tucked inside the other bootie. I took it out and flipped it over to find his number. On the back, were his number and a message in that same scribbled writing. The message said

Just in case you feel like going for a stroll Remember, foot protection is very important. Call me. Grant.
Hes funnyI like that. Without much thought to the time, I flipped my phone out of my back pocket and dialed the number on the card. RING.RINGRING. Hello, a voice answered.

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Hi, uh, is this Grant? I asked a little unsure, you know how sometimes peoples voices sound a little different over the phone than they do in person. It sure is. Whos this? His voice was easy and pleasant. Funny and pleasant. Hey, its Eliza. You know, the girl who made you carry her all over the hospital. He chuckled. As I recall, I didnt leave you much of a choice. True. I remembered how he picked me up before I had any idea of what was going on. Im not calling at a bad time, am I? I realized, a little late, that he might be at work or something. No, this is great. Its my day off actually. Oh, great! That answers that question. Id better ask him before I lose my nerve. So, I was wondering if maybe you wanna get that cup of coffee? Absolutely! When do you want to meet? He sounded genuinely excited. What sounds good to you? Well, Im free right now. I could come and get you. I almost agreed when I remembered that I had class. Oh, shoot. Um, I actually have class until eleven thirty. There was silence. Are you free after? he asked YES! I nearly jumped through the phone.

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He must have caught my over-excitement because he laughed and then said, Okay. Then Ill meet you outside the college at eleven-thirty. Okay. Great. See you then. `Kay, Bye. I slid the phone closed and stared off into space. I have a date with a doctor. A nice doctor. A funny doctor. A hot doctor. My mother would approveabout the first three anyway. Still, I didnt feel excited in the romantic waythe way you feel when youre going out with somebody who youre really attracted to. It was like I was going to meet a friend. I glanced over at the alarm clock9:45! OMIGOSHIm so gonna be late! Even though my foot felt better, it still hurt too much to try and put any weight on it. I grabbed my crutches from the foot of the bed and hoisted myself up. Making a quick stop at the mirror in the hall, I checked my appearance to check myself. My hair was still a little moist from the shower I had taken, and I hadnt put any makeup onId probably regret that. Oh well, Its too late to do anything else. Resigning myself, I walked to the front door and gave one look back to my little apartment making sure I hadnt forgotten anything. Finally, I slung my backpack on and left.

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I decided to walk to school well, as close to walking as was possible with crutches. Even with the crutches I made good time. I must be getting used to these things. The college was buzzing with students, probably because class was starting in five minutes. Naturally, everybody was in a hurry. I climbed the stairs and entered the main building, and the smell of musty air and coffee greeted my nose. It was funny how a building that was used so much could still smell musty. I was just approaching the extremely intimidating stairs when I heard a very familiar, very attractive, voice come from behind me. What happened to you? Cameron was standing next to me with an amused look on his face. I dont think I could ever get tired of the sound of this mans voice. Realizing I was staring at him, I snapped out of my daydream. Oh. I looked down at the crutches. I cut my foot. These words were not exactly the first thing that I wanted to say to him, but they were all I could come up with. Oh, he said, raising both eyebrows. You could take the elevator, you know. He signaled to the set of elevator doors to the right. It might have been my imagination but I could of swore there were cobwebs forming around them.

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Yeah, but by the time it reaches the second floor class would have been over for several hours. And as I understand, attendance is a very large part of my grade, I replied very matter-of-factly, only slightly undermined by a smile. It was no secret that the student elevator was slower than molasses and had a mind of its own. True, he said with an acknowledging smile. I heard that last year a freshman went in and never came outthey still havent found her. I found myself smiling and quite unknowingly staring at him, again. I think I am developing a very bad habit of staring. I started to climb the stairs, getting both feet on one before I would start on the next. He kept my pace. Did you enjoy class last week?He sounded like he honestly wanted to know what I thought about it. Staring at him had taken too much of my attention off of climbing the stairs, and the toe of my good foot caught on the lip of the next stair and I started to fall forward. I couldnt even put my hands out because the crutches were in the way. I had barely registered that I was falling when I saw the stairs looming painfully forward, and then I felt an arm grab me around my waist. It pulled me safely away from the deadly looking stairs. We were now standing upright. Cameron still had his arm around my waist, and I was so close to him that I could hear his breathing. I was only

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slightly aware that my own breathing was shakyin a way that had nothing to do with the almost-fall. Looking up into his eyes they were even more breathtaking than I had remembered. When he was sure I was stable, he cleared his throat and then his arm was back at his side. I felt my body temperature drop several degrees. Following his lead, I cleared my throat. Thanks. It was hard to even mutter that small word. No problem. He had a casual smile on his face, as if he saved girls from painful accidents every day. Now, we both need to get to class, before were late. Right, I agreed. I remembered that class was the reason I came here. He walked with me the rest of the way to Mr. Levitzs class, and when we got there, he held the door open for me. I looked up to give him a smile, but he wasnt looking at me. He was staring down at the floor. Is he ignoring me? Nah, he probably has other things on his mind I hope. The classroom was nearly full. Fortunately for me, the seat I sat in last class was still open. I sat down and pulled my assignments from my backpack. I had plenty of time to get them done over the weekendfrom-hell. Good morning, class, Mr. Levitz called out. I hope you had an enjoyable weekend. Now if you would please put your assignments on the corner of your desk, Cameron will be by

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to collect them. The rustling of papers was heard around the room as people complied with the professor. I saw Cameron, out of the corner of my eye, starting to collecting the papers. As he did, he gave each person a smile as he went. Even his smile sent shivers down my spine. When he got to my desk he didnt even look at me, he just swiped the papers off and then moved to the next desk. He IS ignoring me! Its not like I asked him to save me and then hold me in a somewhat steamy embrace, that was ALL HIM! Pfff Well, two can play that game buddy. For the rest of class, which I hardly paid any attention to, I pointedly ignored him whenever he would walk by. And at all costs, I avoided letting my eyes wander to where he was sitting while the professor lectured. It may have been wishful thinking, but out of the corner of my eye, I thought I saw him watching me. I decided to risk a glance towards his direction. HE WAS!!! He was looking at me. As soon as our eyes met he looked away. After professor Levitz concluded class, I scooped up my papers, thrust them into my backpack with a little too much force and headed for the door. My crutches got in the way of being able to pass by him swiftly so that I didnt have to look at him. Instead, my bag ended up slipping off my shoulder and papers fell out everywhere.

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UGGGH! Could this get any worse? I am dropping this class as soon as I can hobble to the office. Here, let me help you. Cameron hopped off his chair and started to collect my papers. Except for the professor, who was busy looking at graphs and mumbling to himself, we were alone. Oh. So you can see me? I said in a very unflattering snarl. Look Ive got this, its fine. Thanks anyway. I went to take the papers from his hand but he pulled them back. Eliza, he sounded drained. Let me help you. All of my anger was gone. Damn those beautiful eyes and that voice. How is a girl supposed to stay mad at a guy when he looks and talks to her like that!? He took the papers I was holding and tucked them into my bag, then zipped it up. When he was done, he took my hands and pulled me up. I felt like one of those crash test dummies that the scientists pull and push and pose however they want I just hope that I dont end up slammed into a wall metaphorically, of course. Im not really sure what the look on my face must have been like, but I think it was something like shock, relief, admiration, and curiosity all mixed together. Come on, he said. Ill walk you down the stairs. I was about to protest but decided not to, probably because I really wanted him to walk with me.

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As we entered the hallway he turned around to look at me. There was no smile, no frown. It was likehe just wanted to look at me. It was very endearing, but it also made me a little self-conscious. I knew I was going to regret not putting any makeup on. We were walking silently down the hall until he broke the silence. Look, Im sorry for ignoring you in there. Its just thatI find myself very attracted to you. Im not used to feeling this way and I dont think now is the best time for me to What Im trying to say isI cant let myself feel this way. Im not even sure when we had stopped, but we were now standing face to face in the empty hallway. I understand. I kept my voice low and tried to avoid looking at him. But I couldnt help myself, I had to look back up at him. You do? His eyebrows were creased together. Yeah, youre a teachers aide, and Im a student in your class. I was twirling the edge of my sweater between my fingers. I know that that kind of thing is frowned upon. He looked a little stunned but quickly responded, You have no idea how much that is true. Thats why its best if you and I dont He didnt finish his sentence. We started walking again, but when we reached the top of the stairs and I stopped. He looked back to see what was the matter. I looked deep into his eyes and said, I know this isnt going to help but I really like you too. I quickly looked

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awaytoo afraid to see the look on his face. Gently, I lowered myself onto the stair below methen the next and the next after that. At the bottom, I looked over to see Cameron smiling at me, Not bad. How much longer do you have to use these things? He motioned to the crutches. Till I can stand to put any weight on my foot. Its already a lot better than it was. Eliza! somebody called to me. Grant was pacing up towards usmefrom the entrance of the lobby. Grant, hey there. It felt a little awkward to have Grant and Cameron standing next to me at the same time. Especially since I just told Cameron I really like you. Realizing that Grant was waiting to be introduced, I looked to Cameron and said, Cameron this is Grant, Grant this is Cameron, my teachers aide. I wanted to call him more than that, but the truth washe wasnt. I watched as they said hello and shook hands, both donning a pleasant smile for the other. So, Grant? Cameron asked. Are you a friend of Elizas? Grant looked at me and smiled, it was a beautiful smile, but didnt have the same effect on me as Camerons. Actually, Im her doctor, he replied. I thought I saw Cameron relax a little at this statement. I know I did. But today, Im her date, he added, still wearing the same winning smile. Oh. Crap.

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Oh. Well, then I should let you two get to your date. Have fun. Cameron said, and didnt look at either one of us before he turned to go back up the stairs. I wanted to run after him and tell him that it was him that I wanted to go out with, but he had made it perfectly clear that that wasnt possible. So instead, I watched him leave. ElizaEliza? Grant was trying to get my attention. Huh, I said, coming back around to reality. Are you ready to go? he asked. I snapped to and remembered that I was supposed to be going out with Grant. Yep. I am. Great. So I was thinking we could get some coffee at Woolingtons. Its the best I have ever tasted. Okay. I totally agree. It was true, Woolingtons, the corner caf not far from here, was probably the best place to get coffee in all of Massachusetts, maybe the world even. Do you feel like walking? he asked. I brought my car in case you didnt. Walking is fine. I was very impressed with how thoughtful he was. As we got to the outside steps he put his hand under my elbow. I think it was to steady me, but I wasnt completely sure. We walked and talked as we made our way to the caf. I learned that he was twenty-six, graduated from Harvard, and that he was an avid surfer. Woolingtons was filled with the usual crowd of college students, who lounged in the upholstered reading chairs

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placed in quiet nooks around the room. Some had laptops, others listened to MP3 players and read books. Fortunately, the girl in front of us had just finished placing her order and now it was our turn. The barista, a thin redhead with heavy eye makeup, eyed Grant with the look a lioness gives her prey. Ahem, I cleared my throat. She lolled her eyes lazily from him to me and asked, What can I get for ya? I wasnt in the mood for a hot drink so I ordered an iced chai latte with whipped cream. Grant ordered an Americano. After we paid and collected our drinks, Grant asked, Do you wanna sit outside? Sure. I took a sip of my iced chaiheaven in a cup. I followed him out of the caf as he found us a table with an umbrella. He set his coffee down and took the crutches from me so that I could sit down, and then leaned them against the wall of the shop. He really is a nice guytoo bad Im an idiot who has a crush on another guy who just happens to be completely unavailable.

Cameron:
So that was Elizas type: perfectly tanned, athletic, with a PhD. I could look like that with just a blink of my consciousness! Although, she had said she like me. She likes me, but shes going out withhim.

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It was so hard to let go of her when we were standing on the stairs. She was so close, and smelled so goodthere werent even words for it. If only she had known how close I was to leaning over and kissing her, right there in front of everybody. If only she knew what I was, that would send her running and screaming in the opposite direction, crutches and all. I knew that these thoughts and feelings are dangerous to Agents and the humans they feel them about. Id heard of agents falling in love with humans eventually the Ministry found out and hunted them down. The humans memories would be wiped and the agent would be punished. I remember thinking that it was justice, and that any agent that would risk Alphaeons safety like that, got what they deserved. But now, with Eliza, it would be so easy to allow myself to indulge in the emotion they call love. I tried my best to put her out of my mind in class. But I couldnt stop myself from watching her and wanting to be with her. I think she knew I was trying to ignore her, because she started to ignore me. It wasdisturbing. I wanted her to look at me. Watching her try to storm out on her crutches made me want her even moreif that was possible.

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I liked how much it had bothered her that I was ignoring her, not because it hurt her, but because it meant she wanted about me too. When she told me that she cared about me, I nearly caved. It was so hard to hold it together. I could tell it upset her too. These feelings may have been bearable if he hadnt come along. Somehow, knowing that we both wanted each other and knowing its not possible might have been enough. But now I feelwhat is the word? Jealous. The idea of the two of them on a date was slowly driving me crazy. I needed to do something something that would take my mind off of this intolerable situation. Facing down an unknown base with unknown technology seemed like a tea party compared to sitting around feeling this way. After leaving Eliza and Grant standing in the lobby, I went to make sure Barty didnt need anything and ran home. I burst through the front door and went over to where the projector rested idly on the coffee table. I activated it and went over each of the blueprints three or four times, memorizing each one. I figured that one of them had to be the real one. I used a map on the projector to show me the physical location of the base. Like Asher had said, it was close to Twin Peak Mountain. I used the map to find markers I could use to guide me towards the base. Once I get close enough I could probably find the entrance by waiting and watching for workers to enter or exit.

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I shifted into a gray button-up shirt with matching gray pants. The service people in the ALKALI bases tended to wear this kind of clothing. I could alter the clothes later if I needed to. With the collector that the Viceroy had given me and the projector in my pocket, I felt ready to go. Before I left I, stocked my wallet with a healthy amount of cash. It never hurt to be prepared. I was running down the 90 before I knew it, and running away from Eliza. The magnetism I felt when I was around her was pulling at me, its strength growing. I had the biggest desire to turn back around and find her. It felt like if I went any further I would physically rip in half. But I didnt. Highway after highway went through my sight. Large cities would stretch into small towns. Then eventually the only sight was road, which would grow into a new town. I repeated this pattern over and over, but the scenery held no interest to me. All I wanted was to reach the base. Although it only took an hour, it felt like the journey towards Palisade lasted an eternity. The sun hung slightly to the east. It was about eleven in the morning here. Good. Maybe some of the base workers will be on lunch. I was still on the empty highway, a few miles away from the town, when I phased my body to that of a five-foot-nine, thirty-something man with slightly balding, brown hair. I found that this look drew the least attention. With that, I launched myself up onto a mesa, and began the trek towards Alkalon 77.

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I wove through trees and bushes, jumped over valleys and gorges, and climbed steep hills. I paused to take a look at the map on the projector, but I was distracted by a movement in the tree above me. Slowly, took several steps back so I could see all of the very large mountain lion that was tensed on a branch three feet above me. It leapt from the branch and landed keenly on a log displayed in front of me. It splayed an enormous paw, nails extended, in front and dragged it back towards its body, leaving four trails in the bark of the wood. Its tawny eyes never looked away from me. Not bad, but mines better, I said tranquilly. I took two steps towards the lion, as I moved I phased my eyes to reflect their true alien appearance. I kneeled down at eye level with the beast, it was only two feet away, and I looked directly into its eyes. After a half a minute of complete stillness the lion bowed its head and backed away, never returning its gaze to my face. It slinked back into the tall grass and disappeared. Something about my true self was quite terrifying to animals. The cat species was a proud one, but they still recognized who was higher on the food chain. Getting back to the task at hand, I pulled the projector from my pocket and activated it, a small topographical map popped up, and a little blue dot represented my position and a yellow triangle represented the base. It was about two miles

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to the west and was just over the next rise. I closed the projector and put it away. I decided not to go supersonic all the way to the base. I slowed down at just a little over a quarter of a mile away from it, trying to find clues as to where the exact entrance was. I started traveling in a large circle, which brought me to a small dirt road that looked frequently traveled. This has to lead to the entrance. Staying off to the side and well hidden by underbrush, I followed the road. What! Where the hell did it go? With an alarming halt, the road ended. Just like that, there was roadand then there wasnt. Feeling like the butt of a joke I walked up to the edge of where the road ended. I leaned down and felt the deep wells of where tires had ridden ruts deep in the road and glided my hand to where the grass was growing at the edge of the road. The only problem was that my hand never stopped running along road and never reached a blade of grass. Damn it! I nearly threw myself back into the underbrush. I felt little scratches twinging on my bare arms from where I rolled over a thorny patch. I quickly phased them away. I knew why the road disappeared. It was a shield. Not the kind for protecting, but the kind for hiding. It acted like a one-way mirror. On one side, the scenery is mimicked, and on the other, a very different kind of scenery awaited.

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I only hoped that no one had been watching while I made mud pies in front of the shield. I dont know why I didnt think of it earlier. Back under my natural covering I passed through the shield. Thankfully, on the other side there was still enough for me to hide in. Other than that, everything was vastly different than the serene nature setting on the outside of the shield. In front of me, a massive concrete structure was protruding from the side of a small mountain. One large hangar door was the only sign of an entrance. On the front of the door were two sevens. Yep, this is it, Alkalon 77. I was in the process of wondering how I was going to get into the base, when a large black Humvee blazed through the shield, racing towards the hangar door. Now was my chance if there ever was one. Two seconds later, I was behind the Humvee, which was now entering the hangar. Not waiting around to be seen hiding behind the vehicle, I quickly darted to an inconspicuous corner of the hangar. From here I could take in my surroundings. So far it appeared to be similar to three of the blueprints. The hangar was the only entrance, and it appeared that the doors only opened to let in the employees, who were driven in on Humvees and departed in Humvees. That would mean that I would have to wait for a Humvee to leave before I could get out.

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At the back of the hangar there was a main tunnel that went straight, and two side tunnels. Hmm. There werent any blueprints with this setup. I would have to find the core on my own. Thats great. Just great. After spotting a maintenance worker, whose outfit happened to be a few shades darker that mine and had a badge, I altered my outfit to match his. Complete with badge. Deciding to take the path most traveled, I chose the main tunnel. There didnt seem to be that many peoplejust the occasional scientist or MP here and there. Thanks to my allure, each one of them stopped what they were doing to give me a polite smile. As I worked my way down the corridor, I remembered that one of the blueprints placed their core room literally at the core, or center, of the facility. I was hoping that would be the case here. I kept my eyes down as I passed by a group of officers, noticing that on each of their badges was a black dot with a blinking blue light in the center. Wonder what that is? Maybe a new security measure. I felt like a lab rat running through a maze in search of the cheese. At these times, I wished that the humans would post helpful little signs like This way to incredibly sensitive and secret information! I was close to the center, or at least I thought I was, and was starting to think I was traveling in a big circle. Fortunately, I wasnt. I certainly hadnt remember passing by a blue door before. Like on the hangar door, this door had the number 77 posted in bright white letters.

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Lucky number 77. Could it really be this easy? There was no handle to the door, but on the wall to the right there was a scan pad. Deciding not to mess around with changing my finger prints, I just focused my concentration on the mechanism holding the lock. With a loud CLANK the door was released and opened forward slightly. I pushed it forward and was ushered into a twelve-by-twelve room. The core. This was where all the important information would be stored. Interesting. Normally there are at least two MPs stationed in the Core. Not waiting around for the MPs to show up, I pulled the collector from my back pocket and paced over to the central console. Examining the collector, I found the symbol that would most resemble the English word for extract and glided my finger over it. The collector started to slightly vibrate and the extract symbol was glowing bright white. I held the device up to the console and, like a magnet, it connected to the wall of the console. I saw the symbol from the collector on the monitor of the console. This was good, it meant that it was working. While the collector was extracting the information, I took in my surroundings. This core room wasnt like any that I had seen before. In all the other core rooms that I had come into contact with, there were always two, heavily armed, guards, and the walls would have rows and rows of server equipment for storing the data collected. This room had just the main console and nothing else. No chair, no servers,

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nothing. I did notice that on one of the white walls there was an object that resembled that of the device I had seen on the officers badges. It was a black dish, mounted to the wall, and in the center was a flashing blue light. CLINKthe collector was done. The monitor went back to its normal screen. I strode over to the console and scooped up the collector that was now lying on the counter. I quickly slid my finger over the lock symbol of the collector, this would ensure that none of the data would be lost. WARRRRPWARRRRP An earsplitting noise had filled the room, and my attention was drawn to the plate in the wall, it was now flashing red. That cant be good I shoved the collector into my pocket and started to leave when I heard a funny fizzing noise. At the spot next to the console where I had been standing, a cloud of white light was beginning to form. It crackled at the edges, like lightning. That REALLY cant be good. The center of the cloud formed into a deep blue core with neon blue shards whipping outwards. It was no longer a cloud but more of box, and growing. I backed up towards the door, too concerned about thething to turn around. By the time I felt my back hit the wall, the rectangle had grown to be the size of the wall behind it, and started to sweep forward, coming straight for me.

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Definitely taking that as my cue to leave, I forced the door open and flung myself into the hallway. Before the wall had a chance to get out I welded the door shut, and back away. I was in the process of noticing a lack of security guards rushing to come and arrest me, when I heard the ominous fizzing again. Instead of a new cloud forming, the energy wall that I thought I had trapped in the Core surged through the concrete wall of the hallway. OH. CRAP. This had to be the technology that the Viceroy had sent me to find out about. The energy wall was moving towards me much faster than it had inside the Core, and I had to start running to keep, what I felt was, a safe distance. It was on my tail. As I trenched my way back through the maze of hallways, I looked up and saw a camera. Damn. With that stupid camera I cant go supersonic in here. So far, all the humans knew was that another human was trying to steal information. If I started using my super abilities I would definitely be giving them the video of the millennia, as well as committing a crime against Alphaeon. All agents were trained to know that you never risk exposure, even with your life on the line. I really hoped that it wouldnt come down to that. Around and around we went, just me and the death wall. At this speed I could run forever, but I dont think the humans watching this little exercise needed to see that.

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I found my way back out to the hanger, and like I suspected, the door was sealed. Thanks to big brother watching me, I couldnt even use my ability to blast it open. The wall, always one step behind me, circling me as I ran laps around the huge hangar. I was the time to try and think of a way to get the hell out of here. I remembered back to the blueprints, there had to be something there that could help me. I knew for a fact that there wasnt a second opening, and I tried to figure out how the wall was being created and contained. THATS IT! The web. The wall is the web. With this new revelation, I thought back to what Eddie had said, The web doesnt cover the under-works or the pipes Okay, so all I have to do is find an access panel to the underworks of the base. The water has to be going somewhere once it leaves the pipes. I just need to get away from this web and the cameras and then I can blast my way out if I have to. I hadnt seen an access panel in my wanderings down the main hall, so I decided to take the tunnel on the left. I was running and trying to read each of the openings, doors, and panels along the walls as I ran. I must have slowed down because I felt the energy wall fizzle as it came in contact with the cuff of my pant leg where it had been hanging over my heel. That was close. Adding a little more speed, I continued my way down the hall, and reached the end of the long hallway. It was a dead

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end. The wall formed itself to be the same width of the hallway, trapping me. I hadnt thought about this possibility. The wall slowed down, probably sensing that there was nowhere for me to go. I was slowly backing up when my shoulder-blade rammed into something hard and metal. A crank. On the center of the crank, in white stenciled letters, read:
ACCESS 158.4

I didnt care what was behind the access. All I knew was that it was my only hope. The wall was still descending upon me as I flung myself around and began to wrench the crank with as much speed as was humanly possible. The wall sped up. I was almost there, but the wall was closing in. It was close enough for me to hear it fizzing and crackling. Four maybe five turns of the crank left. The wall was two feet awayone and half one. The access to the pipes gave way with the last turn of the crank. I turned to slide into the small opening when I felt it. White-hot, blazing pain, energy, and heat. All these things coursed through my body as the wall seared my chest. My scream wasnt enough to express the pain that I felt, and with a last ditch effort, I threw my weight backwards towards the opening. It worked and I fell through. I was aware of my body falling and being surrounded by darkness. It felt like I was on the brink of consciousness. Eve-

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rything was in slow motion and my eyelids felt like they were weighed down with lead. I fought to keep them open. Suddenly, I wasnt falling and with too much reality my chest was scorching again. I went to scream but I couldnt. As I opened my mouth, fluid rushed in. Water. I was under water. It was so cold that it was a shocking opposite to the heat of the death wall. The icy water made the burn on my chest relive the feeling of being scorched. Still under the surface, I could feel that I was being pulled forward, like there was a current. Running low on energy and oxygen, I thrust myself upward towards the surface. The only problem was that there wasnt a surface. My skull collided with a solid barrier, the force of which caused me to cough out precious oxygen. The current was strong and still pulling me to some unknown destination, and I didnt have much oxygen left. I tried to concentrate on my surroundings so that I could create a patch of air. Nothing happened. My lungs ached with hunger. Whatever that wall was, it had stripped me of too much energy, and I felt too weak to use my abilities. I allowed my body to relax as the current carried me, and a heavy, sleepy feeling came over me. I knew then that I was dyingsuffocating. Unlike some humans have claimed, my life didnt flash before my eyes. Instead, I saw a pair of perfectly shaped green eyes looking back into mine. Eliza. I remembered holding her

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on the stairs of the school, and I wished that I had kissed her. I wished that I could have a chance to see her again. I was shocked out of my reverie by a new pain. I felt the skin on both sides of my neck ripping. Streaks of pain stung me back into consciousness. My hands flew to my neck where I feltslits in the skin of my neck. From all that I had read and learned, I had never come across this happening to a drowning man. I started to panic. Maybe the energy wall had done something to me. I punched at the walls of the tunnel I was trapped in, trying to break out. I was so concerned about my neck that I hadnt realized that the sting for oxygen was gone. Those werent cuts in my neck. They weregills. I wanted to process how this was even possible but my mind and my body were too fatigued. I knew that even though I could now breathe, I was still badly injured and trapped in a reservoir with not enough energy to get out. Drifting through the darkness, my eyelids closed.

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SIX
Eliza
Mydate with Grant had ended with me promising to call him for a second, and him kissing me on the cheek. Even though I spent the whole day with him and tried to persuade myself to see him in a more romantic light, I just couldnt bring myself to feel anything but platonic feelings towards him. We had spent hours just talking and it was so easy to just be with him. It was like we were old friends meeting up after a long time. There was definitely a connection between us, just not a romantic one, at leastnot for me. After being dropped off, I struggled up the narrow stairs to my apartment, the crutches were more or less the cause of the struggle. Finally arriving at the top, I set the crutches against

the wall to the right and used the wall to brace myself as I hopped towards the apartment door. I had to lean against the door while I fumbled for my keys. I always seemed to lose them down in the recesses of my Mary-Poppins-like purse. Gotcha! I exclaimed with triumph as I hauled the stubborn keys from out of the purse and flailed them about in the air. As I closed the door behind me I leaned back on it and heaved a sigh. What a longlonglong day. Not able to make up my mind on what I wanted morea hot bath or something to eat, I decided to send an email to my mom. It had been a few days since we had talked and I could use the distraction while I made up my mind. Currently, I was leaning more towards the hot bath. I hopped over to the kitchen bar and set myself onto the stool in front of my prehistoric laptop. I flipped the screen up and navigated to my email account, which said I had two new emails. One from my mother and one from Kelli. The one from Kelli had arrived earlier today. Its subject title read, The Talk. Deciding that I should deal with business first, I dragged the cursor over to the email and double clicked. My computer clicked and moaned as the page loaded, a sound that didnt bode well for future use. Mental note: Get laptop fixed. My laptop had been with me since the eighth grade. I had never even considered getting a new one. It was like an invisible appendage. Once it fell off the counter and wouldnt turn

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on, I started to have heart palpitations, but thankfully, after a few heart-stopping seconds, it sprung to life. Moments later the email was filling up the page. It read: Eliza, I just wanted to let you know that I spent the weekend getting my stuff ready to go. Im gonna talk to mydadtomorrowafterwork.Thankyoufornotlettingme makeastupiddecision.Andyes,Istillwantyoutobethe onewhotakesme.Mydadisntoneforthemessygood byes, but you probably already knew that. Talk to you soon. Kelli I pondered over the email a few times before replying. Kelli, Justremember,mycarissmallerthantheaverage clowncar,sokeepthatinmindwhilepacking.Andasfor thewholestupiddecisionthing,itsinmyjobdescription as Friend to make sure you dont do stuff like that. Keep meposted.TTYL Eliza I hit the send button and my laptop chugged and then I heard the telltale Bing that meant my message had been sent. I scrolled my mouse back to the inbox button and clicked, I was slowly ushered back to where my moms unread message was waiting for me.
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It was along the sentiments of what I was previously about to send her. She reminded me that as her child I should at least check in on her once in a while and then. She then went on to describe her weekend, which she spent in Vermont. She was skiing when she fell. At this news, I contemplated calling her and demanding to know if she had broken anythingI decided to finish reading. She went on to say that a man had seen her fall and came over to see if she was okay. To make a long story short, he ended up going with her to the infirmary and waited for her to be released. The two ended up going on a date. Turns out hes a lawyer from Boston. They have plans to meet up for another date when she goes back into the city. Huh, my mom has a more interesting life than I do. I tapped out a reply commenting on my new injury and how I had scored the new doctors number. I reflected for a minute at how our two accidents and the two men who came out of those accidents seemed to mirror one another. Maybe thats how the Harper women find their men. They just have to get hurt and POOF, Prince Charming comes out of the woodwork. I ended my email with a promise to come and visit her next weekend, if she wasnt off parasailing in Bermuda or cliff jumping in Scotland. With that, I closed the laptop and spun around on the barstool to face my small living room. My gaze drifted over my small two-person couch to the sliding patio door. By now, it was so dark outside that the inside of my apartment was mirrored on the glass, and seeing outside had become nearly impossible.

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I slid off the barstool, carefully avoiding putting any pressure on my bad foot, and looked down the narrow hallway which led to my room. To a person with two good feet, it would seem like nothing, but to me it might as well of been a five mile hike. I highly doubted my ability to hop all the way down the hallway without causing myself further injury. So, hesitantly, I let my gnarled foot rest on the ground, slowly I allowed some of my weight to rest on it. The sharp shooting pains that I had been expecting didnt come. A little more confidently, I added more pressure. I was pleased to find that if I put most of my weight on the outside of my foot I could take a step forward. I nearly jumped up and down for joy, but decided against it because it would probably be more pain that it was worth. Step by careful step, I made my way to the bedroom. With the skill that one acquires after much practice, I expertly maneuvered around the bed and nightstand in the pitch black room. Feeling the cold tiles of the bathroom under my feet, I felt along the wall for the light switch. Ahh! The newly illuminated room was blinding me. I blinked through the searing light and felt my way to the counter where I grabbed my folded up, faded tank-top and cut-off flannel pajama pants. I had decided to skip the hot bath and instead, crawl into bed and try not to think about certain issues that were bugging me. With my worn pajamas on, I hastily brushed my teeth, splashed some water on my face, and flicked the light off. The

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room was once again cloaked in darkness except for he neon green numbers of my alarm clock, which slightly illuminated the bedside table. Creeping to the bed, I flopped the covers back and with the exhaustion of a very long day, laid down. I rolled onto my back and stared blankly into the darkness hanging over me. As my eyes adjusted to the dark room I was able to make out the outline of my closet doors and the velvet reading chair I kept in the far corner of the room. My mind did what it always did when I just wanted to get to sleep it made me process every little part of my day in excruciating detail. It fluttered over the way that Grants brown hair sparkled like gold in the rays of the sun as we sat and drank our coffees, and about how when he talked, the left corner of his mouth lifted upwards as if smiling. It was very attractive. I knew that he was one of those guys who was innately a good boyfriend, and that I was lucky that he even deigned to be interested in me. He was the Holy Grail of men. I shouldve been jumping at the chance to have a relationship with him. So why wasnt I? I was in the process of mulling that over when real darkness fogged up my vision. I felt my eyelids drift close as sleep took me over. The rain was pouring so hard that it made little chimes as it hit the glass water goblets. I sat at a table set for two, a rather elegant table for two. The white china dishes and gold cutlery were utterly out of place as they sat on a faded wooden table. The chair across from me was empty, and I was in the middle of a

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very large field. It reminded me of a pasture one might expect to see in the country. I became aware that even though it was raining, I didnt feel wet, and when I looked down, I was wearing a gauzy lilac colored dress, it was more beautiful than anything I have ever owned, and it was completely dry. Somehow the rain wasnt touching me. You look beautiful. A voice interrupted me. There, across the table, was Grant. He wasbreathtaking, and if I wasnt imaging things, glowing radiantly. So do you. I stared agog at him, mouth hanging open and all. Grant, I said, unsure. Youre glowing. Of course I am, he replied, as if this wasnt something completely out of the norm. Why? I felt like a child asking why the sky was blue. You already know the answer to that, Eliza. Youve always known. His beautiful brown eyes gazed adoringly at me. Are you hungry? he asked, motioning to the empty dining set in front of me. No. My mind was too busy working its way around what he had said. I had always known that he was the right man for me, but could I accept it. The answer: No. I never would. The finality of my decision caused me to let out a gasp. And a mental picture of Grant, arms open to accept me, and Cameron, back turned and refusing to look at me popped up in my mind. I still wouldnt change my decision. But I love you, Grant said. I looked up to see him, but the table was gone and the image I had just imagined was now real.
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Grant, dressed in a loosely buttoned white shirt and khakis, was holding his hands out to me, beckoning me to join him. Cameron, in all black, was facing away from me. I could slightly see the side of his face, but not enough to see his beautiful eyes. I walked to Grant, but stayed just out of arms reach. I know, I whispered. His arms dropped to his sides and his eyes fell to the ground. I stepped closer to himhe didnt move. I put my hand on his cheek and he raised his eyes to mine. A moment of silence passed and just like I had remembered, the left corner of his mouth raised into the smile that I liked to see. I returned an affectionate smile of understanding, and my hand dropped back to my side. When I turned to see Cameron, he was still facing away from me. I glanced back to see Grant but he was gone. It took a moment to adjust to the change, but I was able to get over it. I was more interested in the quiet man in black, who was standing three feet away from me. I was vaguely aware that the sun was out, and was hanging low in the sky as if it was just rising. But I remembered that while I was sitting at the table, there had been plenty of daylight. The weather here was mind-bogglingthe sky held no clouds but it continued to rain. I knew that all of these things should have bothered me, but they didnt. I took a step towards Cameron, and he interrupted me. Dont! he yelled. Dont come any closer! Feeling about as attractive as the Loch Ness monster, even though I was wearing the most beautiful dress ever, I remembered why Cameron was turned away. He didnt want me.
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I started to walk back to the lone chair that I had previously occupiedthis was all too much to deal with standing up. From the corner of my eye I saw Cameron tense. Though he continued to face away, his arm moved backwards towards me. Its just thatits notsafe. Youre not safe. Not only did he not want me, but he thought I was dangerous. Great. Now I really felt like Nessie. I wont hurt you, I promise, I said. I wasnt sure I was even capable of causing bodily harm to a person, but he seemed to think so. No. I mean youre not safe from me. He sounded like he was in pain. Oh.A slight shiver ran down my spine, and I thought about this for a minute. I contemplated running and hiding behind the chair, but after a mental slap for even considering it, I reassured myself that he wasnt going to hurt me. If I was wrongwell, I didnt want to think about that too much. I took another step towards him, desperately longing to see his face. Please he breathed, his shoulders shrugged together as if he was trying to hide himself, but he didnt step away. I dont believe that you would hurt me. I took the final step, and was standing just behind him. Slowly, I raised my hand and gently let it rest on his shoulder. He shuddered beneath my touch, but didnt move away. I noticed for the first time, that he was soaked, the rain had affected him unlike it had Grant and I. Cameron, I whispered. Please turn around. He didnt move.
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I put my other hand on his other shoulder. Please, let me see you. He allowed me to turn him around, but his muscles were tense beneath my hands. He was holding his breath and his eyes were squeezed shutstill he was magnificent. I slid my hand from his shoulder to his cheek, and it was moist from the rain. My hand looked downright tan on his pale skin. I felt his hand on my elbow, and he glided it up my arm until he was cupping my hand in his. I could feel electricity pulsing through me. Eliza, he sighed. He pulled my hand to his lips and gently placed a kiss on each fingertip. I could feel my knees going weak. But I still wasnt satisfied. I took my hand from him and with both hands, I placed one on each of his temples and weaved them through his wet hair. Open your eyes. No! He grabbed both of my hands and pulled them away from his face and whipped back around so that I couldnt see him. Dont you want to see me? I was hurt and confused. Of course I do, but I cant. He was sincere. I could hear it in his voice and see it in the way he was holding his shoulders. Why!? I was tired of all these mixed signals. You wouldntunderstand, he countered. Oh yeah! I yelled. How do you know if you wont even look at me? Eliza, he said. He had started to turn around but stopped himself. I just know.

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Wellgood for you! I started stomping away. Several expletives were running through my mind. Wait. Dont go. His words were nearly inaudible, but I would have heard them even if he never spoke them out loud. This time it was me facing away from him. I felt his hand on my shoulder, the warmth of his hand burned right through me. I was frozen, afraid to turn around. Eliza, pleaseplease turn around. I felt his breath on my neck, making my knees start to go weak again. With both hands, he turned me towards him. I went willingly but kept my eyes lowered. I concentrated on breathing evenly, a task I was finding very complicated. His hand cupped my cheek, and I closed my eyes, drinking in the feeling of having him close to me. Cameron, I sighed as his other hand brushed a few wild hairs from my face. Will you please open your eyesI want you to see me. He placed a kiss just below my closed eyes. I couldnt deny him anymore. Gradually I lifted my eyes, taking in his broad shoulders, then his neck, I lingered on his lips, his nose, thenhis eyes. I felt my mind go blank as I stared at him. My circuits were fritzing as I tried to explain why his eyes werent his eyes. They werent the familiar spheres of aquamarine that I had come to know. They were all deep blackliquid and endless. Where a black pupil should have been there was a deep aquamarine pupil that swirled into the unrelenting black, it was reminiscent of the color that I had so longed to see, but it was still different.

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I closed my eyes and shook my head, trying to clear away what I was seeing and feeling. What I started but I couldnt go any further. I tried to tell you, he said, releasing his hold of me and backing away with his head hung low. Even with his black eyes I could still read the pain in them. Pain that I had caused. The cold air swirled around me at the loss of his touch. No! I exclaimed, moving towards him to fill in the gap his departure had created, and tried to find a way to explain to him what I was feeling. Im not afraid, I clarified. His eyes searched my face, looking for a sign of terror that hed been expecting. There was none. My face was inches from his, our eyes searched each other. Youre not? He was in disbelief, but also relieved. No, I whispered to him as I put my hand on his chest. I think I have always known. The rain, which up until that moment had been pounding down, and in the process drenching Cameron, had receded. We both smiled at this. I dont understand any of this, he said, pulling me close. His wet clothes were soaking through my dress, but it didnt make me coldquite the opposite in fact. Neither do I, I replied, breathlessly. His lips were lingering so close to mine, I could practically feel the heat coming from them. I closed my eyes, preparing for our lips to meet BLEEEEEP.BLEEEEEEPBLEEEEEEP I practically flew out of bed, and the alarm clock was in the process of trying to wake the dead as I evaluated where I was or who I was.
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My hair was stuck to my face and neckI had been sweating. I remembered my dream, and the sound of the alarm clock faded into my subconscious and all I could hear was my heart pounding Whoa! That. Was. Some. Dream, I said to myself. Too bad thats all it was. I fell back against the pillows, landing with a dull thunk. So much for trying not to think about him. With one arm I reached over and slapped the top of my blaring alarm clock and examined the part of it that stated the day of the week. It was Tuesday. I knew what that meantback to work. I had gotten a job in a little boutique on Main Street. It was called Los, after the owner, Lolita, who was also my boss. I was pretty sure she wouldnt be happy if I was late. The silence alarm clock informed me that I was running ten minutes behind. I swung my legs over the edge of the bed and began the task of getting ready for work. Freshly showered and dressed, I attacked my fridge in search of breakfast. I settled on leftover fruit salad, and ate with the enthusiasm one might expect from a person who has wandered the desert for forty days and nights without food or water. My gusto came from the fact that I had exactly seven minutes to get to Los and get the doors open. One good thing about all this activity I wasnt constantly thinking about Cameron. Huh, I was finally able to say his name. I wonder if that means Im getting better or worse?

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After satiating my hunger, I flung my purse on my shoulder, pausing to double check for my cell and keys. Satisfied, I locked the door and walked to the stairwell, completely ignoring the devious crutches leaning against the wall. I plunked down the stairs and exited the building. Taking a right towards the parking, lot I found my orange 1981 Ford Fiesta waiting for me. I flung my purse into the passenger seat and was on my way to work.

Cameron:
Is he dead, Mama? a young girls voice asked. No, dear, hes just asleepno, Suzy, dont touch him, the mother called. A second later, I felt a finger jab me in the cheek. I guess Suzy doesnt like to listen. I was immediately flooded with pain. All of it coming from the vicinity of my chest. Ugggh. It was the only noise I was capable of making. As my eyes opened, it took a minute for them to readjust. I was in a long, narrow room. Across from me, there was a dining table with two benches on each side of it. On one, a little girl with blonde curls sat observing me, occasionally taking a sip from a juice box. I was lying on a small couch, and from my knees down was hanging off the end. Next to me was a tiny kitchen where a woman was preparing something. Oh. She had looked up to see me. Youre awake. Good, I just made some lunch, she said as she walked over to me.
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She had an apron on and was wearing a smile. Are you feeling hungry? I would think so after the way we found you. She held out a plate to me, it had a peanut-butter and jelly sandwich with chips on the side. I was anything but hungry. I pushed myself up off the couch so that I was sitting. It felt like trying to push a car off of ones chest. The pain around my chest radiated like a fire, and I began to wonder why these people werent giving me terrified looks. I just knew that my chest was bloody and blistered. I looked down to see that someone had wrapped a blanket around me. Thanks, I croaked while taking the plate. My voice was hoarse and my arm felt like it was made of jello as I tried to hold up the weight of the plate. Bathroom? My question was caveman-esque, but it hurt too much to try and form a full sentence. Of course, dear. Its just right down the hall. Here, let me take that for you. Her voice was full of compassion as she reached out and took the plate back. Ill put it on the counter for you. She smiled and walked back to the kitchen. I tried to force my lips into a smile of appreciation--Im not sure I succeeded. With a Herculean effort, I forced myself to stand and I nearly collapsed back onto the couch. Suzy never took her eyes off me as she curiously watched me fight my way down the hall towards the bathroom. The hall was very narrow. The width of my shoulders nearly filled it up. Whoever built this house made it for very small people.

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I found a skinny door that I assumed was the bathroom. As I opened the door, I was instantly greeted by a slender vanity, a very small toilet, and what I assumed was the shower. I was able to just barely fit myself inside the bathroom and shut the door. Catching my reflection in the mirror, I looked horrible. My face was drawn and dirty, and there were dark circles around my eyesenough so that I resembled a raccoon. I could see the edge of a red-looking rash where the blanket and my shirt dipped down. I raised my very heavy hand to where the gills had been on my neck and ran it down both sides. There was nothing. The gills had vanished just like they appeared. It was possible that I phased them there, but Ive never been able to phase my body into anything that wasnt humanand gills simply werent human. And how was it possible for me to phase when I couldnt even alter the molecules around me? I shook the blanket off my shoulders, bracing myself for the worst. I certainly knew that my chest felt horrible, it only made sense that it would look horrible. I was a little stunned when all I saw was my buttoned up gray shirt, the front of which was caked with dirt and grime. I reached up and touched my chest where the pain seemed to emanate from. Ahhh! I nearly keeled over from the pain that single touch had evoked.

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If the family on the other side of the door had heard my scream, they didnt let on, because I didnt hear any knocking on the door. Okay, so I am definitely injured. Carefully, I reached with both hands to the first button and undid it, then the next. After about five buttons, I nearly gagged at the awful sight that I had uncovered. In some areas, the skin on my chest had been melted away, in others it was completely charred Is that bone! Okay, Ive seen enough. I braced myself by putting both hands on the vanity in front of me. I closed my eyes and concentrated on my entire chestnothing. I tried to phase the skin on my chest a second time and still nothingnothing good that is. My knees gave out underneath me as I used up precious energy trying to heal my chest. KNOCKKNOCKKNOCK Son, are you alright in there? It wasnt the woman from the kitchen who called, but a man. I hastily buttoned my shirt back. The last thing anyone needed to see was my mangled chest. I barely managed the last button before my arms collapsed from weakness. The room started to dim and then went completely black.

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SEVEN
Eliza
I whipped my car into the tiny parking spot in the alley behind Los, and was right on time. I collected my purse and hurried to the back entrance of the shop. Los car was already thereshe always got there early to open the shop and make much appreciated coffee. I was greeted by the smell of the aforementioned coffee as I entered the small back room of the store. To the left, there was a small table surrounded by four different retro dining chairs. And to my right was a small officeLos. I poked my head around the entrance to the office. Hey, I greeted Lo, who was wearing a trendy white pinstripe blouse and red slacks set off with a wide patent-leather belt. Lo always had the coolest clothes.

Hey, back. Hows it goin? She looked up from a stack of budget sheets and gave me a bright white smile. If there was any one word to describe Lo, the word would be Perfection. Not one of her hairs was out of place, her makeup was applied flawlessly, and her clothes coordinated so well that it would make a fashion editor squeal with envy. Great. You? I asked, ducking out of the office to put my stuff in my locker. I would be better if I had somebody else to manage these reportsbut other than that, Im just peachy. I heard her shuffling through the stack of papers. Oh! I almost forgot. She popped out of the office carrying a large box and plunked it down on the table. We got a delivery, and I need you to put these out on the floor. Really? I was in complete disbelief. Normally you put the stuff on the floor. Just like Los personal appearance, she kept her store looking perfect. I didnt trust that I had that same ability. Yep. I think that its about time that you learned how to manage the floor. Besides, youve done a great job so far, and youre the customers favorite attendant. They tell me so all the time. Thats not much of an accomplishment when there are only two others. I shrugged my shoulders and shut the door to my stuffed locker. Sure it is. She flashed me and quick smile. Nowget to work. She disappeared to her office before I could try to

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persuade her that I had absolutely no idea how to arrange things or make them look pretty. I eyed the box like it was full of deadly spiders. Stop worrying and just go for it! Lo yelled from inside her office. Its your store, I warned. I sauntered over to the box and begrudgingly picked it up. It turned out to be filled with jewelry and jeans. It was easier placing the jeans than it was the jewelry. I just grabbed shirts that I thought looked okay with them and put them on the different mannequins. Occasionally, I accessorized them with the new jewelry. When I was done, Lo cooed like a proud parent. I must have done something right because I sold several pairs of the new jeans and lots of the jewelry. At the end of my shift, I left feeling a little more confident and overall very pleased. I was walking to my car when I heard my cell go off. The screen read: PATTY. I flipped it open. Hey, Im just getting off work. Good. You on your way home? she asked in her allbusiness tone. Uh-huh. Why? I was wondering if you wanted me to bring over some dinner, she answered. Chiding her, I said, As my best-friend of twenty years I would expect you to already know the answer to that question.

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I did. Im at your apartment and I have take-out. Mexican. She sounded just a little smug with herself. Ill be there in two. Dont even think of starting without me. I slapped the phone shut and started the engine. Actually, I got there in four minutes, according to the clock on my phone. When I entered my apartment I saw that Patty had served the food and gotten the drinks ready. I loved not having to worry about cooking or preparing. Oh! Youre an angel! I trilled while tossing my purse onto the counter. I know. You should treat me better you know. You could start by bringing me coffee more often, or better yet, by telling me how your date with Grant was. Oh, so thats what this is all about? I waved my hands over the two plates as I spoke. Duh! She rolled her eyes in mock frustration. Cynthia from the OB/GYN wing told me that Carla, who happens to be very pretty, asked Grant out and that he totally turned her down. Not in a mean way, but in a Im-interested-insomebody-else-way. She had her eyes held wide open as she informed me of the update. Patty, Im not even sure there is such a thing, I said while digging into my mexi-rice. Course there is. Now spill. She joined me at the kitchen bar. It wasokay. I avoided looking at her because I was pretty sure she was giving me the have-you-gone-and-lostyour-mind look that only Patty can give.

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O-kay. She let the word slowly roll off her tongue. We are talking about Grant the doctor and all-around catch, right. Yes, that one, I admitted guiltily. Hes a great guy, but But! What do you mean but? she cut me off. Women are lining up to get this guy, Lize, and you can come up with a but. She was getting ready to further lecture me, when I couldnt take it anymore. I like someone else! It burst out of me like a dam breaking from the buildup of too much water. It felt so good to finally say it out loud. Youre not talking about that teachers aide, are you? She looked disappointed. His name is Cameron, I defended. Cameron, right. Didnt he tell you he doesnt want to go out with you? She raised her left eyebrow at. It was crazy how one eyebrow could hold so much judgment. No. He said that he couldnt because Im a student in his class. He also said that he was attracted to me too. I felt a little vindicated. Whatever. Hes still off limits. So why are you still hung up on him? Her tone stung a little. Why does it matter so much to you, Patty? I was just plain angry at this point. Because. You are my best-friend. No. Youre more than that. You are my sister, Eliza, and I dont want to see you get your heart broken. I saw what happened with Ian and

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I didnt give her the chance to finish her sentence. Dont say his name! Ever! I was yelling at her, and tears of emotion stung my eyes. Im sorry. I didnt mean to upset you. She dropped her head. Several moments of silence passed. I know. Im sorry for yelling at you, I whispered swiping away a loose tear that was threatening to land on my shirt She stood up from the barstool and wrapped her arms around me. Sweetie, I just want you to be happy. I thought that Grant would be the one who could make you feel that way. In the end, you have to follow your heart. But why does it have to be so hard? I grumbled. Thats love for ya, she said, unfolding her arms. Love. I never said anything about love. It wasnt even possible that I could be in love with Cameron. I had only seen him twice. I shook my head trying to make the thought magically fall out of my brain. Since our rift was officially mended, we both dug into our dinners. I told Patty about the very strange dream I had dreamt the night before. Creepy. She replied. So his eyes were totally black. Like, even the white part? Yeah, except for the pupils. I know that it should have terrified me, but it didnt. Wonder what it means? she contemplated, while pushing what was left of her burrito around on her plate. Me too.

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I started to ponder what it could have meant when I was distracted by my cell ringing. I pulled it out of my purse and saw that it was Kelli calling. Hey, Kelli. I answered. Is everything alright? I only asked because of the hour at which she was calling. Eliza, its all gone so wrong! She sounded like she had been crying. She started rambling but it was all incoherent. Oh no. She must have talked to Charlie. Okay, slow down and tell me what happened. I was trying to keep calm myself. I told him that I had met someone. Then I told him about Hugh. At first he was happy, then when I told him that I was going to move in with Hugh, he went livid. Please, Eliza, come and get me. I bought an early ticket and the bus leaves in two hours. I just want to get out of here. She started sobbing again. Alright. Kelli, hang on, Im coming over. Is Charlie there? Maybe I could talk some sense into him...and Kelli. Yeah. But hes locked himself in his room and he wont come out. Hes acting like a child! she exclaimed. Im on my way. I closed the phone and stared off into space as I thought about the situation. Whats wrong? Patty asked urgently as she walked over to me. Its Kelli. She told Charlie and he didnt take it very well. Now she wants me to take her to the bus station. My voice was monotone. I was still processing the dilemma. Do you want me to go over there with you?she asked.

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No, Ill be okay. Besides, Ricky is probably waiting for you, its late. I tried to reassure her. Ricky, she assured, is probably passed out in front of the T.V. Thanks, but I started this, I should finish it. I gave her a hug before we went our separate ways in the parking lot. I had only been to Charlie and Kellis house once before, but in a small town, its easy to remember where things are. As I drove, I was trying to plan what I would say to calm Charlie down. But the more I went over it, I began to worry that it wouldnt be enough. I really wanted to see Kelli happy, but not at the expense of her fathers happiness. I was also prepared to try talking Kelli into compromising. I pulled into the narrow driveway of their small, sunnyyellow house, which resembled more of a faded beige in the dark. Kelli was sitting on the porch steps with her elbows on her knees and her head in her hands. She was illuminated by the headlights of my car, and even from a distance I could tell that she had been crying. I suddenly felt really bad. She stood up as I approached her. Thank God! she praised, and then turned around to grab her suitcase. Kelli, wait, I interrupted. This isnt right. Not you to! Look Eliza, I am not staying just because my father cant come to terms with the fact that Im an adult. She spoke harshly.

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Thats not what I mean. I think that we should try to talk to him. I was trying not to raise my voice. I had already had one argument this evening, I didnt want another. I already have. Its no use. She crossed her arms and looked down at the ground. Please, Kelli. Let me try to talk to him. Fine. She stomped her foot on the ground. Go ahead, hes in his room. You are coming with me, I said, grabbing her by the elbow and towing her behind me as I entered the house. I dont wanna! she yelled in protestation. Too bad, missy. I drove all the way over here. The least you can do is try to help yourself out a little. I was getting a little annoyed with her childish behavior. I found Charlies door and released Kelli. Stay. I commanded. She crossed her arms again and made a sour face. A faint urge to slap her crossed my mind, but I thought better of it. Charlie? Charlie its me Eliza. I yelled as calmly as possible through the door of Charlies room. Eliza? What are you doing here? Charlie yelled back. I came over to see if we could talk, I replied. About what? he demanded. Kelli, and her wanting to move. I waited for a reply, but none came. Look Charlie, if you dont come out here and talk to us, Im going to help Kelli pack her suitcase in my car and then Im going to drive her to the bus station and you wont have

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any say in the matter. Not to mention that you wont have even gotten a chance to see her or say goodbye. I knew it was playing dirty, but I was running out of options. In under a second I heard his footsteps fly to the door. He wrenched it open, Youll do none of the sort, young lady. His brows were furrowed together and his eyes were red. Kelli jumped back a little. A pleased smile crossed my face. There. That wasnt so hard, was it? Hmmph, he grunted. Come on, I called as I turned to walk to the living room. At this point I could totally see their family resemblance in the way that they both pouted and sulked as they followed me. Okay. I took a deep breath. So, Charlie please tell us why you dont want Kelli to leave. I felt like a psychiatrist, all I needed was glasses and a black leather chaise. Because, he huffed. Thats just great dad! So you dont want me to live my life for the sage reason ofbecause, Kelli rejoined. Were gonna need more than that, Charlie, I urged him to further explain his answer. Eliza, what are you even doing here? This is between me and my daughter! He turned on me. Dont yell at her. If it wasnt for her I would have been gone already. Shes the one who wanted me to talk to you. But I knew you would do this. I knew that you would throw a fit and tell me no. But its not your call anymore, Im nine-

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teen. And just so you know, I bought a ticket for tonight, I was just waiting for her to pick me up, but yet again she wanted to talk to you. Load of good thats doing! she hollered at him. Her ginger hair was falling out of its ponytail. Charlie didnt say anything for the longest time. He just stood there looking from me to her. Finally he spoke. Youre just like your mother. He wasnt looking at her when he said it, he just stared into space. How dare you say that to me! I have been nothing but the perfect daughter. I got perfect grades, I didnt sneak out late at night, I worked at the restaurant with you, and Ive done everything youve ever asked me to do. And now, when I want something, you say no! Then you say that Im like her! Tears were streaming down her face. She looked at me and was about to say something when Charlie spoke again. You were just going to leave werent you? Thats what she did. He had more fight in his voice. Because of the way I knew you would react. Not because I was running away from you. And you have proved me right! She sounded exasperated. Fine, he breathed. Go. I dont care. Have a good life. He slumped his shoulders and started to retreat back to his room. Charlie I called. He didnt turn around. After a second he was gone and the door to his room clicked shut. This is awful. I cant believe this happened.

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I never would have agreed to do anything that would break a family up. Especially one that had already been broken before. Kelli just stood there staring at the spot where Charlie had stood just seconds before. Kelli, Im so-- I tried to comfort her. Dont, She warned. Just dont. She reached into her back pocket and pulled out her key ring. I watched as she unhooked a key and dropped it down on the coffee table. Lets go. You cant be serious? I couldnt believe that Kelli sweet, nice, Kelli, was just going to leave after all of this. Yep. Now are you taking me or not? Her voice was cold and resolved. If you dont want to, Ill understand, but Im not staying. I contemplated for a moment. Lets go, I surrendered. On the porch, she handed me her ticket to hold while she collected her suitcase and a small duffle bag and we walked down the driveway. I opened the hatch and she tossed her bags into the back of the car. I had to do something to salvage this situation. Otherwise, I would never get a good nights sleepever. After she had put her bags in the back, I handed her the ticket, and waited for her to walk to the passenger side door before slipping my purse off of my shoulder, putting it next to her bags and shutting the hatch.

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Fortunately, while I had been holding it, I was able to catch a glimpse of the information on her ticket. I had a plan. If it would workI had absolutely no idea. After we were both buckled in, I looked at her and gave a face full of alarm. Wheres my purse? I made a show of looking in the back seat and then I looked back to her. I think I left it inside. Eliza! she groaned and threw her head against the headrest. Ill be right back, I threw the comment over my shoulder as I got out of the car. Entering the house, I went directly to Charlies door. Charlie. Its me again. I know that you can hear me, and you dont have to say anything if you dont want to. I tried to keep my voice as low as possible so that Kelli wouldnt come looking for me. I know that this is painful and that youre hurting, but Kelli has found someone that she loves, and he loves her back. Shes your daughter Charlie, and you cant let her leave like this. I never got a chance to say goodbye to my father and I would do anything to get that chance back. I paused to see if he would say something or open the door. He didnt. Look, if you change your mind, well be at the station. Her bus leaves at 11:45, bus 118. Please think about what I said. I retreated, feeling like I accomplished nothing, and vowed to never ever get involved in anybody elses family drama ever again. I climbed back into my tiny car. Kelli was examining me. Where is it? she asked suspiciously.

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Wasnt there. Must have fallen into the back when you loaded your bags, I said sheepishly. Im such a bad liar. Uh-huh. Eliza, what did you do? she demanded as I backed the car out the drive way. Just another one of the duties of my job description, I answered, not daring to look over at her. We arrived at the bus station just a little after eleven oclock. Neither one of us said anything as we parked then walked to the ticket counter. The attendant scanned her ticket and pointed in the direction of the bus, and we walked slowly towards it. When we arrived at bus 118, Kelli looked at me and said, Thank you for trying, Eliza. Youre a good friend. We hugged. You dont have to wait here. Its really late, and Ive put you through a lot. Its fine. I dont mind. The truth was that I was waiting for more than just the bus. As we waited I made her promise to send me pictures and email me often. Finally, it was time to for the bus to leave. I grabbed her and gave her a grizzly hug. I was so sorry that he hadnt shown up. We were still hugging when I heard her say, O-mi-gosh! I released her and looked to the direction that she was staring at. There he was. All six foot three of Charlie Haines, and he had a suitcase with him. It looked ridiculously small compared to him. He looked a little unsure as he approached us.

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Dad? What are you doing here? Kelli asked with amazement. Well, he muttered. If you really like this guy, then I figure that I oughta meet him. He swung the suitcase nervously from side to side in front of his knees. Without another word Kelli launched herself at him and caught him in a hug. I stood there the whole time with a huge dorky smile on my face. At first he stood there unsure of what to do, but finally he hugged her back. Im sorry for saying that you were like your mother. You have never been like her. Im sorry for yelling at you and for thinking that I could just leave without talking to you. Uh, guys, I hate to butt in, but if youre gonna go, you had better get on the bus, I informed them. Right. They said in unison. Both of them were beaming with joy as the approached the bus. Wait! Kelli stopped in mid-stride. What about the restaurant? She looked at Charlie questioningly. I think this town can manage without it for one week. He gave her a reassuring smile and motioned towards the bus. Shall we. Uh-huh. She answered. Before she boarded she turned towards me, Bye Eliza, and by the way, on your next job performance evaluation, Im giving you a raise. She smiled and disappeared into the bus.

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I wasnt sure that I could handle a raise if these were the duties involved. I felt completely exhausted from my evening of excitement.

Cameron:
I felt a hand on my forehead, and I heard a weird buzzing sound. I focused my attention on the sound and it began to get clearer. I realized that it was a person talkingthe woman to be exact. I dont know, Ron. He has a fever and He looks pretty bad, I think we should take him to the hospital. Her voice was filled with concern as I heard footsteps move away from me. At the word hospital, my senses went on red-alert. Hospitals were never a place that an alien wanted to find themselves. At least, not as a patient. Hospitals had C.A.T. scans, X-rays, and worst of all blood tests. All of the above were very good ways to expose an alien. Hes just exhausted, Mary. He needs a good nights sleep and a hearty meal and hell be back on his feet in no time, Ron countered. I was starting to like this Ron-character. Hmm. Mary didnt sound convinced. I finally had the strength to open my eyes. Ron, Mary, Suzy, and a young boy were sitting at the little dinette in front of me, and I was back on the little couch. Hes awake! the boy yelled.
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The man swiveled so that he was facing me. He was only about four feet away. Hello, there. My name is Ronald, this is my wife Mary, and these are our two kids Nick and Suzy. The little girl smiled at me when she heard her name called, and the boy was looking at me like I was some sort of baffling phenomena. Hi, I rasped. Im Cameron. I did my best to be pleasant, but my throat felt like it had had a once-over with sandpaper. Are you hungry? Mary asked me. I thought back to the PB and J. Not really. I would really love a glass of water. In a flurry, Mary had sprung up and was back in an instant with a plastic cup of water. Here you go dear. Thanks, I said, taking the cup. I held it up to my mouth, but the cup was shaking, or was it my hands that were shaking? No matter, the water was soothing on my ravaged throat. Son, can you tell us why you were face down on a river bank? Ron asked. That explains the mud on my shirt and the sandpaper feeling in my throat. I thought quickly to explain why I was where I was. My brain felt like it was full of cobwebs. Kayaking accident. It was the best I could come up with. I watched as they exchanged looks, so far they seemed to buy it. I was separated from my group when my kayak flipped. Ohhh! How horrible! Mary chirped.

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Do you have a way to get a hold of your group? Ron leaned forward as he asked the question. Um, yeah. But it was a tourist sport group, not my friends. I was trying to leave myself an out to get away. But I was feeling worse and worse by the second. I could feel my energy waning. I dont mean to sound like you arent welcome to stay here and rest a while, but is there someplace we can drop you? he asked. I knew that if I asked, this family would take me wherever I wanted. It was the alien charm working its magic. It was probably why this family had saved me in the first place. Not many human families would take a strange man into their home. No. I wouldnt want to cause you any trouble. I can just get a taxi. I really didnt want to put this family through any more of my problems. Son, its no problem. If you havent noticed mobility is the least of our issues. He gestured his hand around the room. I looked around and looked back to him. What do you mean? How do you think we found you? He was smiling amusedly. We are on our annual family cross country trek. We were just enjoying the mountains and the river when we found you. I still didnt get it. Son, were in an RV. He sounded a little exasperated.

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DUH! I should have figured that out. My brain is totally scrambled. Oh. Right. In that case, you can drop me off at the nearest bus station. I was in no shape to make the cross-country journey on foot. As it was, my vision was starting to get a little foggy at the edges. Ron, I think that is enough talk for now. He looks exhausted. Mary cut her husband off from a question he had been about to ask. The bus station it is. Well be in Grand Junction in about two hours, He informed. Is that gonna be too soon for you? No. That will be fine. Thank you, for everything. I was drifting off as I finished the sentence. I felt a hand on my shoulder, Dont worry about it. As my eyes closed I saw her again. Eliza. I was going to see Eliza again. The thought comforted me as my body faded into a deep sleep. After what felt like a second, I could hear a voice calling me from far away. It was Mary. Cameron, were here. Cameron. I coaxed my eyes open, and Mary was leaning over me. Were at the station, but you can rest as long as you need. I have some dinner prepared if you feel hungry. Her hand went up to my forehead. She must not have liked what she felt, because when she pulled it away her eyebrows tugged together with worry.

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No. Im ready. I wanted to get back to Harrington, among other things. I tried to sit up but it felt like I had been super-glued to the couch. Here, she said, and then helped to tow me up. Thank you. You have been so kind to me, I dont know how I can repay you. I felt my knees waver a little as I stood there. You can send us a letter letting us know that you made it home okay? She handed me a piece of paper with an email address and a home address. And theres a number in case you need help, alright? By this point Ron had come from the cockpit to stand beside his wife, and the kids were playing a game at the dinette. Outside, the daylight had faded and it was dark. I could see the bright lights of the bus depot. I will. I gave her a weak smile and headed for the door. Do you need any money for a ticket, son? Ron asked before I could leave. I felt for my wallet in my back pocket. It was still there. Im covered, thanks though. With that I lowered myself down the steps and departed from the RV. When I reached the pavement, I had the overwhelming urge to lie down and go to sleep. I fought against it, step by step, as I made my way to the ticket counter. Finally, I reached the counter, and thankfully, there wasnt a line.

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The attendant gave me a suspicious lookI had to look pretty scary. Destination? she asked. Boston. Her hands flew over the keyboard. Our next bus out is leaving in five minutes, if you hurry you can make it. If not, the next is in eight hours. The first one, I said, starting to shiver from the cold creeping around me.. I paid and hauled myself as fast as I could in the direction of the desired bus. It felt like it was miles away. I watched as the last passenger in line boarded the bus. The door started to swing shut. No! I cant miss it. WAIT! I yelled. The force of it nearly made me passed out. The door flung back open, and I took a long look at the steep stairs before I pulled myself up into the bus. I scanned my ticket and took a seat on the first row. My body was aching from my toes all the way to the top of my head, and seemed to radiate out from my chest. The counter attendant had informed me that this bus was going all the way to Boston and that I wouldnt have any changeovers. I had a twenty-seven hour journey ahead of me. With that knowledge, I let my body slump back into the seat and drifted to sleep. My sleep was shallow and did little to replenish any of my energy. I would be awakened, by the driver, each time we ar-

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rived at a new depot. He would stand just in front of my seat and yell the new locations name. At least I wont miss my stop. It felt like an endless wave of new destinations. My hearing started to fog over until the drivers voice was only a muffled gargling sound. My feet and hands were excessively cold, and I couldnt even wrap my arms around myself because the pain it would cause my chest. BASUM! The driver called. BASUM! I was pretty sure that Basum was not a destination on this route, or that it was even a city. I put all my focus on hearing, BOSTON! Last call for Boston! Im here! Get up! Get up! I kept trying to urge my body to move, but my legs were like lead weights beneath me. COME ON! ELIZA! Think of Eliza! From some unknown source inside of me, I found the strength to swing my leg out beneath me and pull myself up. I moved, at the pace of a turtle, to the exit. The stairs looked dauntingly back at me, but I had come this far, I wasnt going to be undone by a set of stairs. One at a time I made my way to the bottom. When my feet reached asphalt I wanted to cry with joy. Or maybe I just wanted to cry, I was too tired to know, or care. Now what! I hadnt thought that far out. I wanted to see Eliza, but what I needed was to get to headquarters and get healed.

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How to get to HQ. I could get a cab and I didnt have the energy to finish planning. I just wanted to lay down. I saw a bench about thirty feet away. I can make it thirty feetI think. I heaved one leg forward, then the other. An hour later, at least, thats what it felt like, I reached the bench. I collapsed.

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EIGHT
Eliza
I waited for the bus to pull away before I started to walk back to my car, and was interrupted by a man speaking loudly. Come on, Pal, you cant stay here. You gotta go. Hey, man, are you okay? An attendant was hovering over another man who was sitting on a bench in the arrivals area. I would have waved it off with the idea that the man had indulged just a little too much on his trip here, but I was caught by the color of the mans hair. It was a perfect raven black. I had seen it every time I closed my eyes. My feet were no longer walking towards the parking lot, but towards the two men.

Look, said the attendant. Im gonna call the cops if you dont leave. The man on the bench squirmed a little but didnt get up. From this distance, he looked awful. Hey, I called out. Wait, dont call the police. I was now jogging towards them. The sitting man rolled his head in my direction and opened his eyes to see me. I was stunned to a halt. They were the aquamarine eyes that I saw over and over again in my daydreams. But now the skin around them was pallid and drawn. Cameron looked terrible and very weak. I know him, I said, my voice didnt sound like my own. I wanted to turn away. Seeing Cameron like this was heartbreaking. But I didnt turn away. Instead, I ran to him and fell on my knees in front of him. I was in the process of checking his forehead when the other man spoke, Look lady, you gotta get him outta here. Hes scaring the other passengers. Do you need me to call you a ride or somethin? He hovered over us anxiously. No, but Ill need your help to get him to my car. It felt like my mind had switched into autopilot and my body was just along for the ride. Everything was a hazy as the bus attendant and I carried Camerons limp body to my car. I barely remember thanking him before I threw myself into the drivers seat and had the engine started. The sound of Camerons labored breathing snapped me out of the fog.

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Hold on, Cameron, I said as I checked his cheek again, it was burning. Im gonna get you to the hospital. We were flying down the road towards Harrington at an amazingly illegal limit. I prayed I didnt get pulled over. His body tensed and his eyes flew open. No! he gasped. No hospitals. His hand reached out to grab my arm, he was barely able to hold it up let alone put any pressure in his grip. Promise me, Eliza. His voice was so weak. He was using so much energy just trying to communicate to me. With every fiber of my being I wanted to scream Hell NO! Youre dying! But watching him and the way his eyes begged me to follow his wish, I couldnt say no. Okay, I promise. No hospitals. Instantly his body relaxed, I wasnt sure but he either went to sleep or passed out. I tried not to panic too much because I could still hear him breathing. I went to grab my cell Damnits in my purse! I yanked the car off to the side of the road and flung myself out. Racing to the back, I had the hatch wrenched open and was ripping through my purse in under a second. My fingers dialed the number before I could even make my brain think it throughit was ringing. MmmWhy are you calling me this late? Dont tell me there was something wrong with the food. Oh! Is this about Kelliis everything Patty, who had obviously been asleep, answered.

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Patty, shut up! I couldnt wait for her to finish talking. Look, something has happened. I need you meet me outside the apartment. Now! My voice was shakingso were my hands. Okay. She sounded instantly awake. What are we talking here a cut, a broken bone, give me something? I dont know. Just bring everything you have. And Patty? Yes. Hurry. Its bad. I hung up and stuffed the phone in my pocket. I shut the hatch and got back into the car. Cameron was still out. When I pulled right up to the entrance of the apartment, Patty was waiting and she had a red duffle hanging from one shoulderher supplies. I got out and had the passenger door opened in no time. Come on, I called to her. Ill need your help getting him up the stairs. When she didnt come to help I turned to see her. Her eyes were wide and she was looking at him. You didnt tell me that it wasnt you who was hurt. Why didnt you take him to the hospital? she demanded. He wouldnt let me. I answered, by this point I had him unbuckled and was trying to wake him up, Cameronwake up. He squirmed but didnt open his eyes.

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He didnt let you? she said skeptically. Hes passed out, its not like he could stop you. Wait! Did you say Cameron? Not when I found himand YES! Now help me! I was starting to break down. Please Patty. Please. This evening had been way too much to handle. I felt hot tears welling up in my eyes. She analyzed me for a second. I could get in so much trouble for this! she exclaimed and then leaned in to help me pull Cameron from the car. What happened to him? she asked as we lugged Cameron up the stairs. I dont know. Uggh! I had nearly tripped on a step. I found him on a bench at the bus station after I dropped Kelli off. A bench? she asked, sounding a little puzzled. Weird. At the top, we dragged him towards my door. We had to use our shoulders to prop him up as I fumbled for my stupid keys. Finally, I had the door open and we managed to get him to the bed. Patty told me that she would be right back, and then disappeared to the kitchen. He looked worse than he had when I found him at the station. Looking at him, I couldnt see any major clues as to what had happened to him. He was wearing a uniform and it was really dirty. The shirt especially. Deciding that getting the dirty shirt off was where I should begin, I started to reach for the first button. What are you doing? Patty asked as she entered the room with a bowl of hot water and some rags. His shirt, it so dirty, I answered.

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If only every woman had this as an excuse to remove a mans shirt. she replied, shaking her head. Here, put this on his forehead. She handed me one of the rags that she had retrieved from the bowl. I sat down on the bed next to Cameron, and started to dab his forehead with the rag. It came away covered in an insane amount of grime. I rinsed the rag and ran it over his cheeks. More dirt. He moaned a little as I wiped around his neck, and I noticed that just above his shirt collar, his skin was really red. Patty, look, I called to her. She got up from where she was organizing her supplies and walked over to see what I was pointing at. Hmm. I think you were onto something about getting his shirt off. She walked back to her duffle and grabbed two pairs of nitrile gloves, she threw one of them to me and put the other set on. She grabbed a pair of EMT scissors and walked back over. Moving out of the way so she could reach his shirt, I went to the other side of the bed and edged over so that I was once again sitting next to him. Even though I knew she was only going to cut his shirt open, I wanted to hold his hand and close my eyes. I made myself be brave, but I still wanted to hold his hand. Patty leaned over and started cutting at the edge of his shirtI kept my eyes on his face. His eyes tightened. I reached up and smoothed his hair out just as I heard the scissors make their last snip.

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Oh my Patty murmured. I didnt want to, but I tore my eyes off his face and looked to Patty, who had her mouth open and was staring down at his chest. She looked back to me. Eliza, dont look. Her eyes held a serious warning in them. I have to. I knew that I needed to see what had happened to him. Slowly, I let my eyes drop from Pattys face towards Camerons. I then let them move to his throat, where his skin was red, and then to his chest. Immediately I wrenched them away. I rolled off the bed and faced the bathroom. I was going to be sick. How is any human capable of living through something like that? I fought off the waves of nausea that rolled on, and made myself sit back down on the bed. Eliza, Patty called to me. Eliza, are you okay? Mechanically, I shook my head up and down. Physically, I was okay. Emotionally, no. Mentally, big no. I heard Patty rummaging through her duffle again. What are you gonna do? I asked. My voice was empty. I hurt so much that I felt too drained to emit any kind of emotion. I need to sanitize the wound as much as I can, then Im going to bandage what I can. Eliza, with burns like these, the chances are She didnt finish the sentence. She didnt need to.

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I turned back around to see Cameron, avoiding his chest. Instead I focused solely on his face. Giving in, I and reached for his handit was probably the first and last time I would ever be able to hold it. His soft, pale skin was cold and clammy, only adding to my worries Patty worked away, and I just sat there, feeling useless. She reminded me that I wasnt, and told me that he might be able to hear methat I should talk to him. I couldnt bring myself to say anything. When she finished, she removed her gloves and packed her gear back up. Ive done all that I can do. From here its up to him. She grabbed me up into a big hug. You really care about this guy, huh? I do. Saying it made the pain in my chest feel acute. I, she informed need some sleep. Im going to come over before my shift tomorrow. For now, try to keep him hydrated and if anythinganything happens, call me. She gave me another squeeze and headed for the door. Patty, I called after her, not wanting to leave the bedroom. Yeah, she answered. She was holding the door open with one hand and holding her less-full duffle in the other. Thank you so much. You mean the world to me. I felt the fatigue of the day tugging at me. She smiled, I love you to. Try and get some sleep With that, she closed the door behind her and it was just me and Cameron. Normally that would have made me shiver

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with joy, but the shivers that crept over me were another kind completely. I looked down to see that Camerons chest was covered thankfully. I debated staying up for the rest of the night, but my body completely disagreed. I decided to risk leaving him alone for a second so that I could lock up and turn the kitchen lights off. The whole time I kept my ears pricked towards the bedroom, ready to run back at any noise of distress. No such sound ever came. When I went back, he was laying the same way he was when I left. I may have just been a little too hopeful, but it looked like some of the color had come back to his face. Watching him, I couldnt help but think he looked peacefulpeaceful and beautiful. I figured that it would be okay if I left to get changed, and when I came back, there was still no sign of change, but no sign of getting worse either. At first I nestled into the chair in the corner of the room, and tucked my legs up underneath me, letting my eyes close. However much I wanted to though, I didnt get to sleep. I was too uncomfortable. I opened my eyes and looked longingly at the three foot wide gap between Cameron and the edge of the bed. I really wanted to stretch out, but I wasnt sure if it would be appropriate. In the end, my bodys craving for sleep won out against my minds objections to using the bed. I grabbed the spare blanket from the chair and paced over to the bed. One last time, I looked at Cameronhe was

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sound asleep. I gently lowered myself onto the empty side of the bed and before my head could even hit the pillow, I was out.

Cameron:
I remembered passing out on the bench and then being harassed by a really annoying man, who was completely oblivious to the fact that I wasnt there because I wanted to be. He had told me to get up, and I wanted to. I wanted to stand up and waltz out of the bus depot, go back to my apartment, shower, and go to bed. Unfortunately, my mind was no longer in control of my body. I had long since given up on trying to decipher the slurs and gargles my ears heard, I figured it was probably the irritating man. I felt pressure on my shoulder, my body rocked a little. I think that the man was shaking me. More gargles followed. Thenclear as crystal, I heard her voice. I thought I had finally died, and that I was in some kind of magical place where I could her Eliza. Her voice came again. It wasnt calm and relaxed. She was shouting, Dont call the police! I dont think there are police in magical paradiseit would kind of cancel out the whole paradise part. The only other explanation isIM NOT DEAD! I forced my eyes in the direction that her voice came from, there she was. She didnt reflect the daydream I had had of her while I was in the RV. She wasnt wearing a flowing white
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dress, and her hair wasnt gracefully waving in the wind. She certainly wasnt looking at me with love in her eyes and a smile on her lips. Instead, she was wearing a gray hoodie and faded blue jeans. Her hair was in a messy knot on the top of her head, and she was frozen with horror as she stared at me. I had to close my eyes. I didnt want to see her looking at me like that. I just knew she was going to run away and she did run. I nearly broke, but I was quickly healed when I heard her voice speaking to me and I felt a hand on my forehead. Her hand. She told the man to help her take me to her car. I felt arms around my waist and hands on my elbows. I was being hoisted from the bench. I could tell that my feet were touching the ground, but I certainly wasnt the one making them move forward. I heard a clicking noise and then I was set down. It must have been the car door opening, and I must be sitting in the seat. My eyelids were too heavy to open and look for myself. I felt the car wriggle as the door was shut, then I heard the clicking noise again. It was Eliza getting in next to me. I felt her hand on my cheek. I wanted to reach up and hold it to my face, but I couldnt. She pulled it back, and then I heard the car start. My body wanted to sleep, but I wouldnt let itnot now that I was with Eliza. We were driving for several minutes when Eliza spoke again. She told me she was taking me to the hospital. A jolt of consciousness rolled through my mind.

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After telling her that she couldnt take me there, I made her promise. She didnt seem to want to, but she did. After I felt sure that she would honor my demand, I could no longer stave off the throngs of fatigue. I let the loll of the engine occupy my thoughts and soon I was surrounded by sleepy darkness. I was called back out of that darkness by Eliza calling to me. She was telling me to wake up. I was awake. I just couldnt open my eyes. I did my best to move to show her that I was awake. I heard another woman speaking, or more like yelling. Eliza spoke back. Then it was silent. Before I knew what was happening to me, two sets of hands were pulling me from the car. I wasnt sure what was happening, but I was being jostled about and my shins were starting to ache. I could hear the thrum of the two womens voices. Elizas stood out more to me. Finally the jostling stopped, as did the stabbing pain to my shins, and I felt my feet being dragged behind me, only to stop seconds later. Out of the silence I heard Eliza grumbling, really, she didnt sound very pleased. Then I heard a clicking noise, and I was once again being dragged along. I heard Eliza say something about a bed, and then I was being settled down. It felt good to be lying horizontally, especially after spending twenty-seven hours sitting in a bus seat. I heard the other women leave the room. Eliza stayed. I kept my ears perked to hear what she was doing. I felt the bed bounce a little and was acutely aware that she was sitting next

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to me. I wanted to open my eyes and talk to her. I tried, but I had spent all my energy. The other women entered the room, she had asked Eliza what she was doing, and I learned that Eliza had just been about to unbutton my shirt, something I would have enjoyed under different circumstances. I was thankful that she had been interruptedmy chest wasnt a sight that I wanted to see, let alone something I thought Eliza would want to see. The woman assigned Eliza the task of putting a something on my face. I had to admit, I was glad that it was Eliza caring for me, and not some technician back at HQ. Unfortunately, the care these women could offer would do little for my injury. The technology that HQ uses to heal its Agents is far more advanced than any human hospital could ever dream of. It was a rag that Eliza was told to use on me. It was warm and felt so good on my cold skin. I felt myself getting sleepy and tried to stay awake. I had all the help I needed when the rag ran over a scorched patch of skin. I wanted to wrench myself up off the mattress and howl like a madman, but the best I could do was let out a pathetic groan. At least it caught her attention. Eliza saw where the burn edged out from behind my shirtthis was the part I wasnt looking forward to. She beckoned her friend to come over. The friend, I think her name was Patty, agreed that the shirt would have to come off. Oh man. I hope Eliza still speaks to me after this I hope I can still speak after this.

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I felt Eliza leave my side. I wanted to her to stay with me, but I preferred that she not see my sickening excuse of a chest. A moment later I felt the other side of the mattress bounce a little and then I was aware that someone was seated next to me. It had to be Eliza. My cold hand suddenly felt warm and alive. It was no longer lying limp at my side, but instead, Eliza was holding it. My attention was taken away from that thought as I felt a tingle travelling up my stomach and then my chest. My shirt, it was now open, exposing my desiccated and seared chest. I heard Patty gasp. She told Eliza not to look. This instantly made me feel gratitude toward the women. Eliza didnt listen to hersaid that she had to see it. Why! Its horrible. I never want to see it ever again. Dont do it Eliza! I was yelling at her. My words didnt reach my mouth. The room went deathly quiet. She was looking at it. I felt her hand jerk out of mine, and she leaped from the bed. I never heard her say anything. I wanted to shrivel up and disappear and I would have been happy if she never saw me again. I felt her sit back down on the bed. Patty asked her if she was okay. I didnt hear a response. That must mean that she wasnt okay. I should have stopped her from looking! She asked Patty what she was going to do. Patty told her. I wasnt looking forward to any of it. Especially, now that Eliza wasnt holding my hand.

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I wish I had just had the strength to have gotten to the HQ. At least then Eliza wouldnt have had to go through any of this. Even if I do live through this, what am I going to say to her Oh yeah, by the way, I am an alien and I can shapeshift. Dont worry Ive healed from worse, and while youre at it why dont you take me to your leader. I knew that if I healed from this I would never be able to see Eliza again. It would be forbidden. She would have too many questions for her or my own good. Just knowing that wouldnt be able to see her made me not want to survive from this. At least before this happened I would get to see her every week, now, Ill never see her again. Why did I get assigned that stupid mission! And how could the humans ever create technology that could impair an Alphaean. Its never been heard of. I felt a familiar warmth in my hand Eliza was holding it again. Not far behind it, I felt my chest stinging, and the smell of antiseptic reached my nose. Patty must have been working on trying to sanitize the wound. After all of the burning my chest had gone through, the stinging didnt bother me. With Elizas hand in mine, I felt completely at home. I was the most comfortable I had been sinceever, even if most of my chest was missing. I finally felt ready to rest. I let my mind relax and my body followed. I dont even remember my consciousness fading into unconsciousness. I woke up to the sounds of the waves hitting the sand. Through the large, glass windows of my bedroom I saw that it
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was mid-day. The sun coming through it was baking my bare chest, it felt good. I slid my arm over to the other side of the bed, but she wasnt there like I had expected her to be. But then again, it was the middle of the day, she never slept in. I threw the sheet off of me and flopped my legs over the bed. I stretched and then paced over to the window. Looking out at the blue-green water and the white-crested waves that were making their way to the shore, I saw that the beach was also empty of peopleshe wasnt down on the beach. I paced out of the bedroom and into the living room, she wasnt there either. I looked into the kitchennope, not there. I was beginning to get a little worried, when a flash of almond colored hair flashed from behind the kitchen island. Right behind it followed the woman I had been looking for. Eliza was wearing a pink tank top, her hair cascaded down her shoulders and swirled into natural curls at the ends. My heart almost leapt out of my chest when I saw that she was smiling at me. She was holding a skillet in one hand and spatula in the other, looking completely comfortable in myourkitchen. A feeling of contentment washed over me, and I couldnt have taken my eyes off of her if I wanted to. How do you feel about eggs and bacon? she asked. She looked at me expectantly, and then cocked her head to the side with a funny look. What exactly is so amusing, I can cook you know. I believe you, I replied, starting to walk towards her. But eggs and bacon at lunch time I made a skeptical face at the idea.
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Of course. Besides, its not like you have had any breakfast yet. She was waving the spatula at me as she made her point. True. I would have agreed with anything she said. I watched as she prepared our meal. It was better than anything I had ever seen. She was spooning eggs onto two plates when she said, Its not that I dont love your chestcause I do, its quite beautiful, but do you think you could manage to put a shirt on while we eat. Otherwise, I wont be able to concentrate on my food. Oh. I immediately felt self-conscious. I should have thought to cover it up before I came out here. Of course she wouldnt want to have to see my mangled chest while she was trying to eat. I disappeared quickly from the kitchen and back to the bedroom, retrieving a faded tee and some jeans from the closet. I figured I might as well get dressed. The large full length mirror on the inside of the closet caught my attention, and I wondered how bad my chest really was. I walked over to the mirror and assessed the damage. I was caught a little off guard when all I saw wasmy chest, in perfect condition. It was like the incident at Base 77 had never happened. So, if she wasnt asking me to put a shirt on to cover up my hideous chest, than why was she.OHHH! I saw in the mirror as my cheeks blushed when I realized that Eliza really had been giving me a compliment. With a renewed sense of being content, I quickly dressed and joined Eliza back in the kitchen. A small table, which I hadnt recognized before, had been set for two, and was in front of the floor length window overlooking
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the coast. She was in the process of pouring orange juice into two glasses when she smiled as I re-entered the kitchen. In that moment, I felt true happiness. I never wanted the moment to end. Uggh My mouth tasted like metal as my eyelids fluttered open to reveal a small, dark room. I saw to my right, an alarm clock. It read: 3:28am. I saw through the window, that it was still dark out. On the left side of me, was a shadowed figure lying next to me. My heart stopped. It was Eliza. I remembered back to the dream that I just had. As my eyes adjusted, I was able to make out her face. She looked just like I remembered her, and in a very deep sleep. I felt a twinge coming from the general area of my chest. All of the events that had preceded this flew back through my mind. I felt like I was seeing somebody elses memories. My mind felt like the cobwebs and smoke machines had finally been removed, even my body even felt more responsive. I lingered on the bed a while longer, soaking in the way Eliza looked. I knew that this was really the last time I would be with her. Resentfully, I swung my legs over the bed and stood up. To the left I saw a doorway that led to the bathroom, and made my way to it and looked back over my shoulder. Eliza was still asleep, so I figured I would be okay to turn the light on. I was instantly greeted by my reflection in the mirror. Even though I wasnt as bad as I was in the RV, I still looked

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awful. My shirt was hanging open and I could see where gauze had been taped to my chest. Carefully, I took what was left of my shirt off. I stared at the gauze for a moment, not really wanting to see my ugly chest again. I reached up to a corner of the bandage tape and pulled it away from my skin. Inch by horrible inch, my injury was revealed. With all of the gauze removed, I gawked at the hideous remains of my chest. I decided to try and heal the wound again. I felt much stronger than I had in the RV, and hoped that I would have enough energy to phase the injury away. Like I had in the RV, I braced both hands on the edge of the counter. Closing my eyes, I focused on my chest. This time, I could feel the phase workingthe twinge was slowly ebbing away, and I could feel strength entering my body as the injury was erased. I felt the last of the burned skin disappear and healthy skin took its place. When I opened my eyes to see my chest, a feeling of relief washed over my body. It was quickly eclipsed by a feeling of regret and sadness. I would have to leave the sleeping Eliza in the next room and never come back. I was just beginning to sink into my depressing reverie when I was interrupted. WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT!

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NINE
Eliza
I was awakened by the bathroom light being turned on, and I quickly glanced over to see that Cameron was no longer lying next to me. Somethings happened! Ambling out of bed, I was just about to call out to him, when I saw him standing in front of the vanity. He was peeling the gauze away from his chest. I wanted to tell him that that wasnt a good idea, but my instincts told me to be quiet. The gauze fell away, and I flinched at the sight of his chest in the mirror. He leaned against the counter and closed his eyes. I thought that he had been upset by the sight or that he was in pain, and I was going to comfort him, but was abruptly brought to a halt when I saw his chestglowing. The edges

of the wound glowed in a bright white light it began to move towards the center of his chest. In its path, healthy, perfect skin was left behind. Within a few more seconds the wound was completely gone, and both Cameron and I were staring at his injury-free chest. I was in shock. My mouth and my brain were no longer connected, WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT! I was pretty sure that I had yelled loud enough to wake the neighbors. I didnt really care. He spun around to see me staring at him. I think my jaw was hanging open somewhere around my ankles. Eliza! he gasped. He didnt even look like the same man that Patty and I had carried up the stairs. Where his skin had once been pasty and drawn it now had a healthy flush to it. Its not what you think. Oh, I said in complete and utter disbelief. So, I didnt just see your chest GLOW and the heal itself?! Because thats what Im thinking right now! He took a step towards me. I took a step backwards. I know thats what you think you saw-- He was trying to make me think I hadnt seen what I know that I saw. No. That is what I saw. I was looking him square in the eyes. Now do you wanna tell me what exactly it was that I saw? Eliza He paused to think, he looked like he was contemplating something. Youve had a really long day and an equally long night. I think you just need to get some rest.

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That isnt going to work. Im awake enough to know that I didnt just imagine finding you lying on a bench and having to drag your limp body up my stairs! And I certainly didnt imagine the way your chest looked! I yelled indignantly at him. Okay, then explain to me why my chest looks fine. There was no emotion on his face. He had me stumped. I had no idea why his chest looked perfectly normal. There was no logical explanation for chests to go about healing themselves. I took two steps towards him so that I was a foot away from him. I didnt bother to look at his face. I reached up and touched his chest. Not satisfied, with a simple touch, I ran my hand over the previously charred region. I felt nothing but warm, soft skin and the muscle beneath it. Realizing that maybe rubbing his bare chest was not one of the best things I could do for my sanity, or clarity, at this moment, I ripped my hand away. Hmm. I was no expert, but his chest felt perfectly chestlike to me. Hmm he mimicked. It feels normal. I wasnt happy with my findings. Of course it does. Hmphh. I let out a distressed sigh and started walking towards the kitchen. Where are you going? he asked. If I have to think about things that make absolutely no sense, I should have some extra help. I walked up to my cof-

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fee maker and dumped in the desired amount of grounds, filled it with water, and hit the brew button. Caffeine. He was right about one thing, I did have a long day and an even longer night. I turned around to see him watching me from one of the barstools. I leaned back against the counter. So, why were you on a bench at the bus station? I just got back from a business trip, he explained. Countering, I said, I wasnt aware that teachers aides went on business trips. This one does. He was smiling playfully at me. I heard the coffee maker bleep, signaling that the coffee was done. I grabbed two mugs and poured us each a cup. I was about to grab the one for Cameron when I felt his hand on mine around the handle of the cup. I quickly pulled my hand away. Hes a stealthy bugger isnt he? I know this is hard for you Eliza. He was six inches away from me. The circles around his eyes were completely gone. Do you? I feel like I am going nuts! Youre not. Then tell me what I saw. I was staring pleadingly into his eyes. I cant. Its not safe for you, he responded. UGH! Is that all you know how to say! I grabbed my mug and stomped towards the couch in the living room. What do you mean? he asked eagerly. He had abandoned his mug and was right behind me.

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I set my cup on the coffee table and plopped down on the couch. He just stood staring at me. Oh, nothing. Its just that I have heard you say that to me before. I knew that my dream didnt really count as him, but I thought it was kinda funny that my dream-Cameron and the real Cameron would say the same thing. Eliza, I have never said that to you. He looked concerned. Not you exactly. I really didnt want to admit to him where I heard it. You have me totally confused. He sat down in the chair across from me and looked like he was still trying to work out my riddle. Good. Now you know how I feel. I took a sip of the steaming coffee. It scorched my throat, but still accomplished its mission of waking me up. Ill make you a dealIll tell you where Ive heard this before, if you tell me the truth. He looked up at me from out of his trance, Eliza, its not Safe. Yeah, yeah I know. Its not safe, I wouldnt understand. You really want to tell me but you just cant. I have been through all this. I slumped my shoulders in a pout. You really wont tell me where youve heard this? Because that is exactly what I was thinking. I hadnt noticed, but while I had been talking, he had gotten up from his seat and was now sitting on the coffee table right in front of me. His eyes were open wide with alertness.

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Nope. But I can tell you that even if you did have eyes that were completely pitch-black and pupils that were a deeper shade of the color that your eyes are now that I would still like you. I started to chuckle at myself because I knew that I had to sound absolutely bonkers. But, then again, I had seen his chest completely heal itself. Maybe I am crazy. Huh. I should Google symptoms of going crazy. Before I knew what was happening, Cameron had his hands around my shoulders and was shaking me violently. You HAVE to tell me everything you know! NOW! He was deathly serious. I wasnt used to this side of Cameron. He looked really upset and in a wayhe looked worried. I cant, I said. I wasnt going to give him the intimate details about my dreams if he wasnt willing to tell me what I saw. You mean you wont. He was no longer shaking me, but he still had a vice grip on my shoulders. You wont tell me what I saw, so neither will I. I felt his hands release me. He sat back down on the coffee table and closed his eyes. Great, nice job Eliza! Youve gone and upset the guy and nowMy thoughts were interrupted by Cameron speaking. Eliza? he asked. His eyes were still closed. Yeah. Are you looking at me? .Yeah.

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Good. Dont look away. I felt goose-bumps rise up on my arms after he spoke, but I did what he said. I watched him carefully as he lifted his head a little. I saw his eyelids flicker a little and then they flew open, and I nearly jumped out of my skin. Not because I was afraid, but because it was dj vu. He was looking at me, with pitch-black eyes and pupils that were a deep shade of aquamarine. I settled myself and focused on him. Just like his chest had, I saw the edges of his eyes glow and within seconds they were back to normal. I didnt speak, but my mind was whirring with questions. Now will you please tell me? he asked again. No. What! Even after that, you wont tell me? He sounded exasperated. He had gotten up from the table and was pacing in front of me. No. I amglad you showed me, and I meant what I said, I do still like you, but you didnt give me what I wanted.I know that I sounded like a selfish little girl, but I had my priorities. He stopped pacing back and forth and in under two seconds he had paced to the coffee table that separated us. With the lightest flick of his wrist he had sent it sliding across the room as if it weighed nothing. Thankfully, my coffee mug didnt try to abandon ship, and douse my beige carpet.

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He then moved close to me and kneeled down on both knees so that our eyes were level. What do you want to know? I could see the resignation in his eyes, but they also held a look of regret. Everything. When he heard my answer, he closed his eyes as if it had caused him pain. He opened them and looked back at me, You promise me, that in return, you will tell me everything you know? I wasnt keen on telling him about my fantasies, but I knew I had to agree. I promise. He lifted himself off of the floor and stepped back a little. I had to crane my head slightly to see his face. First of all, he said. You didnt see my chest heal itself. Then what did I see? I was a little annoyed by his statement. I felt like wed already been through that part. You saw me phase. I can use it to heal myself, but I can use it many other ways too. I processed what he said for a minute or so. Phase? In a more understandable explanation, I can shapeshift. He was looking at me with a serious look on his face, not one ounce of a joke. Okay, I have totally lost my mind! I said, waving my hands over my head as I threw myself off the couch. Sitting felt too still. I needed to be moving. Shape--shifting thats not even humanly possible. If it was, I think more people would have known about it by now. I had given up trying to

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walk anywhere in my tiny living room and had found myself standing in front of Cameron. Youre right, he said softly. It isnt humanly possible. My eyes shot up to his. What is that supposed to mean? What do you think it means? He was gazing back down at me, and I felt my heart start to flutter. I snapped out of the trance, Ohhhdont do that. I hate when people answer a question with a question. How would you explain what I have told you? Great. Another question. Crazy. Mind-boggling. Absurd. Not human. I felt like I was ramblingI probably was. Okay. So if its not human it has to be...? His eyes were urging me forward. I looked around the room hoping to find a clue to help me out. I could feel the long day followed by only two hours of sleep catching up to me. I suddenly felt like a child staring sheepishly back at the teacher when they hadnt paid attention and couldnt answer the question. um, if youre not a human, yourealien? I felt completely ridiculous saying it out loud. Cameron didnt think it was ridiculous. Exactly. He walked past me and settled into the couch. Although, I dont really think of myself as an alien. To me, you are the alien. I was left staring at the spot he had just occupied. My mouth was still hanging open, and I could feel the last bit of my sanity slipping away. Eliza, are you okay? Cameron asked.

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People seem to be asking me that a lot lately. Maybe Im not okay. I gave the universally known shrug of the shoulders that implied I dont know. Are you hungry? Another shrug. Would you like to go back to bed? I personally think some sleep is what you need. This time I shook my head No. Would you like me to leave? No! I had spun around to see him. Okay, he said with an amused smile. Then will you at least sit down? Im a little worried that you might pass out or something. I walked over and sank down into the couch next to him. He looked perfectly at ease in that way that guys do, except that he was nothing like other guys. Are you gonna get in trouble for telling me? Well, technically, you figured it out on your own. I merely rearranged your own words. He turned his body to face me and rested one arm along the back of the couch. Then theres the fact that you knew about my true eyes, which Im very interested in hearing how you knew about that. Well I squirmed in my seat a little. Actually, I didnt really know about it as much as I just threw it out there. What do you mean you didnt know? His eyes were assessing me.

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This is gonna sound kind of weird, but I dreamt about itwell that and that I was on Who Wants to be a Millionaire with my Aunt Roberta as the host. I only made it to one-hundred thousand, that Roberta is a trickster. I was babbling, trying to take what was left of my sane mind off the fact that I was losing it. Wait, wait, waitYou dreamt it? He paused a moment, his eyes went unfocused as he thought it over. And thats also where you heard me say that it wasnt safe for you? Uh-huh, but you gave into to me there too. I bit down on my tongue before I could spill any more beans about what it was we did after he gave into me. What else did you see? He asked. Well, besides Roberta, which was a different dream by the way, and you, nothwait I remembered that I had seen someone else before I had seen Cameron in the dream. Before you appeared, I was with Grant. We were having a picnic, I think. Was there anything else that stood out to you? Besides my eyes. He gave me a devastating smilemy heart stuttered and I nearly forgot who I was. UmmOh, he was glowing. I went to grab my mug from the coffee table, but forgot that superman had flung it across the room Grant? His eyes darkened a little, and then his face contorted in that way when you dont understand something. Yep, it was like a gold haze was surrounding him. It was really cool looking.

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Huh. He slumped back against the couch and thought about it. So other than seeing my eyes and a glowing man, there was nothing else? Nope. Nothing useful anyway. I blinked the remaining thoughts about me and Cameron embracing away. Embracing looked like the furthest thing on his mind. Who knows if aliens even embrace anyway? Alright, your turn. Spill.I crossed my arms as I waited for the explanation of the millennia. As you have determined, I am an alien. He paused a moment to assess my mood. After determining that I was okay for the moment, he continued, I am from a planet called Alphaeon. My job here is as an agent. I have been on earth for twono, three years, and I have never met anyone like you in all that time. What do you mean like me? I wasnt aware that there was anything special about me, except for my knack of getting hurt and my inability to make decisions. You dont have the same reactions to me that other humans have. When I first met you, it was like you were completely unaware of my presence in the classroom. That has never happened to me. Well, arent we a bit egotistical, I teased. No, no its not like that. Part of being alien, is that we have certain abilities. One that we all share is allure. Simply put, we attract humans attention.

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Ohhh! I remembered back to when I first noticed Cameronall the other people, especially the women, had their eyes latched on him. So that explains it. You noticed it. Uh, yeah! I exclaimed. But I just credited that to your overly good looks. Thanks. He genuinely looked flattered. But it was all the alien mojo. Good to know. I remembered back to what he had said earlier, What does that meanbeing an agent? Basically, its like Im in the alien version of the CIA. I am here to make sure that humans do not become aware of alien life, more specifically Alphaeans. Oh. I pondered over that. Wait. Does that mean that there are other types ofaliens? Yes, but I dont know that much about them. He reached over and tucked some of my hair behind my ear, and just like he had in the school hallway, he watched me. What? I asked. He stared a little longer, then said, Youre handling this really well. I know, right? I agreed with him. For some reason, its like I knew that there was something different about you. I just couldnt put my finger on it. Maybe the dream was my subconscious trying to tell myself that you were definitely not normalbut in a good way, I quickly added. I didnt want him thinking that I thought he was weird, which only made me question my sanity further.

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I dont know. Like I said, Ive never met a human like you before. He stood up and ran his fingers through his hair, looking worried. What? Whats wrong? Look Eliza, you cannot tell anyone what you know. His eyes were intense as he looked down at me. And it would be best if you dont talk about that dream either. He laced his fingers around the back of his head and started pacing again. I should have never been so careless and I should have never told you. I have put you in so much danger. I walked over and forced him to look at me. Dont say that. I seriously thought I was losing my mind. That would be much better than what could happen to you if anyone from Alphaeon finds out that you know. What I did was incredibly stupid and thoughtless for the safety of both youand my home. He threw the last part in as an afterthought. Then why did you do it? He was quiet for a moment and then answered, Because I wanted tell you. I let my own desires get in the way of my responsibility to my planet. I took a step towards him and he took a step back. I wanted you to tell me too. I wanted to reach out and hold his hands, but I knew he wouldnt let me. I dont care if they come after me, Cameron. Ever since I met you, my life has been turned upside down, also in a good way. I finally realize what I really want.

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His eyes lifted up to mine. I could see him fighting back against the urge to speak. He looked around the room and then back to me, Eliza, you dont mean that. If you truly knew what I was or what I have done, you would never say that. Your life will be better without me in it. He started to walk towards the door. No! I threw myself in his path. No it wont. Pleasedont go. I felt hot tears welling up in my eyes. I fought against them, but they were more determined than I was. He placed both of his hands on my cheeks, and with his thumbs, he soothed the tears away. His touch made me want to cry even more, because I knew that it could be the last time that I felt it. Without any encouragement from my brain, I wrapped my arms around him and told myself to never let go. I was immediately comforted when I felt his arms, equally as tight, wrapped around me. KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK Cameron and I both jumped as the noise brought us back into reality. Someone was at the door. It has to be Patty, I whispered to him. I looked down to his healed chest and back up to his face. You have to hide. What are you gonna say? he asked, as I pushed him towards the tiny closet in the hallway. Ill think of something. What the hell am I gonna do?

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I shoved him into the miniscule opening and paused to take one last look at his face. He looked incredibly worried. I tried to reassure him, Dont worry. Im not going to tell her. With that, I closed the door and ran to the front door. I opened it to find a frazzled looking Patty. How is he? She didnt wait to be greeted as she pushed passed me and walked back to the bedroomI didnt follow her. She was back in under a second. Where is he?! Gone, I replied. Oh, Eliza, Im so sorry. She grabbed me into a bear hug. No, Patty, I mean he left. I squirmed to get free. She let go and looked at me unbelievingly, Heleft? Well, he didnt leave as much as he was taken. When the look didnt leave her face, I continued further, I found a number in his wallet of a relative and I called it. Apparently he has an uncle in New Hampshire. Rich. Anyway, his uncle came and got him, he said that he was going to take care of him. His uncle? Yep. From New Hampshire? Uh-huh. She was staring me down, probably trying to find out if I was lying. I knew that Patty had to believe me, so I did my best not to flinch. I must have passed, because she dropped the death-stare and started lecturing me.

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Why didnt you call me? I specifically remember saying, if ANYTHING happens, call me. She was snarling and had her arms crossed, it reminded me of how my mother would look at me when I was in trouble. I know, youre right, and I was going to call you, I just got a littlesidetracked. It was the truth. She scrutinized me a little longer, and then started walking towards the kitchen. Eliza, your place is a mess. She held up Camerons cold cup of coffee and dumped its contents into the sink, and I accidently glanced nervously towards the hall closetI hoped she didnt notice. Yeah, youre right. I think I might stay home and clean today. You should get some sleep while youre at it. You look pretty bad. She was now putting away the clean dishes from the dishwasher. Patty, you dont have to do that, you have already done so much for me. I sat on one of the barstools and avoided looking towards the hall. Thats what friends are for. She looked down at her watch and said, Hey, Ive gotta get going, but I can stop by later with some dinner or something. Thanks, but I think that I am going to be passed out. Thats probably true, she agreed as she walked to the door. I followed her, and before she left I gave her a hug and thanked her again for everything she had done for me. When

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I no longer heard footfalls in the stairwell, I told Cameron that it was all clear. I had never kept a secret from Patty. It felt wrong and unnatural not to be able to tell her about what I had been through. That was a nice cover, Cameron said as he straightened out his shirt, which I noticed was no longer gray, or cut down the middle. He had phased it to be a dark navy button down. It complemented his complexion. Thanks. I found my purse on the kitchen counter and dug out my cell. I flipped it open and hit number 4 of my speed dial. It rang once... Hello, Los perky voice answered. Hey, Lo, its Eliza. Hey, Lize, whats up? I know this is short notice, but I had a long night last night and I was wandering if you wouldnt mind me staying home today. I felt bad enough lying to Patty, and now I was shirking my other responsibilities. Oh. Um, okay. I could hear disappointment in her voice, or at least I thought it was disappointment. Drink lots of liquids, thats what I find does the trick after a long night of partying. Oh, I wasnt partying. My friend had an emergency with her father and then I found out that another one of my friends was in an accident.

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Oh my gosh! Are they okay? It wasnt Patty was it? She sounded sincerely concerned. No, it wasnt Patty, and Yeah, I think so. Take all the time you need, and let me know if you need anything, okay. Thanks, Lo. Ill see you later. After hanging up, I threw the phone back into my purse and went back the couch in the living room. Cameron had picked up where Patty had left off and was putting the dirty dishes into the dishwasher, although, I had a feeling that using the dishwasher was mostly for my benefit. He didnt need to hide his powers from me. I wasnt freaked out by them. I knew that not being freaked out by them was something that should freak me outbut it didnt. I leaned my head back against the couch and closed my eyes. So now what? I asked. Now, he said. I need to go to Boston and check in, and you need to rest. How long will you be there? I didnt want him to leave, but I knew that it was something he had to do. I never really know. Could be an hour, or a week. I heard the glasses clinking as he put them onto their shelf. A week! I opened my eyes to see him watching me. He set down the plate he was holding and came over to me. Kneeling down in front of me, he said, I will come back. I promise. Besides, Im in New Hampshire, remember? But

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you have to go on with your life like this never happened like you never met me. I dont know if I can do the last part, I whispered. You have to, Eliza. His eyes were burning with passion. Why? Why cant I even know you? I leaned towards him. Because, I cant have relationships with humans. It draws too much attention. But you said Im not like other humans. I was trying to argue my case. But you are still a human. His voice was little more than a whisper. Fine. You win. Ill do what you ask. I didnt know what else I could do but agree to his terms. As long as I knew he was coming back, I could go along with his request, barely. Really? Really, I reassured. When do you plan on leaving? As soon as I can. I dont want them to come looking for me. This time, I found myself just staring at him. I was memorizing every facet of his face, just in case he decided not to come back, even though he had promised. After I felt like I had captured his image permanently in my brain. I let my eyes slip closed, and drifted off to sleep. I felt safe while he was there.

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Cameron:
Leaving Eliza was one of the hardest things Ive had to do. I would have been happy just staying with her, forever. I never imagined that I would care for anybody as much as I did about her, especially a human. Now that she had found out what I was, there would be no going back. I contemplated if it would be possible to take Eliza and runawaynever to go back to headquarters, abandon my planet, and my people. I realized that I would never be able to outrun Ministry agents, no matter how many different shapes I could change into, Eliza couldnt. They would track us down and take me away from her. I then wondered if it would be better if I left Eliza and never returned to mess up her life even more. My mind told me, yes you can do it, just leave her, but my heart rejected it completely. I couldnt leave her. I didnt have the will to do it. What a mess this is. I forced myself to take my mind off of her. I needed to focus if I was going to have to face the Viceroy and explain what happened on the mission. Especially if I was going to have to explain how I didnt die After entering the HQ, I was caught off guard when the Viceroys secretary wasnt there to take me to his office. Normally she was always waiting for me. There was no way for

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me to get to his office without herthe elevators to his level were locked. I paced about the elevator area trying to think about how I could get to the Viceroy when I was interrupted by the secretary running towards me from the elevator. There also happened to be an officer with her. This is him, she said to the officer. She looked wary of me, as if she hadnt seen me hundreds of times before today. Place your hand on the sensor. The officer commanded. He held out a biosensor to me. The biosensor would be able to distinguish if I was really me, even if I was phased into somebody elses appearanceorit would be able to tell if somebody else was phased into my appearance. Okay, I must have missed something. I did as he said. When the scanner stopped, my name, picture, and agent I.D. showed on the screen. Kaiya, the secretary looked a little baffled, Sorry, Agent. Its just that, I was informed that you weredead. Dead? I asked, playing along. Yes, she said to me, and then nodded to the officer that it would be okay for him to leave. He regarded me and the biosensor one more time before departing with a baffled look. News of your mission has already circulated throughout HQ. And the Viceroyhe was unable to contact you. We all believed that you had been killed in action. She watched me with an awed expression as she led me back to the elevator.

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Yes, well, the mission ended a littleunexpectedly, I summarized. Will the Viceroy be able to meet with me now? Oh, most definitely! Kaiya looked up with a sure expression as she expertly placed her palm onto the control panel of the elevator. I didnt even get a chance to prepare for sense of being teleported away, molecule by molecule, to the Viceroys office. Bphh! I shivered at feeling all of my molecules snap back into place once the elevator stopped. The cylindrical doors of the elevator opened up to the waiting room and Kaiya led me directly down the hall of offices and to the Viceroys mirage door. Passing her hand quickly over the symbol, the glass in the doors changed from sea green to sky blue, just like usual. Viceyroy? Kaiya called to the blond man at his desk. He was enraptured in a report and didnt look up at her. Sir, Agent Rush is here. Who? Asher tossed the report to the side, agitated, and looked up and Kaiyathen me. Oh. The agitation in his face dropped to pure befuddlement. Cameron. Kaiya gave a small dip to the viceroy and backed away, leaving the room. Th-thank you, he called to her before she disappeared. Returning his gaze to me, it took a moment for him to regain composer. After offering me a seat, he asked, Where have you been? Whatwhat happened?

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Before taking the seat, I pulled the collector that contained all the information from Base 77 and placed it in front of him on his desk. This, Im hoping, will provide some of the explanation. I sat down and waited for him to take the collector. Immediately, he attached it to his console and a light show of information appeared above it. He sat quietly for a long time, looking through the collected data. When he found the crazy, web-energy wall, he stopped and looked at me. What the hell is this? I dont know what it is, sir, butwhatever it isits dangerous. I I almost began to tell him everything, but I stopped myself, worried about how much information was too much. Asher could not be allowed to know that Eliza had been involved in saving me. He was too busy looking at the data to even notice my stutter. When he spoke again, his voice was grim, This explains everything. I waited quietly for him to continue. It was obvious that there was something I didnt knowsomething big. Turning away from his console, he inhaled a deep breath, and said, Agent, you werent the only one to be sent on a mission like this. Seven others were sent to bases nearly identical to Base 77and so far, youre the only one to return. That sunk into me like a ton of bricks. I was the only one of eight agents to returnand I almost didnt. That meant that there were seven other bases out there with an energy wall. Death wall was more like it. The only reason I

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was still alive was because of Eliza and her friendand my ability. I bet those other agents never stood a chance against that energy wall. Agent? Ashers strong voice collided with my inner thoughts. Agent, I need to know what happened on your mission. How did you survive? What did this technology look like? Can we destroy it? His wild, blue eyes seemed to turn almost electric with the intensity behind his gaze. Very carefully, I explained to him how my mission began and what I went through, skipping the parts that included Eddie and Eliza. Instead of telling him about the nice family that rescued me, I told him that I was asleep for several days in the wilderness while I gained enough strength to heal and come back. I stressed the fact that the energy from the wall seemed to have temporarily zapped me of any and all ability to use my powersalthough, I still couldnt explain how I managed to get gills while I was trapped under water. This is worse than I thought, he said in a stressed breath after I was done talking. I will need to talk to the Council about this. Depending on what they say, I may need you to come in for more questioning. Yes, sir. I gave a nod and stood. Signaling for Kaiya, he said, Go and get yourself checked out in the infirmary and then take some time to rest. I nodded and turned to head for the doors, ready to get back to the surfaceand Eliza. Id been prepared to be

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locked away for questioning and was overly relieved to be able to leave. Cameron? he called. The knots of tension climbed back into my chest. Yes? The fact that you survived this ordeal shows incredible skill on your part. Ill see to it that your bravery and effort are rewarded. I gave him a small bow just as Kaiya entered the office. Following her long, efficient steps I retreated with her and let out a breath Id been holding. Id made it through the first hurdle. Now I just had to keep Eliza out of the spotlight until everything calmed back down.

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TEN
Eliza
I woke up to my empty living room. A blanket had been draped over meCameron must have put it there. CameronCameron are you here? I pulled the blanket off and I wandered around the apartment. He wasnt there. I walked back out to the living room, this time I saw a note sitting on the coffee table. In it, he said that he had not wanted to wake me up, and that he would be back as soon as he could. I read the note at least forty times to make sure that I hadnt missed anything. I should have never gone to sleep! I could have said goodbye if I had just stayed awake.

I tortured myself over and over for not be awake to see him leave, and paced around my apartment looking for something to occupy my mind so that I wouldnt think about him. I had no such luck. Giving up, I decided to get out of the apartment. I found myself being pulled in the direction of the beach. I knew that being there would only make me think of him more, but somehow it didnt bother me as much now that I wasnt in the apartment. Due to the early hour, there werent many people on the boardwalk and I was able to reach the end of it in less than two minutes. Unlike my previous visit to the beach, the weather was dreary and gray. I definitely wouldnt be taking my shoes off this time. I paced along the waters edge, but didnt look out over the water. I must have walked about a mile and a half before I stopped. I found the usual rock that I like to sit on when I came out here. It was wide and had a smooth flat surface. Sitting on it, I finally allowed myself to look out over the water. It was the same color as my dream-Camerons alien pupils. Just like I knew they would, all my memories of the dream and the last twelve hours flooded over me. I wasnt sure if I had imagined the whole thing, or if it was real. Would it be that hard to go back to living the same way that I did before I met Cameron. Not that much has changed in the last two weeksexcept for the fact aliens are real and I have a crush on one. Nothing that a bit of overtime at my job and Ben and Jerrys couldnt help me to get over.

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Awwwho am I kidding? I am never going to get over this. Frustrated with my own conclusion, I kicked at the sand around my feet. My efforts were rewarded when the wind blew the sand back in my face. After spitting out all the sand, I decided to start heading back to town. I was half way back when I heard someone call my name. It was Grant. He was running towards me, and he was shirtless. I caught myself admiring his incredibly toned upper body as he got closer to me, and felt my cheeks blush with inner embarrassment. Hey, he said as he reached me, slightly out of breath. He must have been out running before he saw me. Hey, I replied. I stood there unsure of what to do. What are you doing way out here? He motioned to the beach. Oh, I just needed to get out and take a walk. I could tell that I wasnt being the best of company, but I had been trying to work through some pretty serious stuff before I was interrupted. You know, I love to take walks, and Im a great listener. Maybe next time youll let me come with you. Sure. I wasnt sure if I meant it or not. Eliza, is everything okay? You seem a little down. Oh, Im fine. Look, I dont want to interrupt your run, we can talk later if you would like. I began walking in the direction I had been headed in before he found me.

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Actually, I had just finished when I saw you. Do you mind if I walk back with you? He was smiling hopefully at me. Okay. We had walked a few minutes in silence before he spoke again, Eliza, please tell me whats bothering you. I can tell something is weighing on you. I dont like not being able to help people, you especially. Grant. I had stopped walking and turned to look him in the eyes. There isnt anything you could do to make this better. He didnt say anything. We just stared into each others eyes. I went to turn back, but he stopped me before I could. Then, without a word, he pulled me against his chest and his lips were on mine. They were warm and salty from his sweat, and I allowed myself to be pulled into the kiss. I didnt want to think about Cameron and all the drama that went along with him. Grant was real and he was here. I wrapped my arms around him and pulled him closer. The kiss wasnt like the tender kisses with Cameron that I had dreamt about. It was explosive and raw. When we finally broke apart, I couldnt see straight. Whoa. That was Better? he asked. Finally remembering how to speak, I replied, Uh-huh. My response made him laugh. Im sorry. I shouldnt have done that. You havent even let on if you are interested or not.

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Dont apologize, please. It was nice. But But I dont know if I am interested or not. I saw instant disappointment on his face. No, that came out wrong. Look, you are incredibly sexy and irresistibly attractive, but Im kind of a lost cause. Its that Cameron guy, right? How did y It wasnt that hard to put together, especially after the way you both were looking at each other. I just hoped that maybe I might have had a chance. We started walking again. If you like him, and he likes you, why arent you together? Im not completely sure, but I do know that its not an option. The temporary boost from the kiss was wearing off with each mention of Cameron. What does that mean? Is he married or something? He sounded as confused as I felt. Or something. My answer did little to enlighten him. Im not even going to pretend that I understand, but okay, he said, while simultaneously pulling me out the way from stepping in a ginormous rut, and instantly let me go. So, if you cant be together, how does that make you a lost cause? Grant, I am carrying around some huge baggage. It would be easier for you if you found someone who isnt so weighed down.

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I like a challenge, and I like you, just in case you havent noticed. So, please, tell me what it is thats holding you back. Youve said that you are attracted to me, and weve cleared up the fact that you have baggage, but I dont see that as an issue, and youre not currently in a relationship with anyone else, and neither am I. He had a smug smile on, like he knew he had won the debate. Im no good for you, I warned. I think I am old enough to make that decision for myself, thank you. He stepped in front of me so that I had to stop and look at him. So? SoI dont know. I shrugged around him. Alright, fine. You need some time to think about this, I understand. Just promise me that you really will think about it. He reached out to hold my hand, and the sun, which had finally come out of hiding, was lighting up his brown eyes to a shade of golden honey. He really is quite stunning. I promise. I gave him a smile to try and reassure him. Okay. Im gonna hold you to that. He started to back up. So, youll call me? He had his charming smile on. Yes. Ill call you. Or you can call me. Ill do that. Where are you going? I yelled as he started back towards the beach. I think I have one or two more miles left in me. He gave me one more handsome smile before turning around and taking off down the empty beach.

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I pulled out my cell and looked at the time. I had been gone for three hours, but it felt like only half an hour had passed. I decided to head back home and start cleaning, or at least think about cleaning. I wandered slowly down the boardwalk and the cobblestone street that lead to my apartment building. On some level, I wasnt looking forward to being alone in my one bedroom studio. I was digging in my purse for my keys as I approached the door to the apartment, and was about two steps away when the door opened. It took me a few seconds to register that I had dropped the keys in front of me. Holding the door open was my knight in shining space ship. Cameron! I was in shock. Eliza. He didnt look too happy. Oh no, something happened at his meeting. What?! What happened? Whats wrong? My nails were digging into my palms with anxiety. Nothing. Come inside, he said calmly. I bent over to pick up the keys that I had dropped, except, there werent any keys on the ground. When I stood back up, Cameron had them looped around his finger and was jingling them. How did you do that? I said as I slid into the apartment and closed the door. Alien, he said, gesturing to himself. I grabbed my keys from him. Right. I knew that.

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I am happy for you, he said while in the kitchen pouring something into two cups. My kitchen, along with the rest of my apartment was now spotless. He must have gotten back a while ago. What do you mean? I wasnt quite sure what he was referring to. I doubted it was about the clean apartment. About Grant. Im glad that youll be able to be happy. He brought one of the cups that he had filled to me. It was orange juice. He must have bought it on his way back, because my fridge housed neither oranges, or juice of any kind. I heard you two talking, well, actually I kind of eavesdropped. I was worried about where you were, so I was listening to find you when I heard your conversation. You eavesdropped on my conversation from a mile away. I was a little impressed and distressed at the same time. Yeahanother little alien quirk of mine. He took a gulp of his orange juice. How do you feel about Grant and I being together? His answer would either give me the courage to hold on, or the strength to try and let go. What I think is not important. He had turned away to put his glass on the counter. I took a step towards him. Yes, your answer is important. Its important to me. Why? He wouldnt turn back around to see me. If you dont know, then aliens really arent as smart as I thought they would be.

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Tell me why. He had turned around and took a step closer to me. Because I care about what you have to say. It wasnt the whole truth. You care about what I sayis that all? He was fishing for a better explanation. No I care what you think. Still not the whole truth. Anything else. I knew he had me right where he wanted me. You already know that I care about you Cameron. What more do you want me to say? Do you care about Grant like you do for me? He reached out and took the cup from my hands and set it on the counter next to his. Were you even listening to the conversation?! Of course I dont feel the same. I dont think I could ever feel for anyone the way I feel about you. His hands reached out for mine, I eagerly reached back. He closed in the gap between us, and I could feel the warmth of his chest pressed to mine. I felt his hand release mine as he placed it over my cheek. With his thumb, he traced my lips. My hands felt the muscles of his toned abs under his shirt as they moved their way up towards his chest. His other hand wrapped around my lower back and pulled me closer to him. When Grant had kissed me, I dont even remember feeling an ounce of the electricity pulsing through my veins that I was feeling now with Cameron so close. It was a beautifully

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painful slow-burn. I couldnt even imagine what a kiss would do to me. Is this another one of those alien things? I whispered. What? He slid his hand up my back to the backside of my neck and leaned close enough for his lips to caress the tender part of my neck. This feeling. Its like electricity is flowing through me and its like my feet arent even touching the ground. My voice was a little shaky as I spoke. No, Im afraid thats not alien. Its all youand me of course. Oh. My brain was spinning too fast to think of any other words to express what I felt. At that moment our eyes locked and I knew that at any second our lips would be too. I had an uncontrollable urge to shout for joy. RINGGGRINGGGGRINGGGGG!!!! What the fudge!!!!! My freakin phone chooses now to go off! There werent expletives bad enough to explain my feelings. You should get that, he said while untangling himself from me. I wanted to throw my stupid cell phone out the window and then drive over it with my car, but decided it would be easier to just hit the ignore button instead. I was just about to do so, when I realized that the number calling was my mother. Knowing that if I ignored her she would just keep calling until I answered, I flipped open the

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phone and gave an apologetic glance to Cameron as I hit the green answer key. Hey, Mom. She was probably calling to tell me about her newest excursion. Hey, Eliza. I just wanted to call and check insee how everything was. Everything was fineI mean is fine. How is everything there? Good. Im just getting ready for Gerard to pick me up. Gerard? I had no idea who that was. I assumed you at least read the email that you responded to. You know, the nice man who helped after I fell? Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that Ill be back in a few days and I wanted to get on your dance card for dinner. Uh, okay, sure. Most of my attention was focused on Cameron who was thumbing through the magazines on my coffee table. I found myself smiling at the thought that I had the most beautiful, interplanetary, teachers aide EVER in my living room. Moms voice distracted me. Okay, well, I can tell that your mind is on something else so Ill let you get back to what you were doing. Ill call you later to make plans. Um, alright. Ill see you soon.I clicked the phone shut and took a deep breath. Get back to what you were doing That doesnt look likely. Cameron had left the room while I was finishing up my conversation.

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I put some fresh towels on the counter in the bathroom, Cameron said as he walked out of the bedroom hall and back into the living room. Just in case you wanted a shower or something. Thanksyoure not trying to tell me that I stink, are you? I quickly smelled the collar of my shirt. No, he chuckled. I just figured that a shower would help you to get rid of some stress. He shrugged sheepishly. Good, because a shower sounds really good right about now, I ducked around him and headed for the bathroom. I needed a cold shower more than I needed to de-stress. SoIll see you tomorrow? he asked. Had I missed the part where he had said he was leaving, or did he? Youre leaving? My tone was just a little too frantic to be passed off as casual. Well, my house wont clean itself you know, and besides, I would prefer not to be here when youre friend comes back. Linen closets arent known for their abundance of room. He pointed his thumb in the direction of the offending closet. OhWait! I told Patty that I wouldnt be available tonight. So, shes not gonna come over. See, you can clean your house and then come back, I hoped that didnt sound as needy as I thought it sounded. No good. Patty is gonna come by after her shift, but dont worry, shes bringing ice cream and The Devil Wears Prada. She doesnt want you to be alone after what youve

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gone through, which I completely agree. He leaned against the wall with a slightly know-it-all air, but on him, it was hot. How could you even know that? I was completely amazed. Can you read minds? Oh my gosh, did you just hear my last thought? My cheeks blushed with embarrassment, and I quickly thought, What I meant by hot was, that you looked like you were hot in that long sleeve shirt. Just in case he was listening to my thoughts. No, its nothing like that. I have met a few Agents who can though. Actually, I heard her say it, out loud. He scrubbed the wall absentmindedly with his finger. Oh. At first the answer seemed fine until I thought about what it could mean. You didnt go to the hospital did you? If Patty saw you, both you and I would be in sooo much trouble! I was about to start hyperventilating when he reached out and tucked my hair behind my ear. Relax, I havent been anywhere near your friend. Except for when she came over this morning. Good. I instantly relaxed until the thought really registered. Well, if you havent been anywhere near my friend, I mimicked in my best impression of Cameron. How did you hear her say that she was coming over? I stood waiting, all ears. Pretty much like I heard you speaking to Grant. I just had to focus a little harder. He shrugged his shoulders like it was no big deal that he admitted to hearing my friend having a conversation several miles away.

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Do you do that often, you know, super-listen? I was very interested. Sometimes, mostly when Im bored. He was staring into my eyes again. The biggest urge to reach out and touch him came over me. My hand even came up to his chest level. He took an infinitesimal step closer to me, my fingers started to outstretch, they were already imagining the feel of his shirt on their tips. I should go. The severity in his voice woke me right up. My hand immediately dropped to my side. Okay. Ill walk you out. I started towards the door. Actually, I wont be me, he said. Its okay, I can manage. I was a little taken aback by the change in attitude. Not wanting to push, I acquiesced, and with mouth hanging open, I watched him shift into the form of a middle aged man. I said, Bye, and he left the apartment. His response was anything but warm. My mind was winding in crazy circles. Did I upset him? Why is he acting different? Trying to steer my mind away from both subjects, I cranked up the hot water in my shower and washed away all the dirt, and only some of the stress of the previous day. After I was done, I pulled on my favorite PJs and collapsed into bed, which I noticed had clean sheets. I tried not to think about how much Cameron had changed my life, not only my apartment, but me as well.

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My sleep was filled with tossing and turning, and anything but rest. I was jarred into consciousness by the sound of my door shutting. Lize, you here? Pattys voice called. Im in here? I sat up stiffly and started to get out of bed Good, I brought something to cheer you up. I remembered that Cameron had said that she was going to bring over The Devil Wears Prada. Youre too good to me, Patty. I shuffled out into the living room and collapsed onto my sofa. I know, she said while inserting the DVD into the player. What about Ricky and Jaime? They need you too. Dont even worry about them. She waived her hand dismissively. Theyre having a boys night, and camping down at the beach. She had that look she gets when shes worried about something, but trying not to look worried. Whats wrong?I asked. Huh? Oh, nothing. She settled next to me. Patty, I have known you for twenty years. I know you well enough to know that something is wrong. Now give. Oh, its just that Im worried about Jaime. His mom has been calling Ricky and saying that she wants Jaime to go and live with her and her new husband What! I shouted, You mean the same woman who abandoned him and hasnt called in years? And now she wants to take him back? I cant believe that!

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I know. Ricky and I are worried that if she gets the courts involved that maybe they will award him to her because she is his mother and shes married. No way! Ricky is his father, and he and you have been together for years. Besides, youre engagedpractically married. There is no way that she would be the better choice. I was so angry I could feel my ears starting to burn. Thanks, sweetie. I hope youre right. I didnt even want to think of little Jaime having to move away. I wasnt sure how Ricky or Patty would be able to deal with that. Well, I said through clenched teeth, if you need anything, you know, like character references, or a hit man, Im your girl. Patty couldnt help but roll with laughter. Bumping my shoulder she said, Eliza, youre crazy, but I love you for it. Love ya too, Pat. I gave her hand a reassuring squeeze before pulling my favorite pillow in front of me getting lost in the movie.

Cameron:
There were few things harder than walking away from Eliza, and staying away from Eliza was one of them. Id managed to extricate myself from her apartment before I let things get too far, but every step I took away from her was taken in objection. I was so much in denial that holding my disguise was be198

coming difficult. Id felt my blue-green eyes revealing themselves from under the brown ones I was trying to hold in place. My hair was shifting from brown to almost black as I faltered between leaving Eliza and turning back around. Get a hold of yourself! I muttered under my breath, forcing yet another step away from her. Locking my door, more out of desperation to lock myself in than keep others out, I leaned back against it and let my disguise fall. My naturally curly black hair tickled my scalp as I felt it growing and curling into place. Slowly, I grew two or three inches taller to my normal height of six feet, and I felt my clothes get loose as I shrank back to my normal size. It felt good to be myself again. Even though I could look like anyone, there was something about this shape that called to me. I let out a deep breath and leaned off the doorgetting farther from it would make less of a temptation to dash back out of it and go to her. Pacing around my already spotless house, I felt antsy and restless. I needed to be doing somethingneeded to keep my thoughts off certain people. Moving into the kitchen, I walked around the bar several times before stopping to look out the tall glass window that overlooked the beach. I remembered the dream Id had about Eliza and how there was a small dining table right in front of that window. From memory, I pulled molecules together, and slowly they formed a politely sized, circular table with two matching chairs, identical to the set from my dream. I marveled at it for a good five minutes, remembering what it felt like in the

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dream with Eliza. Having her with me made everything right. My hands clamped over the back of a chair and pulled it out so I could take a seat. I sat for several moments, with my feet nervously bouncing and tapping on the stone tiles of my kitchen. It was only several seconds later that I came undone and slammed my fists down on the table. I was going to lose my mind sitting around here! No need to be violent, a raspy voice interrupted my moment of insanity. Eddie was sitting on the counter of the island with a twisted smile. Heard you were still alivehad to come and see for myself. Although, you look like sh Get out, Eddie, I cut him off. Aw, come on, Cam! I came all this way just to make sure youre okay, you owe me more than that. An injured expression covered his pasty face. Standing up, I replied, Actually, I believe its you who owes me. He let out a dry laugh that sounded more like a snarl. Not for long. Pulling a manila file from his jacket, he tossed it onto the counter next to him. Everything Ive been able to dig over the last few days. I got really pissed when I thought youd gone off and died on me after Id done all this investigatingwasnt easy stuff to come by. As I reached out for the file, Eddie smacked his hand down on top of it. You take this, kid, and were square. No more favors. Got it? Yeah, I got it. I pulled the file out from under his firm fingers and asked, Is this everything?

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Everything there is to know about little orphan Cameron is in that fileand its very interesting. Eddie hopped off the counter and lazily straightened out his jacket. See ya round, kid. Count on it. He was almost to the door, when I called out, Hey, Eddie? Yeah, kid? He shuffled to a stop and spun around to face me with his signature greasy grin. Dont plan on using anything on this file against me, because I still have plenty I can use against you. Giving him a matching grin I flicked off the light to the kitchen. Goodnight, Eddie, you can show yourself out. I heard him let out an angry puff right before my door slammed shut. A shallow laugh escaped my lips and I paced back to my room. Upsetting Eddie was a great way to end the day. In my hand, the file felt like a lead weight. It contained all the information there was about my pastabout me. Id spent my whole life questioning who I really was, who my parents were, where I came from. Id been raised by the Ministry to become an agent, never allowed to think of having a life and settling down. Up until now, I thought that was what I wanted, but since meeting Eliza My mentor, Matthias, always told me, Our destinies are what we choose them to be, son. Youll find your path. Id always just scoffed when he said it, thinking that my fate was sealed to be an agent all of my life and to protect my world. Now, it wasnt my world I was worried about, or my

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life. I hoped more than anything that my destiny was really mine to choose. I sank down onto my bed, cradling the file in my hands. All I had to do was open it, and I could know everything. Anticipation started to grow inside of me like a fountain overflowing. I was still wrestling with the prongs on the envelope when I heard ita feint scuffling sound joined by soft pitterpats. My attention was taken off of the envelope and put onto the noises, honing in on them. The closer I listened to the scuffling sound, the more I was able to make it out, like shoes on wooden boards. The softer sound became unmistakable. It was the beating of a heart an excited heart. Still focused on the noises, I quickly stuffed the envelope under the mattress, promising myself that I would come back to it later. Right now, I had an intruder. Faster than I normally moved in my house, I went from my room to the front door, listening to the sound of the heart beats. As the intruder got closer, their heartbeats grew more excited. The sound of the shoes informed me that the intruder was only a foot or so away from the door. I set my jaw into a state of rigidity and inhaled a calming breath to steady myself before noiselessly wrenching the door open and pouncing on my intruder. My hands caught the intruder by their wrists, which were quite slender, and shoved them back against the sand blasted boards of the house. Brilliant green eyes sparkled up at me, looking stunned and a little mystified. The rest of Eliza Hart

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was pressed between me and the house. Eliza? What are you doing here in the middle of the night? She had to know walking around at this hour wasnt smart, even if this was a small town. A sheepish smile crept over her wonderfully curved lips. II couldnt sleep after Patty leftand I thought of you. Me? How did you even know where I lived? All the while we were still pressed against the house with her hands trapped under mine. Um, I looked you up in the phone book. Although, finding your house was a little difficult in the darknearly fell down the steps. I had been meaning to add lights to the wooden steps that led down from the cliff for months now. Yeah, its a little tricky at night. As I was finishing the sentence, I found myself getting lost in her eyes. Those eyes were the only things that kept me going when I thought I was going to die. Cameron? she asked after a while. Yes? You think we could go inside? Im getting a little cold out here. Oh. Instantly, I released her and backed away, feeling a little stupid. Sorry. Right through here. I waited for her to go in before casting a wary glance around at the wooden stairs and then up to the cliff edge where anybody could have seen her and I together. You didnt see anyone when you came here did you? She shrugged. No, just you. Should I have?

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No, I answered quickly. Definitely not. She smiled and rubbed her hands over her arms to warm them up as she marveled at my living room. So this is where you live? Hmm. Hmm? I cocked my head to the side expectantly. What does Hmm mean? Nothing, she giggled, reminding me of soft chimes. Just that, its not what I expected. Crossing over to the side table she trailed her fingers over the ridges of the large conch shell that I had found on the beach and kept. Its very nice peaceful. I wanted to feel like I had escaped from everything. Like I was the only one for milesthats why I built it below the cliff line, so that I only saw the water and the coast. She left the shell and came towards me. I know what you mean, about feeling like you want to escape. Sometimes, I just start walking on the beach and I wont stop until Ive gone so far that I cant even see the town behind me. Thats how I escapefor a while at least. What if you could escape? I asked, moving closer to her at the same time she was moving closer to me. Even our breathing started to match each others. What if you really could get away from it all? She thought about it before answering, That depends. On? Would I have to be alone? A smile turned my lips upward. Not if you didnt want to be.

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Thenmaybe. Her hand reached forward towards me and rested on my chest and her eyes grew serious. Why were you upset earlierwhen you left my house? My hand, acting of its own accord, moved to hold hers. BecauseIm putting you at risk every second I spend with you, but I cant seem to make myself stay away. Yeah, she agreed, smiling to herself. I know what you mean. I know that I shouldnt want thisshouldnt be here, but, I cant help it. I cant not want you, and I definitely cant stop thinking about you. Were hopeless, I sighed. Decidedly and recklessly, she added, moving into my arms. She leaned her cheek against my chest, just above my heart. I didnt have to press my ear to hers to hear it. Its beautiful melody echoed in my ears and matched the beat of my own.

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MUSIC FOR SMOKE AND MIRRORS

These are songs that Ive heard and feel that they fit the flow of the book. Theyre also just plain addictive! Enjoy! If you have any suggestions, leave me a scribble! Im sure that Ill be adding more and more as I discover other cool songs, so keep checking back! -Click songs with purple text to hear the song on YouTube! And the turquoise text to hear the song from Myspace! -

DJ SHADOW YOU MADE IT KATY PERRY E.T. (Lovin it!) GORILLAZ STOP THE DAMS LAURA VEIRS GALAXIES NATALIE WALKER WITH YOU PLUMB - BLUSH SHINY TOY GUNS MAJOR TOM (I COULDNT RESIST!) TRISTAN PRETTYMAN SIMPLE AS IT SHOULD BE YEAH YEAH YEAHS MAPS YUNA DEEPER CONVERSATION

If you enjoyed reading this, use the stars to rate it. It helps me to know what you think. And if you really liked it, then leave me a comment! And if you subscribe to me, youll get updates when I post more to Smoke and Mirrors. While youre at it, check out my other books.

--Ali