Love at First Sighting

Chapter 14: The Not so Big 'Big Guy'

"See? What'd I tell ya? You'd know it when you saw it," Paul smiled, looking back at us to see our reactions. The boys stopped and looked up in awe and I smiled, walking forward to take some of the load off Paul's shoulders.

"It's beautiful," I smiled and looked up at the giant tower and hauled one of my bags onto my back, looking back down at Paul.

"Just like you," He smiled, looking up at me lovingly. I blushed and shook my head and we continued walking until we eventually came to a clearing at the base of the tower, setting all out stuff at the base of a tree not far away as the boys started examining the firework. Paul and I rolled a blunt each and lit up, smoking a little to take the edge off. Ruth and Tara were talking softly as the boys examined the instructions, muttering amongst themselves.

"Boys, we get it, flaming balls of colour and shit. Can we just light the damn thing already?" I asked, leaning against Paul.

"Yeah, it's not a bomb, it's a firework."

"It can turn into one though! Fireworks are not toys, Paul. What is the suggested safe distance?" Clive interrupted. Paul and I groaned, and I passed him a lighter, giggling slightly. He flicked it open and lit the firework, causing the boys to jump and put the firework down and run away, the two of us laughing.

"Now you're running, huh?" Paul laughed, following the boys.

"That's not funny, that's dangerous!" Graeme exclaimed, running over to Ruth and Tara. I pulled Paul over and we stared up at the sky, the fireworks finally going off a creating a beautiful display of colour. We watched in awe and I hugged Paul, smiling softly.

"What now?" Graeme asked, moving to stand beside Ruth.

"We wait."

I shrugged and sat down, taking a cruiser out of my backpack, and popping it open. The others followed me and sat down in a circle. We started talking about various things and I sighed, shuffling forward.

"So, guys, Paul and I have something we need to tell you," I sighed, taking Paul's hand.

"Yeah? What is it Lil's?" Clive asked, taking a small swig from the beer I'd handed him.

"Well, I'm not going to be coming back to Britain with you guys," I continued, Paul squeezing my hand slightly.

"What do you mean? Are you going to stay here in America?" Graeme asked, staring at me as if I was crazy.

"Well, no. I'm not even staying on earth. I'm, uh, I'm going to Paul's planet with him, that's why I have all of my stuff," I rushed to finish my sentence, staring at the ground awkwardly so I didn't have to see their reactions. Paul leaned forward and pushed my chin up so I could see them, and they all rushed forward, hugging me.

"I can't believe you'll be visiting another planet! You have to tell us what it's like!" Graeme exclaimed, crying slightly.

"You need to stay in touch with us, Lil's!"

"You better do that, you man-milk monkey!" Ruth exclaimed and I chuckled, wiping off the tears that I had unknowingly shed. I smiled and looked up at the three of them, Tara sitting away awkwardly.

"She can keep in contact with you guys, my species has pretty much perfected intergalactic communication down to the 'T'," Paul smiled, pulling me into a side hug. We continued talking until Tara turned around slowly, obviously since she had heard something. We all turned around and Paul got up, smiling slightly as lights showed from the tree line. A moment went past, and Paul's brow furrowed, walking forward a bit.

"Wait a minute."

A helicopter appeared over the tree line and bathed us all in yellow light, its blades whirring loudly as it flew closer.