Extraterrestrial

Chapter 4: nice to meet you

The ride had gone quiet without our chatter, I was lost to the train of thoughts in my mind. I kept speculating, my mind working faster than it ever had in the span of minutes the short ride to my apartment provided. The cab turned the last corner to reach my place. The sight of it gave me goosebumps. That was the moment when I knew for sure that my life would never be the same again. The cab had thankfully stopped on the street adjacent to mine. Giving me a clear view of the situation. Although I could tell they were trying to be discreet, cop cars littered the street. Most of them weren't in uniform and had been stationed here and there. In cars and cafes opposite my apartment block. The ones in uniforms blatantly going in and out of the building. Carrying stuff around and from what I could see were my personal belongings. This is all I got from one glance. My eyes had captured all of the minute details a normal human being would not be able to.

"Um, actually. This is not the place I wanted to go to after all. Ma'am, please just drive." The words blurted out from my mouth. Cutting off whatever reply the cab driver might want to say. My mind is reeling. A million thoughts flash across before I can even comprehend what is going on. This is not happening.

"Miss? Miss? Are you ok?" A voice broke the train of thoughts, the daze in my eyes faded as I sobered up to my surroundings. It was the kindred voice of the middle-aged cab driver lady. Apparently, she's been talking to me for the last minute. Trying to get an address for her to head to. James beside me has a hand on my shoulder, not saying much. "If you don't mind, Angelina. You could come over to my place for awhile. It won't be any trouble." He says in a subtle, caring tone of voice. "No no, I shouldn't impose. I'm already indebted to you."

"You wouldn't be, I promise. Although you seem fine, you really looked like you just recovered so I insist."

He's being oddly insistent about this which is a good thing for now, I truly do not have anywhere to go at such short notice. I have to remember that I don't have any close friends anymore. "If that's the case, then thank you. I accept the offer. Ma'am-"

"'Nuff said, miss. I'm taking you to this kind gentleman's place. Young man, please give me your address." The lady said supportively. I teared up a little at her gracious attitude. I'm being more emotional than usual today. This can definitely be said with the next action that followed.

I took his hand and squeezed it, "thank you, really." You don't know how grateful I am. To have a person like him distract me from my thoughts. It'll be worse if he hadn't been there for me. "No, it's no problem. Just being kind that's all."

I gave him a small smile in return. This was just a beginning to an end.

***

"Thanks for the drink," I said courteously as I settled on his enormous couch. "I don't really have anywhere else to go so thanks for letting me stay the night." I'd already told him about the estranged relationship I have with my parents and since the only other people I could rely on are gone now, you get the picture. Plus I had no money or personal ID on me. All of that I left at the crash site. Hold on. If the authorities had already been there to sweep the entire scene then how could they not report the fifth missing suspect- me? Well, unless those were destroyed in the fire.

But they saw me.

I knew I had to lay low, I just might be a fugitive from the authorities. Still, that would mean that I had to stay here much longer than I thought. I'm practically helpless. Subconsciously, I glanced at the stranger who was so kind to give me a place to stay for the time being. He seems to be quite loaded. His life came equipped with a penthouse and expensive furniture. I couldn't tell from his appearance before because he was dressed so casually.

We sat in silence for awhile before he suddenly spoke up. "Um, ahem, I know this is sudden but may I know more about you?" Before I could speak up, let alone react, he blurts out in a rush. "That is if you don't mind. It's just that I don't normally invite just anyone into my own home so-"

"No-no, it's fine. I understand." I look at him, as I continued. "Well, I guess I should start with my name and age. I'm Angelina Johnson but you can call me Angie." I smile at the fond nickname my friends once used to address me, quickly pushing down the tears that threatened to spill by hurrying on with the next sentence. "I just turned twenty-four three months ago in April. I currently work in a small publishing company."

He looks pretty optimistic about our conversation. I wonder what kind of person he is. He looks good-looking enough to attract a lot of women. But he seems to have trouble making small talk. He has a careful air around him, doesn't share much of his feelings. He doesn't joke much. "My name's James. Not James Bond. Just James Calhoun." Well, that's unexpected of him. Even so, he managed to make me crack a smile. "I'm twenty-seven and I work for a security firm."

Although the conversation seemed normal, James looked sad as he talked. His smiles not quite reaching his eyes. Was I overthinking? Or does he seem...sad? "It's not much but I inherited most of what I had from my late parents."

"My condolences. I'm not sure what to say..." The air around us plunged into a heavy silence as we both sat in grief for our passed loved ones. "It's must be hard for you too." He says slowly in a more quiet tone. His face had taken on a somber expression. Eyebags appearing to have deepened, the stubble on his cheeks adding to his dispirited outlook.   

"I know we've just met and we're practically strangers but I am here for you if you need me."